TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2012 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £210 |
| Power: | 133 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (487 lbs / 221 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesBased on the Speed Triple launched at the beginning of 2011, this high-spec R version has Ohlins suspension, lightweight wheels, Brembo monobloc brakes, cosmetic changes, a brand new gearbox and a 2kg reduction in weight. It’s added a dynamic new dimension to the hugely popular Speed Triple, turning Triumph’s feisty street-fighter into to a hugely competent trackday tool.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Speed Triple R has new Ohlins NIX fully-adjustable forks and a TTX rear shock, which gives excellent ride quality and loads of feedback and confidence in the corners. Small changes to the damping settings make a noticeable difference to the ride and handling, which you don’t get on cheaper equipment. New forged aluminium wheels are 20% lighter than cast items, reduce inertia and help the Triumph turn and stop better. New Brembo radial monobloc calipers are race-grade and offer a 5% improvement in braking, according to Triumph.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Speed Triple R has the same 133bhp, 1050cc, inline-three cylinder engine as the standard model, but uses a new-design gearbox, which will feature on the next generation of Triumph’s 1050cc triple engines. 10 of the 12 gears have been redesigned with new shafts, selector drums and selector shafts. There are now five, instead of four dogs on each new gear and the new shape and material offer a claimed increase in strength over the old design. Shaft spines are new and are formed instead of cut, reducing friction. The 6th gear ratio is now 3.4% lower.
The motor has loads of grunt, the power delivery is linear and easy to use and there’s enough oomph to easily see the naughty side of 150mph. On-track, the fuelling mid-corner at low speeds is a little snatchy.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe quality of the new chassis parts is unquestionable and according to reader-feedback in www.motorcyclenews.com’s Bike Review section on the standard Speed Triple of this generation, there are no reported reliability or build quality problems.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIf you want a bike that can genuinely put a smile on your face, road and track, it’s worth the extra cash over the standard model. With its designer labels, it’s now as sexy as any piece of Italian exotica and all the ‘R’ parts alone would tot-up to nearly double the £2500 premium, if you bought them separately – that’s before fitting and figuring out how to set-up the suspension.
It’s cheaper than the Ducati Streetfighter, MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR and the Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC with all the electronics, but more than the Super Duke R and the non-APRC Tuono.
But, if you’re only going to ride the Speed Triple on the road, it’s probably not worth it, like, if we’re honest with ourselves, most special-edition R and SP model super nakeds and superbikes from any manufacturer. The Triumph looks the part, handles and stops brilliantly and has better ride quality, but you only really get these benefits flat-out on-track. The rest of the time, the standard version is more than good enough.
Equipment
You don’t get any form electronic of rider aids, but the power delivery and chassis is so good, you don’t need them. Triumph offers a switchable ABS version for an extra £600. This R model also has a one-piece handlebar riser cap, carbon fibre radiator cowls and tank cover infil and mudguard pods, made by same company who produce carbon fibre parts for the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. It also has a red painted subframe and accents on the wheels, brake calipers and side panels and black-painted handlebars with an ‘R’ graphic.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1050cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 12v, inline-three-cylinder |
| Frame type | Twin spar tubular aluminium frame and single-sided |
| Fuel capacity | 17.5 litres |
| Seat height | 825mm |
| Bike weight | 221kg |
| Front suspension | Fully-adjustable Ohlins 43mm upside down forks |
| Rear suspension | Single Ohlins shock, fully-adjustable |
| Front brake | 2 x 320mm discs with four-piston Brembo radial calipers |
| Rear brake | 255mm single disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | 41 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £210 |
| New price | £10,999 |
| Used price | £6,800 - £10,000 |
| Insurance group |
14 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 133 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 82 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 159 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2012 – model introduced
Other versions
Other Triumph Speed Triple reviews on MCN
MCN Long term test reports
Bike of the day: Triumph Speed Triple 1050R
We’re big fans of the mighty Speed Triple R and that’s the reason this one is today’s bike of the day. Seller says “This bike comes with 12 months MoT, full service history and is finished in white. The Speed Triple R is a brilliant sports bike - with wonderful handling, a superb engine and stylish …
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2012 - on)
8 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2012 - 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 (2012 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £210 |
Year: 2014
Easy to ride, superb handling, did a track at at Silverstone, couldn't stop smiling all day, not the fastest bike on the road, but it's naked street bike, I love it.
Not had a pillion, have a singles seat cowl, and removed rear foot pegs
She'd loads of torque in any gear can make you a lazy rider. Don't need to bang up and down the gearbox, if you do hang on tight cos it will pull ya arms off
No issues
Not sure of servicing costs bought year before pandemic so haven't had a dealer service yet, changed oil and filter and brake pads all at usual costs
Buying experience: Bought from dealer got a good deal as they are main sellers of KTM
Year: 2012
Best - Character and build quality, also feels like it’s in a class of its own. Ohlins, Brembo, nuff said.Worst - I can’t ride it as if I want to keep my licence. Bit of an issue fouling plugs. Pillion pegs are ugly.
Confidence inspiring position, stops in a heartbeat. Epic.
A beast. Can’t wait to try the 1200. Should have a quick shifter as standard & a slipper clutch.
Build quality is right up there IMO. Bit of an issue fouling plugs - Appears a common flaw.
Some plugs, oil, filter, cleaning products. Average out the tyres.
Basic instrument panel but it kinda suits the bike. Love the fly screen nose job thing. Identity is King.
Version: Abs
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £100
Great handling
So far so good
Depends how hard you ride, tires are expensive
Buying experience: Dealer
Year: 2017
6th Speedy in 24 years, gets improved every time without ruining the core DNA. Bikes in-between over a 35 year period include - Ducati Multistrada, 916, 998s; Trimph Tiger, Rocket III; Honda Fireblade, CB1300; BMW K1, GS, RS; Yamaha XTZ750, V-Max - Phewwww - but there is a reason I keep going back to the Speed Triple !. Perfect Commuter, Fun Scratcher, Comfortable distance muncher (albeit with limited luggage options).
As has been reported elsewhere, the R does have quite a hard ride, but with patience and infinite Ohlins adjustments, you can get it just right for commuting, touring, scratching etc.. Brakes are amongst the best.
Torque just gets better and better every model - engine built for us real world bikers. Sounds brilliant. You don't really notice too much difference between the 5 ride modes - apart from between 'Rain' and 'Sport'. I generally leave it in Sport all the time anyway.
There are indeed more extreme nakeds, but nothing beats the speedy on overall package, quality and reliability. The only issue I have had over the years with my Speed Triples, is that two of them have got stolen soon after purchase - one from home, one from the city!
Only had this one for 8 mths, with a free 1st service - but never really been a noticeable noose around the Speedies neck whatever the year. It is what it is - you look after your speedy and it will certainly look after you.
Pretty much threw the accessories catalogue at this one and for the better. Fork/ Engine protectors, Comfort Seat (and it really is), Quick shifter (better than BMW's), Alloy reservoirs and bar end mirrors, Passenger grab bar, Arrow Exhaust (of course), Clutch guide (shiny bit), front nose fairing screen extender (makes a big difference from standard. Finally at 6' 1" it was a little cramped, so fitted after market Gilles adjustable foot rests, creating a near perfect triangle.
Buying experience: I am on my 3rd dealer and based on this last experience, could be a keeper. Sean @ Jack Lilleys of Romford. I probably paid a liitlle over the top, given the new 2018 RS model was just around the corner - but no complaints.
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £130
Excellent build quality and detail stands out from the norm.
Stops on a penny! Brilliant, super-corsas are great in the summer.
Great torque and has the brill Triumph whirl!
Had ceramic coating added which makes it look like new all the time.
Not massively fuel efficient but average for the engine size.
The R comes with all the extras, very smart. I added the wind shield which fits very well and doesn't look out of place gives it a good touch! just helps the buffeting when tucked down.
Buying experience: Bought the bike through my ltd company as it is genuinely classed as equipment with HMRC :) The main dealer was on time and gave a good deal, Laguna Maidstone.
Year: 2014
Perfect all rounder whether performing or pottering about. Jack of all trades master of some!
Runs with best of Italian exotica, German reliability and British quality/ kudos.
Buying experience: December 2015 - Dealer £9950 used with 600 miles on clock.
Version: Speed triple r
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £300
awesome fun I waited 4 months from ordering to delivery but it was worth the wait I'm honestly shocked but in a good way about the finish and fit of all the components it's like a high end European bike but better it make you feel as if your riding something truly special, balance is just about perfect filtering through traffic is easy mode I can't see me changing it in the future I think it's going to be a keeper for many years let's hope as its a new model reliability is top notch like the older model.
Perfect but slightly less powerful than the BMW S1000R I owned, ride on firm side, seat very comfy
Having had a BMW S1000R, Hyabusa, Ktm 1190 it maybe down on paper slightly but in the real world it's such a pleasure to ride, response and fueling is perfect it's a keeper for sure
Better finish and fit than any bike I have owned it the last few year
Quick shifter
Tyres grippy, suspension ohlins firm I need to get them setup correctly
Buying experience: Dealer
Version: R
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £300
It´s just an amazing bike!
I don´t use it too much in the city but feels good when i do, i enjoy it much more when we go out on weekends, a trip trough a twisty road 400kms away was perfect, the brakes and specially the suspension it´s amazing! I ride a Street Triple R before and the difference it´s huge.
The power delivery is linear, goes up really fast from low range of rpm to the top and feels the power at any gear. Sounds a little bit "fat" in comparison to the Street Triple.
I´ve been riding almost a year ago and the only thing that i need to do is just ride it, the 1050 engine it´s amazing
The dealer recommends each service at 5000kms instead of 10000kms according to the manual due the poor quality of our fuel. Each service costs around USD200 that is almost the same with Ducati´s or BMW´s
The bike comes with Pirelli SP but i don´t feel comfortable at all with track tires, so we put it Michelin´s Pilot Road 4 and feels great and lasts a lot. I miss a lot the gear indicator on the dashboard that came with the Street Triple. The carbon fiber parts look amazing, everyone asks if the bike comes that way.
