Triumph Speed Triple S 2019 — Specifications

Do you remember the shock, the first time you encountered those round eyes and that angular silhouette? The Triumph Speed Triple S, in its 2019 version, has lost nothing of the rogue aura that shattered the codes of roadsters more than twenty years ago. Yet, beneath this brute appearance, it now hides a sophistication that would almost make it a polite motorcycle. Almost. Because the heart of the beast remains that iconic 1050 triple, but reworked with a watchmaker's tenacity to deliver 150 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and a torque of 117 Nm. An engine that has little to envy the German and Austrian models in the segment, even if it retains its gruff character and hoarse vocalization that are its own.

The real leap forward takes place in the cockpit. Farewell to the old analog gauges, make way for a 5-inch color TFT screen of perfect readability. This equipment, now essential, allows you to navigate between four riding modes and access functions such as a welcome cruise control for long journeys. Backlit switches complete this high-tech picture. We are far from the spartan streetfighter of yesteryear, and that's good news for the modern touring rider who also wants to be able to play track day rider on the weekend. ABS and traction control are, of course, present and deactivatable for the more daring.

But don't be fooled by this evolution; it hasn't softened the beast. The chassis, a proven aluminum perimeter frame, offers surgical precision. The 43 mm Showa inverted fork and the monoshock are fully adjustable, allowing you to switch from a comfortable setting for the city to an aggressive road holding with a turn of the key. The brakes, radial Brembo calipers biting on 320 mm discs at the front, inspire absolute confidence. With a dry weight of 192 kg and a seat height of 825 mm, the motorcycle remains agile and accessible, despite its generous dimensions.

So, who is this 2019 Triumph Speed Triple S for? It clearly targets the experienced rider who refuses to choose between raw character and modern technology. It is a temperamental alternative to the BMW S 1000 R or KTM 1290 Super Duke R, often more aseptic in their power delivery. Its triple offers a progression and a sonic richness that two-cylinder or inline-four engines struggle to match. Its weakness? Perhaps its autonomy, with a 15.5-liter tank that requires regular stops, and a price that flirts with €14,050, justifying a good comparison with the RS version, more track-oriented.

Ultimately, this evolution is a success. Triumph has managed to modernize an icon without betraying it. It injected electronics and precision where needed, while preserving the wild soul and inimitable look that have made the Speed Triple a success for generations. Whether you consult a Triumph Speed Triple S 2016 specification sheet or read a recent Triumph Speed Triple S road test, the constant remains this ability to combine pure emotion with a versatility that is now impeccable. It’s still the punk of the group, but he’s learned good manners.