2020 Triumph Thruxton 1200/R/RS

An enduring classic café racer from the British manufacturer.

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Triumph has no fewer than three café racer models for 2020, not surprising for one of the key players in the original retro-café racer movement. Today’s Thruxton and Thruxton R both bring premium components encased in classic styling, and come with the 1,200cc 96-hp (claimed) Thruxton-spec Bonneville parallel-twin engine but also mix in high-end tech features like ride-by-wire technology, switchable ABS, traction control, and three ride modes.

The Thruxton 1200 R adds fully adjustable suspension front and rear, higher-spec brakes and tires, and more refined styling details, while the new RS adds more power as well as an even higher level of refinement. The clip-on handlebars, rearset footpegs, bullet seat, and upswept reverse megaphone mufflers continue to nail the café racer formula of style mixed with performance.

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2020 Triumph Thruxton 1200/R/RS Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition

The Triumph Thruxtons are best compared to Ducati’s Scrambler Café Racer, Yamaha’s XSR900, and Honda’s CB1000R.

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2020 Triumph Thruxton 1200/R/RS Updates

The standard Thruxton and Thruxton R models return unchanged this year. But the highest-spec Thruxton you can get from the factory is the new-for-2020 Thruxton RS, which updates the 1,200cc engine for increased output, improves suspension and brakes, and brings a new paint scheme and higher level of detail.

2020 Triumph Thruxton 1200/R/RS Specifications

Price $13,000 / $15,400 / $16,200
Engine Liquid-cooled SOHC parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement 1,200cc
Bore x Stroke 97.6 x 80.0mm
Horsepower 97.0 hp @ 6,550 rpm / 103hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque 82.6 lb.-ft. @ 4,950 rpm / 82.6@4250 rpm
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
Seat Height 31.9 in.
Rake 22.7 / 22.8°
Trail 3.6 in.
Front Suspension 41mm cartridge fork; 4.7-in. travel / 43mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension Preload adjustable; 4.7-in. travel
Front Tire 120/70- ZR17
Rear Tire 160/60- ZR17
Wheelbase 55.7 in.
Fuel Capacity 3.8 gal.
Dry Weight 454 lb / 448 lb. / 434 lb.