2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS

Make Model	Triumph Speed Triple RS
Year	2018
Engine	Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	1050 cc / 64.1 cub in
Bore x Stroke	79 x 71.4 mm
Cooling System	Liquid-cooled
Compression Ratio	12.92:1
Induction	Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
Oil Capacity	3.8 L / 1.0 US gal / 0.8 Imp gal
Exhaust	Stainless Steel 3 into 1 into 2 high level stainless steel silencers
Ignition	Electronic
Starting	Electric
Max Power	148 hp / 110 kW @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque	117 Nm / 86.2 lb-ft @ 7150 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate slip assist clutch
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	X ring chain
Frame	Aluminium beam twin-spar, single sided swingarm, aluminium alloy with eccentric chain adjuster
Front Suspension	Öhlins 43 mm NIX30 upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping
Front Wheel Travel	120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension	Öhlins TTX36 twin tube monoshock with preload, rebound and compression damping
Rear Wheel Travel	130 mm / 5.1 in
Front Brakes	2 x 320mm floating discs, Brembo 4 piston monobloc radial calipers, switchable ABS
Rear Brakes	Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston sliding caliper, switchable ABS
Front Wheel	Cast aluminium alloy multi spoke 17 x 3.5 in
Rear Wheel	Cast aluminium alloy multi spoke 17 x 6.0 in
Front Tyre	120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre	190/55 ZR17
Rake	22.9°
Trail	91.3 mm / 3.6 in
Dimensions	Width 775 mm / 30.5 in Height 1070 mm / 42.1 in
Wheelbase	1445 mm / 56.8 in
Seat Height	825 mm / 32.4 in
Dry Weight	189 kg / 416.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal / 3.4 Imp gal
Instruments	Full-colour 5" TFT instruments

Triumph has unveiled its new Speed Triple S and RS variants, both adding more to the already great balance, power and handling offered by the base model. The biggest improvements were done to the engine. The new generation Speed Triple S and RS are powered by an overhauled inline-three engine, comprising of 105 new components to develop more power and torque.

The first change is the extra 10hp, with the Speed Triple RS now claiming 148hp at the crank, with 86 lbs-ft of peak torque.

This power is modulated by five riding modes (four riding modes for the “S” model, which is sans Track mode), and a safety net is created by an IMU-powered traction control system. That IMU also powers the cornering ABS, which means that the new Speed Triple is finally in line with its rival machines, in terms of computer brain power.

The new engine also breathes better thanks to free flowing exhaust system, which incorporates a larger catalytic converter and redesigned headers. Triumph also say that the new design helps unlock more of the classic triple roar. Opting for the RS model bags you the Arrow cans and a few more decibels of excitement. There’s also an improved gearbox and slip assist clutch for smoother gear changes.

The full-colour dash is where you see all the electronic settings, such as rider modes and throttle settings. The dash is controlled by the new ‘switchcubes’ on the handlebars, which are backlit obviously. No modern bike is complete without cruise control, so both models get the feature as standard as well as other comforts such as Daytime Running Lights and a USB charging point. As you’d expect on a bike of this power, Triumph have worked with Continental to develop a new IMU that they say delivers optimised cornering ABS and traction control. Once again opting for the RS model bags you some extras including a new keyless steering lock and ignition system, electronically activated by the lock button on the bars, with an option to disable the keyless function for even greater security.

Both new models retain the same frame and single-sided swingarm as the previous models but there are changes in the fit out. The S model gets fully adjustable 43mm Showa USD forks and a Showa monoshock but the RS model gets the all singing Öhlins NIX30 USD forks and TTX36 twin tube monoshock (again fully adjustable). Both the S and the RS receive Brembo M4.34 radial monobloc calipers (although only the RS gets the reach and span adjustable lever) and both get new ten-spoke wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres. Because of the changes, that all adds up to a 3kg weight saving on the RS model.

Difference between S & RS

We’ve mentioned it throughout but there are two Speed Triple models available in the new range: the standard S model and the full fat RS model. As well as the features mentioned above, the RS model gets a higher spec finish including fancy details such a carbon fibre front mudguard and bodypanels. It also comes with a colour-coded belly pad, releasable pillion seat cowl and a new matt aluminium sub frame (rather than the classic red).

Both models are available in two colour scheme as follows:

- Speed Triple S – Jet Black or Crystal White, both with a titanium rear subframe, graphite wheel pinstripes, silver seat stitching and graphite decals

- Speed Triple RS – Crystal White or Matt Jet Black, both with a matt aluminium rear subframe, red wheel pinstripes, red seat stitching, and more premium RS decals.