Triumph Speed Triple R - Riding Impression

There is no question that the Speed Triple is Triumph's flagship bike, despite the fact that it isn't necessarily the Hinckley-based British company's current number-one seller. But if there is a single machine in Triumph's range that defines its identity, the Speed Triple is it. The Speed Triple was also one of the original production streetfighters, at the bleeding edge of the trend of stripping faired sportbikes down to their elemental core and labeling them hooligan-ready.

We’ve said “soulful” in conjunction with this 1,050cc triple more times than I can count. And it does sound great. But it’s also a solid performer that provides a flat torque curve and excellent fueling, its “natural” power delivered without mode switches or traction control. The biggest threat the Triumph faces is the recent arms race that has been unleashed in the open-class naked segment.

First, the Speed Triple R took on the mighty Aprilia Tuono V4 R back in 2012. The Tuono not only produced a tad more peak torque but also torched the Triple to the tune of 33 more horsepower. Fast-forward to 2014 for the arrival of KTM's 1290 Super Duke R and BMW's S1000R, and it's clear the Speed Triple's 121 ponies are facing corral-busting stampedes out of Austria and Germany. Not to mention mostly missing the rider-aid revolution. Wouldn't a Speed Triple customer want electronic suspension like the S1000R features?

Maybe not after taking a ride: The Speed-T’s chassis—supported by supple and beautifully controlled Öhlins suspension at each end (NIX30 fork and TTX36 shock), awesome ABS-assisted Brembo brakes, and Pirelli Super­corsa SP rubber—delivers sublime handling and stopping power and makes the bike just as at home on a racetrack as on the street, even if its comparative lack of power may keep you out of the running in the Super Naked World Championship.

Climb aboard, and the seating position feels just right, even if there isn’t a lot of room for the rider to move around. But the handlebar bend, and height, are superb. The footpeg location is comfortable, while still high enough to not get mangled at trackdays. The bikini fairing keeps the worst of the windblast off of your chest.

So although the Speed Triple might not have the firepower to hang with the latest crop of brutes, its value and character remain. Probably because it was naked before naked was cool.