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Triumph motorcycles releases Speed Triple 1200RR: The most technically advanced Speed Triple yet!

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Since teaser images were released a few weeks ago, we knew Triumph was working on something sportier, with most hoping for a fully-faired Superbike slayer from the British firm. The teaser images showed a new sportier-looking front end and seat cowl but strategically hid the sides and fairings, getting sportsbike fans rather hot under the collar. Today we finally see the details for the brand new Speed Triple 1200RR.

Speed Triple 1200RR
Fairingless sportsbike?

Well, it’s clear to see the sportbike fans are disappointed as the new RR lacks fairings. People were predicting an MV Agusta Superveloce styled sportsbike with a proper big triple engine, and while we kind of got that, but without the fairings. It seems Triumphs fear of plastic panelling continues.

Without focusing on these downsides, though, what we do get is a singular round headlight, with carbon fibre details, new paint schemes with candy paint finish in either Red Hopper and Storm Grey or Crystal white and storm grey. Personally, I think the red and grey colours are a winner!

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The Speed Triple should be comfortable with an 830mm seat height, and the clip-on bars and revised footpeg position should make it even more so. 135mm lower and 50mm further forward than the standard Speed should give a sportier position, as does a revised seat profile and narrow tank.

Adding to the sporty feel, we get Ohlins EC2.0 Semi-active adjustable suspension, the most advanced electronic units available from Ohlins, specifically tuned to suit the Speed Triple. Pirelli Supercorsa SP V3 tyres add to the already high spec items of the Speed Triple 1200 RS. This includes Brembo’s Stylema brake calipers, the Brembo master cylinder with adjustable lever, and the revised 1200 triple engine. The track-only spec swaps the Supercorsa SP V3 tyres for Supercorsa SC2; however, if used in all weathers, it could be worth swapping these out for something with more wet grip like the Diablo Rosso 4.

Speed Triple 1200RR
Single round headlight

Combined with a lightweight chassis that uses a cast aluminium frame, Triumph says it aimed to get the pinpoint handling of the 765 Street Triple, with the new beefier, more powerful engine of the Speed. Triumph says with the new components and advances in electronics; it’s the most sports-focused Speed Triple they have made.

This new 1160cc engine would have been perfect for a roadgoing Triumph triple superbike. A lightweight, fast-revving triple with 180hp on tap, a 10,750rpm redline the stunning 3 cylinder growl. Perfect. Torque peaks at 125nm at 9000rpm. An added up and down quick shifter developed from Triumph’s Moto2 project assists with gear changes, and the slip and assist clutch allows for clutch slip when aggressively downshifting, helping maximise control.

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On the electronics side, the Triumph packs the tech with a 5″ TFT display, complete with My Triumph connectivity, allowing the pairing of the rider’s phone for calls, navigation guidance or music control. Cornering ABS and traction control features, as does wheel lift control, thanks to the six-axis IMU. Five rider modes are available with road, rain sport, track and a rider customisable setting.

The bike uses keyless technology, allowing ignition, steering lock and fuel filler cap to be operated while the keys are still in your pocket.

As always, Triumph goes the extra mile with a wide range of detail, comfort or protection accessories with 30 genuine Triumph parts available for owners. The new Speed Triple 1200RR costs £17,950 and is available from January 2022.

Triumph Speed Triple 1200
Saucy red number is spot on!

On the whole, more models are good. However, it seems as though something is missing with this bike, and I think we all know what it is. It’s almost like a Thruxton on Steriods, more muscular, and with a bigger engine and more power. Dare I say it, it even looks very SV650/1000S-ish, in a sense that it just looks slightly odd and missing the fairings. Of course, I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve ridden it, but it just feels like it wants to be a superbike whilst not actually being one.

Find out more on the Triumph website here.

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