The Triumph Speed Triple models have been head-turners since the 1990s, but those taking the time to look are often divided on whether it's because the bikes are looked upon as either pretty things or ugly things. The latest iteration of the Speed Triple 1200 RS is a bike that's equally divisive on styling, but the improvements in the new model to power, weight, chassis dynamics and more are all undeniably brilliant. 

Personally, I've struggled to get on with the styling of Triumph's iconic 'bug eye' models, but then, I'd never really spent any time with one either, so I've reserved judgment...until now.

Triumph is a brand that has been at the forefront of design critique for generations. The brand has produced a collection of undeniable design classics, such as the Thruxton and Bonneville models, and in the past decade, the brand has introduced its Bobber styling, which also proved to be an instant hit for riders worldwide. The Daytona models have been a consistent favourite for sports bike riders and admirers with their gorgeously sculpted aerodynamic fairings throughout the decades, too. But as for the Speed Triple, with its distinctive naked twin headlamps, the styling has always been less of a unanimous celebration and more of a talking point at local biker cafes and car parks. A fellow biker friend, Joana, had a 2014 Speed Triple, and the jokes about the bike being unfinished or mid-repair thanks to the stripped-back appearance were near-endless (admittedly, mostly coming from me more than anyone else). Jo didn't ever seem to care for my terrible jokes, insisting that the styling was a mere accessory to the bike's performance. 

When the first ever Speed Triple launched in 1995, some insisted that they loved the bike's styling, while others didn't get it at all. The opinions and conversations around the latest model will likely be just as divisive almost 30 years on.

On the morning that the Matt Baja Orange 1200 RS rolled out of the Triumph press delivery van, I did my best to look upon it with an open mind. After all, the styling is merely an accessory, right? Fast forward to that very afternoon of that same day and ten minutes into my first ride, I was finally starting to understand what Joana was talking about. 

Above all else, the latest Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS has been designed, engineered and built to ride brilliantly. The newest iteration of the triple benefits from upgrades and tweaks to the chassis, refined suspension components, and an improved engine. In the words of Triumph, it's 'all-new in every dimension' in comparison to its predecessor.

The iconic three-cylinder 1160cc engine pushes out 177hp - a 29hp increase from the previous model. The peak torque has also increased by 8Nm to a very impressive 125Nm, and the rev limit has been increased by 650rpm to now top out at 11,150rpm. The new engine benefits from a lower inertia and free-breathing exhaust, equating to something rather special in terms of power and performance.

Agility and handling have been improved thanks to a 10kg overall weight reduction, which drops the total wet weight below the 200kg mark - (198kg). The updated model also benefits from a narrower riding position and a centralised chassis, allowing for a more direct feel to the handling. It’s also worth noting that the Triumph HQ performance parts toy box has been raided for the new model, too, with updated and upgraded Ohlins suspension, Metzeler RACETEC RR tyres and Brembo Stylema brakes, all included as standard on the new model.

The rider-focused tech and switch gear have also been refreshed with new hardware such as a new buttery-smooth quick shifter, optimised ABS with mapping advancements for cornering, and tweaks to the traction control modules, which can be altered either individually or per the five riding presets: Rain, Road, Sport, Track and Rider. Everything is controlled through a new model-specific 5" TFT screen and updated switchgear, which is all within easy reach of fingers and thumbs. 

There are new and improved luxuries, too, such as keyless tech, cruise control, LED lighting and self-cancelling indicators.

The result of the improvements and tweaks is a flawless performance riding experience. The riding position allows the bike to fit like a glove, and the agility adaptations grant a naturally intuitive feel. Minor body position alterations alone can adapt the entire feel of the bike when cornering in a way that I've rarely experienced before on two wheels.

My road test week was a damp December, meaning I was limited on how much power I could put down and how much speed I was able to pull through the corners, yet the bike still felt hilariously rapid and reassuringly predictable. The traction control systems and ABS work their magic in a stealth-like fashion. On the cold and damp rides, the tech is clearly kicking in, but it does so in a way that doesn't interfere with or unsettle any rhythm or flow. 

Notably, the grin-inducing sound and feel is what makes the RS feel so special. The quick-shifter and gearbox are the smoothest I've experienced on a sports bike, and the stopping grip and cornering performance are glorious even in the out-of-season wintery environment. The TFT screen is clear and easy to use and can also communicate with a phone via Bluetooth and a helmet headset.

With pricing starting from £15,795, the Speed Triple 1200 RS is a bike with exceptional performance at a competitive price. Whilst I think I'll always struggle to call it a pretty bike, having spent some time on this 1200 RS, I now look at them in a completely different light. It's easily one of the most intuitive, fast modern bikes I've ridden. It feels light, agile and much more comfortable than I'd anticipated.

words: John Marcar
pictures: Henry Faulkner-Smith