The Thruxton 500 and the Isle of Man TT have inspired a new generation of passionate cafe racers, making the moniker “Thruxton” a globally recognized motorcycle racing symbol. For the first time, the new 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Modern Classics Bike model has been designed and developed to take the legend even further, combining all the original cafe racer design DNA and pure original flair with current Thruxton capabilities while establishing a new level of performance.
When the first Thruxton was born, it was a vital factor in developing motorcycle racing on both sides of the Atlantic. The ‘Thruxton’ was a dominant force beginning with the famed Thruxton 500 race series in the late 1950s when the racing ‘Bonnie’ originally acquired its name. British icon Mike Hailwood took the first top step. Malcolm Uphill won the Isle of Man TT production race in 1969, the first time a factory Thruxton model broke the 100 mph average lap speed barrier. In the ’60s, it was also the go-to road bike, spurring a new generation of young cafe racers to take up the sport.
The Thruxton has remained the original cafe racer for three substantial generations, embodying its flair, attitude, and distinguishing features. A new iteration of the Thruxton R – the Ultimate Cafe Racer – was released by Triumph in 2016 to worldwide acclaim. To fully live up to its name, this is a contemporary roadster with genuine poise, real power accompanied by distinctive finishes and unique craftsmanship, and the most significant engine and suspension specifications.
2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Modern Classics Bike – Features and Specs
Higher power – Updated Thruxton RS Engine
In comparison to the previous model, the new Thruxton RS has 8PS greater power. High-compression pistons, redesigned ports and cam profiles, a secondary air system, and a slew of lighter-weight engine components are all achieved.
There is also more low-end torque, peaking at 112Nm at 4,250 rpm (700 lower than the previous model), which improves the previous model’s torque output.
With these engine improvements, the Thruxton’s inertia has been reduced by 20% and the RS engine is more responsive and characterful, revving 500rpm higher than the R.
The unmistakable British Racing Twin sound and the deep, raw tone that the Thruxton’s renowned name demands are delivered by the bike’s characteristic twin upswept silencers and an all-new Euro 5 specification catalytic converter.
Fuel economy and emissions improve because of its Euro 5 homologation, which hides the Thruxton RS’ liquid cooling system behind a beautiful appearance. Overall ownership costs are decreased when combined with a first major service interval of 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers).
Even More Agile and Intuitive Cafe Racer Handling
The 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Modern Classics Bike is six kilos lighter than the Thruxton R, thanks to engine component upgrades and a smaller weight battery, making it more dynamic and agile.
Brembo 4-piston monobloc calipers and dual floating front Brembo discs give excellent stopping power, and new special race-specification Metzeler Racetec RR extremely sticky tires have been added to the model.
Also included are race-bred Showa USD large piston forks with fine-tuning and superior Ohlins piggyback reservoir rear shocks for an exhilarating ride.
More Modern and Contemporary style
The Thruxton is a unique, elegant, and genuine motorbike, and the all-new RS version is the subsequent development of this iconic marque. It has produced motorcycle history and symbolized a generation of cafe racers. The Thruxton RS is Triumph’s most modern-looking Thruxton ever, combining the famous original cafe racer design with a new blacked-out bespoke appearance, muscular poise, and a slew of finely crafted premium extras.
2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Modern Classics Bike – Price
The new 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Modern Classics Motorcycle is available at $16,200 only.
2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Modern Classics Bike – Technical Specifications
Engine & Transmission
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel-twin |
| Capacity | 1,200 cc |
| Bore | 97.6 |
| Stroke | 80 |
| Compression | 12.066:1 |
| Max Power EC | 103 HP (77 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Max Torque EC | 83 LB-FT (112 Nm) @ 4,250 rpm |
| System | Multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Brushed 2-into-2 exhaust system with twin brushed silencers |
| Final Drive | O-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate assist clutch |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
Chassis
| Frame | Tubular steel cradles |
| Swingarm | Twin-sided, aluminum – Clear anodized |
| Front Wheel | 32-spoke 3.5 x 17 in, aluminum rims |
| Rear Wheel | 32-spoke 5 x 17 in, aluminum rims |
| Front Tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tire | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Front Suspension | Showa 43 mm USD big piston forks, fully adjustable 4.7 in (120 mm) travel |
| Rear Suspension | Fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks with piggyback reservoir, 4.7 in (120 mm) rear wheel travel |
| Front Brakes | Twin 310 mm Brembo floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
| Instrument Display and Functions | LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analog speedometer, analog tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, trip computer, scroll and mode buttons on handlebars, heated grip ready, fuel consumption display, traction control status, and riding mode display. |
Dimensions & Weights
| Width Handlebars | 29.3 in (745 mm) |
| Height Without Mirror | 40.5 in (1,030 mm) |
| Seat Height | 31.8 in (810 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 55.7 in (1,415 mm) |
| Rake | 22.8 º |
| Trail | 3.6 in (92 mm) |
| Dry Weight | 434 lb (197 kg) |
| Tank Capacity | 3.8 US gal (14.5 L) |
Conclusion
The ‘Thruxton’ was a powerful force starting with the renowned Thruxton 500 race series in the late 1950s; when the racing ‘Bonnie’ initially gained its name, the new Thruxton RS model was conceived and developed to carry the legend even further. Mike Hailwood is a British legend.
In the wake of the Thruxton 500 race and the Isle of Man TT, the name “Thruxton” has become an internationally known motorcycle racing icon.
