When we talk about café racers, few motorcycles in the world hold as much history and respect as the Triumph Thruxton. Born from race victories at the legendary Thruxton 500 and the Isle of Man TT, the Thruxton became the weapon of choice for teenage café racers in the 1960s. Fast forward to today, and the Triumph Thruxton RS represents the purest evolution of this legendary bloodline — more powerful, lighter, sharper, and with a style that blends timeless retro cues with modern performance.
The tagline says it best: “The legend evolves.” Let’s take a closer look at how Triumph has redefined the café racer with the Thruxton RS.
Table of Contents
Engine & Performance – Power with Racing DNA
At the heart of the Thruxton RS lies a 1200cc Bonneville parallel-twin engine, updated to deliver even more power and character. Triumph engineers gave it significant upgrades, including lightweight components, high compression pistons, magnesium covers, and revised cam profiles.
- Peak Power: 103 HP (77 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
- Peak Torque: 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) @ 4,250 rpm
- Weight: 13 lbs lighter than the Thruxton R
The big change here is not just the 8 HP increase but also the fact that torque comes 700 rpm lower in the rev range, exactly where real riders need it. The result? Faster response, better mid-range punch, and a ride that feels alive whether you’re attacking corners or cruising city streets.
And let’s not forget the soundtrack — the Thruxton RS produces a raw, raspy, unmistakably British twin exhaust note that complements its racing soul.
Handling – Precision on Two Wheels
Triumph didn’t just stop at the engine. The Thruxton RS is built to handle like a thoroughbred racer.
- Front Suspension: Showa 43mm USD big piston forks, fully adjustable
- Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable Öhlins twin shocks with piggyback reservoir
- Brakes: Twin 310mm Brembo floating discs with Brembo M50 4-piston radial calipers
- Tyres: Metzeler Racetec RR performance tyres
The combination of premium suspension, race-spec brakes, and sticky tyres means the RS feels agile, planted, and confidence-inspiring. Whether on twisty backroads or a Sunday morning track day, it delivers precise, intuitive handling.
Style – Retro Soul, Modern Edge
The Thruxton RS isn’t just about performance — it’s a motorcycle that makes you stop and stare. Triumph has retained the hallmarks of the original café racer:
- Knee pad indented tank
- Monza fuel filler cap
- Single bench seat
- Timeless silhouette
But to make it stand apart, the RS comes with a blacked-out theme — powder-coated engine covers, black anodized wheel rims, Öhlins RSU springs in black, and sleek side panels.
Two paint schemes are available:
- Jet Black – Classic, understated, and stealthy.
- Jet Black / Silver Ice – A dual-tone option that adds flair to the retro styling.
For those who want something truly unique, Triumph also introduced the Thruxton RS Chrome Edition, available for just one year, with a fully chromed fuel tank that screams exclusivity.
Modern Tech Meets Classic Charm
Even though it carries the DNA of a 1960s café racer, the Thruxton RS is loaded with modern rider-focused technology:
- Riding Modes: Road, Rain, and Sport with dedicated throttle maps and traction control settings.
- ABS & Traction Control: Standard for safety and confidence.
- LED Lighting: Distinctive DRL and rear LED setup.
- USB Charging Port & Immobilizer for practicality.
- Twin Analog + LCD Display: Blends retro dials with digital convenience like fuel range, gear indicator, trip computer, and more.
This mix of old-school charm with modern tech makes the RS perfect for riders who want authenticity without sacrificing safety or convenience.
ALSO READ: Bajaj Pulsar N160 Review – Thrilling Power, Bold Design & Next-Gen Tech
Accessories & Customization
Triumph offers over 80 official accessories for the Thruxton RS, allowing riders to personalize their machine. From comfort seats and heated grips to sporty upgrades like clip-on handlebars and dolphin fairings, the customization potential is huge.
For café racer purists, Triumph also offers a Track Racer Inspiration Kit with pre-selected accessories like a fairing, LED indicators, and a tail tidy — giving the RS an even racier stance.
Price & Variants
- Thruxton RS Jet Black: $16,995 (approx.)
- Thruxton RS Jet Black / Silver Ice: $17,495 (approx.)
Finance options are also available, starting at 3.99% APR for 36 months on select 2024 models, making ownership a bit easier for enthusiasts.
Thruxton RS vs Thruxton Final Edition
While the RS continues the evolution, Triumph has also announced the Thruxton Final Edition — the last production run of this legendary icon. Finished in a unique Competition Green with hand-painted detailing, the Final Edition has already sold out, making the RS the true modern heir to the Thruxton name.
Reasons to Ride the Thruxton RS
1.Historic Bloodline: Directly linked to Triumph’s racing victories of the 1960s.
2.Thrilling Performance: 1200cc engine with 104 HP and meaty torque.
3.Agile Handling: Lightweight chassis with Öhlins and Showa suspension.
4.Iconic Styling: Retro café racer DNA with premium blacked-out detailing.
5.Customization: Over 80 accessories to create your dream racer.
Pros & Cons of Triumph Thruxton RS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Legendary café racer heritage with modern updates | Premium price tag, not budget-friendly |
| Powerful 1200cc engine with 103 HP & 83 lb-ft torque | Limited fuel tank capacity (14.5L) |
| Agile handling with Showa & Öhlins suspension | Aggressive riding posture may not suit long tours |
| Premium Brembo M50 brakes & Metzeler Racetec RR tyres | Limited seat comfort for pillion riders |
| Stunning retro design with modern detailing | Smaller dealership/service network compared to some rivals |
| Multiple riding modes & traction control for safety | Niche bike – more suited for enthusiasts than beginners |
| Over 80 official accessories for customization | Chrome Edition & Final Edition sold out (hard to get exclusives) |
| Distinctive British twin exhaust note | Lower mileage compared to regular retro bikes |
This balances the article and gives readers a quick decision-making guide.
Final Verdict
The Triumph Thruxton RS isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a living legend reborn for modern times. It balances racing DNA with everyday usability, retro styling with modern tech, and exclusivity with pure riding fun.
For riders who love the romance of café racers but demand modern performance, the Thruxton RS is arguably the best choice in the world right now.
Price starts at $16,995, but the feeling of owning a piece of history? That’s priceless.
Frequently Ask Questions on Triumph Thruxton RS
Q1. What is the price of the Triumph Thruxton RS?
The Triumph Thruxton RS is priced at around $16,995 for the Jet Black version and $17,495 for the Jet Black/Silver Ice dual-tone variant (prices may vary by market).
Q2. What is the engine capacity of the Thruxton RS?
It comes with a 1200cc parallel-twin engine, producing 103 HP at 7,500 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm.
Q3. How is the handling of the Thruxton RS?
With Showa USD forks, Öhlins twin shocks, Brembo M50 brakes, and Metzeler Racetec RR tyres, the Thruxton RS offers sharp, agile, and confidence-inspiring handling — perfect for twisties and spirited rides.
Q4. Does the Triumph Thruxton RS have riding modes?
Yes, it comes with three riding modes: Road, Rain, and Sport — each with dedicated throttle maps and traction control settings.
Q5. What are the available color options for the Triumph Thruxton RS?
The Thruxton RS is offered in Jet Black and Jet Black/Silver Ice color schemes. Triumph also released a limited-run Chrome Edition with a fully chromed tank.
Q6. Is the Thruxton RS suitable for daily use?
Yes. Despite its café racer DNA, the Thruxton RS is equipped with modern tech features like ABS, traction control, LED lighting, USB charging, and comfortable ergonomics, making it practical for daily rides.
Q7. What makes the Triumph Thruxton RS different from the Triumph Thruxton R?
The RS is lighter, more powerful, and more responsive than the Thruxton R, with updated suspension, better brakes, and a sportier character.
Q8. How many accessories are available for the Thruxton RS?
Triumph offers over 80 official accessories, including comfort seats, heated grips, luggage, and racing-inspired kits like the Track Racer Inspiration Kit.
