TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2016 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £240
Power: 138 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm)
Weight: Medium (483 lbs / 219 kg)

Prices

New £11,500
Used £6,300 - £8,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

While it can’t match the limitless any-gear acceleration of BMW’s S1000R, the 2016 Speed Triple R offers an entirely different ownership proposition. It’s got character, usability and a level of detailing and build quality that simply can’t be rivalled. It’s beauty and the beast.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
5 out of 5 (5/5)

A narrower, smaller tank allows the rider to sit further forward and as a result the 2016 Speed Triple feels much sportier steering than before. The chassis, swingarm and geometry remain unchanged, so too does the R’s fully adjustable Ohlins NIX30 front fork and TTX rear shock. The ride is composed and precise but could be a little too stiff for badly surfaced UK roads, with the softer Showa-suspended S model perhaps offering a more comfortable road option. Like the S, the Speed Triple R features gorgeous Brembo M4 monobloc front brake calipers reinforced by switchable ABS which offer plenty of stopping power and a fairly sharp initial bite.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

It makes a smidge more power (up from 133bhp to 138bhp) than the previous model, and torque’s been boosted by an average of 5ftlb right across the rev range. But it’s in the low and mid-range where the changes are most noticeable. Assisted by the new ride-by-wire throttle system, the initial twist of the wrist rewards with instant, urgent response meaning that below 3500rpm the new Speed Triple feels much more aggressive than the previous model. Yet despite that snappy pick-up, the new Triple has a beautiful air of sophistication and refinement in its power delivery, allowing you to get swept along on the swell of mid-range courtesy of an engine that’s keen-as-English-mustard to rev. For all its new-found silkiness, Triumph have lost none of the Speed Triple’s raughty character; it’s still bold and mechanical, and the new, freer-flowing and lighter under-seat exhaust system does a magical job at amplifying the almighty triple-cylinder roar.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Easily one of the most detailed and best-finished bikes to come out of Hinckley, the Speed Triple R looks more like a very high-end special than a production bike. Gorgeous paint, beautiful attention to detail, and a whole host of different textures, colours and finishes make the new Speed R a real bike to be proud of. If you like poring over carbon-fibre, Ohlins gold, billet and alcantara, this is the bike for you.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Compared to BMW’s S1000R and Yamaha’s MT-10, the Speed Triple R is considerably more expensive. But neither of those machines can rival the Triumph for quality, finish or looks. And residuals are currently very high with Triumph claiming they’re 13% higher than their competitors.  

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

New ride-by-wire throttle has benefitted the Speed Triple with five rider modes – Rain, Road, Sport, Track and a custom setting - each offering the full 138bhp but via suitable combination of throttle response, traction control intervention and ABS mode. The all-new LCD dash displays speed, revs, current mode, gear position, fuel level, tank range, trips, and offers a lap timing function. It’ll also show tyre pressure (when Triumph’s optional extra sensors are fitted). 

Specs

Engine size 1050cc
Engine type 12v, inline triple
Frame type Twin spar tubular aluminium with single-sided swingarm
Fuel capacity 15 litres
Seat height 825mm
Bike weight 219kg
Front suspension Ohlins NIX30 43mm fully adjustable fork
Rear suspension Ohlins TTX36 fully adjustable monoshock
Front brake 2x330mm discs with four-piston Brembo M4 monobloc calipers
Rear brake 255mm single disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper
Front tyre size 120/70-17
Rear tyre size 190/55-17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 52 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £240
New price £11,500
Used price £6,300 - £8,000
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years unlimited milage

Top speed & performance

Max power 138 bhp
Max torque 83 ft-lb
Top speed 150 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 170 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1994 Speed Triple T309

1997 Speed Triple T509

2000 Speed Triple 955i

2005 Speed Triple 1050

2012 Speed Triple R

Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2016 - on)

4 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2016 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2016 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £240
5 out of 5 British at it very best
08 September 2021 by Dave

Year: 2016

Worst This did not come with a quick shifter, although the hand book says it does Not fitted as standard with Arrow Exhausts Best So easy to ride, fired with ABS and traction control, so 4 standard drive option and one custom. Just as happy in traffic as is it on an open road.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Brakes are so progressive, but grab a real handful it will stop dead, good job you can switch the ABS on! I can rides this for 3 hours with no problem. Not so a passenger, unless small. So 3 out of 5 Seat tends to load the rider so can be hard work in tight lanes etc. Tried a gel insert, a bit better, but then had a custom cover made with much thicker padding. Then had extended rear pegs, this has made it much better. Most of the tell I remove the pegs and have to cowl installed, which replaces the seat.

Engine 5 out of 5

Just so smooth and well built

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very high quality finish, no cheap foreign material in this bike. So smooth, virtually no vibration and you can use the mirrors at any speed. Very positive gearbox, but first is very clunky. Ride ring position is very comfortable, the bike wraps around you and you become one with the bike. Very stressless riding position, slightly more forward lean to the pre 2016 model, making it very comfortable at normal road speeds. And this model was built in the UK and saw these being built in the factory on a factory tour.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

As most bike, not cheap, but not crazy, except the 12000, which I believe is about £400, but that is a major service

Equipment 5 out of 5

I now have the Metzeler M7 RR, for me as a non hard rider are so much better then the original Pirelli Supercorsa, which want to dive into the corner, the M7 is much more forgiving, with a slightly different profile.

Buying experience: Dealer new, around £13000 with extras

5 out of 5 My ride of a lifetime
05 February 2021 by Steven Richardson

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £240

There is nothing l don't like about my bike Triumph got it spot on with this model .yes l would recommend everyone buy a Triumph

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The bike is a all rounder very comfy seats ride for 2 or3 hrs easy without break

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It is built to a very high spec in my eyes .never broke down never failed me in any parts .as Triumph fit only the best parts

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Get about 45 to the gallon at a steady 50mph

Equipment 5 out of 5

My favourite feature is the front headlights they look fantastic when lit up on a night .also the sound of the triple engine it has it own unique sound

Buying experience: Yes l bought it from dealership in York paid 9,400 worth every penny to me

5 out of 5 Top Triple
09 October 2020 by Sandrat61

Year: 2017

Best feature; The engine Worst feature; Long distance comfort, you can tour Europe two up on a Speed triple but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Excellent ride quality if you take time to adjust suspension correctly,comfort range is about 2 hours or a tankful Can't really fault the brakes, powerful and progressive

Engine 5 out of 5

Can't fault the 1050 triple engine on anything really other than another 10-20hp would have been nice. Power delivery is smooth and linear.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Totally reliable over three years, only issue has been a "T" on the tank badge that came off after a few weeks of ownership, promptly fixed by the selling dealer. Seems fairly resistant to corrosion but then I believe in cleaning my bike after pretty much every ride or every couple of days if touring.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Running costs I suppose aren't too bad except for fuel as the engine and handling do encourage enthusiastic use of the throttle and riding around in a gear lower than perhaps you should

Equipment 4 out of 5

As a naked sportster it could have done with heated grips as standard

Buying experience: Bought new from a dealer as a replacement for my previous Speed Triple. Service was fantastic.

5 out of 5
01 July 2016 by Neil

Year: 2016

Superb bike, not the maddest or baddest, but a great machine and a fantastic update.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The Ohlins are firm but plush too. Plenty of adjustment but haven't tried it to personalise it yet.

Engine 5 out of 5

Still running in but more than enough for the road, plenty torque already.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Quality of finish is outstanding. No problems so far.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not cheap, being only a few hundred less that the S1000R which has heated grips and semi-active suspension. However, it looks and sounds much better. Power is more than enough for on the road

Equipment 4 out of 5

Quickshifter was optional extra, but well worth it. Quality is superb.

Buying experience: Dealer good, but a long wait with no delivery date at order time. Triumph need to improve their order information to customers - I almost cancelled my order and got a Ducati instead.

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