Spy Shots Of The New Triumph Speed Triple Reveal Juicy Details

Summary

• Upcoming Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS has been spotted testing for the first time.
• Ergonomics are changing with the addition of clip-on handlebars for a crouched riding position.
• Although no major changes are seen in the engine, hopes are high for internal upgrades to boost power for a competitive edge.

The over-1,000cc naked motorcycle segment is ever-evolving. Ducati has constantly introduced updates for the Streetfighter V4, KTM recently overhauled its Super Duke, and BMW shocked us all with its M 1000 R. After watching from the sidelines, it seems Triumph is now ready to join the party next. Spy shots of the updated Speed Triple 1200 RS have surfaced on the internet, revealing a handful of notable changes.

Most of these are aimed at enhancing the sportiness of the naked to give it a better fighting chance in the competitive segment. You might argue the RS is still relatively new (it debuted in 2021), but three years is a long time nowadays. Here’s everything we can tell you, even though we can’t use the images (copyright issues and whatnot).

The Upcoming Triumph Speed Triple RS Has Carbon Wheels And Electronic Suspension

On first glance, the test mule of the Speed Triple RS looks just like the existing model. The same ant-like dual headlights, belly pan, single-sided swingarm, and side-mounted exhaust are all identical. But look closer, and you’ll find a set of new underpinnings. The most noticeable element is the new Ohlins suspension.

The USD forks are visibly beefier than the current model, and, if you look with a fine eye, you can see electrical wires at the top. This suggests the suspension will switch from manual adjustability to electronic adjustability. It’s something we’ve already seen on the Speed Triple 1200 RR, but the RS could have the newer Smart EC 3.0 version.

What’s also new is the set of wheels. The test mule seen here rides on 17-inch carbon fiber wheels, shod with Pirelli’s latest Supercorsa rubber. Interestingly, the rear tire appears to be a 200-section unit, unlike the current model’s 190-section size. The new size would bring it in the same league as the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and the BMW M 1000 R (both have 200-section rear tires). We don’t see any differences to the Brembo braking system (with Stylema calipers), however.

Different Ergonomics Elevate The Sportiness Of The New Triumph Speed Triple

To match the upgraded underpinnings, Triumph has also changed the ergonomics. The big change is the new clip-on handlebar, mounted atop the new forks. It replaces the tubular single-piece handlebar to result in a somewhat crouched riding triangle, evident from the rider’s position in the images.

Since such a setup sharpens the riding dynamics quite a bit, the company has also slapped on an Ohlins steering damper to stabilize things. It’s mounted just below the headlight–a little oddly placed if you ask. Anyway, this is the first time we’ve seen clip-ons on a Speed Triple, and only the second time on a Triumph naked (the Street Triple RS Moto2 Edition being the only other one).

What seems unchanged, though, is the cockpit. We can see the same five-inch TFT as the current model, and there’s every reason to believe it’s packing the same tidbits. As a refresher, the RS boasts a suite of features, such as:

• Cornering ABS
• Four traction control settings
• Quickshifter
• Five ride modes (rain, road, sport, track, and rider)
• Wheelie control
• Keyless ignition
• Smartphone connectivity
• Three throttle maps

No Major Changes To The 1,160cc Engine Can Be Noted

The spy shots reveal little to no engine changes. The casings are exactly the same as the existing model, and we can say the same for the headers and exhaust. This suggests the 1,160cc, triple-cylinder engine will remain unchanged, continuing with its 177 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque. Although not an unimpressive figure, the output is considerably lower than other over-1,000cc nakeds.

For reference, the Streetfighter V4 is good for 208 horsepower, while the new KTM 1390 Super Duke boasts 187 ponies. So we hope Triumph surprises us with some internal engine upgrades to up the output to at least in the 185-190-HP ballpark. This, along with the upgraded underpinnings, would cement the RS as a proper contender for the liter-class naked title.

2024 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS Power And Torque

Launch Timeline Remains Unclear For The Upcoming Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

Considering this is the first sighting of the motorcycle, we can’t give you a set timeline for its full reveal. That said, the test mule looks rather close to production-ready form, so the wait shouldn’t be too long. Also, there’s a chance this isn’t an updated model but a new variant instead. The same thing happened when the Street Triple 765 RS was spotted with identical enhancements, which later turned out to be the Moto2 limited edition. Let’s hope this is indeed the new Speed Triple RS and not just a special edition, though. Stay tuned to TopSpeed, as we’ll certainly keep you posted about all the latest details.

Source: Triumph Motorcycles, 1000PS