Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two iconic bikes from Triumph: the Thruxton RS and the Speed Twin. Both are gorgeous, powerful, and steeped in Triumph's rich heritage, but they cater to different riders. So, which one should you choose? Let's break it down!

Overview of Triumph Thruxton RS

The Triumph Thruxton RS is the quintessential modern classic café racer. It's a bike that screams performance and style, blending retro aesthetics with contemporary engineering. When you first set your eyes on the Thruxton RS, you're immediately drawn to its aggressive stance, sculpted fuel tank, and the overall minimalist design. This bike isn't just about looks, though; it's built to deliver an exhilarating riding experience.

Key Features of the Thruxton RS

The Thruxton RS boasts a ряд of impressive features that set it apart. At its heart lies a 1200cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces a healthy 104 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. This engine is not only powerful but also incredibly responsive, providing ample grunt across the rev range. The throttle response is crisp, and the bike pulls strongly from low to high RPMs, making it a joy to ride in various conditions.

The chassis of the Thruxton RS is equally impressive. It features fully adjustable Showa Big Piston forks at the front and Öhlins twin shocks at the rear, offering a premium suspension setup that provides excellent handling and stability. Whether you're carving through twisty roads or cruising on the highway, the Thruxton RS feels planted and composed. The Brembo brakes, with radial master cylinders, provide exceptional stopping power, giving you the confidence to push the bike to its limits.

Other notable features include ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes (Road, Rain, and Sport), LED lighting, and a twin-pod instrument cluster with digital displays. The riding modes allow you to tailor the bike's performance to suit different conditions and preferences. The LED lighting not only enhances the bike's aesthetics but also improves visibility, while the instrument cluster provides all the essential information you need at a glance.

Riding Experience on the Thruxton RS

Hopping on the Thruxton RS, you'll immediately notice the aggressive riding position. The clip-on handlebars are set low, and the footpegs are positioned slightly rearward, encouraging a sporty stance. While this riding position enhances the bike's handling and provides a more engaging experience, it can be a bit tiring on longer rides. However, the comfortable seat and well-placed controls make it manageable for most riders.

Once you start riding, the Thruxton RS comes alive. The engine delivers a punchy acceleration, and the bike feels incredibly nimble and responsive. The suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The Brembo brakes offer excellent stopping power, allowing you to confidently tackle corners and navigate through traffic.

Overall, the Thruxton RS offers a thrilling and rewarding riding experience. It's a bike that demands attention and rewards skilled riders with its performance and handling. However, its aggressive riding position and firm suspension may not be ideal for everyone, especially those who prioritize comfort and long-distance touring.

Overview of Triumph Speed Twin

Now, let's turn our attention to the Triumph Speed Twin. This bike is a modern roadster that combines classic styling with contemporary performance and comfort. Unlike the Thruxton RS, which is focused on delivering a sporty and aggressive riding experience, the Speed Twin aims to provide a more versatile and user-friendly package. It's a bike that's equally at home on city streets, winding back roads, and open highways.

Key Features of the Speed Twin

The Speed Twin shares the same 1200cc parallel-twin engine as the Thruxton RS, but it has been tuned to deliver a slightly different character. While it produces a similar amount of power (around 99 horsepower), the Speed Twin's engine is more focused on mid-range torque, making it incredibly tractable and easy to ride at lower speeds. The throttle response is smooth and predictable, and the bike pulls strongly from as low as 2000 RPM.

The chassis of the Speed Twin is designed to provide a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. It features cartridge forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear, offering a well-balanced suspension setup that absorbs bumps and provides good handling. While the suspension isn't as sophisticated as the Thruxton RS's, it's more than adequate for most riding conditions. The Brembo brakes provide ample stopping power, and the bike feels stable and composed under hard braking.

Other notable features include ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes (Road, Rain, and Sport), LED lighting, and a twin-pod instrument cluster with digital displays. The riding modes allow you to tailor the bike's performance to suit different conditions and preferences. The LED lighting enhances visibility, and the instrument cluster provides all the essential information you need at a glance.

Riding Experience on the Speed Twin

Sitting on the Speed Twin, you'll immediately notice the more relaxed and upright riding position. The handlebars are wider and set higher than the Thruxton RS's, and the footpegs are positioned more neutrally. This riding position provides excellent comfort and control, making the Speed Twin ideal for longer rides and everyday commuting.

Once you start riding, the Speed Twin feels incredibly smooth and refined. The engine delivers a linear power delivery, and the bike feels stable and composed at all speeds. The suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a comfortable ride. The Brembo brakes offer excellent stopping power, and the bike feels confident in corners.

Overall, the Speed Twin offers a versatile and enjoyable riding experience. It's a bike that's easy to ride and comfortable, making it ideal for a wide range of riders. Whether you're commuting to work, exploring back roads, or embarking on a weekend tour, the Speed Twin is up to the task.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, both the Thruxton RS and the Speed Twin offer impressive capabilities, but they cater to different riding styles and preferences. The Thruxton RS, with its more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension, excels in terms of outright speed and handling. It's a bike that's designed to be ridden hard and rewards skilled riders with its performance.

The Speed Twin, on the other hand, prioritizes mid-range torque and comfort. Its engine is incredibly tractable and easy to ride at lower speeds, making it ideal for everyday commuting and leisurely rides. The suspension is more compliant, providing a comfortable ride even on rough roads. While it may not be as fast or agile as the Thruxton RS, the Speed Twin is still a capable performer in its own right.

In terms of acceleration, the Thruxton RS is slightly quicker off the line, thanks to its more powerful engine. However, the Speed Twin's strong mid-range torque allows it to keep pace in most riding situations. Both bikes offer excellent braking performance, with Brembo brakes providing ample stopping power.

Overall, the Thruxton RS is the better choice for riders who prioritize performance and handling, while the Speed Twin is more suitable for those who value comfort and versatility.

Styling and Features

Both the Thruxton RS and the Speed Twin boast classic styling, but they have distinct design elements that set them apart. The Thruxton RS is the more aggressive and sporty of the two, with its clip-on handlebars, sculpted fuel tank, and minimalist design. It exudes a raw and purposeful look that appeals to riders who appreciate the café racer aesthetic.

The Speed Twin, on the other hand, has a more refined and understated appearance. Its upright riding position, wider handlebars, and classic roadster lines give it a more approachable and versatile look. It's a bike that's equally at home in the city or on the open road.

In terms of features, both bikes offer a similar level of equipment, including ride-by-wire throttle, riding modes, LED lighting, and a twin-pod instrument cluster with digital displays. However, the Thruxton RS has a few additional features, such as adjustable suspension and higher-spec Brembo brakes, that enhance its performance capabilities.

Ultimately, the choice between the Thruxton RS and the Speed Twin comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more aggressive and sporty look, the Thruxton RS is the way to go. If you prefer a more refined and versatile appearance, the Speed Twin is the better choice.

Conclusion: Which Bike Should You Choose?

So, after a thorough comparison, which bike should you choose: the Triumph Thruxton RS or the Speed Twin? The answer, as always, depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

• Choose the Thruxton RS if:
  • You prioritize performance and handling above all else.
  • You enjoy an aggressive and sporty riding position.
  • You love the café racer aesthetic.
  • You're willing to sacrifice some comfort for a more thrilling riding experience.
• Choose the Speed Twin if:
  • You value comfort and versatility.
  • You prefer a more relaxed and upright riding position.
  • You want a bike that's equally at home in the city or on the open road.
  • You appreciate classic styling with modern performance.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. Get a feel for their handling, performance, and comfort, and see which one resonates with you the most. Happy riding, guys!