Roadster – Triumph Speed ​​Triple R test: the wheels of fortune – The Speed ​​R in Jerez: not even afraid!

Posted on by admin

Triumph Speed ​​Triple R test: the wheels of fortune

Roadster - Triumph Speed ​​Triple R test: the wheels of fortune - The Speed ​​R in Jerez: not even afraid!

Like the Daytona 675 R last year, the Speed ​​Triple R receives high-end elements in 2012: Ohlins suspensions, Brembo monobloc calipers and carbon parts. As a bonus, the Triumph roadster is adorned with forged aluminum rims. For 3100 €, I would like an R !

The Speed ​​R in Jerez: not even afraid !

Even at idle, the double pots of the dozen Speed ​​Triple posted in the stands of Jerez resonate with fervor and instinctively make you want to do battle … Among the motorcycles offered, some are equipped with (sic) Arrow silencers again more sound … But let’s start our test on a "Full origin" motorcycle !

After having carefully adjusted the spacings of the two levers and while waiting for the starting signal, let’s take a quick look at the dashboard: the information distilled by the computer is very numerous (read the complete technical sheet on the last page) and only the engaged gear indicator is for absent subscribers.

"It is impossible for us to add this function to the Speed ​​Triple without heavily overhauling the crankcases.", explains Simon Warburton. Likewise, it is not possible, as it is, to deck out the Triple 1050 cc with a system of choice of cartography or traction control..

"The traction control will arrive on the 1215 cc of the next Tiger Explorer ", however, the Triumph product manager reminds us."But we will not be able to duplicate this system and add a mode of selection of maps on the current 1050 and 675 cc, because they do not have the ride-by-wire. We will therefore have to wait for the next generations of engines".

Back to our dashboard, where the ABS warning light shines continuously: "Do not worry ! This is not a malfunction, we have deliberately disconnected it", reassures us the staff Triumph. Because unlike the ABS of the standard Speed, that of the Speed ​​R can be deactivated within the framework of a use 100% track.

More imposing than a Street Triple, the Speed ​​Triple is better suited to tall riders. The saddle located at 825 mm high allows most bikers to put both feet on the ground, and only our Japanese colleague, barely 1.60 m tall, struggles to get on the bike..

The loss of 2 kg announced by the manufacturer goes literally unnoticed. On the other hand, the settings of the larger suspension springs (10 Nm against 9.5 Nm at the front and 100 Nm against 95 Nm at the rear) as well as the "sporty" settings of the hydraulics seem to make the Speed ​​R a little steeper.

The first quarter turn necessary for the correct alignment of the motorcycles allows us to discover that the turning radius has not been improved on this ultimate version of the Speed. Too bad because in town, where the R version is likely to spend most of its time, this lack of maneuverability is penalizing.

However, as our devoted press manager reminded us – who drove with us, because there is no reason that it is always the same people who have fun working! -, "English engineers are extremely vigilant about comments from the press and Speed ​​owners and often modify their models by small touches.".

The proof is that since our, during which we pestant plagued against the little functional crutch of the Speed, appeared on the said crutch a very practical lug. !

The first three laps are closed behind the opener at a reasonable pace to discover the track. Apart from the 5th curve called Sito Pons which we attack by going up blind and which commands a straight line while descending, no trap is detected…

To gauge the liveliness of the front axle, the best – and only – place is at the start of the route. It is a sharp shift from right to left, between the Michelin turn and the following curve. Unfortunately, we quickly realize that it is preferable to engage the third gear before attacking the rapid double left, which considerably slows down the maneuver..

We must also admit that it is difficult to state the real gain obtained in terms of agility, in the absence of direct opposition between the Speed ​​Triple R and a "normal" Speed ​​Triple, deeply revised in 2011 and already well established in the matter. . One thing is certain, however: those who do not know the latest vintage of the Speed ​​Triple will be surprised by the incisive and precise character of the front axle of the R !

The fast track and without bad surprises offers an ideal playground to – try to – push the new Triumph to its limits. The throttle can be wrung out without a second thought and if the traction control is missing, the Pirelli grip is present. !

From 4000 rpm, the Triple (revised in 2011) propels the bike with the vigor and generosity we know it. The engine does not run out of steam at any speed, accepting to climb beyond 10,000 rpm in the red zone. This is not very useful in practice, because the "best of" is between 6000 and 9000 rev / min.

To perfect the image of this R version, Triumph could have found some additional horses. Because once the bike is well in hand – which hardly takes more than one session – you end up reaching the switch a little too often! Proof if there is that the chassis could cash more torque (yet already 111 Nm) and power (135 hp in the free world) !

Just before the 3-cylinder ratatouille in over-revving, the blue LEDs on the meter light up as the revs progress and allow the pilot to anticipate the engagement of the upper gear. It is at this moment that we realize that the box does not yet fully satisfy…

Despite its redesign, the gearbox still requires an applied decomposition of gestures: the left ankle must particularly force the line to lock the speed. Going from 4 to 5 under full load on the descent to "Dry Bag", in particular, requires a little practice..

We regret here the absence of a shifter which would greatly simplify the task. "It comes standard on the Daytona 675 R, but it is not on the Speed ​​Triple R which has a slightly less sporty vocation.", tells us Simon Warburton. But fans of the circuit can rest assured: Triumph is currently working on this equipment !

The Speed ​​R, on the other hand, is irreproachable as regards the braking phase. This is not surprising, since the "normal" version already excelled in this exercise! Biting at will, very powerful and perfectly dosable, the Brembo set is as beautiful as it is effective.

In the final portion of the track this time, it is the quality of the suspensions that is highlighted. While we have fun throwing the bike faster and faster in ultra fast breaks and coming out stronger and stronger, we wonder if the Speed ​​Triple would do as well….

It seems indeed that the limits of the Speed ​​Triple in terms of course holding and recovery appeared more quickly than on this damn R. In the ultra-fast corner entries, the "licking" of the front brake lever does not interfere. nothing the trajectory of this decidedly very sporty roadster.

Similarly, you have to damn yourself spit in the gloves to start feeling the rear waddle. And you might have to be a factory pilot – or a bit wrapped up ?! – to criticize the work of the Ohlins or the settings selected by the house pilot !

"We set the bikes between the "track" and "sport" recommendations", tells us between two sessions Felipe Lopez, Triumph test pilot."In more "comfort" setting, despite the harder springs, especially that of the rear shock absorber, the suspensions of the R are softer and erase small imperfections better than those of the standard".

Back at full speed on the track of Jerez, the Speed ​​Triple R does not nourish any complex vis-a-vis the sports either, in particular thanks to a very satisfactory ground clearance. The "Daytona 1050 naked" allows you to tumble through the big curves of the Andalusian circuit at 160 km / h, slider touching the vibrator, with complete confidence !

Only the width of its handlebars requires more attention and restraint than the shorter half-handlebars of a sports car. Its shape, horizontal and curved backwards, also shows more wear in the long run, especially for the right wrist! But on the road, this fatigue should not be felt.

At the end of our four sessions on the circuit, we have to admit that the English have done quite well: the Speed ​​Triple R is indeed the ultimate Triumph they announced: meticulously prepared, incredibly efficient on the track and certainly breathtaking on the road !

Remains the price, which increases by 3,100 euros compared to a "basic" version already far from basic … According to the brand of Hinckley, its new R should represent around 25% of Speed ​​Triple sales in 2012. Will a quarter of customers have the means to afford it? ?

In any case, the desire should not be lacking: in addition to owning "Ze Ultimate Speed ​​Triple", this 2012 novelty will allow the most fortunate – or motivated! – from our readers to stand out from the Speed ​​and Street Triple, more and more numerous to drive in France … The price of glory, in a way !

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *