Many thanks to Triumph UK I spent three weeks with this beautiful machine which culminated with The Distinguished Gentlemans Ride in West Sussex.
As it come down the ramp my first impression is it’s a well made, beautiful looking and throaty sounding modern classic bike, here my quick review.
The Triumph Thruxton has been an iconic motorcycle since its first release in the 60’s. The Thruxton was named after the famous Thruxton Circuit, where Triumph had a lot of success. Fast forward to today, and the latest version of the Thruxton, the RS, is a modern classic that pays homage to its rich history while incorporating the latest technology and engineering.
The Thruxton RS is powered by a 1200cc parallel-twin engine that produces 103 horsepower, this engine is mated to a six-speed transmission and is capable of reaching a stated top speed of 140 mph.
The Thruxton RS has a classic design that is inspired by the original Thruxton café racer. It features a low-slung café racer-style seat (no pillion), a classic round headlight, and a sleek fuel tank. The bike also features a modern digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and a single-sided swingarm.
The engine is ready to unleash its power whenever you command it to do so and the sporty suspension setup further enhances the riding experience, especially along the tricky bends. The rear Ohlins dampers are adjustable and combined with the front Showa forks, the bike delivers quite a planted ride on uneven surfaces despite its suspension being oriented towards athletic characteristics.
The Thruxton RS is equipped with a range of modern features that make it a great choice for riders who want a classic look with modern performance. Suffice to say that Thruxton RS would be easy to manage in the dense city areas, but it is on the highways where it truly shines. The bike also has a range of rider aids, including ABS, and a traction control system.
The Thruxton RS is a great choice for riders who want a powerful and stylish motorcycle. Its classic café racer styling is sure to turn heads, while its modern features and powerful engine make it a great choice for both experienced and novice riders. With its combination of power and style, the Triumph Thruxton RS is sure to be a hit with riders of all levels.
My Conclusion
Overall, the Triumph Thruxton RS ticks all the vital boxes and delivers great value for its price which may seem a bit on the higher side to some, but the flawless finishing and the fun riding experience make up for it.
As for the riding experience, the Thruxton RS combines the best of both aggressive riding experience and traditional café racer goodness. If you’re looking for a classic cafe racer look with modern features, then the Thruxton RS is an obvious choice.
Like with the Triumph Bobber this is a naked bike so once you take it above say 50 mph you will get buffeted about. You could invest in their Dolphin fairing but personally I think it ruins the looks but each to their own.
The Triumph Thruxton RS is now officially my 2nd favourite modern classic coming in a very close 2nd to the Triumph Bonneville Bobber.
Thanks to Ells from Ride and Rest for his insta 360 footage whilst in the DGR
As earlier stated I took part in the The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in West Sussex for the first time. To be perfectly honest I’m not a group rider more of a solo rider, I like to go at my own pace so I was apprehensive at taking part in the DGR. I have to say I really enjoyed the ride everyone was courteous, no overtaking at speed etc. My only issue on the ride with Thruxton was there was a lot of stop and start due to traffic and found the bike was getting quite hot.
Helmet worn on the DGR and in test kindly supplied by AGV UK and Bell Helmets UK Jacket, Armoured Jeans, Gloves and Boots worn in test kindly supplied by rst-moto.com/ Bluetooth Alarmed Disc Lock used while storing bike kindly supplied by Xena Security Motorcycle iPhone Mount with Vibration Damper Supplied by Quad Lock
The name ‘Thruxton’ is an internationally-acclaimed motorcycle racing icon, born from incredible success at the Thruxton 500 race and the Isle of Man TT, inspiring a whole generation of fanatical cafe racers.
Designed and developed to evolve the legend even further, the new Thruxton RS model combines all the original cafe racer design DNA and pure original style with modern Thruxton capability whilst setting a new level of performance with a higher power engine, even more supreme cafe racer handling, and even more contemporary styling, finish and detailing.
All the hallmarks, features and quality of the celebrated Thruxton R
Beautiful design with iconic cafe racer DNA and timeless silhouette
Incredible specification with class-leading chassis and top-specification suspension, brakes, tyres and technology set-up
Premium finish and detailing.
Much higher performance
Updated 1200cc high power Thruxton RS engine
Major power increase, up by 8PS to 105PS, with more power across the entire rev range
112Nm of peak torque delivered 700rpm lower in the rev range
More responsive and characterful engine characteristics with 20% reduction of inertia
Higher revving engine, with a red line now 500rpm higher than the previous generation
New fully blacked-out style, detailing and finish, including
Black anodised wheels and engine covers
Black spring set-up the premium Öhlins RSU
New premium twin colour paint option.
Built to personalise
80 custom accessories including new brushed stainless steel Arrow silencers with carbon end caps and cafe racer fairing
‘’Track Racer’’ inspiration kit.
Higher power – updated Thruxton RS engine
The new Thruxton RS achieves 8PS more power than the previous Thruxton R. This is delivered by significant engine upgrades including high compression pistons, revised ports and cam profile, a secondary air system and a whole host of lighter weight engine components, including:
Low inertia crankshaft
Clutch
Balance shafts
Rare-Earth alternator
Magnesium cam cover
Thin walled engine covers
Along with the higher power, the Thruxton RS also delivers higher torque punch low down and across the entire rev range, peaking at 112Nm @ 4.850 rpm, 700 rpm lower than its predecessor.
Together, all these engine updates deliver a 20% reduction of inertia and a new more responsive and characterful Thruxton RS engine that revs harder for longer, revving 500rpm higher than the Thruxton R.
The Thruxton RS’ distinctive twin upswept silencers add an all-new Euro 5 spec catalytic converter which delivers lower emissions and that unmistakable sound of a British Racing Twin, with a rich and raw note that matches the bike’s legendary name.
Behind the stylish exterior sits a liquid cooling system, carefully integrated to minimise its visual impact and thanks to its Euro 5 homologation, the Thruxton RS achieves lower emissions and enhanced fuel efficiency. Combined with a high first major service interval of 10,000 miles (16,000km), this contributes to a reduced overall cost of ownership.
Higher modern capability
The new Thruxton RS features a full suite of rider-focused technology to deliver advanced rider control and safety, plus enhanced rider confidence – sensitively integrated to maintain its iconic original cafe racer style and character.
Thruxton RS technology features include:
Upgraded 3 riding modes Linked to the ride-by-wire system, the upgraded three selectable
riding modes, Sport, Road and Rain, now adjust throttle map, ABS
and traction control settings to better suit the riding conditions or
rider preference. This is enabled via the latest generation ride by
wire, which delivers enhanced rideability, safety and control.
ABS The contemporary safety standard, with minimal visual impact,
the ABS is responsive yet unobtrusive.
Switchable traction control Managing the Thruxton RS’ high torque delivery when traction
is compromised, the switchable system offers increased
rider control.
LED DRL headlight Incorporated into the headlight, the LED daytime running light
brings excellent visibility and a distinctive light profile
(where legislation allows).
LED rear light Built into the cafe racer inspired minimal tail set-up, the LED rear
light brings a distinctive rear light pattern and
excellent power efficiency.
Ride-by-wire Enhancing throttle responsiveness, safety and feel.
Torque assist clutch Optimised for a lighter touch and feel to the clutch to make it
easier to ride, and ride longer.
Switchgear Elegant switchgear presents simple fingertip controls for easy
access to the key features on the twin clocks.
USB charging socket For maximum rider convenience, the USB charging socket
charges riders’ essential devices.
Engine immobiliser Transponder integrated into the key adds greater security.
Stylish twin clocks Stylish twin clocks, beautifully detailed and premium, incorporate
a digital menu system accessed by the handlebar mounted
scroll button.
Key features include:
Riding mode setting
Gear position indicator
Odometer
Trip settings
Service indicator
Range to empty
Fuel level
Average and current fuel consumption
Access to turn off traction control features
Clock
Even more agile and intuitive cafe racer handling
Significant weight savings across the entire motorcycle make the Thruxton RS six kilograms lighter than the Thruxton R for an even more dynamic and agile ride – delivered by engine component refinements, and a lighter weight battery.
In addition to the weight saving, the Thruxton RS also now features new category leading Brembo 4-piston M50 radial monobloc calipers and twin floating Brembo front discs, delivering excellent stopping power, and new unique race-specification Metzeler Racetec RR super sticky tyres.
There are also race-bred adjustable Showa USD big piston forks and premium fully adjustable Öhlins piggy back reservoir rear shock, delivering an engaged and thrilling ride.
More modern and contemporary style
A legendary name that has created motorcycling history and represented a generation of cafe racers, the Thruxton is a distinctive, beautiful and authentic motorcycle and the all-new RS version of it is the next evolution of this celebrated name. With all of Triumph’s iconic original cafe racer DNA, married to a new blacked-out custom look, muscular poise and a host of beautifully designed premium features, the Thruxton RS is the most contemporary styled Thruxton ever.
Key features include:
New black powder-coated engine covers, cam cover and sprocket cover finishes
New black Öhlins RSU springs
New black Thruxton side panel and sprocket cover with integrated heel guard
New premium black anodised wheels
Unique ‘Monza’ cap
New Triumph triangle tank decal (only on twin paint scheme option)
Unique sculpted Thruxton tank
Stainless steel tank strap
Clear anodised aluminium swing arm
Daytona footpegs
22mm clip-on handlebars
Black mirrors and indicators
Twin ride-by-wire throttle bodies and unique Thruxton intake finisher
Gold engine detailing
Distinctive red signature key
The new Thruxton RS comes with a single bullet seat set-up as standard. This enhances the focused cafe racer style of the motorcycle and is body coloured. An optional pillion seat accessory kit will be available with a bespoke dual seat and footpegs.
The new Thruxton RS comes in two colour choices:
Jet Black
Matt Storm Grey and Matt Silver Ice
Building your own Thruxton RS custom
Designed with personalisation in mind, the Thruxton RS comes with 80 accessories
to help you add even more comfort, style, protection and security.
It’s never been easier to create your own special with a host of custom-inspired parts to choose from, including: brushed stainless steel Arrow silencers with carbon end caps, cafe racer fairing, fender eliminator kit, pillion seat and footrest set-up, comfort seat, tank and knee pads and Triumph-engineered security additions such as the new Track+ and Protect+, ground anchor and disc lock.
**Availability of accessories is governed by local market legislation – please check with a Triumph market representative for availability.
The original cafe racer
Born from the racing success of the original Bonneville, the original Thruxton played a major part in the birth of motorcycle motorsport on both sides of the Atlantic.
Starting with the legendary Thruxton 500 race series of the late 50s – where the racing ‘Bonnie’ first got its name – the ‘Thruxton’ was a dominating force, with the first top step coming courtesy of British legend Mike Hailwood. In 1969, Malcolm Uphill won the production race at the Isle of Man TT, cracking the 100 mph average lap for the first time onboard a production Thruxton model. In the 1960s, on the road it had also become the bike of choice, inspiring a generation of teenage cafe racers.
Across three significant generations, the Thruxton has maintained its position as the original cafe racer, encapsulating all the style, attitude and key hallmarks. In 2016, Triumph launched to international acclaim a completely new generation of this iconic racing name the Thruxton R – the Ultimate Cafe Racer. A truly modern roadster designed to literally live up to legend, with real poise, real power and real performance complemented with unique finishes, detailing and the highest level of engine and suspension specification.
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