Triumph has no fewer than three café racer models for 2020, not surprising for one of the key players in the original retro-café racer movement. Today’s Thruxton and Thruxton R both bring premium components encased in classic styling, and come with the 1,200cc 96-hp (claimed) Thruxton-spec Bonneville parallel-twin engine but also mix in high-end tech features like ride-by-wire technology, switchable ABS, traction control, and three ride modes.
The Thruxton 1200 R adds fully adjustable suspension front and rear, higher-spec brakes and tires, and more refined styling details, while the new RS adds more power as well as an even higher level of refinement. The clip-on handlebars, rearset footpegs, bullet seat, and upswept reverse megaphone mufflers continue to nail the café racer formula of style mixed with performance.
The Triumph Thruxtons are best compared to Ducati’s Scrambler Café Racer, Yamaha’s XSR900, and Honda’s CB1000R.
The standard Thruxton and Thruxton R models return unchanged this year. But the highest-spec Thruxton you can get from the factory is the new-for-2020 Thruxton RS, which updates the 1,200cc engine for increased output, improves suspension and brakes, and brings a new paint scheme and higher level of detail.
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