Triumph’s Thruxton R really did take retro naked bikes to a new level when the 1200 was released in 2016. A very handsome and quite genuine retro look married with great suspension, relatively light weight and a torque-rich big loping parallel twin was a winning combination and one that I, along with many others, really took a strong shine to.
Thruxton R evolves further for 2020 with a new Thruxton RS model. The classic look remains much the same but new devil in its character is revealed in the detail.
It’s still the same long-stroke 1200 HT 270-degree parallel twin but there is a few more ponies in the revamped stable for 2020.
Power is up by almost ten per cent, to a new peak of 105 ps at 7500 rpm while the 112 Nm torque peak now shifts 700 rpm lower on the tacho to 4250 rpm. It also revs a little quicker than before with a massive 20 per cent reduction of inertia and a 500 rpm higher red-line than its predecessor.
Higher compression pistons, revised ports and new cam profiles and a swag of other changes is what results in the improved performance.
Some of the improvements wrought are no doubt a result of having to meet Euro5 specifications and the upswept silencers now house new higher-spec catalytic convertors.
Weight is down by six-kilograms which brings the 2020 Thruxton RS under the magic 200 kg mark, at 197 kg dry.
The stoppers are stronger than before with up-spec M50 Radial Monoblock calipers with 320 mm Brembo discs and master cylinder.
Showa provide the adjustable big-piston forks while the rear shocks are again fully-adjustable Ohlins units.
The switchable traction control system now features three upgraded riding modes, Sport, Road and Rain, which adjust the ABS and traction control settings to those chosen conditions.
Fuel economy has improved to 4.9-litres per 100 km which will prove handy as the modest 14.5 litre fuel capacity remains. Service intervals remain a lengthy 16,000 kilometres.
An LED day-time running light is employed inside the traditional large round head-light and the rear light is also LED.
Thruxton RS takes the black to next level with even the Ohlins springs finished in black along with anodised black rims, black mirrors and indicators while the side panel and sprocket cover are also black.
The donk itself features black powder-coated engine and cam covers.
The optional ‘Twin-Paint’ colour scheme scores a new Triumph triangle tank decal while the single bullet seat is standard in both colour choices, Jet Black, and the Matt Storm Greg / Matt Silver Ice combination.
| 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Specifications | |
| Engine Type | Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Capacity | 1200cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 97.6 x 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.066:1 |
| Maximum Power | 105 PS/103 bhp (77 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 112 Nm @ 4,250 rpm |
| Fuel system | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin silencers |
| Final drive | O-ring chain Clutch Wet, multi-plate assist clutch |
| Gearbox | Six-speed |
| Frame | Tubular steel cradle |
| Swingarm | Twin-sided, aluminium – Clear anodized |
| Front Wheel | 32-spoke 17 x 3.5 in, aluminium rim |
| Rear Wheel | 32-spoke 17 x 5 in, aluminium rims |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Front Suspension | Showa 43 mm USD big piston forks, fully adjustable 120 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks with Piggyback reservoir, 120 mm rear wheel travel |
| Front Brake | Twin 310 mm Brembo floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 220 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
| Width (Handlebars) | 745 mm |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1030 mm |
| Seat Height | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1415 mm |
| Rake | 22.8º |
| Trail | 92 mm |
| Dry Weight | 197 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 L |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.9 l/100 km (58 MPG) |
2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Images
Source: MCNews.com.au