Part 3: Triumph Speed Triple 1200 Family (RS, RR & RX)
Overview
The Triumph Speed Triple has been the brand’s flagship naked sportbike since the 1990s, famous for its hooligan attitude and iconic twin headlights (earlier generations).
In 2021, Triumph launched the all-new Speed Triple 1200 RS, bringing superbike power into a naked chassis.
Today, the family includes three trims:
- Speed Triple 1200 RS – the raw, track-capable naked.
- Speed Triple 1200 RR – a semi-faired café-racer inspired sports bike.
- Speed Triple 1200 RX – a special edition with unique colorways and accessories.
Engine & Performance
At the heart lies Triumph’s largest ever “Speed” triple engine.
Engine Specs:
- Type: Liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder
- Displacement: 1,160 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 90.0 mm × 60.8 mm
- Compression Ratio: 13.2:1
- Max Power: ~178 hp (132 kW) @ 10,750 rpm
- Max Torque: ~125 Nm (92 Lb ft) @ 9,000 rpm
- Top Speed: ~155–160 mph (250+ km/h)
- Transmission: 6-speed with Triumph Shift Assist (quick shifter + auto-blipped)
- Final Drive: Chain
This engine is tuned to deliver instant throttle response, strong midrange torque, and a screaming top-end.
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
The Speed Triple 1200 is built like a superbike with handlebars.
Chassis Specs:
- Frame: Aluminum twin-spar frame, extremely light for the class
- Front Suspension: Ohlins NIX30 43mm USD forks, fully adjustable
- Rear Suspension: Ohlins TTX36 Mono shock, fully adjustable
- Brakes: Brembo Stellema radial monobloc calipers, 320 mm twin discs, Brembo MCS span-adjustable master cylinder
- Wheels: 17-inch lightweight cast aluminum (forged aluminum on RR upgrades)
- Tyres: Metzeler Racotec RR K3 (RS), Pirelli Diablo Supercross SP (RR)
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 1,445 mm
- Seat Height: 830 mm (RS & RX), 825 mm (RR due to clip-ons)
- Dry Weight: ~198 kg
- Fuel Tank: 15.5 liters
Electronics & Rider Aids
Being a flagship, the Speed Triple 1200 comes loaded with rider tech:
- 6-axis IMU with cornering ABS & cornering traction control
- Five Riding Modes: Rain, Road, Sport, Track, Rider-configurable
- Triumph Shift Assist (standard)
- Front-wheel lift control (anti-wheelie)
- TFT Display (5-inch) with Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro integration
- Cruise Control (standard)
- Keyless ignition & steering lock
The RR adds a more focused riding position with clip-on bars and a small front fairing for aerodynamics.
Riding Character & Ergonomics
- Speed Triple RS: Naked streetfighter, upright yet aggressive – ideal for track days and fast road riding.
- Speed Triple RR: Semi-faired sports café racer, more committed ergonomics, best for aggressive sport riders who want style.
- Speed Triple RX: Limited edition cosmetic upgrades (special paint, accessories) – same performance as RS, but with exclusivity.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Superbike-level engine performance
Premium Ohlins & Brembo setup
Lightweight chassis (class-leading for 1200 cc)
Full electronics package with IMU
Distinctive Triumph triple character
Cons:
Aggressive ergonomics (RR may be uncomfortable for long rides)
Expensive compared to rivals
Small 15.5L fuel tank limits touring range
Overkill for casual riders – it’s a serious machine
Availability & Manufacturing
- Designed in Hinckley, UK.
- Global manufacturing allocation – majority assembled in Thailand.
- Available in Europe, North America, Australia, India (CBU imports).
- The RR is more limited in numbers compared to the RS.
- The RX is sold in selected markets only, often as a collector model.
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