Triumph has just announced the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS powered by an all-new 1,160cc triple engine. This motor means business … rated at 178 horsepower. The new bike has also lost 22 pounds and comes standard with Öhlins suspension components and Brembo Stylema brakes.
Now the exclusive engine supplier to the Moto2 World championship, Triumph seems to be bringing all of its engine tuning chops to the Speed Triple 1200 RS. Here is the full press release from Triumph:
All-new in every dimension, the Speed Triple 1200 RS has been purpose designed from the ground up to deliver an absolute revolution in terms of Speed Triple power, performance, handling and technology, giving the ultimate performance naked sports ride.
A revolution in Speed Triple power and performance
- The most powerful and fastest accelerating Speed Triple ever.
- All-new higher capacity 1160cc triple engine.
- 180PS peak power: up 30PS.
- 125Nm peak torque: up 8Nm.
- 650rpm higher revving, 12% lower inertia engine.
- All-new free-breathing intake and exhaust, with incredible sound.
A revolution in Speed Triple agility, handling and precision
- The most agile, precise, dynamic handling Speed Triple ever.
- 10kg lighter, at just 198kg wet.
- All-new mass centralised chassis.
- Narrower, with a more dominant and purposeful riding position.
- Track specification equipment including:
- Performance tuned fully adjustable Öhlins suspension
- Metzeler RACETEC™ RR tyres
- Brembo Stylema® brakes.
A revolution in Speed Triple technology
- The smartest, sharpest and most technologically advanced Speed Triple ever.
- Optimised Cornering ABS & switchable Optimised Cornering Traction Control (with IMU).
- All-new 5” TFT instruments.
- Five riding modes, including enhanced Track mode.
- New Triumph Shift Assist up-and-down quickshifter.
- New distinctive full-LED lighting.
- New full keyless system.
- My Triumph Connectivity System fitted as standard.
A revolution in Speed Triple attitude and style
- All-new muscular and arresting poise and presence.
- Purer, cleaner and sharper lines.
- Undeniable focused speed triple design DNA.
- Striking new dynamic headlight and tail-light designs,
with distinctive new light signatures.
THE MOST POWERFUL, HIGHEST TORQUE AND FASTEST ACCELERATING SPEED TRIPLE EVER.
With an all-new higher capacity 1160cc triple engine developed with insight from our Moto2™ race engine programme, the new Speed Triple 1200 RS delivers 180PS peak power at 10,750 rpm and 125NM peak torque at 9,000 rpm, giving an incredibly exhilarating ride. It’s also more responsive, it is 650rpm higher revving, and comes with a new free-breathing intake and exhaust for a hair-raising new triple soundtrack.
All-new engine
The powertrain has been completely re-designed, with every single element engineered for increased performance and reduced mass, making the new engine significantly lighter, by 7kg. It’s more compact compared to the previous Speed Triple powertrain, despite the bigger capacity, giving the new model the perfect balance of aggression, performance and control.
Significantly higher power and torque
The engine delivers significantly higher power and torque compared to the previous generation – making this the most powerful and torque-rich Speed Triple ever – with fantastic performance and character across the entire rev range, and all of the signature “wall of torque” triple delivery, taken to a whole new level.
The engine delivers blistering new performance, with 30PS more power and a peak of 180PS at 10,750 rpm. It revs harder, with the red line now raised by 650 rpm to 11,150rpm, and maintains all of the incredible torque and character in the low and mid range that the Speed Triple has always been renowned for, with 125 Nm peak torque at 9,000rpm, 8Nm more than the outgoing model.
Incredible power-to-weight ratio
The outstanding performance of the new 3 cylinder engine, combined with the reduced weight of the all-new Speed Triple 1200 RS, delivers the highest power-to-weight ratio in the Speed Triple’s history, over 25% greater than the previous generation, and nearly double the original 1994 Speed Triple.
The best sounding Speed Triple ever produced
Thanks to the all-new free-breathing intake and exhaust system, the new Speed Triple 1200 RS is also the best sounding Speed Triple ever produced, with a visceral intake roar and characteristic triple exhaust howl.
Thanks to 12% less powertrain inertia, the engine also picks up quicker, feels sharper, and sounds sharper still.
Optimised new clutch and gearbox
There is a new lighter weight slip and assist clutch which uses state-of-the-art friction compound to reduce the number of clutch plates, minimising mass and improving clutch feel, while maximising control during high speed downshifting.
Combined with a completely new, and more compact, stacked 6-speed gearbox, gear changes are significantly smoother than the previous generation, with optimised ratio progression.
Performance is further enhanced by the new ignition system, with twin tip spark plugs for increased durability at high engine speeds as well as by a reduced weight of the cooling system, neatly packaged with an integrated oil circuit heat exchanger.
THE MOST AGILE, PRECISE, DYNAMIC AND RESPONSIVE HANDLING SPEED TRIPLE EVER.
10kg lighter and with an all-new lightweight chassis, all new rider ergonomics and a more dominant and purposeful riding position, the new Speed Triple 1200 RS is nothing less than a handling revolution. Premium track specification equipment includes new Brembo Stylema® brakes, Metzeler RACETEC™ RR tyres and performance tuned Öhlins suspension.
All of these improvements combine to deliver a new Speed Triple 1200 RS that’s been designed to feel as agile and dynamic to ride as a Street Triple RS.
All-new lightweight chassis
The all-new chassis has been designed from the ground up to deliver the lightest and best handling Speed Triple ever, with even more agile, precise and dynamic handling, in a tighter, more toned, and mass centralised package.
With a wet weight of just 198kg, the new bike is an incredible 10kg lighter than the previous generation. It has a 17% lighter cast aluminium frame with weight distribution that is further forward and lower down.
Dominant and purposeful riding position
The new Speed Triple 1200 RS has 13mm wider handlebars, delivering a more dominant and purposeful riding position, giving better feel and control for a more predictable ride. Improvements in the ergonomics of the bike and the riding position are achieved through the new footrest position, which has been moved inwards slightly from the previous generation model, allowing improved ground clearance without compromising leg room.
Substantial improvements have also been made to the seat profile and construction, which is now more comfortable, while allowing the rider to take a more natural tucked-in position for focussed riding. Seat height is a comfortable 830mm.
Premium Öhlins fully adjustable suspension
Contributing to the handling revolution of the all-new Speed Triple 1200 RS are premium track specification components fitted as standard.
The fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension both front and rear has been tuned to deliver the optimum balance of performance, comfort and control.
On the front, the Speed Triple 1200 RS has Öhlins NIX30 upside down forks, adjustable for pre-load, rebound and compression damping, while on the rear the rider can benefit from the Öhlins TTX36 twin tube monoshock, also adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping.
The entire suspension package has been tuned for the bike’s lower weight, higher power and torque, and new geometry, and developed to feel just as at home on the track as it is on the road.
Fork protectors are available as accessory fit.
High performance Brembo brakes
Incredible stopping power is provided by the new Brembo brakes on both front and rear.
On the front, the new high-performance twin Brembo Stylema® radial monobloc front calipers, with lighter 320mm front discs, ensure track-ready braking power, and on the rear a single Brembo twin-piston rear caliper enables the rider to balance the braking effort and enhances the overall control of the bike both on the road and on track.
A Brembo MCS span and ratio adjustable brake lever is available to further enhance the rider’s comfort and control.
Exceptional grip
The standard tyres fitted to the new Speed Triple 1200 RS are the high-performance Metzeler Racetec RR, which are Metzeler’s highest specification tyres approved for road use, and are capable of delivering optimum performance both on the road and on track.
Additionally, the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2 tyre can be fitted to the new Speed Triple 1200 RS as a factory approved track option.
THE SMARTEST, SHARPEST AND MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SPEED TRIPLE EVER.
The new 1200 RS comes equipped with a step change in Speed Triple technology, including all-new 5” TFT instruments, new Triumph Shift Assist up-and-down quickshifter, Optimised Cornering ABS, switchable Optimised Cornering Traction Control (with IMU), 5 riding modes – including Track mode, new distinctive full LED lighting, full keyless system and the My Triumph Connectivity System fitted as standard.
All-new 5” TFT instruments
The new Speed Triple 1200 RS features brand new 5” TFT instruments.
Both the TFT screen itself, as well as the user interface, are completely new, designed to provide the rider with the capability of applying more on-the-go adjustment compared to the previous generation, such as the ability to change traction control settings while riding.
Key information is clearly available for the rider, who will instantly be able to know their speed, gear and tacho thanks to the new TFT display and its new configuration, with space being created for any additional information or menus by sliding the tacho to the side as required.
The layout of the TFT screen is available in two different themes, which change the colour scheme of the display, and the new optically bonded 5-inch screen guarantees less reflection and therefore improves the image clarity in any lighting condition.
A lap timer is also included for track use.
My Triumph Connectivity System fitted as standard
The user interface on the new Speed Triple 1200 RS is further enhanced by the My Triumph Connectivity system, which is fitted as standard.
Speed Triple owners can now access turn-by-turn navigation via the free My Triumph app, GoPro control, phone control and music operation. The rider is able to control all of this through the switch cubes and will access all related information through the TFT screen.
Enhanced new Triumph Shift Assist
The technology revolution of the new Speed Triple 1200 RS includes substantial improvement in the ride-enhancing features available as standard.
A new Triumph Shift Assist up and down quickshifter is part of the standard equipment.
Ideal for spirited riding and track use, it enables clutchless up and down shifts while maintaining the throttle position, ensuring smooth, effortless and refined gear shifting both while accelerating or decelerating, thanks to its new variable position sensor, which ensures an optimised shifting position.
Optimised Cornering ABS
The new Optimised Cornering ABS system represents an additional confidence-inspiring aid to the rider of the new Speed Triple 1200 RS. The new Continental MIB-EVO ABS modular, with an integrated 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) and more refined ABS control, continuously monitors roll, pitch and yaw acceleration rates, to calculate lean angle and ensure the optimum brake force for any situation.
The system is adjustable through the TFT instruments and left-hand switch cube, and offers two selectable levels of intervention, “Road” and “Track”. The “Track” settings have been tuned to be unintrusive, and virtually imperceptible during fast track riding. The ABS settings are linked to the riding modes, but can also be selected independently if the rider chooses.
The new linked braking system improves stopping distances and stability under hard braking.
Switchable Optimised Cornering Traction Control
Also facilitated by the IMU, the Speed Triple 1200 RS’s new Optimised Cornering Traction Control ensures the optimum slip rate and torque control at any lean angle, improving acceleration and control in both straight lines and when cornering.
There are 4 levels of intervention to choose from (“Rain”, “Road”, “Sport” and “Track”), plus the ability to turn traction control off completely. Again, the “Track” setting has been developed in order to maximise forward progress and minimise perceived intervention when riding hard. Traction control settings are linked to the riding modes, but can also be independently adjusted.
Enhanced front wheel lift control
The enhanced front-wheel lift control is designed to enhance rider control of the new 1160cc triple engine, without feeling intrusive to the rider, and has advanced new algorithms that continuously monitor the signals from the IMU to ensure smoother control and faster progress. The settings are linked to and optimised for each traction control mode, allowing the level of intervention to be tailored to the conditions and riding style.
5 customisable riding modes, with enhanced “Track” mode
The new Speed Triple 1200 RS features 5 distinct riding modes: Rain, Road, Sport, Track and Rider. Each riding mode adjusts the behaviour of the bike to suit the intended use. Thanks to the ride-by-wire throttle system, the throttle response is adjusted according to the selected riding mode, as well as the traction control and ABS settings.
The new enhanced “Track” mode has been specifically designed to be as unintrusive as possible in track riding, while still providing the reassurance that the electronic systems are there to help in unexpected situations.
When in wet conditions, the rider can select the “Rain” riding mode, which reduces the power down to 100PS and increases the level of intervention of the other safety features.
Riding mode adjustments are easily accessible through the switchgear while riding.
Distinctive new all-LED lighting
Safety has been further enhanced thanks to the stunning new aggressively styled lighting system on the new Speed Triple 1200 RS, which includes the new LED headlights with incredibly distinctive new daytime running light signature (market specific), that are now brighter and whiter for enhanced visibility on the road.
The attractive new tail light is equally distinctive, and has been completely redesigned with a unique signature LED design, delivering a more compact silhouette to the rear.
Self-cancelling indicators are fitted as standard.
New full keyless system
The new Speed Triple 1200 RS is also equipped, for the very first time on a Triumph, with a full keyless system, including keyless ignition and steering lock, as well as a new keyless fuel filler cap.
To ensure greater security, the keyless system can be disabled if required with the simple press of a button on the key fob.
Cruise control fitted as standard
Through the switch cubes, the rider can activate the fully adjustable cruise control, which is fitted as standard, for improved long distance rideability.
Enhanced switchcube illumination
To complete the riding-aid features, the unique in segment backlit switch cubes now have a new more penetrative amber glow from the LEDs inside the switches, making them easier to read.
For additional rider comfort and convenience, neatly integrated internally wired heated grips and a tyre pressure monitoring system are available as accessory fit.
Lightweight new lithium ion battery
A lithium ion battery is fitted as standard, which is 60% lighter than the equivalent lead-acid battery, reducing the overall weight by 2.3kg.
A new accessory battery charger is available, which is suitable for both lithium ion and conventional lead acid batteries.
ALL-NEW MUSCULAR AND ARRESTING POISE AND PRESENCE
The new Speed Triple 1200 RS is the new definition of pure aggressive attitude, poise & style, with a muscular and arresting poise and presence, and purer, cleaner and sharper lines. Encapsulating all of the iconic Speed Triple design DNA, born from the category creating 1994 original, this new generation resets the benchmark for focussed Speed Triple attitude and style.
Compact new bodywork
The compact new premium bodywork is shaped by newly designed elements such as a carbon-fibre front mudguard, colour coded belly pan and seat cowl with an interchangeable pillion seat, and a new compact tail unit.
Distinctive new lightweight wheels
The aggressive look of the new Speed Triple 1200 RS is reinforced by its new 17-inch lightweight cast aluminium, black painted V-spoke wheels.
Two striking new Speed Triple colour schemes
Two bold new paint and graphics schemes are available for the new Speed Triple customer to choose from: Sapphire Black, with red and silver graphics, or Matt Silver Ice, with black, silver and yellow graphics.
Triumph’s signature attention to detail
A host of premium finishes, including dramatic new RS graphics and a branded handlebar clamp, can be admired on the new Speed Triple and, like all Triumphs, the incredible attention to detail led to all the cables and hoses being hidden from view.
New accessories
Speed Triple 1200 RS owners can personalise their motorcycle by choosing from a range of 35 accessories, with options to improve style and detailing, technology, luggage, protection, and care.
To personalise the style and detailing of the bike, the rider can choose to fit the body-coloured flyscreen, tinted flyscreen visor, machined sports bar end mirrors, machined front and rear brake reservoirs, machined aluminium rear axle finisher and much more.
Technology can be further enhanced thanks to the range of accessories available: scrolling LED indicators and a tyre pressure monitoring system are just two examples of the possibilities available through the accessories list. The Triumph Protect+ alarm, as Triumph Track+ tracker with 24/7 monitoring are also available for added peace of mind. (Market restrictions may apply).
Accessory luggage is also available for the new Speed Triple, with matching water-resistant tank and tail bags which have a quick release mounting mechanism.
Speed Triple owners can further protect their motorcycle with frame protectors, fork protectors and tank pad, and also when parked with an all-weather cover and the accessory battery charger.
Price, service and warranty
The new Speed Triple 1200 RS will be £15,100.
Overall cost of ownership is reduced, thanks to the high 10,000 miles service interval, and the 2 years unlimited mileage warranty.
The new Speed Triple 1200 RS will be arriving at Triumph dealers from the end of February.
UNIQUELY FOCUSSED AND FIT FOR PURPOSE
Aggressive, agile and purposeful; the original Triumph Speed Triple created the performance naked category back in 1994, and coined the phrase ‘factory streetfighter’. Designed from the ground up for the road, as a naked performance street bike, the 2005 Speed Triple 1050 then reset the benchmark all over again in a competitive class of predominantly adapted track oriented sports bikes.
With the new Speed Triple 1200 RS, once again, Triumph stands almost alone in the category with a motorcycle that has been designed first and foremost as a road-focussed naked performance street bike, with all of the benefits for the rider, and none of the shortcomings inherent in track-focussed motorcycles evolved for the road, where power, torque and handling can never be fully exploited.
SPECIFICATIONS
| ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Capacity | 1160 cc |
| Bore | 90.0 mm |
| Stroke | 60.8 mm |
| Compression | 13.2:1 |
| Maximum Power | 180 PS / 177.5 bhp (132.4 kW) @ 10,750 rpm 115.6 PS (85 kW) @ 8,000 rpm (Belgium only) |
| Maximum Torque | 125 Nm (92 lbft) @ 9,000 rpm 118 Nm @ 6,750 rpm (Belgium only) |
| Fuel System | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control |
| Exhaust | Stainless steel 3 into 1 header system with underslung primary silencer and side mounted secondary silencer |
| Final Drive | X-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist |
| Gearbox | 6 speed |
| CHASSIS | |
| Frame | Aluminium twin spar frame, bolt-on aluminium rear subframe |
| Swingarm | Aluminium, single-sided |
| Front Wheel | Cast aluminium, 17 x 3.50 in |
| Rear Wheel | Cast aluminium, 17 x 6.00 in |
| Front Tyre | Metzeler Racetec RR K3 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | Metzeler Racetec RR K3 190/55 ZR17 |
| Front Suspension | Öhlins 43 mm NIX30 upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping, 120 mm travel. |
| Rear Suspension | Öhlins TTX36 twin tube monoshock with preload, rebound and compression damping, 120 mm rear wheel travel. |
| Front Brakes | Twin 320mm floating discs. Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, OC-ABS, radial master cylinder with separate reservoir, span & ratio adjustable. |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220mm disc. Brembo twin piston caliper, OC-ABS. Rear master cylinder with separate reservoir. |
| Instruments | Full-colour 5″ TFT instruments |
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS | |
| Length | 2090 mm (82.3 in) |
| Width (Handlebars) | 792 mm (31.2 in) |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1089 mm (42.9 in) |
| Seat Height | 830 mm (32.7 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1445 mm (56.9 in) |
| Rake | 23.9 ° |
| Trail | 104.7 mm (4.1 in) |
| Wet weight | 198kg (437 lb) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.5 litres (4.1 US gal) |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION | |
| Fuel Consumption | 50.2 mpg (5.6 l/100km) |
| CO2 Figures | 130 g/km |
| Standard | EURO 5 CO2 emissions and fuel consumption data are measured according to regulation 168/2013/EC. Figures for fuel consumption are derived from specific test conditions and are for comparative purposes only. They may not reflect real driving results. |
| SERVICE | |
| Service interval | 10,000 miles (16,000km) / 12 months |
Those lights on a Speed Triple are just….. wrong.
What does Triumph have against the Belgies?
THE TIME HAS COME TO ASK, – IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE WHO LIKES THE INSECT, TRANSFORMER, ASYMECTRICAL, ONE ON-ONE OFF GARBAGE HEADLIGHT PLAGUE THAT MOTORCYCLE DESIGNERS HAVE FOISTED APON US SENSIBLE FOLKS, AND EXPERIENCED RIDERS ?
IF SO, – STOMP YOUR HOOVES ONCE FOR STUPID.
I’m with you Reginald
He needs the round headlights from the start. In fact, this bike is the answer to the ZRX that Kawasaki has denied us for so many years. The Z1000R if it had another look with a real seat would be in my garage. Sorry, but 20 years ago I didn’t have the money for a ZRX and the Z900rs Cafe isn’t an alternative either. Only Triumph’s low reputation for quality holds me back. But hey, will see this summer …
“Low reputation for quality”??? What is this, 20+ years ago? Get with the times…
Yeh, I can’t say I’ve heard any consistent rumblings about poor quality of Triumphs even over the past 20 years.
I am not so polarized by the headlights on this one. In fact, I think it looks great. Although, as the owner of a ‘96 Speed Triple for 18+ years, I do believe that some of the previous generations could have benefitted from having a single headlight option. Nonetheless, this bike looks as purposeful as a Ducati Streetfighter, or whatever they call it. It’s interesting to see the new, simplified rear suspension/spring curve, but functional weight savings. This bike is going to be all about the the successful traction and character of that engine. Cheers!
I’m with Thad. I like the headlights that are being “foisted” on me just fine. I’ve got much better things to be outraged by. This is the best-looking Speed Triple to me since the 2004 model, before they went to the goofy high-mount exhausts.
42 years old, plenty experienced, barely sensible.
I think this bike looks great.
hanging off that far w/ drag bars looks awkward. needs clip-ons…
The lights no longer bother me, especially with the accessory flyscreen installed, except:
1. As someone mentioned below, they stick out too far. I hated that on my Street Triple R, and I don’t like it here either. Raise them, mount them to the forks instead of to the frame, and tuck them in.
I can’t tell from the pictures whether there is a Ram-Air induction opening incorporated into the headlight-mounting apparatus. If so, great. Leave it there, but I still want those headlights raised higher and tucked in closer to the forks.
Would I prefer Triumph return to the dual round headlights of the original Speed and Street Triples? Yes, of course I would, but after so many years I’m well used to this Triumph-signature elliptical design, so they don’t annoy me anymore. I just want them tucked in better, and raised to handlebar level.
2: The stupid one eye on, one eye off thing again. Why do manufacturers keep doing this to us? No one likes it, and it’s less safe because it confuses oncoming drivers. It’s also annoying, always having to tell people, “No, that one headlight isn’t broken. It’s intentional. That’s how they designed it.”
Just make both headlights illuminate on low beam as well as high beam. Both lights always on. Duh.
It would also be good to be able to buy this thing in something other than basic black or Yamaha MT-10 gray and neon yellow.
Hey, at least the wheels aren’t neon yellow too.
Still, a bit of color as an option wouldn’t be a bad thing. British Racing Green, perhaps? Maybe something in a blue and red with white trim, a la the Union Jack?
That’s it. Those are my only nits to pick. Seems like they nailed the rest of the bike. Love the right-angle valve stems. Wish all bikes had those. Love the lack of bodywork, and that this bike isn’t over-designed. Far too often modern bikes have countless stupid, worthless angles and visual complications littering the overall aesthetic. This one is clean, simple, functional. If it doesn’t serve a real purpose, it’s not on there.
Also, it’s a Triumph, so the thing will just plain work. The handling will be rock solid. Stable, planted, sure-footed. It will sound seriously vicious. That big Triple’s power delivery will be glitch-free and unusually linear, yet still thrilling. Brakes will be suitably ferocious. The fit and finish will be top notch. Great materials, meticulous attention to detail, stem to stern.
All in all, this is going to be a good one. Its owners will not be disappointed.
With that being said, it’s doubtful that this bike will capture the Super Naked crown, as the title of this article states Triumph is looking to do with this new 1200 RS. Simply stated, this new Triumph still doesn’t boast the spec-sheet numbers necessary to compete with the top-shelf Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia “nakeds.” It comes close, but doesn’t quite get there.
It sure has narrowed the gap, though. It’s certainly a viable alternative now. For some, perhaps its iconic Britishness and perceived superiority in terms of daily livability and overall reliability might tip the scales in its favor.
I know I’d rather have this thing over the Ducati. I’m not sure, however, when pitting this Triumph against the latest Super Duke 1290 R or Tuono 1100 Factory. Whether we’re talking dyno numbers, power delivery, or sheer visceral satisfaction, that V-4 in the Tuono is tough to beat, and that 1301cc lump in the KTM truly is a beast.
This new Speed Triple RS looks to have done its homework, but it’s playing in some seriously deep, shark-infested waters. It definitely has its work cut out for it.
My 2008 Triumph Sprint St doesn’t do that one eye off/ one eye on thing. Really bugs me they don’t fix that. KTM doesn’t do it.
Also wish Triumph sold a kit for all speed triple/ street triples which was an factory accessory OEM plug/play round headlight (black or chrome) kit. Really would give the bike more presence…tired of the bug eyes on all newer bikes.
The originals with the dual round headlights mounted much higher definitely gave the Speed/Street Triples a distinctive look, and, for once, it was the good sort of distinctive. Had they held on to that design, it would have become iconic.
One eye off is a show-stopper for me. Aprilia has both on, too. Nice bike otherwise.
at these levels, the abilities of the bike have nothing to do with actual performance. The rider is the largest factor on determining performance. This bike competes head to head with those other bikes listed but falls short of that one talented guy on a 20 year old SV650.
yea verily…
The interwebs say the starting price is supposed to be $18,300, not over $20k.
That’s over $20k, out the door.
The previous $20k references were to MSRP, not out the door. And 10% for tax and tags seems excessive.
Not in certain regions of tax-heavy California where sales tax alone can be at 10.25%. Yeah, we’re really lucky to live here.
Can I get the Belgium version here in North Carolina? “Maximum Torque 125 Nm (92 lbft) @ 9,000 rpm 118 Nm @ 6,750 rpm (Belgium only)”
Does it still have Lucas electronics? Where’s the Zener diode?
those poor fn’ belgians!
I hate it.
I seriously want to ride it.
The fairing/headlight thing is really really bad.
This thing is just plain fugly. Beauty may well be in the eye of the beholder but this thing makes me want to shut my eyes.
But hey, I am a seasoned citizen and the bike is not marketed for me. I know that there are some older riders here that will say they just “love” it. Fine.
Wine and dine the thing, throw a pillow sack over that freakin’ face of it and “ride” it like you moan it.
🙂
As a Scotsman once told me, “You ne’re look at the mantelpiece when you’re pokin’ the fire.”
The styling doesn’t really appeal to me but I would love to own this motorcycle.
Did I miss the price somewhere….????
Per the article hiding in all the verbiage: The new Speed Triple 1200 RS will be £15,100 which supposedly amounts to over $20,000 U.S.
Thanks Geezer…….scratch the Triumph off the list, then.
“over $20,000 U.S.”—YOUCH!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve liked every iteration of the Speed Triple, both the way they looked and the way the take care of business. This one keeps the fuzzy feelings going. Me likey.
Never have cared for the looks of these, but hoochie momma has to be exciting when you stretch the go handle.
Peak torque at 9,000 rpms? Gads
I really do like everything about the speed triple except the headlights. They stick out too far from the forks and looks like ET’s head from a side photo. I with that Triumph made them more flush with the forks. But it does look better with a flyscreen.
Order Odonata
Was thinking the same thing. Then I realized they need to leave clearance for lock-to-lock triple clamp movement since the headlight nacelle is mounted to the frame. Most old school bikes or conversions have the headlight mounted to the fork tubes I believe.
Definitely agree on putting a small fly screen on it to clean up the look from the side.
Kudos to Triumph for the obvious power and handling improvements, but as I’m getting older, I also appreciate those more user-friendly improvements like cruise control, keyless ignition and self-cancelling turn signals. They all add up to making this bike more refined and versatile.
Triumph didn’t get the memo; naked bikes are supposed to have fairings now.
lol…thanks for the laugh
Insect headlights has to be intentional at this point. At these horsepower and weight figures, though, few will see it from the front or side, unless it is upside down or on a flatbed, smashed to bits
You prefer KTM’s ???
I know I am not going to be popular with this, but I think naked bikes look best with big round headlights- even modern-ish ones. That’s just me, though
I agree, that is the most dumbass headlight I ever seen, think I even like the KTM better than that one, and I don’t really like it either. Oy Vey.
Anonymous – Yes. Quite true.
The goofy headlights need a fairing for an integrated or homogeneous appearance.
Now, a proper big round headlight in a 50s or 60s smooth dolphin fairing is still the nicest IMO.
Yes. Quite true.
The goofy headlights need a fairing for an integrated or homogeneous appearance.
Now a proper round headlight in a 50s or 60s smooth dolphin fairing is still the nicest IMO.
The headlight designer might turn out to be the special effects guy from the “Alien” movie franchise. Or at least a fanboy.