Reviews/ Triumph/ Thruxton Rs
Triumph Thruxton Rs
8.5/10 Cafe-racer

Triumph Thruxton Rs Review

"The best modern cafe racer money can buy used."

Experienced riders wanting fast, stylish weekend machine $10,000-$13,000 used 2020-2023
search Inspect a Triumph Now

Used Buyer Review

The Thruxton RS is the real deal — Triumph finally got the formula right with this one. Water-cooled 1200cc twin pulls hard from about 3,500rpm and genuinely rewards aggressive riding, which surprises people expecting a slow-poke cafe racer. Used examples from 2020 onwards are solid choices, but inspect the Brembo front brake master cylinder for seeping seals — it's a known weak point. Also check the bar-end mirrors, which are fragile and expensive to replace. Riding position is committed. Your wrists and lower back will file complaints after about 90 minutes, so be honest with yourself about how you actually ride versus how you think you ride. Seat height is manageable for most, but the narrow seat gets uncomfortable faster than you'd expect for the price point. Suspension is properly sorted for back roads, and that exhaust note through the Vance & Hines pipes — if the previous owner fitted them — is genuinely spectacular. Pay between $10,000-$13,000 for a clean 2020-2022 example. Anything above that, walk away unless it's essentially unridden.

Pros

+Stonking 1200cc twin character
+Brembo brakes genuinely confidence-inspiring
+Suspension tuned properly from factory
+Premium finish holds value well
+Exhaust note absolutely addictive

Cons

-Riding position punishes long days
-Brake master cylinder seal issues
-Narrow seat gets uncomfortable fast
-Fuel range embarrassingly short
warning
Avoid if

You commute daily or have back problems

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Triumph Thruxton Rs →

Similar Cafe-racer Reviews

Norton V4cr
Norton V4cr 8.5/10

"Buy one used and let someone else absorb the depreciation hit."

Experienced riders wanting British exotica weekend machine $28,000-$38,000
Triumph Thruxton 1200 R
Triumph Thruxton 1200 R 8.5/10

"The finest modern cafe racer available, if you service it properly."

Experienced riders wanting fast, beautiful weekend machine $9,000-$13,500
Triumph Thruxton 1200
Triumph Thruxton 1200 8.5/10

"A stunning weekend weapon that demands commitment and rewards it handsomely."

Weekend enthusiasts wanting genuine café racer experience $8,500-$13,000
Mv Agusta Lusso 800
Mv Agusta Lusso 800 8.0/10

"Magnificent if maintained properly, a money pit if neglected."

Patient, mechanically curious riders wanting genuine Italian soul $7,500-$11,500