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 top-of-the-range version: the Speed Triple RS. First contact on the road and circuit.
Speed Triple RS test page 3: technical point
Engine
Site readers – who, as everyone knows, have a little more RAM than others – remember that to illustrate the overhaul of the Street Triple engine from a displacement of 675 to 765 cc, Triumph estimated the number from different parts to more than 80.
By counting "105 new components" on its Triple 1050, Hinckley engineers can therefore boast of having offered the new generation of Speed Triple (standard S models and high-end RS models, "bye bye" the R) a new engine, although the dimensions (79.4 x 71 mm) and main characteristics (DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder) are unchanged.
"No, it is not strictly speaking a new engine since the foundries are the same", explains to Site Stuart Wood, chief engineer at Triumph. "In appearance, the 1050 does not change much, it remains the large 3-cylinder that everyone knows and appreciates".
The "Big Triple" is nonetheless deeply revised: its inertia, for example, has fallen by -19%! "It goes up faster and longer in the towers, with a red zone 1000 rpm higher than before, which gives it a more assertive Triumph three-cylinder character, an ultra precise throttle response. , as well as an incomparable roar, hoarse and powerful ". Graou !
Predominant in the sound – and performance – of a motorcycle, the exhaust of the two Speed Triple 2018 has been revised: Triumph ensures that the flow of gas is more direct, that the catalyst is larger and that the catalytic system is lighter. "The revised mufflers of the Speed Triple S and the lighter sport models of the RS significantly intensify the vocals of the three-cylinder and give the Speed Triple the best sound in the history of the range.".
Among the hundred "engine updates (which) play a key role in terms of performance", the Hinckley firm cites the redesigned airbox, the new cylinder head with optimized exhaust ports, the valve springs and revised cam profiles, new pistons, lighter weight Nikasil-plated aluminum cylinder liners, lightened crankshaft balancer, more compact starter, lighter battery and alternator, improved gearbox…
"A new oil pan lowers the oil level in the engine for reduced drag and better weight distribution", adds the manufacturer, specifying that "in the new circuit, the oil now passes inside the gasket up to the cylinder head, which makes it possible to eliminate the external pipes. The mass is reduced, the style is more refined ".
"Taking into account the rise in the red zone of approximately + 10%, we have reduced the reduction", tells us Mister Wood. "The new Speed Triple pulls shorter: its acceleration is even sharper, while its top speed increases by + 2.7%". Remember that during this test, MNC exceeded the 230 km / h "counter" at the end of the straight line of the Almeria circuit.
In the end, the new watermill of the Speed Triple 2018 S and RS displays a maximum power of 150 horsepower, 10 more than the 2016 version (which itself differed from its predecessor by 104 new parts, +5 hp and +1 Nm) and a maximum torque of 117 Nm, 5 more than in 2016-2017.
Graphics to support, Triumph ensures as a bonus that the power is more fluid and homogeneous and that the torque is higher over the entire rev range. With this 2018 version, have the Hinckley engineers reached the limits of the 1050 (launched in 2005!) In terms of maximum performance? ?
"We were already asked this question two years ago when the engine was developing 140 horsepower, but we found 10 additional", boot in touch the chief engineer of the mark. "Are we at the end of its development? Who knows …", he leaves in suspense…
Cycle part
The two 2018 models retain the double-cradle aluminum frame and the aluminum single-sided swingarm as well, characteristics of their predecessors (2011 and 2016). The geometry of the front axle, subtly retouched two years ago, is renewed (see technical sheet on next page).
Likewise, the small 15.5-liter tank is renewed in its functions, but the average consumption announced by the manufacturer in slight decline (5.2 Vs 5.4 l / 100 km) must increase – slightly – the maximum autonomy of the English roadster: 11 km more, or almost 300 terminals.
"The equipment is always top-of-the-range with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires and two front discs with 4-piston radial-mounted monobloc calipers and 2 Brembo M4.34 pads", proudly underline the engineers. Rear braking is still entrusted to the Nissin 2-piston atrier.
The clutch lever is adjustable and its counterpart on the right is doubly so: the pilot can adjust both the spacing of the front brake control but also its offset: "by modifying the center distance, it is indeed possible to make the braking system more responsive and immediate (21 in this case) or even more flexible (19), describes the Italian supplier.
On the model tested by MNC – the RS, "what did you expect?" -, the suspensions have an "R" of dejà vu: 43mm Ohlins NIX30 inverted fork and fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 twin-tube mono-shock, the same as those fitted on the previous Speed Triple R … And Daytona 675 R, do you remember the Supersport ?!
On the S version, we find the less prestigious – but already effective – elements of the Showa brand: 43 mm inverted fork and single-shock absorber, also adjustable in preload, rebound and compression. Enough to polish your bike "for road and circuit use, ensures Triumph.
The new Speed Triple innovates by adopting "shiny" five-spoke rims compared to ten on the previous S and R. Owners of the first R models – launched in 2012 – will still note a similarity to their "expensive" forged rims..
The two silencers housed under the saddle – "where else ?!" – Speed Triple S have an enlarged bore and matched with an aluminum heat shield, black painted body and a more tapered stainless steel end cap. RS gets a pair of redesigned Arrowheads.
"More angular and sporty", describes Triumph, the "silencers" – oddly expressive! – feature a brushed titanium finish, carbon fiber heat shield and hood, and offer reduced weight compared to the S’s ‘house’ elements.
On the manufacturer’s scale, the weight of the Speed Triple S does not move: 192 kg still dry. The English are reluctant to announce the full weight, but remember that they estimated it two years ago at 212 kg. The RS model benefits from a loss of 3 kg, mainly due to the new pots: it therefore falls below the 190 kg bar dry (189!), Or 209 kg TPF.
Electronic
In 2016, the Speed Triple adopted the electronic accelerator system, allowing Hinckley engineers to integrate new driving modes (Rain, Road, Sport and User on the S, Track in addition on the R) and a – now – essential and disconnectable traction control.
For 2018, the new top-of-the-range RS model takes a new step: that of the inertial unit which optimizes both traction-control and ABS, ensuring "an optimal distribution of braking forces, slip rate and torque for better performance in a straight line and in a curve ".
Like the Superbikes – a category that Triumph does not seem to want to reinvest … -, the Speed Triple RS receives an "advanced IMU, developed in partnership with Continental, which continuously collects roll, pitch and yaw measurements. angle of bank and acceleration and responds with the appropriate active safety systems ". The system becomes preventive: it intervenes even before the loss of grip !
More sophisticated than any other Speed Triple, the RS is also equipped with a keyless start system and electric steering lock via a button on the right stalk. A keyless function deactivation option is provided by Triumph for "even more security".
Inaugurated on the Street Triple R and RS, the 5 "TFT color screen instrument panel with viewing angle adjustment is transferred to the new Speed Triple RS … and S! Information is as extensive as it is legible and accessible , thanks to the ingenious joystick of the left stalk.
The speed, engine speed, engine mode, gear engaged, fuel level, time and ambient temperature are continuously displayed. In addition, the pilot can scroll through two trips, average and instantaneous consumption, remaining range, engine temperature, warning (maintenance or ABS and Traction Control), chrono (on the RS), etc..
All this information can be viewed via the backlit control switch, which is chip on the latest Tiger 1200. The two 2018 Speed Triple models also benefit from cruise control as standard. A good point for heavy riders who can also power their GPS with the USB type socket.
The heated grips that fitted our test models are available as accessories: "it is a deliberate choice not to include them in the original equipment: customers in Great Britain or Paris will be able to fit them, those from Spain or Nice will more readily do without it ", considers Stuart Wood.
Ditto for the quick-shifter which is not fitted as standard on the Speed Triple 2018, not even the RS: "it is true that once tested, the shifter is generally adopted", admits our interlocutor. "As always, we will be looking closely at the feedback from the network and maybe in the years to come this system will be fitted as standard." Case to follow…
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