The competition never sleeps and even if pure performance isn’t everything, it still counts for a lot. We’re talking about ultra-powerful hyper-naked bikes like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP, the BMW M 1000 RR and, more recently, KTM’s 1390 Super Duke R with an even bigger power plant: all with maximum outputs of at least 190 hp and, in the case of the BMW, up to 210 hp. The trend is clearly towards more sportiness, more exclusivity and therefore higher prices for manufacturers.
The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is clearly focused on sportiness.
It’s clear that Triumph doesn’t want to be left behind in the future, at least that’s what a near-production prototype of a revamped Speed Triple 1200 RS suggests, which the 1000ps website recently caught on secret test rides in the Catalan countryside. It’s likely to be a new variant, which will also shift the Speed Triple’s focus even more towards the sporty side. At first glance, the visual touches are limited, but a whole series of technical and ergonomic modifications are immediately recognizable.
Particularly noticeable is the more robust appearance compared to the current Speed Triple 1200 RS, which is the result of a new handlebar, which in turn results in a different seating position for the rider. This is mounted lower and flatter than before, not too different but still not identical to the Speed Triple 1200 RR. The same applies to the Öhlins semi-active suspension. Although it is now also semi-active on the model presented here, at least the fork is apparently an independent component. It also works with less suspension travel and lowers the front of the bike, which further emphasizes the robust look. In other areas too, the bike on display appears to be a mixture of high-quality parts from the RR version and new developments. For example, several carbon trim pieces are used, which already serve to differentiate the current RR from the RS.
Apparently not just for visual effect, however, the prototype in the photographs also sports new rims: The recognizable structure in some of the photographs indicates that these, for the first time at Triumph, are apparently also made of carbon. They are fitted with Pirelli Supercorsa tires, but the rear tire appears to be slightly wider than the 190 rear tire on the previous Speed Triple RS and RR. This can be taken as a further indication of the riding dynamics that Triumph seems to be aiming for with this model. Of course, this should also indicate more power. Especially since the competition, as already mentioned, is moving at performance levels of almost or sometimes even more than 200 hp.
In any case, the current three-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 1160 cc still offers plenty of development potential. Recognizable changes to the prototype on display include a minimally altered manifold and modified valve covers. A similarly updated and slightly larger radiator on the Speedy on display also indicates further changes to the engine, which should lead to better top-end performance. However, it’s to be hoped that Triumph won’t go down the extreme route of BMW and Ducati to cause a stir with its regular customer list, but will continue to have a minimum of everyday use in its specifications, despite the increased demands in terms of dynamics. The 190 hp of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R should therefore be a good indicator of the Speed Triple’s expected power rating.