Triumph Speed Triple RS 2020 — Specifications

At the edges of the English countryside, far from the docks and near the peaceful homesteads, the agitation of the city is barely perceptible. One thinks of other things, of time, of taking it. But philosophy isn's exactly the same flavor near Hinckley. There, in Leicestershire, a beast has recently been struck by lightning and thinks only of one thing: attack. At multiple levels - on the road, facing other machines that have supplanted it in its intrinsic ferocity, against itself perhaps. And that's surely why the Triumph 1050 Speed Triple has become RS in its high-end definition. It makes sense. More watts and more arguments, it was worth disrupting habits a bit.

That's how it is. The big English roadster moves up a gear. In its S version, the Speed already says a lot. We would therefore expect a markedly noticeable added value for its "premium" definition. Let's see the potential of the 1050 Speed Triple RS. And it starts with a cavalry of worthy dignity. The big 3-cylinder engine has been given more than a hundred new parts to boost its ferocity. It wanted energy to spare, and it delivers. It roars, it sends, it wants to hunt down the big boys of the pack. And with 150 horsepower, a higher revving engine and increased responsiveness, the English engine joins the fray with dignity.

For this RS version, Triumph has taken up the good formula launched at the beginning of the R: Öhlins and carbon fiber; and now reinforced electronics. Let's see the most delicious part, the suspensions. The chosen equipment is beautiful, effective, and full of promise. For the fork, it will be a 43 mm diameter NIX30 model; the rear will be enhanced via the TTX36 monoshock. Both are adjustable for preload, rebound and compression. Next comes the moment to enjoy a regime, the ingredients of which are pleasing. On this RS, the front fender, radiator cowls and exhaust heat shields are carbon fiber. The equipment continues to really mark its difference from the Speed S thanks to the addition of an engine guard, a seat cowl, a pair of Arrow silencers, specific brake and clutch levers, and a new comfortable seat. In addition to the quality gain, the benefit on the scale is noticeable: 3 kilos, which brings this Speed Triple RS to 189 kilos dry.

Seduced, you will do as everyone else and approach the machine. We can already imagine scraping the footpegs and sending big watts on corner exits. But the machine only obeys its master, and now, it recognizes him. Electronically. A keyless start system has taken place on board. You can leave the technical appendix in your pocket and take possession of the Speed. It obeys by unlocking the steering and ignition. You have taken place on the saddle. Good. And you are already enjoying the beautiful 5" color TFT screen, as on the standard Speed. Except here, we are entitled to 3 additional display types and a chronograph. The engine has started, it belches, you too. Time to go. And if supporters of the trajectory and responsiveness prefer this RS version, it is because it also incorporates an IMU inertial unit. Not a Bosch like on the majority of equipped machines but a technology developed with Continental. The unit constantly collects measurements of roll, pitch, yaw, lean angle and acceleration. The driving aids react more finely, with an ABS and traction control optimized for corners: they ensure a better distribution of braking forces, of the slip rate and of the torque for optimum performance in a straight line and in curves. The driver can also parameterize them at will thanks to the Track driving mode, only available on the RS. This joins the Road, Rain, Sport and Rider that are already found on the S. We also recover from the latter the cruise control, the backlit switches, the USB socket, the optimized gearbox, the revised anti-dribble clutch, the new wheels, powerful Brembo brakes, and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires. Few criticisms will be part of the party around the 1050 Speed RS. There are trifles, but overall very personal, like the non-return of round headlights and the regret of the lightweight rims of the first R. And since the 765 Street Triple RS delivers more watts than the R, which itself delivers more watts than the S, it would have been nice to add a spoonful of horsepower here too, just to mark the name. And for the shifter? Well, it's simple, an up/down model is available but as an option. On this point, the manufacturer could have made an effort and made it standard.

Deeply revised, the Speed has managed to remain a Triple while becoming RS. With its double corn-shaped headlight, its monobrach, its under-saddle exhausts and its outlaw profile, it defends its idea of design and growl. Curious or charmed, the English roadster knows how to provoke reactions. And now, it is going to provoke new ones among the streetfighters who defy its authority. From its beginnings to today, it remains "apart" from the brutes of the road. And that's why we choose it. Stuff yourself, the Speed has a big urge to blow off steam!

M.B - Photos manufacturer

Main characteristics of the Triumph Speed Triple 1050 RS:

- Improved 1,050 cm3 three-cylinder engine with 105 new components - Maximum power increased by 10 hp reaching 150 hp at 10,500 rpm - Maximum torque increased reaching 117 Nm at 7,150 rpm - 5" color TFT screen dashboard - Backlit switches with 5-position joystick - Cruise control - More direct exhaust with two curved silencers - Improved gearbox - Revised anti-dribble clutch - ABS and traction control disconnectable - USB power socket - Machined bulkheads - Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires - Two-part seat engraved with the Triumph logo - Characteristic aluminum double cradle frame - Aluminum handlebar end mirrors - Five riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport, Rider and Track - Two front discs with radial mounted Brembo monobloc calipers - Integrated daytime running lights - Lighter than the previous generation despite the addition of new technologies - ABS and traction control optimized for corners - Continental inertial unit - Keyless start including electronic immobilizer and steering lock - Titanium Arrow sport silencers with carbon fiber end caps and heat shield - Adjustable Brembo MCS brake lever with matching clutch lever - Öhlins NIX30 inverted fork and TTX36 twin-tube monoshock adjustable - Carbon fiber front fender and radiator cowls - Matching engine guard - Seat cowl for passenger with key lock - Matte aluminum rear loop - More comfortable 3D Net pilot seat