THRUXTON RS
T
riumph Motorcycles has officially pulled
the covers off its new top-tier Thruxton
model, the 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? 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.
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 RS engine also puts out a stronger punch
of torque from low down and across the entire
rev range, peaking at 112Nm @ 4850rpm, which
is some 700rpm lower than its predecessor.
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
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.
KIWI RIDER 87