Triumph has launched the all-new Speed Triple 1200 RS in India at Rs 16.95 lakh (ex-showroom). The bike is a major overhaul from the outgoing Speed Triple RS. It gets a new design, new engine, revised geometry, updated electronics and a lot more. Let’s take a closer look at the bike, shall we?
Design
The all-new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS looks leaner and meaner than ever with its updated body work and styling. The hyper-naked takes styling cues and inspiration from the original Speed Triple that launched back in 1994. The bike doesn’t get the flyscreen anymore, adding to its naked bike stance, though it can be added as an accessory. It also gets new cast aluminum V-spoke wheels with a blacked out colour scheme. The Speed Triple 1200 RS can be had in two colour schemes – ‘Sapphire Black’ with red and silver graphics or ‘Matt Silver Ice’ which is a combination of black, silver and yellow graphics.
Engine
The Speed Triple 1200 RS gets a brand new 1160cc inline-triple mill that has been developed with input from Triumph’s Moto2 race engine programme. The new engine is now capable of 177.5bhp of power at 10,750rpm and 125Nm of torque at 9000rpm. That’s a whopping 29.5bhp and 8Nm of torque more than its predecessor. The red line on the 1160cc mill has been increased by 650rpm to 11,150rpm as well. Despite having more displacement and power, the engine is a good 7kg lighter than the 1050cc triple. Another significant update is the new exhaust system that has been implemented on the bike. Triumph has done away with the classic twin under-seat exhaust system and has decided to go with a single side slung silencer instead. Triumph claims that the new exhaust with its free-breathing intake makes the 1200 RS the best sounding Speed Triple.
Chassis
The aluminum twin-spar frame and bolt on rear subframe on the Speed Triple 1200 RS has been redesigned to make it more responsive, lighter and agile, like the Street Triple RS. At 198kg wet, the whole package is now 10kg lighter than its predecessor. In terms of riding geometry, the handlebar is 13mm wider and the foot rests have been moved inwards, all in an attempt to improve rideability and also increase ground clearance. Seat height is higher at 830mm.
In terms of suspension, the Speed Triple RS gets 43mm, Öhlins NIX30 USDs upfront, that are fully adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping. The rear monoshock is an Öhlins TTX36 unit, that is also adjustable for pre-load, rebound and compression damping. Braking duties are handled by top-drawer Brembo Stylema calipers mounted on twin 320mm discs upfront and a two-pot Brembo caliper on a 220mm disc at the back. The 1200 RS also comes shod in Metzeler Racetec RR rubber.
Electronics
The bike gets an updated electronics package which works with a six-axis IMU and a ride-by-wire system which endows the bike with cornering ABS, switchable cornering traction control, five riding modes, cruise control and wheel-lift control. A bi-directional quickshifter comes as standard on the 1200 RS. The electronics can be controlled with the back lit switch cubes and the updated 5-inch TFT instrument cluster. The bike also gets the ‘My Triumph Connectivity’ system which enables turn-by turn navigation, GoPro and media controls.
Pricing and Availability
The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS will cost Rs 16.95 lakh (ex-showroom) and Triumph India has already opened bookings. It will go up against the likes of the Kawasaki Z H2 and when they launch, the Ducati Streetfighter V4, BMW S 1000 R and Aprilia Tuono V4. We can’t wait to get our hands on the bike and see how it stacks up against it hyper-naked rivals.