THRUXTON RS HANDLING

Key to the Thruxton’s success was always its intuitive ride.  After all, this is a motorcycle legend born from the race track, then reborn for modern performance-focused road riding.  

The peerless combination of a new sporty chassis, high-spec suspension, new Brembo front brake setup and new Metzeler race-spec tires – together with the significant 13-pound weight savings – delivers a higher level of handling, capability and performance. 

The new Thruxton RS brakes combine higher spec Brembo 4-piston M50 radial monobloc calipers, twin 320mm floating Brembo discs and Brembo master cylinder to specifically provide better initial bite, better feel and better fade characteristics for enhanced stopping power giving even greater control.

As you’d expect, and as you’ll experience during your road-gripping ride, the Thruxton RS suspension is set up for precision handling to complement its cafe racer looks.  Premium high-spec adjustable Showa USD big piston forks work with fully adjustable Öhlins piggyback Rear Suspension Units (a premium setup unique to the Thruxton RS) for an engaged and thrilling ride that really enhances Triumph’s signature handling characteristics of neutrality, agility and stability.

In addition, the incredible grip you get with the tarmac is afforded by new Metzeler Racetec RR tires (front 120/70 ZR17, rear 160/60 ZR17) and lightweight 17” aluminium wheel rims (32-spoke wheels, front 17” x 3.5”, rear 17” x 5”).

Impressively, the new Thruxton RS is lighter than previous lower spec Thruxtons.  This weight savings of 13 pounds is delivered through lighter weight engine upgrades such as new magnesium cam cover and thin-walled engine covers and a lightweight factory-commissioned battery.

The updated 1,200cc Thruxton spec twin engine comes along with three enhanced riding modes – Road, Rain and Sport – each mode featuring a dedicated throttle map and also, new on the RS, a dedicated traction control setting for each mode. Together, these deliver enhanced responsiveness and allow the rider to select the setup that best suits the riding conditions and rider preferences.  Additionally, the new Thruxton RS is fitted with compact, unobtrusive ABS and switchable traction control.

The Thruxton’s LED lighting setup adds another beautiful dimension, and benefits from lower energy consumption and greater long term durability. This bike has a distinctive Daytime Running Light* with branded bulb cap and there’s also a minimal elegant LED rear light incorporated into the classically-inspired stylish rear end silhouette (*where local market legislation allows).

Premium standard features include a USB charging port located under the seat for convenient charging of personal equipment, an immobilizer incorporated into the branded Thruxton key and a locking fuel filler cap under the signature flip-top Monza cap.  A feature-packed twin clock setup with at-a-glance information including riding mode setting, gear position indicator, fuel level and odometer completes the superb rider-focused technology of the new Thruxton RS.

The challenges involved in the development of the new Thruxton RS tested the ingenuity of many teams at Triumph Motorcycles over the last four years.  Bringing new top-spec tires, blacked-out wheels and higher spec Brembo brakes into a new Triumph sports chassis is something that only happens with total dedication and respect for the bike’s cafe heritage – a heritage that demands unique proportions, lines and silhouette true to the genre. The result is a new RS with both exquisite handling and authentic cafe racer elegance. 

As precise and responsive as any modern sports roadster, it also delivers a truly unique cafe racer experience and feel. From its engaged rider ergonomics to its cutting-edge technology and innovative contemporary engineering, the new RS is a one-of-a-kind that stands head and shoulders above its imitators.