New Triumph Speed Triple S & RS: Aggressive, agile and purposeful; the legendary Triumph Speed Triple created the performance naked category back in 1994 and coined the phrase ‘factory streetfighter’.
The latest generation of Triumph’s modern motorcycle icon builds on the Speed Triple’s perfect balance of power, handling, and capability, making it the most advanced and powerful Speed Triple ever built. The new S and RS models are improved in every way, with the RS having the highest ever level of specification to reflect its new name and pedigree.
Still the perfect balance. Still the original hooligan.
- The most powerful and responsive Speed Triple ever, and the best sounding
- A major development to the 1050 cc Triple engine, with 105 new engine parts
- More power (150 PS) and more torque (117 Nm)
- More Triumph Triple character by revving harder and spinning up faster
- New freer-flowing silencer for improved exhaust sound
- Arrow sports silencers fitted as standard on the Speed Triple RS
- The smartest and most technologically advanced Speed Triple ever
- 5″ full-colour TFT instruments with up to five rider modes
- Innovative LED illuminated switchcubes
- New optimised cornering ABS and traction control on the Speed Triple RS supported by a new inertial measurement unit
- High level of specification including cruise control and DRL headlights, plus on the Speed Triple RS only, keyless ignition as standard
- Lighter and the best-handling Speed Triple ever
- Sharper, more focussed and more agile
- Distinctive twin spar aluminium frame and single-sided swing-arm
- High specification suspension, Brembo brakes and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres
- Improved rider comfort
- All the iconic Speed Triple attitude with a high level of specification and finish
- Higher quality finish and detailing: new high-gloss wheels and restyled silencers
- Contemporary new colours and decals
- Lightweight carbon fibre bodywork and matt aluminium rear subframe on the Speed Triple RS
The most powerful, responsive and best sounding Speed Triple ever
The new generation Speed Triple S and RS incorporate a major engine development and advanced engineering for performance enhancement and a weight saving. All 105 new engine components play a role to offer more power and torque throughout the rev range and a smoother, more linear power delivery.
Peak power is now 7% higher than the previous generation at 150 PS and peak torque is up 4% at 117 Nm.
To enhance performance, engine updates include new lighter crank gear, lighter Nikasil-plated aluminium cylinder liners, a smaller starter motor, and lighter battery and alternator. New profile pistons and a new cylinder head with optimised exhaust ports improve gas flow and deliver an even higher compression ratio to achieve the increased power output.
A new sump lowers the oil level in the engine, reducing drag and improving weight distribution. The re-routed oil system now runs the oil internally through the head gasket to the cylinder head, allowing for the removal of external oil pipes, improved styling and reduced mass.
Triumph Motorcycles Chief Engineer, Stuart Wood, said: “We have made major changes to the new Speed Triple engine. The result is a motor that spins up faster and revs harder for longer with a red line now 1,000 rpm higher than the previous generation. This delivers more Triumph Triple character, crisp throttle response and the unmistakable Triple deep, rich roar to match.”
A new freer-flowing exhaust, larger catalyst and lighter header system improves gas flow and performance in both models. The restyled high-level silencers on the Speed Triple S and lightweight sports silencers as standard on the RS bring a significant improvement to the roar of the Triple engine, making the latest model the best sounding Speed Triple sound ever.
An improved gearbox and slip assist clutch combine to improve rider comfort and help to deliver that perfect Speed Triple ride.
The most technologically advanced Speed Triple ever
Both models now feature angle adjustable full-colour 5-inch TFT instruments to ensure optimum visibility. A new dedicated Speed Triple logo animation is integrated into the start-up sequence of both models, while the different themes and styles available alter the layout of the information, linked to the riding modes. The new ergonomic switchcubes incorporate illuminated buttons to enhance rider interaction in all lighting conditions.
The advanced ride-by-wire system enables the configuration of the bike’s character to suit riding preferences using variable throttle maps, linked to up to five selectable riding modes. The new cruise control feature improves long distance rideability and is now standard on both models, while Daytime Running Lights incorporated into the headlights enhance visibility. This is in addition to the Speed Triple’s core technology package including switchable ABS, switchable traction control, and a USB charging point.
The new Speed Triple RS takes the model’s technology to a whole new level with optimised cornering ABS and traction control ensuring the optimum distribution of brake force, slip rate and torque control, improving both straight line riding and cornering. This is delivered through its advanced inertial measurement unit (IMU), developed in partnership with Continental, which takes constant measurements of roll, pitch, yaw, lean angle and acceleration rates, and responds with appropriate active safety features.
The Speed Triple RS also features a new keyless steering lock and ignition system, electronically activated by the lock button on the switchcube, with an option to disable the keyless function for even greater security
Lighter and the best-handling Speed Triple ever
Both Speed Triple models now deliver the most agile and focussed ride ever, through new advanced rider aids and Triumph’s trademark neutral and precise handling. This is further enhanced on the RS with a weight saving of 3 kg.
The new RS also comes fitted as standard with an adjustable Brembo brake lever and matching clutch lever, plus a new comfort seat.
The new models retain the distinctive single-sided swinging arm and twin spar aluminium frame of the previous generation, optimised for stiffness for the perfect blend of rigidity and feel. The new models also retain the high level of specification across the bike, with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres and twin front brake discs with Brembo 4-piston 2-pad M4.34 radial Monobloc calipers.
Both models feature high specification fully adjustable suspension which can be set up for road-focussed riding and track use.
- Speed Triple RS: 43 mm Öhlins NIX30 upside-down forks and Öhlins TTX36 twin tube rear monoshock, both fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.
- Speed Triple S: 43 mm upside-down Showa forks and Showa monoshock rear suspension unit, both fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping’
All the iconic Speed Triple attitude with a higher level of specification and finish
The new models now feature all new high-gloss ten-spoke wheels for a more premium and contemporary look, while retaining the instantly recognisable aggressive, nose-down, focussed attitude that the Speed Triple is loved for.
The new race-style upswept twin silencers on the Speed Triple S have a larger bore and are fitted with aluminium heat shields, a black-painted body and a more slender stainless-steel end cap. The high-level Arrow Sports Silencers on the RS have been re-styled to be more angular and sporty with a brushed titanium finish, a carbon fibre heat shield and end cap, and reduced weight over the base silencers.
The Speed Triple RS also has a higher level of finish and premium detailing with lightweight carbon fibre bodywork on the front mudguard and radiator cowls, and new RS decals. A new colour-coded belly pan and key-release pillion seat cowl are fitted as standard, in addition to a new matt aluminium rear subframe, in keeping with the Street Triple RS theme.
Both new models retain the signature Speed Triple features and detailing, like a billet machined rear wheel finisher, signature headlight profile and fly screen with integrated air intake, aluminium bar end mirrors, sleek fuel tank, narrow radiator and slim two-piece seat design with embossed Triumph logo.
Both models are available in two different colour combinations:
- Speed Triple S – Jet Black or Crystal White, both with a titanium rear subframe, graphite wheel pinstripes, silver seat stitching and graphite decals
- Speed Triple RS – Crystal White or Matt Jet Black, both with a matt aluminium rear subframe, red wheel pinstripes, red seat stitching, and more premium RS decals.
Extensive accessory line-up for even more style, performance and practicality
With over 50 accessories available through Triumph’s online configurator, riders can take their Speed Triple S or RS to an even higher level of specification with official accessories, covering style, performance and practicality.
Designed to the highest levels of quality and reliability, customers can specify accessories including black anodised CNC-machined brake reservoirs, machined wheel finishers, slim LED indicators, and contemporary lightweight carbon fibre fuel tank infills. For more practicality there’s also a low seat, frame and fork protectors, radiator guard, fly screen visor, passenger grab rail, luggage options and heated grips.
**Availability of certain accessories may be governed by local market legislation – please check with a Triumph market representative for availability.
Standard Equipment
| Full Colour Adjustable TFT Instruments | The Speed Triple S and RS feature all-new, angle-adjustable full colour 5″ TFT instruments for riders to access the new on-board computer. There are three different screen display styles to choose from, pre-set to the riding modes and easily changeable on the move. To ensure that the screen is readable in all weather and riding conditions, each of the three styles can be selected with ‘High’ or ’Auto’ contrast. The Speed Triple RS comes with an additional set of three more screen display styles and a lap timer. |
| New On-Board Computer | Presents speedometer, rev counter, riding mode symbol, gear position display, fuel level, clock and ambient temperature on permanent display. Additional information is available via the selectable ‘tray’ at the bottom of the screen, including two trip displays, average and instantaneous fuel consumption, range to empty, riding mode selection, display style, contrast settings, service information, coolant temperature, and warning symbol information, plus lap timer (Speed Triple RS only). |
| New Switchcubes with Illuminated Buttons | To navigate the new instruments there are all-new switchcubes with an intuitive 5-way joystick control to improve ease of use. Innovative new back-lit buttons enhance rider interaction and improve control in all riding conditions. |
| Ride-by-Wire | For a crisper and more precise throttle response, with improved on/off throttle transition. Enabling different throttle maps, which, combined with the ABS and traction control settings, give up to five riding modes. |
| Riding Modes | Linked to the ride-by-wire system – Road, Rain, Sport and Rider configurable riding modes are selectable on both new models via the new switch gear, for maximum control and safety in different riding conditions. The Speed Triple RS also has an extra Track mode, offering advanced ABS and traction control settings. |
| Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control
(Speed Triple RS) |
Optimised cornering ABS and traction control ensure the optimum distribution of brake force, slip rate and torque control, improving both straight line riding and cornering.
|
| Inertial Measurement Unit
(Speed Triple RS) |
The new inertial measurement unit (IMU), developed with Continental, takes constant measurements of roll, pitch, yaw, lean angle and acceleration rates, and responds with appropriate active safety features. |
| Switchable ABS and Traction Control
(Speed Triple S) |
Maximising rider safety and control, the riding modes feature the appropriate ABS and traction control settings, which can be turned off completely via the Rider configurable mode. |
| Keyless Ignition and Steering Lock
(Speed Triple RS) |
The new keyless ignition system recognises the proximity of the key fob, enabling a push button start. The steering lock is also keyless and electronically activated by the lock button on the switchcube, with an option to disable the keyless function for even greater security. |
| Cruise Control | An easy-to-use cruise control function is now fitted as standard to both new models for the first time ever on a Speed Triple, improving long distance rideability by reducing rider fatigue. |
| DRL Headlight* | Daytime Running Lights (DRL)* incorporated into the headlight bring excellent visibility and a distinctive light profile. |
*Availability of the DRL function is governed by local market legislation – please check with a Triumph market representative for availability.
Specifications
| SPEED TRIPLE S | SPEED TRIPLE RS | |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder | Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder |
| Capacity | 1050 cc | 1050 cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 79 x 71.4 mm | 79 x 71.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.92:1 | 12.92:1 |
| Maximum Power | 150 PS / 148 Bhp (110 kW) @ 10,500 rpm | 150 PS / 148 Bhp (110 kW) @ 10,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 117 Nm @ 7,150 rpm | 117 Nm @ 7,150 rpm |
| Fuel system | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI |
| Exhaust | Stainless steel 3 into 1 into 2, twin high level stainless steel silencers | Stainless steel 3 into 1 into 2, twin high level stainless steel silencers |
| Final drive | X ring chain | X ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate slip assist cltuch | Wet, multi-plate slip assist cltuch |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Frame | Aluminium twin-spar | Aluminium twin-spar |
| Swingarm | Single-sided, aluminium alloy with eccentric chain adjuster | Single-sided, aluminium alloy with eccentric chain adjuster |
| Front Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 3.5 in | Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 3.5 in |
| Rear Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 6.0 in | Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 6.0 in |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 190/55 ZR17 | 190/55 ZR17 |
| Front Suspension | Showa 43 mm upside-down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping. 120 mm travel | Öhlins 43 mm NIX30 upside-down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping. 120 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Showa Monoshock with preload, rebound and compression damping, 130 mm rear wheel travel | Öhlins TTX36 twin tube Monoshock with preload, rebound and compression damping, 130 mm rear wheel travel |
| Front Brake | Twin 320 mm floating discs, Brembo 4-piston 2-pad radial monobloc calipers. Switchable ABS. | Twin 320 mm floating discs, Brembo 4-piston, 2-pad monobloc radial calipers. Switchable ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 255 mm disc, Nissin single 2-piston sliding caliper. Switchable ABS. | Single 255 mm disc, Nissin single 2-piston sliding caliper. Switchable ABS |
| Length | 2,075 mm | 2,075 mm |
| Width (Handlebars) | 775 mm | 775 mm |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1,070 mm | 1,070 mm |
| Seat Height | 825 mm | 825 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,445 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Rake | 22.9 º | 22.9 º |
| Trail | 91.3 mm | 91.3 mm |
| Dry Weight | 192 Kg | 189 Kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.5 L | 15.5 L |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 l/100km (54.3 MPG) | 5.2 l/100km (54.3 MPG) |
| CO2 Emissions | 119.0 g/km | 119.0 g/km |
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or head to the official Triumph Motorcycles website triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
Original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk and published by Frank Duggan. Frank is the Founder and Editor of Modern Classic Motorcycle News, an independent motorcycle publication covering modern classic motorcycles, roadsters, scramblers, cruisers, electric motorcycles and the wider motorcycle industry.
