Triumph resurrected the Speed Triple platform after a 15 years hiatus with the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS, promising to be the fastest one yet!
For the new Speed Triple, engineers at Hinckley totally redesigned the powerplant, with every component built to handle additional oomph while reducing its overall mass. Interestingly, despite the bigger 1,160 cc0 displacement, the new engine actually takes up a lower footprint. Cementing its stance on the triple platform even further, Triumph developed the inline triple-cylinder engine from the ground up, now producing 177.5 hp at 10,750 RPM and 92.1 lb-ft of torque at 9,200 RPM, while being 15.4 lb lighter!
As a result of new lighter components, the 1200 RS sees an increase of 30 hp and 6 lb-ft of torque as well as a 12% reduction in inertia over the previous generation, raising the redline to 11,150 rpm, allowing for a peppier and sportier engine. Improved power and torque band figures mean that the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS’ low- and mid-range response has only gotten better.
Triumph also installed a brand new free-flow intake and exhaust system, allowing the new engine to breathe easier and make its distinctive howl even more pronounced.
Moving on to the transmission, Triumph installed a lighter slip-and-assist clutch with new friction material with a higher coefficient of friction, allowing to reduce the number of clutch plates for a more responsive and lighter clutch lever. It is coupled with a newly developed and compact 6-speed transmission with tightly stacked gear ratios, further enhancing its sporty character.
The ignition system of the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS has also been completely revamped with twin-tip spark plugs for increased durability at high rev, accompanied by a lighter cooling system, neatly packaged with an integrated oil circuit heat exchanger.
The front chassis also underwent various revisions, including a 17% lighter cast aluminum frame with the center of gravity lowered down and weight bias pushed further to the front. The mass is now more centralized, giving the bike superior riding dynamics.
The frame is complemented by top-shelf equipment, including fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 inverted front forks and Öhlins TTX36 twin tube rear monoshock with compression, rebound, and preload adjustability. Stopping power comes from superior Brembo Stylema® radial monobloc front calipers with lighter 320mm front discs and Brembo twin-piston floating calipers with a single 220mm rear disc. The entire package sits on a set of grippy 17-inch Metzeler RACETEC™ RR radials with the option of an even gripper set of Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2 tires for track days.
The 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS is bestowed with an impressive line-up of electronic goodies tailored to a wide array of rider types. It gets an all-new 5” TFT display showcasing all key information along with Triumph Shift Assist up-and-down quickshifter, 5 riding modes (Road, Road, Sport, Track, and a Rider configurable mode) with finer adjustments to the traction control and ABS. The bike also gets a ride-by-wire throttle and a 6-axis IMU unlocking features like cornering ABS, wheelie control, and more. My Triumph Connectivity controls for GoPro and phone are a part of standard equipment.
The 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS also gets an even more aggressive stance. The bug-eyed LED headlamps are sharper than the ones found in its sibling, the Street Triple RS. A carbon fiber front mudguard, color-coded belly pan, rear seat cowl, and all-new tail unit complement modern Triumph motorcycles’ design philosophy. The bike is offered in two finishes: Sapphire Black with red and silver graphics, and Matt Silver Ice with black, silver, and yellow graphics.
The 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS is priced at £15,100 ($20,719) with a range of 35 accessories to choose from, and it’s expected to hit showrooms worldwide by the end of February.
Stay tuned!
Gallery
