Triumph Motorcycles has officially pulled the covers off their new top-tier Thruxton model - the Thruxton RS. So what makes the new bike the new top dog of the range and when are we likely to see it here in NZ?
Triumph first teased the RS version of the Thruxton last month, with only the side cowling giving us any clues about the bike. We now know all there is to know about the new addition to the Triumph lineup, except pricing, which will be announced closer to the arrival of the Thruxton RS in New Zealand in late-January or early-February next year.
The 2020 Thruxton RS takes the same cafe racer ethos which has made the Thruxton name one of the first most riders think of when the subject of great factory cafe racers comes up, and builds upon the already impressive spec of the Thruxton R to make an even more performance-oriented option for Triumph fans.
In the engine department, Triumph has reworked the High Output 1200cc parallel twin to produce an extra 8hp over the engine found in the Thruxton R. This is achieved through significant engine upgrades including high compression pistons, revised ports and cam profiles, a secondary air system and a whole host of lighter weight engine components.
The RS' engine also puts out a stronger punch of torque from low down and across the entire rev range, peaking at 112Nm @ 4.850 rpm, which is 700 rpm lower than its predecessor.
Triumph has also made significant weight savings across the entire motorcycle make the Thruxton RS six kilograms lighter than the Thruxton R – delivered by engine component refinements, and a lighter weight battery.
The Thruxton RS comes with a single bullet seat set-up as standard, with the rear cowling the same colour as the rest of the bike. But, Triumph has ensured some practicality with a pillion seat an optional accessory kit which will be available as a bespoke dual seat and footpegs.
In addition to the weight saving, the Thruxton RS also now features Brembo's category-leading 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 the expected (going by the spec of the Thruxton R) premium fully adjustable Öhlins piggyback reservoir rear shock rounding out the chassis of the Thruxton RS.
Electronically the Thruxton RS ups the game as well.
Linked to the ride-by-wire system, the RS sees a set of three upgraded 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.
The traction control system is also adjustable, managing the Thruxton RS’ high torque delivery when traction is compromised.
Triumph Motorcycles New Zealand has confirmed the Thruxton RS is heading our way, with the first shipment expected in either late-January or early-February with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Sadly there is one bit of bad news for Thruxton fans. With the imminent arrival of the RS model, Triumph will be discontinuing the current base bike with the Thruxton R becoming the new entry point into the Thruxton nameplate, while the RS will take its place at the top of the pile as the new halo of the range.