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Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS reviewed (Baujahr 2021)

Test of the 180 hp Power Naked bike on the race track

20.02.2022

Photo: Flightseeing.de

The new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is a power naked bike in a class of its own. We were able to find out what happens when 180 hp meets a ready-to-drive weight of less than 200 kg at the Triumph Media Day on the Oschersleben racetrack. Pure driving pleasure - please fasten your seatbelts!

This is how it stands

The latest version of the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS also has the typical two-lamp design at the front, which is reminiscent of the head of a praying mantis. Even the organic-looking frame reminiscent of the Alien movies is still there, that's a good thing! The Speed Triple is still unmistakable and lets you guess what is about to happen when you are stationary.

The seating position on the new Speedy has not changed much compared to its predecessors. You sit upright and tilted slightly forward, typical of NakedBike. The wide handlebars ensure great control and the quite high and slightly rear-shifted footpegs ensure a racetrack-appropriate lean angle. Sounds sporty, it is, but the seating position is comfortable and also suitable for longer trips.

What she should be able to do

Technically, the new Speedy is already almost completely equipped in series production. In addition to the usual driving modes (there are five here!), there is cruise control and lean angle sensors at no extra charge. This regulates both the cornering ABS and the multi-adjustable traction control. At the race or during ambitious gassing, these technical aids are also more than appropriate due to the immense performance.

The cockpit houses a five-inch TFT color display with beautiful graphics and different design options. As usual with Triumph, there are also one or the other (dispensable) gimmick, such as the control of GoPros. The machine can also be paired with the mobile phone for an extra charge. Settings can then be viewed via app and routes can be recorded.

We particularly liked the easy-to-use QuickShifter, which works well in both directions. Dispensable is certainly the keyless ignition (Keyless Ride), but it is also there - as well as the full-LED lighting, which we would less like to do without.

Photo: Triumph

This is how it drives itself

Before we start on the race track of Oschersleben, we listen carefully again. Even when stationary, the 1200 RS exudes the familiar charm of a triple. When accelerating, the engine literally starts to hiss. For optical reasons, we would have liked the previous under-seat double toads, but sonically the RS is the cream of the crop. Stationary noise: 98 dB

Then it's finally time to hit the slopes. The first laps we drive a bit cautiously - warm up tires and engine and so on. Time to take another quick look at the control buttons, the cockpit and the many designs. With the help of the joystick on the left side of the handlebars, operation is almost playful. Switching the mappings is fast and of course we opt for the Rider mode, which we have previously individualized to "full pot".

When gassing, the concentrated view of the road is recommended. It's amazing how playfully easy the RS marches through curves. And when you shoot out at the end of the corner, the triple finally shows you where the frog has the curls. Thanks to the QuickShifters, shifting is a real delight and the Brembo stylemas are also completely convincing. As fast as the Triumph is from 0 to 100 km/h (3.1 sec.), as fast it stands again. It is particularly impressive how willingly the triple whirls up to 11,500 UMin. But this does not mean that you necessarily have to turn in to get power - on the contrary, the engine also offers plenty of power at the bottom.

In the city and on the country road, the wild animal then becomes - if desired - a well-behaved cuddly kitten. You can drive quietly, you can drive lazy, you can also cruise comfortably through the area thanks to the wonderful chassis. Speaking of suspension: Öhlins sends his regards! At the front is a NIX30 USD fork, at the rear a TTX36 monoshock strut. The chassis is completely adjustable, but Triumph has dispensed with an electronic adjustment option in favor of the price - good decision!

Conclusion - what sticks

Motorcycling is fun! If you don't know that yet, you should take a quick lap with the new Speed Triple RS 1200. Whether country road, motorway or even race track: This bike always lets you tile through the area with a big grin under the helmet.

Despite the many technical delicacies, it is an accessible bike - although of course you should approach every ride with respect because of the brute performance. Nevertheless, the precise chassis and the correspondingly scalpel-like handling exude a lot of confidence. With the 1200 RS, Triumph has really succeeded in creating an extremely good naked bike, which is also very well priced in the competitive environment due to the offer. Definitely test drive, but first check the account balance for safety's sake. Otherwise prefer to stay at home ...

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