Competition never sleeps and even though pure performance isn’t everything, it still counts a lot. We’re talking about hyper-naked ultra-powerful motorcycles like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP, the BMW M 1000 RR, and, more recently, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R with an even bigger powerplant: all with maximum powers of at least 190 hp and, in the case of 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 the sporty side.
Of course, Triumph doesn’t want to be left behind in the future, at least that’s what a near-production prototype of a refreshed Speed Triple 1200 RS suggests, which the 1000ps website recently caught testing secretly in the interior of Catalonia. It’s likely to be a new variant that will further shift the focus of the Speed Triple towards the sporty side. At first glance, the visual tweaks are limited, but a whole series of technical and ergonomic modifications are immediately recognizable.
Particularly notable is the more robust aspect 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 much different, but still not identical to that of the Speed Triple 1200 RR. The same applies to the semi-active Öhlins suspension. Although it is now also semi-active in 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 aspect. In other areas as well, the bike on display appears to be a mixture of high-quality parts from the RR version and new developments. For example, various carbon finishing parts 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 features new wheels: The recognizable structure in some of the photographs indicates that these, for the first time in Triumph, are also apparently made of carbon. They are equipped with Pirelli Supercorsa tires, but the rear tire appears to be slightly wider than the previous Speed Triple RS and RR’s 190 rear tire. This fact can be considered as further indication of the driving dynamics that Triumph seems to be aiming for with this model. It is logical that this should also indicate more power. Especially because the competition, as mentioned earlier, is operating at performance levels of almost or sometimes even over 200 hp.
In any case, the current three-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 1160 cc still offers a lot of development potential. The recognizable changes in the prototype on display include a minimally altered manifold and modified valve covers. An equally updated and slightly larger radiator on the displayed Speedy also indicates other changes in the engine, which should lead to better overall performance. However, it is expected that Triumph will not go the extreme route of BMW and Ducati to stir up agitation among their usual customers, but will continue to have a minimum of everyday use in their 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 expected nominal power of the Speed Triple.
