2012 Triumph Speed Triple R

1050cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled 5th generation triple  

▲ The revised bug-eyed headlights on the 2012 Triumph Speed Triple R are the most distinct feature of this motorcycle. But the heart and soul of this bike is the crackin' 1050cc engine. This lump, we're sure, will be remembered in later years as a classic. But you don't have to wait that long. Go and try one today. The Speed Triple is a modern masterpiece. And it's British, damn it.

▲ 2012 Speed Triple R.  As Triumph pushes the familiar shapes around in an effort to stay close to the "centre ground", this bike's profile is in danger of becoming over-designed. In our eyes, it's still a very pretty package. But there's a line there somewhere. Single-sided swinging arm aids maintenance and cleaning, and it looks just right.

▲ 2014 Triumph Speed Triple R.  Under the skin, it's fundamentally the same bike as its predecessor, but with some noteworthy changes. Anti-lock brakes were an option on the 2013 model (capable of "100 calculations per second"). But by 2014, ABS was standard. Radial monobloc calipers were also introduced for extra anchoring (actually just 5 percent more stopping power). To keep the rubber glued to the tarmac, Triumph turned again to Ohlins Suspension (NIX30 front fork, and TTX36 rear shock absorber/damper). Crystal White or Phantom Black are the new colours. The red sub-frame looks a little cheap and kitchy. At least, we think so. The flyscreen, belly pan and seat cowl and standard on this model.

▲ 2014 Triumph Speed Triple R. That fly screen and belly pan was standard for 2014. A replacement fly screen will cost you £133.33 plus VAT. Meanwhile, a complete Arrow exhaust system for this bike retails at £1100 (inc VAT).  Twin Arrow silencers will set you back £1050 (inc VAT). Painful.

▲ 2014 Triumph Speed Triple R Dark. Same basic bike, but now with a more brooding (read; warmed over) livery coupled with a very limited production run. Narrow seat and wide tank equals splayed legs. You'll get your knees down on this whether you want to or not. Mirrors are good.

▲ 2015 Triumph Speed Triple R.  No changes this year. Nevertheless, the bike is still a cracking piece of hardware with more accessories than Inspector Gadget. Hard line Triumph boys, however, are looking for something radical from Triumph. But times are tough, and Hinckley has its eye (and money) on very different models that will be on the market within the next twelve months.

2012 Triumph Speed Triple R Specifications

Engine: Three cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC 12v, 1050cc

Bore and stroke: 79mm x 71.4mm

Compression ratio: 12:1

Fuel system: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection

Exhaust system: 3-into-2-into-1

Maximum torque: 82 ft-lbs @ 7,750 rpm
Power: 133bhp (135PS, 99.3kW) @ 9,400rpm
Torque: 82lb.ft (111Nm) @ 7,750rpm
Economy: 45 - 55 mpg
Fuel capacity: 3.85 gallon imperial (17.5 litres, 4.62 gallons US)
Transmission: 6-speed, wet clutch, X-ring chain final drive
Chassis: Twin spar double aluminium tube

Front fork: Ohlins NIX30 43mm inverted cartridge units

Rear suspension: Ohlins TTX36 twin tube shocks/dampers

Front brake: 2 x 320mm Brembo Monobloc calipers

Rear brake: 1 x 255mm Brembo Monobloc caliper

Front wheel: Forged aluminium alloy PVM multi-spoke 17 x 3.5in
Rear wheel: Forged aluminium alloy PVM multi-spoke 17 x 6.0in
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/55 ZR17

Seat height: 32.5in (825mm)
Wheelbase: 56.5in (1435mm)
Rake/trail: 22.8 °/ 3.58in (90.9mm)
Weight: 468lb (212kg) (wet)

Recommended price: £11,299 ( £11,899 with ABS)

Warranty: 24 months
 

Triumph 1050:
Set yourself three
T-shirt

£19.99 plus P&P

Speed Triple "R" designation

Speed Triple gearbox

Rider and Pillion comfort

Riding the Speed Triple R

Speed Triple timeline

Speed Triple R Specifications

Triumph Motorcycles has, to some extent, painted itself into a corner with the ubiquitous 1050cc, 79.0mm X  71.4mm Speed Triple, arguably the best model in the range, and currently Triumph's top seller.

The basic bike is so good that it's hard to change it without ... well, changing it, and that risks upsetting the customer base which is invariably far more conservative than it likes to think. And when you're at the top of the hill, there's nowhere to go except down.

The Speed Triple "R" designation

With this special £11,200 "R" model, Triumph has consolidated its position by gently tweaking, nipping, tucking and (allegedly) adding value, but hasn't strayed too far from the well.

▲ 2013 Speed Triple R.  Not the class leader. But for our money, the classiest in its class. Good looking from any angle.

The bike is better (and more cost effectively) equipped than the standard sub-£9,000 Triple, and comes with ABS that can be switched off if and when you take to the track.

Speed Triple gearbox

The gearbox has been upgraded with stronger driving dogs and improved splines, but there are reports of notchiness on early models (possibly simply needing wearing in, except that modern engineering tolerances are so good that you shouldn't require too much of that).

The 6th gear ratio, by the way, is 3.4% lower if that makes any difference in real-world riding.

Rider & Pillion comfort

As with all the recent Speed Triples, passengers are an afterthought. In fact, almost no thought has been given to them at all. Instead, the bikes have been balanced at design level for maximum rider engagement, not social engagement with your significant other. So pillion perching is still the required seating position with no scope for foot peg adjustment.

But the pillion saddle is a little more generous on the "R" model.

▲ 2013 Speed Triple R. Either you love the bug-eyed lights, or you don't. We do. But it's not a new idea. Panther motorcycles had bug-eyes way back in the 1930s on its M100. The nearside light was connected to a cable for dipped beam. Radical for its time.

We don't much like the livery, by the way. For the extra £2,500, we think Triumph ought to have come up with something more memorable.

Meanwhile, the loss of the old style bug-eyed headlights was something of a wrench, but we've already got used to it and have grudgingly accepted that the future must have its way.

Riding the Triumph
Speed Triple R

On the move, at "normal speeds" it rides pretty much like the standard Speed Triple. But when you push it,  the upgrades quickly reveal themselves.

It's tauter and more responsive over bumps and on tricky bends. And because of that, it helps liberate extra power that you might otherwise not have dialled in.

The PVM forged alloy wheels are said to be 3.7lbs (each) lighter than the standard Speed Triple hoops, thereby reducing unsprung weight.

But there's a price for all that, and you tend to take more chances—which, of course, is fine if you've got riding skills to match, but not so fine if your self-image as a rider is bigger than your abilities.

There are plenty of rival motorcycles on the market with more power than the 135bhp Speed Triple such as the BMW S1000R (160bhp); the KTM 1290 Super Duke R (180bhp); and the MV Agusta 1090RR (158bhp).

But the Speed Triple, despite its relatively modest 1050cc feels more "usable". In other words, you're never over-powered (well, not that you'll admit to). But the contenders, despite being kept on a tight performance leash, make sure that you know who's the boss, and that can be inhibiting.

We like the Speed Triple (and the Speed Triple R) largely because the power is adequate, and there's no shame or disgrace in that. And what it lacks it full-tilt ballistic propulsion, it more than makes up for in handling, style, price and sheer character.

Conclusion

Sump's verdict? We wouldn't throw a standard Speed Triple out of the garage for this one. Why? Because the stock Triple is enough, and we simply don't push bikes to their limit, which makes the "R" model a little superfluous.

But if you're racing with the pack (which you ought not to be; not on the road, anyway), the "R" will put a keener edge on your bike and give you an extra scare or two. Most riders, we suspect, won't really notice (or at least won't really care) about the difference.

So overall, the "R" model is still a fantastic motorcycle built in a long tradition of quality iconic Speed Triple engineering, but the upgrade over the standard 1050 is more "ah" than "ahh!".

Speed Triple timeline

1994-1996: T309 Speed Triple launched and named in honour of Edward Turners seminal 1938 Speed Twin. It was available with an 885cc engine, DOHC and carburetted. But a few 750cc Speed Triples appeared on the market using older Daytona and Thunderbird engines.

1997: T509 Speed Triple. Still with an 885cc engine, but with fuel injection, increased power and a new perimeter frame in aluminium with a single-sided swinging arm (as opposed to twin sided on the 309). This was the first year of the trademark bug-eyed headlights.

1999: T595 Speed Triple. Now with Triumph's 955cc fuel-injected engine.

2000-2001: 955i Speed Triple. No fundamental differences. Changes were cosmetic this year.

2002: Redesigned cylinder head. Redesigned casings.

2005: Speed Triple SE (Special Edition) launched. Essentially the same as the previous model except cosmetics.

2005: 4th generation Triple. Longer stroke 1050cc engine. Now with inverted forks and radial disc calipers.

2010: New Special Edition Speed Triple launched (15th Anniversary Model bearing Triumph boss John Bloor's signature)

2011: Same basic Speed Triple, but with usual annual tweaks and improvements. Restyled bug-eyed headlights.

2011: 5th generation Speed Triple launched.

[check here for more on the
Triumph Speed Triple]

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