Speed Triple RS test: the Triumph roadster raises the tone and the sound in 2018
Only two years after its last update, the Speed Triple benefits from a new evolution combining mechanical overhaul and technological reinforcement. Site tested the 2018 Triumph maxiroadster in its high-end version: the Speed Triple RS. First contact on the road and circuit.
Speed Triple RS test page 1: a second Sporty Roadster…
Two years ago, Triumph released a more powerful, more sophisticated and modernized version of its Speed Triple 1050 then available in two versions: the "standard" S and the "premium" R – mainly adorned with Ohlins suspensions – that Site had been able to try it on the road and on the track.
- Triumph Speed Triple RS 2018 :
As a reminder, Le Journal moto du Net came home conquered by the press presentation of this Speed Triple R 2016: Triumph had corrected several weak points identified by MNC on the previous model, by reworking the ergonomics of its maxiroadster, its plastic, its mechanics. and especially its electronics !
Last year, the English manufacturer presented us with its brand new Street Triple with its substantially increased displacement (from 675 to 765 cc), its slightly reduced weight (from 2 kg) and its reinforced and clearly differentiated range (S, R or RS). The entire roadster family was thus renovated.
For 2018, some fans of the English brand were therefore hoping – still – for the arrival of a new Superbike. Others were waiting for the release of a new Supersport / Moto2. And still others wondered if Triumph was not going to reinvest in the Sport GT segment? Nay. What a slab. What tchi.
A month ago, Triumph surprised everyone by unveiling a new Speed Triple! A "24 years" limited series? An unprecedented "RX" variation? A "Special Edition" of blood with blue frame? No, a real novelty for 2018 !
"The goal was first and foremost to create a more powerful, lighter, more sophisticated and more dynamic motorcycle," said Miles Perkins, Triumph brand manager, during his press conference. "We also wanted it more sophisticated: this is the first Speed Triple with a brain".
Our host is referring here to the inertial unit which equips the new top-of-the-range version of the English maxiroadster: the RS, which replaces the R version in the Triumph catalog (read our technical point on page 3). The offer adapts to demand, to the market, to our society !
"We are indeed seeing that there are, roughly speaking, two types of customers with large engines: some turn to standard models for their lower price, others choose the" top "with the latest equipment and accessories. cry ", summarizes Stuart Wood, chief engineer at Triumph.
By selecting the S, future buyers are already assured of benefiting from high-quality material, collected from prestigious suppliers (Brembo for the brakes, Showa for the suspensions, Pirelli for the tires, Continental for the ABS and traction. -control) and assembled with care in the Hinckley factory in England.
Unlike the Street Triple S which is currently content with a black and white digital LCD dashboard, the Speed S receives the same 5-inch color screen as the Street R and RS! The "Spidesse" also adopts the backlit controls that appeared on the very last Tiger 1200s, and the very practical joystick on the left.
On the occasion of the press presentation of the Speed Triple 2018, Triumph chose to make us try the "premium" version of its new model. Like the old R, this new RS differs externally from the S by its luxurious Ohlins suspension: NIX30 fork with black sliders – while those of the Showa are gold! – and TTX36 mono shock absorber.
Likewise, the "Spideresse" differs from the base model by its carbon fiber parts: mudguards and radiator scoops, the latter moreover being more visible, rewarding and exposed (gloups) in the event of a fall than the ‘2016 R tank trim.
Originally, the Speed Triple RS also features a belly pan, rim trims – new 5-spoke wheels that it shares with the S! -, as well as a gray "aluminum" tint for the aluminum rear buckle, "in keeping with the spirit of the Street Triple RS", underlines Triumph.
In addition to the adoption of the "famous" IMU – famous especially among fans of sports motorcycles -, the Speed Triple RS increases its original endowment (compared to the R of 2016-2017) by welcoming a new keyless start system with electronic steering lock, as well as a beautiful pair of Arrow pots.
We note in passing that unlike its little sister, the Speed Triple does not give up – and will never give up! – its two pots in high position. "This is clearly not the most recommended position to get an agile motorcycle, but it is part of the signature of the Speed, customers could not imagine it any other way", explains Mister Wood.
Red zone at 10,500 rpm, 150 hp, 117 Nm … and more
The sound of the 1050, already not inexpressive in the past, becomes downright explosive on this Speed Triple RS armed with specific "silencers" (hum), available in the accessories department for model "S" owners. To the deep growl of the mechanics at idle is added very quickly – and quite loudly – the hoarse growl of the pots when you twirl the throttle….
By insisting on high revs, the tone becomes more metallic, then the engine backfires slightly when decelerating. It is a pure treat for the pilot, but it is not a nightmare for those around him: by staying on a trickle of gas, the Speed Triple RS will know how to be civilized and will not annoy the neighborhood.
"The sound of the standard pots is more subdued, but also present, very deep at idle and sonorous in the towers", beg us to believe the press manager of Triumph France. For lack of "Speedesse" on this press launch, we will have to wait for a next duel or MNC comparison to judge !
At the same time, the Triple 1050 is more lively: "we have reduced engine inertia by -19%", assures Site Stuart Wood. It must be recognized that the 3-cylinder does not mind taking turns in neutral. This 2018 version climbs 1000 rpm higher than the 2016 and develops 10 hp and 5 Nm more (read the technical point on page 3). MNC can’t wait to test…
Before setting off, the pilot must adjust his elegant aluminum mirrors placed at the end of the handlebars: they offer a very good view in the city, on the motorway and on the road as long as the engine is not too whipped, in which case the image becomes less clear due to tiny vibrations.
Both levers are adjustable, but Site notices that the front brake control is a bit far away for small hands, even when set to minimum. The clutch lever can be brought closer together.
The driving position is strictly the same as on the previous Speed Triple, namely sporty but not tiring. The handlebars are neither too wide nor too far, thanks to the tank revised in 2016 (shorter, therefore less bulky). The thighs are not too wide apart and only the older ones will find the footrests a little high and set back.
Access to the feet on the ground is facilitated by the reasonable saddle height (825 mm) and, above all, by the smoothness and soft padding of the front part. The shape of the saddle, very worked, allows the pilot to settle well with the acceleration. The rear width improves comfort over long distances, even if the rider tends to descend towards the tank.
Under the saddle – which closes using the good old key – there is a space just enough to accommodate the yellow vest, which is compulsory in France. We will have to find another way to transport a lock of a respectable size. And that‘s not the only downside of the Triumph on a daily basis…
As the geometry of the chassis has not moved (read the technical sheet on the last page), the driver must always deal with a large turning radius. On the other hand, the owner of Speed Triple (S or RS) should seriously consider purchasing a workshop stand to maintain his chain..
As we have seen, the tank was reduced in size and therefore in capacity in 2016: with its 15.5 liters of gasoline and taking into account the average consumption announced by the manufacturer (5.2 l / 100 km, i.e. two tenths less than in 2016), autonomy is close to 300 km.
Bikers who use their Speed to go to work will be able to go a week without refueling, provided of course they do not live more than 30 km from work. Those who wish to escape a short day with their friends – but without moderation at the level of the right handle – will have to count on a lower autonomy.
For your information, at the end of our morning road trip (163 km long and completed in 1h50, so at 89 km / h on average: thank you on-board computer!), Our Speed Triple RS showed a consumption of 6.6 l / 100 km. Before leaving for the circuit, Triumph poured 10.8 liters of gasoline into our tank: the accounts are good !
How was our ride on the beautiful Andalusian roads, under a bright sun and 15 ° C outside temperature? How has the new Speed Triple RS performed on the technical and varied track of Almeria? To find out, nothing could be simpler: click on page 2 of this essay !
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