The iconic Speed Triple gets a full makeover, gaining 30 hp and losing a chunk of weight to boot.

By Chris Northover / cycleworld.com

“This is more of a Speed Triple revolution than an evolution,” says  Stuart Wood, chief engineer at Triumph Motorcycles. “It’s the best Speed Triple Triumph has ever built.” Amusingly, that last bit is also what was said about the previous Speed Triple, and you’d hope so too. Why build a new one that wasn’t as good? Mr. Wood is simply emphasizing just how far the Triumph engineers have been able to move the performance for this model.

The numbers alone are impressive, with the new 1,160cc motor pushing out a claimed 180 hp and curb weight down 22 pounds, to 437. That increase in performance has come from a ground-up redesign of the engine, incorporating a new stacked gearbox, increasing displacement, and reducing inertia throughout. The new gearbox has allowed Triumph to include a two-way quickshifter, the first one on a Speed Triple. Other than the quickshifter, the outgoing Speed Triple RS was already very well spec’d, and its Öhlins suspension, keyless ignition, five ride modes, IMU-powered (Inertial Measurement Unit) ABS, and Traction Control are all carried over, obviously recalibrated to suit the new bike. Other new features are an updated 5-inch TFT dash and the latest Brembo Stylema brake calipers.

In the flesh, the new Speed Triple RS is a beautiful thing, a clean, purposeful shape covered in classy finishes. Where other manufacturers are adding winglets and jabby bits of bodywork, Triumph has kept the RS clean with the motor center stage, uncluttered by panels or pipework. The styling of the motor itself actually reminds us of the original Speed Triples with their cooling fins running along the sides of the cylinder block. In fact, stick the 1994 model and the 2021 bike side by side and there’s a strong family resemblance despite the quarter-century age gap.

What’s missing? Well, the twin underseat exhausts, something of a Speed Triple trademark on recent versions, are gone, casualties of the search for a more efficient system and of mass centralization to help the bike’s handling. However, Triumph is so confident in the sound and performance of the new exhaust system that it’s not even offering an accessory silencer. According to Wood, the whole engine has been designed to run more efficiently and cleanly, allowing it to meet emissions regulations without relying on a great big catalyst and silencer to clean everything up.

Before you panic over eco rules stealing all the fun from the bike, remember that power is still up 30 bhp; an efficient engine in terms of combustion performance is a faster engine. What this actually highlights is how the old engine, while still a great unit, was a design from a time with much less strict emissions rules, and getting a little long in the tooth besides.

One thing Triumph is always keen to point out, and rightly so, is the attention to detail that goes into the design of its unfaired bikes. A huge effort has been made to hide away hoses, cables, and connectors so the bike shows off its engine without looking cluttered and messy. Take a close look at the side images. Then do the same with other bikes in this class. You’ll see the difference. That won’t do anything for the power deficit versus the Ducati or KTM, but it does give the bike a classier, more finished look and feel.

What’s the catch? Maybe the price. Considering the spec, the outgoing bike was something of a bargain in the big naked bike sector at $16,500, but all this redesigning and updating has to be paid for somehow, with the new bike listing for $18,300. The price does reflect a decent increase in performance, as the new 1,160cc Speed Triple is now more on par with bikes like the KTM 1290 Super Duke R ($18,699).

At this price and power the new Speed Triple finds itself going bar to bar with the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, Ducati’s V4 Streetfighter, and Kawasaki’s Z H2. And then let’s not forget the 2021 BMW S 1000 R or Yamaha’s MT-10… The list of awesome supernaked bikes just keeps growing. The real measure will be, as always, in the riding; with so many bikes competing in this category, choice comes down to what suits you best.

During the Speed Triple unveil, we asked Chief Engineer Wood where the Triumph fits along that scale. He claims it hits the sweet spot somewhere in the middle: All the sweet and nimble handling we’ve come to expect of a Street Triple, but with vast reserves of power available when necessary. If Triumph has struck that balance as well as he suggests, the new Speed Triple RS will be a sublime roadbike. As launch activities are currently restricted, we’ll have to wait a little longer to see for ourselves. Going on first impressions, it’s worth waiting for.

2021 Triumph Speed Triple RS Specifications

MSRP:	$18,300
Engine:	1,160cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline 3-cylinder; 12-valve
Bore x Stroke:	90.0 x 60.8mm
Compression:	13.2:1
Maximum Power:	177.5 bhp @ 10,750 rpm (claimed)
Maximum Torque:	92 lb.-ft. @ 9,000 rpm (claimed)
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/X-ring chain
Fuel Delivery:	Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection w/ electronic throttle control
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, slip and assist
Frame:	Aluminum twin spar, bolt-on aluminum rear subframe
Front Suspension:	Öhlins 43mm NIX 30 inverted fork, spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustable; 4.7 in.120mm travel
Rear Suspension:	Öhlins TTX 36 twin-tube monoshock, spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustable; 4.7 in.120mm travel
Front Brakes:	Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, 320mm floating discs w/ OC-ABS adjustable.
Rear Brakes:	Brembo twin piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ OC-ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 6.00 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Metzeler Racetec RR K3; 120/70ZR-17 / 190/55ZR-17
Rake/Trail:	23.9°/4.1 in.
Wheelbase:	56.9 in.
Seat Height:	32.7 in.
Claimed Wet Weight:	437 lb.
Fuel Capacity:	4.1 gal.
Contact:	triumphmotorcycles.com