Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS test

Menus

• Queen of Hearts
• Twin of 1200 cm3, 105 hp, 112 Nm, Brembo M50 calipers, Metzeler Racetec RR tires, 16,700 euros
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Video test
• Conclusion

Queen of Hearts

Twin of 1200 cm3, 105 hp, 112 Nm, Brembo M50 calipers, Metzeler Racetec RR tires, 16,700 euros

A historic sporting legend led by equally essential pilots, the Triumph Thruxton has built its reputation on the speed tracks. Sporty version of the roadster, it takes its surname from its first victory (three first places) won in 1958 on the Thruxton 500 event.. On the handlebars? Mike Hailwood himself! In 1969, it was the first production motorcycle to record over 160 km / h average, at the Tourist Trophy of the Isle of Man. The trophies are linked until 1970 then the model reappears in 2004.

It is then only a Bonneville 900 "arranged", with an engine reaming to go from 790 to 865 cm³, thanks to different camshafts and carburettors. The maximum power was 70 horsepower. Strap handlebars and rear controls complete the equipment. However the geometry was identical and therefore the behavior little different from that of the Bonneville. Break in 2016 where the novelty revealed a personality in keeping with the history of the Thruxton. Both aesthetically and mechanically, the 1200 R model returned to its destiny. And the character of the Englishwoman was at the height of a high-performance cycle part. The twin then delivers 97 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque for a limited weight and attractive compactness..

Triumph is once again taking care of its neo-retro sports car for 2020, optimizing its mechanics and improving its sylph dynamics with touches. A gentle evolution with significant effects, however. It is along the Portuguese roads, around Faro, that we try the brand new Thruxton 1200 RS.

Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS review

Discovery

Of course in compliance with Euro5 standards, the new Triumph is evolving in many ways, but little in terms of aesthetics. Only the colors change, the novelty getting darker for this vintage. In the country where black is color, it is undoubtedly good quality. The neo-classic sports car thus displays an exclusive all-black engine livery. Engine housings and cylinder head cover are lacquered and the spoked rims are anodized in the same color. Even Ohlins shock springs go "charcoal"…. A matte black and gray version, madness of contrasts, is available. Personally I find it a bit sad, a bit reductive and not very seductive, but it’s "classy". The previous vintage subtly vibrated its polished and satin surfaces associated with more joyful colors. It smacked of fun sport. We are now in the stealth sport style. It is true that in full black livery, it offers a rather convincing timeless rebel style. Your turn to judge.

The Triumph Thruxton RS in black version

The design, splendid, does not change, keeping the Cafe Racer its powerful, refined and elegant image. Slender, the Englishwoman renews her round optic surrounded by chrome supported by two perforated aluminum plates. The lighthouse includes rows of LEDs for daytime lighting at its base and bears the brand’s logo in its center. Its raised half-handlebars still carry the mirrors at the ends, dominating a 14.5 liter tank, flattened and elongated, topped with a satin "Monza" type cap. Via a pressure on a trigger, the cover swings, revealing the stopper, unfortunately devoid of support. The can is adorned with a strip of leather covered with aluminum, running along its entire length. Near the column, a hook holds the whole thing, optimizing the competition effect. The saddle follows the trend, with a large single-seater seat (!) Concluded with a streamlined backrest and fitted with a hood as standard. The whole overhangs curved side covers with mesh openings. The truncated rear mudguard (plastic) supports an LED light framed by the profiled indicators of the indicators. They also went black as they should.

The headlight of the Thruxton RS

The Triumph Thruxton RS always puts forward its superb engine block with authentic aesthetics, but to the latest technological standards. The sporty dress of Hinkley’s mechanics therefore no longer alternates its matt and shiny surfaces. Always so remarkable, the finishes and coverings are now stamped with the seal of the night. But the clear chrome and gold emblems still adorn the crankcases, enhancing the black aesthetic of the boiler with elegance. Even if thin fins still cut the top engine, also helping to reduce the temperature, the parallel twin is fully liquid cooled (cylinder head and cylinders). Same look for the manifold crimping rings. Hoses and expansion tank are invisible and the radiator, in front of the frame, is hardly noticeable. As for the catalyst, it is hidden under the engine. Likewise, the two injection bodies with double butterflies mimic carburettors with perforated covers. An integration model to optimize a vintage appearance.

The RS relies on black finishes

Supported by a classic double-cradle steel frame, the 1,200 cm3 (97.6×80 mm) parallel twin-cylinder therefore hides, under its retro air, some of the most modern mechanics. A single camshaft operates its 8 valves per cylinder. Technical refinement, the rockers feature wheels at the point of contact with the cams and the latter are therefore slightly concave…. Set at 270 °, the crankshaft delivers sporty operation and a balance shaft reduces block vibrations.

The 1,200 cc Twin now delivers 105 hp

For 2020, the Fairy Novelty has taken a good look at the mechanics. The new opus would reduce the inertia of its mechanics by 20% according to the brand of Hinkley. Its lightened crankshaft and clutch reducing mechanical stresses boost the revs, thus pushing the breaker back by 500 revolutions, to 8,000 rpm. And the new Thruxton RS bombs the chest. In order to gain power, more aggressive camshafts increase the valve lift in order to gain power and the Englishwoman is fitted with high compression pistons. Thus optimized, the twin displays a profile of the most attractive: it gains 8 horsepower or 105 units at 7,500 rpm thus placed 750 revolutions higher. This wider useful engine range is added to an unchanged maximum torque of 112 Nm of torque, but now available from 4,250 rpm, ie 700 rpm lower! It is therefore 1,450 useful revolutions that the English bloc wins. Values ​​proving a significant intervention on the mint sauce boiler.

The twin cylinder also passes the Euro5 standard

The outspoken personality of the Thruxton RS is under control. The on-board electronics control a Ride by Wire type throttle grip controlling the injection. Three profiles are available: Rain, Road and Sport, more or less smoothing the engine response. The TTC traction control can be deactivated and adapts to the chosen injection profile. Also standard and the clutch is assisted and anti-dribble to serve the most committed pilots. All this to music punctuated by collectors throwing themselves into a catalyst stashed under the machine then towards conical satin stainless steel flutes..

The conical mufflers of the Thruxton RS

But the sportiness of the retro-sport Triumph is not limited to the mechanics. The chassis renews its dynamic values; the wheelbase is still 1,415 mm. The column angle is 22.8 ° and the trail is 92 mm. Values ​​close to those of the Speed ​​Triple: 22.9 ° and 91.3mm. Weight difference…., The Thruxton RS loses 6 kilos with 197 kg dry, or about 220 ready to drive. New magnesium cylinder head cover, engine crankcase with thinner walls, alternator and battery are made lighter. Enough to further optimize the evolutions of the sportswoman from across the Channel.

The Thruxton RS is 6 kg lighter

Especially since Hinkley’s beauty is still Swedish-style in the rear. The machine is lifted by its fully adjustable double Ohlins shock absorbers with separate “piggyback” hydraulic reservoir. Enough to effectively manage the movements of the aluminum tubular swing arm. The steering gear features a 43 mm Showa inverted big piston fork, adjustable in any direction, with gold sheaths. Details still regrettable, the fender support plates are unfortunately plastic…. The suspension assembly slides over 120 mm.

Цhlins shocks are fully adjustable

To stay in tune and stick even more to the road, the 17-inch polished aluminum spoked rims (32 stems) fit the Metzeler Racetech RRs. The front is 120/70 and the rear is only 160/60 mm, guaranteeing optimal liveliness.
For even more deceleration control, Brembo front calipers are now four-piston monobloc M50s and radial mount biting 310mm discs. The opposite retarder renews the two-piston Nissin clamp gripping a 220 mm track. Of course, the ABS takes care of the braking.

We find the same rims, but new Metzeler Racetec RR tires

Reliability issue, the maintenance intervals are now 16,000 km, demonstrating the quality of mechanical design. Useful detail, a USB socket under the saddle allows you to power or recharge mobile phones and other GPS devices and the start key is coded.

Timeless, a true sculpture and an ode to sporting motorcycling history, the Triumph masterfully masks its true modernity, revealing only the powerful elegance of its design. An aesthetic that can be further optimized via a catalog of accessories of 160 pieces…. There are compact LED indicators, but also cafe racer type saddles, fork heads, new "Vance & Hines" exhausts, "Ace" handlebars…. etc. The most determined will remember one of the "inspiration" Track Racer and Cafe Racer kits (details at the end of the test) or the ultimate Factory Race kit. The latter should bring engine performance to an even higher level, both in terms of power and torque…. for circuit use only.

The accessories catalog is already complete with several inspiration kits

In the saddle

Always placed at 810 mm, the saddle of the Thruxton 1200 RS remains easily accessible and the saddle appears comfortable. The finesse of the machine is always astonishing, leaving part of the cylinder heads visible. Placed on rear controls, the legs admit a sensitive flexion, but without excess, specific to the dynamic vocation of the machine. The bust falls logically forward, placing the hands resting on the forged bracelets.

The RS is satisfied with a single-seater saddle

A time machine blows your eyes, projecting you into the 60’s. The polished top yoke takes up the classic design of period machines. It encloses the tops of the fork tubes receiving the adjustment systems. Above, two large chrome-rimmed counters are embedded in a brushed metal plate. The bottom of their dials takes on a satin finish and incorporates elegant hands carried by a thick satin ring. On the left, tachometer, on the right, tachometer. And each sports an LCD window. The first displays gear engaged, odometer, two partials, average and instantaneous fuel consumption, ABS level, TTC traction control and clock. The second incorporates a fuel gauge and the injection mode selected and the power of the heated grips.

Aesthetics, the instrumentation lacks readability

The assembly is controlled from the left stalk, via two Info and Mode buttons. On the other hand, the readability of the screens is average with an information display that is too small. Another point, the sheaths enclosing the wires and their contactors would benefit from being better integrated. But the levers are adjustable in spacing and the ergonomics of the controls are very correct..

The left commodo of the Thruxton RS

In the city

The start of the big sporty twin makes the air vibrate to purely English music. The roar of the exhausts is finely accompanied by the whistle given the distribution. Discreet, but present, the pulsations of the English twin distil muffled music at low revs, but much more hectic in the towers.

Triumph Thruxton RS review

The Thruxton 1200 RS impresses with its balance and ease of handling. Intuitive, the Triumph is then easily placed in traffic and narrow spaces, also aided by a correct turning radius. Small, the elegant mirrors return a sufficiently wide, very clear and clear field thanks to their position at the end of the handlebars..

Available, the two-cylinder requires to be maintained above 2,000 revolutions in urban development. It is perfectly supported by a "gelly so British" type clutch and a precise gearbox, but always a bit dry. The relative flexibility of the block significantly enhances the routes between the walls. But between two tricolors, we clearly perceive the liveliness of his entrails.

The gearbox remains a little dry

If the Thruxton 1200 R appreciates being admired in the city, it still works the wrists of its pilot by force of successive braking. And such a motor deserves much more than the boulevards of feverish agglomerations.

Motorway and expressways

The low inertia of the Triumph unit makes it possible to appreciate a lively and exhilarating mechanism, ready to go up in the towers at the slightest rotation of the right wrist. Underlined by manly and controlled tremors, the deep roar of the twin pounded the air as the Thruxton RS sped towards the horizon. It hangs easily over 220 km / h to the switch, at 8,000 rpm. The large counters even shelter a little the pilot lying on the long tank. Stable at high speed the course is flawless.

Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS test drive on expressway

Missile mode is not the roadster chic’s favorite cup of tea, making its mechanics play a less elegant score. Back to legal, we appreciate more the English boiler, quick to restart the machine with just the right amount of healthy vibrations. But it is through more discreet ways that we can best taste the dark retro-sport from across the Channel..

Departmental

Now is not the time for infusion, but for a tight Cafe Racer. Alas, our fantastic beverage is cut with cold, lingering water. Under the vagaries of the Lusitanian weather, we can only chomp on our brakes, failing to hit those of the Thruxton RS…. It is therefore a short test that we will make of the Triumph, leaving us with intense frustration. Because this machine is one of my favorites, mixing performance and unusual charm.

Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS road test

Engine availability is remarkable, optimizing pleasure and dynamic efficiency. On the intermediates, the acceleration and pick-up are a delight, propelling the crew with force. Even more than the ultimately modest performance of the 105 horsepower, it is above all the rare and addictive mechanical life of this machine that gives it all its charm. The Triumph knows how to keep the right amount of roughness in its operation. Beyond 3,500 turns, the boiler is most demonstrative. The torque, very sensitive after 4,000 revolutions, at the top of its curve, catapults the Triumph and launches the engine towards peak power at 7,500. The big twin is eaten all the more with a better length and the breaker is less easily reached. Precise, the injection ensures very good controls and responses of the engine, especially in curves on a trickle of gas. No sudden change disturbs developments and reminders. At the pace of tourism, the machine allows you to stroll while savoring strength and engine availability in the last gear.

The Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS on the road

Omnipresent, the 11.2 da.Nm of torque are the strength of the Thruxton. Hyper available, this ample force pulls the Englishwoman unceremoniously out of the curve. And everything goes to the ground thanks to the new Metzeler envelopes. The Racetec RR, glue in barely grooved sausage, give complete confidence. In the dry…. We are less reassured on the water, but the performance on drying bitumen is remarkable. Not a start to slide. And in the event of a stall, the traction control goes into action transparently.

Metzeler’s give you confidence in the dry, less in the wet…

Top of the range, the suspension contributes to the ease at high speed. But like on the R, the suspensions of the RS require an adjustment. The hydraulics will require less braking (for a driver of 80 kg) on ​​the road in order to deliver damping and optimal work. The agility of the Thruxton is always appreciable and 6 kg less can only be more beneficial to it. Difficult on this essay to be more verbose at this level. With its incisive geometry and its 160 rear tire, angle changes remain a formality, which a slight pressure on the handlebars takes care of dispatching..

Part-cycle

Apart from a very classic double cradle frame, the equipment of the Thruxton 1200 RS is at the latest standard. Agile, precise, dynamic, its geometry is that of a true modern roadster, coupled with efficient high-end suspensions.

The Showa inverted fork is fully adjustable

Braking

With ever more superlative equipment on the front axle, the Thruxton RS stops easily and provides an excellent feeling of the lever. Progressive and powerful, the whole allows you to adopt a very high rhythm without being afraid. The angle brakes grip barely freezes the steering and the Brembo M50 clamps provide excellent deceleration control. Same remark for the rear element, particularly usable.

RS inherits Brembo M50 front calipers

Comfort / Duo

For the pilot, the reception is the best for a sports machine. However the Swedish rear combinations seem a little stiff and insufficiently tuned with a more accommodating fork. The saddle provides a good level of comfort and an optional passenger kit (footrest and saddle) allows an accompanying person to follow your movements.

Consumption

5.5 liters per 100 km recorded on our rather special test. To be confirmed in more usual use.

The 14.5 liter tank of the Thruxton RS

Video test

Conclusion

Always as seductive, both aesthetically and mechanically, the Triumph Thruxton RS should bring more pleasure. It is clear that his demonstrative twin benefits from even greater ease. However, it is difficult to feel the effects of this development without comparing it with its predecessor. And our wet test did not allow us to form a more detailed opinion on this subject. The new RS now asks for € 16,700, ie 1,800 more than the R model when it was launched in 2016 and € 600 more compared to 2019…. And this is very difficult to justify for so little difference in dynamics. The increase seems excessive to us.

Attractive Cafe Racer, the Triumph is clearly targeting the BMW NineT, a real kaiser of the vintage roadster, demanding € 16,150. More versatile in terms of customization, but less brilliant in suspension, the Bavarian is now cheaper than the Albion ….

The Triumph Thruxton RS in its two variations

With this Thruxton RS, Triumph wanted to further enhance the mechanical approval of its sport-vintage muse. Undoubtedly, the Englishwoman’s twin is her first quality and had already convinced us. Always more available, this boiler does not seem transfigured, especially in view of the pecuniary extension to be released. But the whole character of the Thruxton RS makes this machine the queen of neo-retro. Its style and unparalleled finishes make it the most seductive machine for a return to the future with roaring elegance..

Strong points

• Sublime neoclassical style
• Motor character
• Cycle agility
• Performances
• Captivating sound
• Saddle comfort
• Finishes
• Assistance (ABS, anti-slip, anti-dribble)

Weak points

• Hard-to-read LCD instruments
• Right commodo wiring
• plastic front fender bracket
• Tariff evolution little justified

The technical sheet of the Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS

Test conditions

• Itinerary: winding roads with variable surfaces, drying or wet.
• Weather forecast: cloud and rain galore
• Motorcycle mileage: 140 km
• Problem encountered: ras

Tester’s equipment

• Nishua NXR-1 Carbon Helmet
• Vanucci Nubuck Jacket
• Jean Vanucci
• Vanucci Touring IV Gloves
• Vanucci RV4 Boots
• Proof rain jacket – C.Breaker II

Related articles

• Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black test

  2 cylinders in line, 1200 cc, 77 hp at 6100 rpm, 106 Nm at 4000 rpm, 237.5 kilos dry, from ¤ 14 350 More muscle, more techno, more dark for the Bobber Is…

• Triumph Street Twin test

  Gentleman Badass Triumph reinvents its flagship model, the Bonneville, in two versions, 900 Street Twin and T120 cubing 1200 cm3, succeeding the T100….

• Triumph Speed ​​Twin test

  Pure roadster The English brand has already presented its many Modern Classic novelties to us with a now large and complete Bonneville family. The update…

• Triumph Thruxton 1200 R test

  A reputation acquired on the speed tracks Ode to sport and motorcycling history Celebrity from across the Channel, the Triumph Thruxton is finally…

• Triumph Speed ​​Twin motorcycle test

  Classic on the outside, modern on the inside 100 hp, 112 Nm, 216 kg, new inverted fork and radial braking, from 13,300 € The Triumph staff are smiling…

• Triumph Bonneville T120 test

  Character legend Completely redesigned but faithful to its legend and its aesthetic codes, the Bonneville reinvents itself with talent and efficiency in…

• Indian 1200 FTR Rally motorcycle test

  Bite V-Twin, 1203 cm3, 120 hp, 120 Nm at 6,000 rpm, 235 kg TPF, 14,990 euros … daily test The word scrambler warms up lots of images, broadcast, told,…

• Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 test

  A tiger with long teeth It’s no secret at Triumph, the Tiger Explorer is all about rocking the BMW R 1200 GS from its pedestal. A three-cylinder with…

• Test Yamaha XT 1200 ZE Super Tenere

  E. character slipper XT …, Tenere … some legends can be found in a few signs. In this case, that of Yamaha trails. Driven by the greatest rally…

• Triumph Tiger 800 XCa test

  A renewed proposal in a category of “mid-size” trails in full expansion …. 3 cylinders in line, 800 cm3, 95 hp at 9,500 rpm, 79 Nm at 8,050 rpm, 208…