2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Breaks Cover

by Jan 25, 2021

The 2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS has arrived! Triumph claim a revolutionary change with nearly every part of the bike updated. There will not be an S or R version so all of Triumph’s know how has been distilled into this one machine.

The 1200 RS comes hot on the heals of the new 2021 Aprilia Tuono 1100 so let’s take an initial look at what’s new.

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Static 4

  1. New engine and exhaust

An all-new Euro 5 1160cc triple engine with finger follower valve actuation, a peak power of 180PS at 10,750rpm (177.5 bhp, 132.4 kW) and 125NM peak torque (at 9,000rpm) headlines the update. That gives the engine 30PS and 8Nm more than the old engine at peak levels.

The redesign has brought a 7kg weight reduction and 12% reduction in powertrain inertia, allowing for a 650rpm higher redline (now 11,150rpm).

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Static 3

A new intake and exhaust system with revised silencer placement (now low and beside the rear wheel) contributes to an improved sound signature. Also, power is transferred to the rear wheel via a new more compact stacked 6-speed gearbox. Triumph claims a 25% increase in power-to-weight ratio over the previous generation, and nearly double the original 1994 Speed Triple.

2. New Chassis and ergonomics

The chassis is also all-new (although it does retain the aesthetic of the previous generation). With a wet weight of 198kg, the new bike is 10kg lighter than the old bike. The frame itself is 17% lighter with an altered weight distribution that is biased further forward and down. A 2.3 kg lighter lithium battery replaces the lead-acid item.

The 7kg disparity between frame weight and overall reduction tells us Euro 5 charges a hefty price for inclusion. Thankfully Triumph has still managed to reduce total weight regardless.

The new Speed has an altered riding position with 13mm wider bars; footrest position moved slightly inwards for more ground clearance and an altered seat profile and construction designed for more comfort. Seat height is 830mm.

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Static 1

Surprisingly, conventional fully adjustable Öhlins suspension carries over with NIX30 upside down forks and a TTX36 twin tube monoshock employed. An interesting choice considering electronic suspension is available on many of the Speed’s rivals.

Metzeler Racetec RR tyres are now standard fitment while Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2 tyres can be fitted as a factory approved track option.

3. New Brakes

New Brembo Stylema® radial monobloc front calipers, with lighter 320mm front discs, appear for the first time, along with a single Brembo twin-piston rear caliper.  

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Riding 4

4. Revised styling

The new Speed has adopted a more aggressive stance with a cleaner look, including smaller side panel pods and a new compact tail unit. The exhaust position has moved down to the bike’s side by the rear wheel, lightning the tail area considerably. Sadly this new arrangement obscures the new V-spoke wheel design in the process.

Two paint and graphics schemes are available for the new Speed Triple: Sapphire Black, with red and silver graphics, or Matt Silver Ice, with black, silver and yellow graphics. A carbon fibre front fender is standard, though the flyscreen is no longer standard fitment.

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Sapphire Black RHS
Sapphire Black
2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Matt Silver Ice LHS
Matt Silver Ice

5. New electronics suite

The new Speed Triple sports an entirely new electronics suite.

Features include a 6-axis IMU controlled Optimised Cornering Traction Control system with 5 riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Track, Rider customisable), in addition to all-new 5” TFT instruments and interface (with on-the-go adjustment), My Triumph Bluetooth Connectivity allowing for turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control, phone control and music operation.

A new quickshifter allowing on-throttle clutchless upshift and downshift is standard fit along with multi-level cornering ABS (“Road” and “Track”), anti-wheelie lift system (integrated within the riding modes), a linked braking system, cruise control, full keyless ignition system (including steering lock and fuel filler), backlit switchgear, self-cancelling indicators, and a LED lighting system including LED daylight running lights (DRL).

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Static 2

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Pricing is set at $25,600 AUD (plus on roads), £15,100 in the UK and $18,300 in the US. Details on other markets are not available at the time of writing.

The new Speed Triple 1200 RS will be arriving at Triumph dealers from the end of February.

2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Riding

What do you think? Would you take this or the new 2021 Aprilia Tuono 1100?

Visit the Triumph website for more.

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2 Comments

  1. Paul

    Hmmm, interesting but do naked bikes really need to have better power to weight, more horsepower, be lighter, etc etc ?

    Reply
    • Fast Joe

      Great question, something to ponder. Thanks for reading and commenting.

      Reply

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