Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS test: cult and culture
The three-cylinder engine is approaching perfection and the semi-active chassis, belongs to the reference class. The new Speedy impresses across the board.
(Image: Ingo Gach)
- Ingo Gach
The Speed Triple is an icon for streetfighter fans. In 1997, Triumph was the first brand to dare to build one in series. The Speed Triple T509 had no fairing, but two round headlights, a wide handlebar instead of stub handlebars, a relatively short rear end and a powerful engine. It started a cult that was followed by many other manufacturers and the streetfighter culture still influences the design of many models today. The new Speed Triple 1200 RS continues the tradition and in fact there are still remnants of the T509 on it. For example, the frame has two curved tubes lying on top of each other and, of course, a three-cylinder engine serves as the drive. As of this year, it produces 183 hp from its 1160 cm3 displacement. There are plenty of other innovations too. We have subjected the new Speed Triple 1200 RS to a detailed test.
- Tradition since Triumph launched the Speed Triple T509 in 1997
- Power: 135 kW at 10,750 rpm, torque 128 Nm at 8750 rpm
- Adaptive suspension with Öhlins components as standard
- The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 need a warm-up phase
- Price: 19,995 Euro
Beauty and beast
The Speed Triple 1200 RS is both "Beauty" and "Beast": In its current design, it is more beautiful than ever, but can mutate into a beast by switching off various assistance systems – after all, it has a reputation as the wheelie queen to defend. The developers seem to have built the bike around the three-cylinder, a sculpture of an engine. The light alloy tubular frame stretches over it, a rear frame with a lattice tube structure is bolted on.
The rounded tank curves at the top and the seat has a sporty cut: nice and narrow at the front, wide at the rear for good comfort. Instead of a tiny pillion seat, our test motorcycle was fitted with a removable cover. The "Speedy" still has twin headlights, but today they are no longer round, but cut at an angle with LED daytime running lights for an "evil" facial expression. The narrow rear ends in an LED tail light in the shape of a symbolized "T".
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS I (7 Bilder)
Ingo Gach
)Semi-active chassis
The Speed Triple 1200 RS now comes with semi-active suspension from Öhlins as standard. Connoisseurs will also recognize that the Speedy is fitted with new rims, which make it lighter than its predecessor. Its very voluminous rear silencer is also new, although a slimmer Akrapovic titanium silencer with carbon end cap from Triumph's own range of accessories is fitted to our test bike. It looks much more elegant, but costs 1155 Euro. Starting the engine is also contactless with Triumph. The subtle rumbling sound of the three-cylinder engine gives you goose bumps. Triumph pays attention to the volume, with the Speed Triple 1200 RS reaching 91 dB(A) when stationary.
The riding position is now slightly more upright thanks to the slightly higher handlebars and even though the footrests are relatively far back, the knee angle is still bearable. The knee clearance on the Speed Triple's 15.5 liter tank fits perfectly. Its handlebars have grown slightly in width and there are stylish mirrors at the ends that provide a remarkably good view to the rear.
Smooth-running, free-revving and powerful
The three-cylinder engine in the Speed Triple 1200 RS is approaching perfection: smooth, free-revving and powerful. The fact that it has three hp and three Nm more for the current season, despite Euro 5+, is a nice bonus. Only at under 3500 rpm is it still a little restrained, although certainly not powerless. Then it flexes its muscles and pushes linearly with elemental force up to 11,000 rpm. You can only take this beast out on the racetrack, as it reaches a top speed of 270 km/h. At the same time, the Speed Triple can be chauffeured through the city like a lamb; it even accelerates smoothly in sixth gear at a speed of 50. From 3500 rpm, more than 100 Nm are always available. The maximum is 128 Nm at 8750 rpm, which encourages a lazy driving style. The clutch is smooth and the gearshift is precise. Most of the time, however, I didn't use the clutch at all, instead sorting the gears with the superbly functioning quickshifter.
Pleasantly easy to handle
The Speed Triple 1200 RS proves to be pleasantly easy to handle. Its amazingly low weight of 199 kg ready to ride also contributes to this. Despite its steep steering head angle of 66.1 degrees, it is not the least bit nervous. It is easy to turn in, probably also thanks to the lightened front wheel rim, and hits the line precisely. It remains absolutely calm and neutral when leaning, and an adjustable steering damper suppresses unwanted chassis reactions. The excellent chassis does a great job with 120 mm of suspension travel at the front and rear. The golden anodized upside-down fork with a diameter of 43 mm and the Öhlins rear shock absorber respond extremely sensitively in "Road" mode, filtering out even holes in the asphalt well. In "Sport" mode, the Speed Triple accelerates more aggressively, the semi-active suspension is noticeably harder and is more predestined for the racetrack, even though Triumph also offers a "Track" mode.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS II (8 Bilder)
Ingo Gach
)Many assistance systems
A wide range of assistance systems can be selected on the five-inch TFT display and can usually be set in several stages. The slipper-sensitive slip control prevents the wide rear wheel in 190/55ZR17 format from spinning. But the Speed Triple has a reputation to lose, and so the slip control can be switched off for impressive wheelies. Non-experts can use the – wheelie control, which can also be switched off – in four stages, to keep the front wheel hovering at the right height above the asphalt. Of course, this is only intended for closed-off tracks and is not permitted on public roads.
The Speed Triple 1200 RS is held back by excellent brakes (Brembo Stylema) and outstanding cornering ABS. The two radial four-piston brake callipers with 320 mm brake discs belong to the reference class, decelerating powerfully with a crystal-clear pressure point on the radial brake lever, the ratio of which can be adjusted in three stages. One small point of criticism: the brakes squeal at low speeds shortly before coming to a standstill.
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Standard tires too extreme
Despite all the electronic safety nets, caution is advised with the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires. They are among the best road-legal racing tires, but take a long time to warm up on country roads at low outside temperatures. There are some tires that are more suitable for everyday use and can still cope with the power of the engine. Apart from that, however, it is amazing how easy the once notorious Speed Triple is to ride.
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Not cheap, but worth the price
Triumph offers the Speed Triple 1200 RS for 19,995 euros. This is certainly not cheap, but is justified in view of the performance on offer. The Speed Triple's engine and chassis are among the best on the market. However, the cult factor of the Speed Triple is almost priceless.