52 yrs old , 6ft tall and 210 lbs Not as aggressive cockpit as my Ducati or Gsxr and not as relaxed as my monster or 1290 . For me this is the perfect mix with supersport performance . No pain in my wrist or arms at all , what a great machine
@@bradfuller1667 no doubt bro,I'm 5,11,205 lbs ,iv just got the Datona 660 Snowdonia white,for my shopping basket,love it ,but gota have one of these too,
It was in love at first sight. I had the 2011 Speed Triple but was pissed to find out that the 2012's would have the R offered. I love my 2011 but when I learned the 1200 would be offered in the RR version I wasn't going to miss out. I don't care how comfortable or not. I bought it. Crystal White just like your test ride. Have added more carbon fiber. Heel guards, scrolling led indicators, rear hugger, Evotech tail tidy, Evotech radiator guard, Powerbronze tinted screen and just last week SC slip on titanium exhaust. Absolutely love this bike and the looks are stunning. It sits beside my Thruxton RS Ton Up in the garage. Behind them is my Daytona 765 Moto2 and 2012 Tiger Explorer. Fan boy yes indeed! Thanks for finally releasing this much anticipated Speed Triple 1200RR review! Cheers!
I have to say, I’m not a big Triumph fan (but I have friends who just love them and wouldn’t see past them) but I loved the look of this bike from the minute I saw it. Great Video Mr Flyer, always really enjoy your content.
thank you sir, as always. i think people who spend more money on bikes simply tend to keep them a bit longer as they are special machines, for a pure sports bike I think the RSV4 or if you really want to shell out the shillings then the Panigale V4SP are absolute track beasts but for those of us of a certain age and more refined taste, this fits the mould quite nicely indeed. well done. cheers
I'm afraid the comfort is even a step below Thruxton R to me. My neck, wrists and knee bends don't work for me now, maybe 20 years ago. Your right about the BMW R9T Sport was a torture rack but a real beauty. I love the looks of the Speed Triple RR and the engine but the comfort not the price will keep me away.
Exact same for me. I test rode the RR whilst my ThruxtonR was being serviced and the riding position on this RR is just too extreme for me with my ThruxtonR being just about OK for me. Its a shame as I love the look of the RR, maybe the RS is the one to have.
I ride a BMW, (R1250R), can ride it all day. I once had a Suzuki GSXR750. After an hour had to get off as my neck and wrists ached. Never got used to the bike.
@@malcolmabram2957 Bike comfort certainly varies for each rider. The R1250R and even the R1250RS are pretty comfortable to me. I never tried the Suzuki 750.
Well, I paused and read The Small Print. Your channel was an important part of my induction into motorcycling. If some people have nothing better to do than be rude, that’s their loss. It’s easy to snipe from behind a keyboard. Few of them would try it in person. Keep up the good work!
@@TheMissendenFlyer: ooo nice 😊 I think I’ll check out that jacket, wish I could try it first, but I live hours away from the nearest shop, oh well, may risk an online buy
I sat on one at the dealership. I adore the look. It's just gorgeous. I could not personally live with the clip-ons - I'm just aged out of that ergonomics category. If they add the semi-active suspension to the regular Speed Triple RS - that's then THE bike I'd personally seek... but the look of that fairing with the single headlight is the bee's knees.
That bike with it's doubtless 160mph+ ability and best part of two hundred horspower is just perfect for loading up with soft panniers and riding to the N'ring and then a quick run down to Barcelona or southern Italy.
Hi mate, really enjoyed this vid. Kinda made me think when you just had the triumph and GS to ride your streets. Your first tour in France on the triumph too….has been all a joy to watch. Very pleased for you.
I'm 60, I'm not in the market a brand new bike anyway and I find myself increasingly drawn to the retro end of the market. For me, triumph are chumming the vanilla end of the bike spectrum, very nice but not my jam... swift but not particularly practical. Having said that, I enjoyed your review (as always). Your videos are crack to an homesick ex-pat.
A beauty! It was my favourite looking bike at last years bike show in Birmingham. The price will separate a lot of people on the fence. Great review! 👍
Really enjoy your channel, great content and excellent informative dialogue. However, do you know why the onboard footage is so blocky and poor quality compared to other RU-vidr’s onboard footage?
but do they still wheelie thru the first gears ??? had an '11 on a '15 now , favorite bike ever !! (and I've had a "few") if I were to go this route I'd probably get the z900 rs Cafe ...
Paused working well....what can I say for encouragement.... Keep up the good work.... all entertaining and much appreciated. Plenty of folk like drinking in this pub and for those that don't, well you can go drink elsewhere in youtube!!! there are plenty of other places to choose from right.
I'm considering this bike and coming from the angle of an older guy's sports bike for the road, the thinking being current litre sportsbikes are just too much. Would the bike fit this bill?
Hi Andy, design-wise this would have been the new bike that I'm picking up from Triumph Paris in an hour! But I went for the Trident for practical reasons. You could have probably done your whole review today without ever getting out of first gear on the RR😂
I sat on the one at the bike show. The nice triumph lady asked me what options would I like. I said a pillion seat cover, apparently I was first, she asked me why I wanted a seat cover, well I said who in their right mind will sit on the pillion
Excellent video as always, as you mentioned no vibrations from the mirrors, it shows how good the image stabilisation is on your backward facing camera as the image is much more stable than the camera looks!! Nice bike except for me a slightly over bulbous tank, unless you've now lost too ,much weight!!, LOL
I test rode one earlier this year & absolutely loved it. Would love a white one in the garage to go with my 1050RS (test rode a STR 1200RS & liked mine better). I thought Lamb Chops summed it up well when he said it was 'simply great fun to ride'.
Me too. I was underwhelmed by the 1200RS. Triumph should have given this bike the electronic suspension and all the upgrades they have given the RR. I don't actually like the look of this RR a total departure from the previous Speed Triple look.
Have a test ride on Thursday while my Speed Twin is being serviced. They are very different bikes so how would you compare the two or is that not possible?
Hey Andy I managed to pause the small print !! It only took me about 50 attempts, lol but after seeing something flash up for a millisecond on a couple of your posts I was determined to see what it was
Proper review as usual Andy with a bit of sartorial elegance thrown in, your looking stunning lad.. I think it is a fantastic looking bike. Tell the 'camera shy passenger' we're asking after her.
Whats with the start of video? Don't let the negative haters get into your head, keep doing what you doing. If people don't like it they don't have to watch, that's the beauty of RU-vid.
Nice video. I don't think bike manufacturers worry too much about competitive pricing at this end. The chinese have that market nailed shut. These are trinkets for people in their 50's like me, that could buy a cheap casio watch, but wear an expensive swiss watch instead. More money than sense? Yes possibly but 'buy cheap, buy twice'' quality costs.
It’s a beautiful bike. I’d like to see an RT added to the RS and now RR lineup. With the basic styling of this RR but as a sport tourer. Higher bars, taller screen, matching hard luggage, etc
As an ex R9T racer owner I am often baffled by a lot of the criticism of this type of riding position. I sometimes feel it's a bit like ordering a coffee when you wanted Tea ;-) I found the R9T wasn't as bad if you had a decent reach (6ft plus riders found it OK). In regard to the RR, I have a sneaky feeling that this will be a popular bike over time. This type of bike always draws out the critics, but it could offer a nice balance between a race and naked riding position...it's just that eye watering price. If Mr Flyer and Chopsy like it there must be something in it. Look forward to your next vid Andy when you've had time to bond.
I think this bike looks amazing specially in the red and all on the wonderful Speed triple platform, it's definitely a niche market bike modern retro as you said like the MV Veloce. Would love one but at £17950 out of my league. Cheers Andy.
Test rode the 1200RS recently, very fast, love the styling. The suspension had been tuned so it wasn’t super stiff. Didn’t like the fact the dash kept flashing a low oil pressure fault (dodgy batch of sensors apparently). Also the rear brake squealed awfully when pulling up. Not a massive issue but the engine also vibrated a lot when pulling away. I normally ride an MT10 which isn’t as pretty and doesn’t have the spec but considering it’s deficit in capacity and cost (not to mention 100 % reliability) is so close to the RS I just can’t bear to part with it even though I’ve had two Hinkley’s and I loved both.
A great review AS USUAL. interesting how you arrived at a very different opinion of the comfort level to Mr Neeves, who admittedly spent a great deal more time in the saddle and concluded NOT comfortable on wrists or arse, just short of Purgatory.
I think the idea is a sport bike with a nod to practical road use. Think Duke Supersport or even Fireblade. If I were 5' 8" and decades more supple, I'd be interested. But at 6' 5" and knackered, it's a bike to admire, but not ride. The market is likely small, hence the high price for a low volume run. But had they gone for a Speed Triple sports tourer, to rival the z1000sx, they might have a model that is lovely to look at and sells well. Great video!
Andy, I think you put your finger on it: IT IS in a Class of its own. As a thing of peerless beauty - at least in the red, I suppose it can only be compared to the MV Agusta Super Veloce. Something to stand proudly alongside the mantle-piece during the cold winter months. Or even the bedroom...
I bought a 1200RR as a replacement for a 1299 panigale which I'd had for 6 years and done circa 60 days on the track. I just got fed up of riding the panigale on the road. Originaly the harshness of the panigale was exciting and characterful , but after 6 years I just got fed up of it being hard work!! I've just done three days on the track on the 1200RR- its awesome - ok maybe not a 1299 panigale - but for an inter/fast rider like me - I don'tthink I can fully exploit a top level sports bike anyway. Also it was easier to ride on the track - on the panigale I had to come in every 5 or 6 laps and I'd be exhausted and dripping - on the triumph it was easy to ride. Alot of gents that buy expensive sportsbikes are "getting on a bit " - I'm 59 and truely love this idea of a "gentlemans sports bike" . On top of this I've just done 1800milesround trip to barcelona on the 1200RR , upto 450 miles a day - its comfortable and a delight to ride!! Price wise the 1200RR is the cheapest bike by far with full electronic suspension - so you can't compare it with the entry level S1000RR. its got the suspension of the R1M and Panigale v4s - much more expensive bikes. A classy sportsbike with top level suspension for the descerning gent!!
Another great review of a BEAUTIFUL bike. I can't, yet, justify getting rid of my classic orange '08 Speed Triple to spend $20k.... Operative word: yet!
Great video Andy, I do agree with you it looks better in red. For me personally the RR will be a second bike, but it’s too pricey to justify the cost. I’m a massive Triumph fan, so I reckon Speed Triple R/S will be the one.
I read the small print (good pausing skills). Agree that this should be entertaining and fun and it's sad you have to state all that. I personally enjoy the channel and find the content entertaining. Thanks!
@@villaincatcher it's a disclaimer that TMF is providing entertainment and his opinions are his own. He reserves the right to delete offensive comments and block those who write them. Hey kids is just a catchphrase and a few other points I can't remember and won't be attempted to precision pause again.
Thanks Mr Flyer, I don't need to try one to know it's too much for me (not just the price) but I love the looks and the sound. I agree that it's hard to see where it's position is in the market, but I'm very happy that Triumph are producing a bigger choice of great bikes :>)
You can still buy a Speed Triple RS. The RR doesn't ruin anything. Not my cup of tea, but surely a worthwhile addition to choice with high quality ride, components, and finish?
Nice review & an interesting bike. I was pondering when it was announced if the idea was better than the reality & wondered how many they'll sell. Was also thinking they could've / should've put the clip-ons above the yoke for extra comfort.
An achingly good looking bike in the flesh, but the riding position is just a bit too focussed for my liking. Had they ket the same flat bars and peg position as the RS I think it would have been a winner, but as it stands it's neither an out and out sports bike or a proper super naked. Perhaps the perfect bike for guys wanting to step away from sports bikes, but it would be nice to see the next step in the retro roadster segment. I thought this could have been the bike to replace the mighty Thruxton R/RS.
In the red it is a beautiful stunning bike. Great fun to ride, looks the part. For me, the only downside is the price tag, that's a lot of money for essentially a speed triple. If I had the money, I'd be picking up a Rocket 3 r.
It's a gorgeous looking bike, I prefer it in the red though. I think they have over priced it, but then it will be more desirable perhaps? It will definitely turn heads outside any cafe thats for sure.
It really isn't fair to compare it to a base S1000RR, by the time you add the carbon pack, dynamic suspension pack and cruise control the BMW is more expensive, and it doesn't feel as premium or characterful as the Triumph.
From the reviews, I liked this bike a lot until I heard the price. Thanks to your review, I know why it cost so much. Does it have Lighted Switchgear? (I bought 4 new bikes in the last 4 years, only my KTM 1290 SAS has Lighted Switchgear.)
They're called clip-ons because they are mini-handlebars/grips that are separately fastened- clipped on- one to each fork leg, as opposed to a conventional handlebar which is a one-piece unit mounted to the top triple clamp. They're used on both racing and street sport bikes and are perfectly safe. The biggest downside to them is that they require the rider to lean far forward to reach them. This is actually a positive on race bikes, where it is desirable to have the rider's weight as far forward as possible to help reduce wheelies when accelerating. On street bikes where comfort is more important it's a negative, although an extreme forward lean can be alleviated somewhat by adding a small rearward and/or upward kink to them, or by mounting them on top of the fork legs (probably not possible on this bike since connections to the semi-active front suspension are routed there).
Glad you've got hold of one of these, as I've been waiting to see you review one! Having test ridden one, I'd be interested in your opinion (and that of anyone else who's also tried one) on how you find the throttle response/fueling? The one I rode had a real snatch to it from a closed throttle around town and into lower speed corners that made it quite off-putting but I'm not sure if it was just an issue with that particular demo bike, as I've only seen a couple of reviews that mention similar issues. I also found the bars quite vibey. As my years advance I seem to be developing circulation issues that make me susceptible to numbness in my thumbs and index fingers. It happens on my current GSX-R1000 K9 and although my hands didn't go completely numb during the test ride, I was very aware of the tingling on this as well. I know there are already aftermarket 'heavy' bar ends available for it that might sort the vibes, so I guess I'm not the only one to find it an issue with the 1200RS/RR. It's a shame, as I love the looks and quality and as a rider looking for a bike with decent midrange (rather than screaming top end) with a sportsbike riding position, I'm possibly the target market but thanks to the confidence sapping closed throttle issue and the vibey bars I'm currently steering towards the S1000RR.
I can't relate to your comments, I think I found the bars on the S1000RR to be more vibey. I had no issues with the throttle / fuelling either. My first impressions video on twisty Swiss roads is on my channel.
@@MattNeighbour Hi Matt, Thanks for the reply! I took a look at your Speed Triple 1200RR video and also noticed you’d tested the S1000RR so had a look at that video as well. I’m interested to know why you’re leaning towards the Speed Triple rather than the S1000RR? For me, the Triumph definitely scored in terms of quality; fit and finish etc., although in the UK I can get an S1000RR for £1,100 less than a similar spec Speed Triple 1200RR, so you do pay for the extra quality. It no doubt helps that the BMW has been around longer, so there are deals to be had. I’ve had a chance to try the S1000RR again and it is definitely ‘buzzy’ but crucially, the frequency doesn’t set off my numbness whereas I was definitely getting ‘tingles’ with the Speed Triple almost as soon as I set off (although it never developed into full on numbness). In any case, they’re both better than my current bike and I suspect heavier bar ends may help both of them but for my specific circulation problem, the BMW seems to be less of an issue. In terms of the ‘snatchiness’, similarly to you I found that the Triumph wasn’t entirely happy in 3rd gear for town/village/slow roundabouts etc. The bike I tried would even complain a bit if accelerating from 30 mph in 3rd (let alone 4th). I no doubt could have smoothed that out with a bit of clutch (btw, I agree about the slightly weird biting point) but I didn’t have such an issue with the BMW and in fact was able to run consistently higher gears on the S1000RR (even, at one point, pulling from just under 20mph in 6th). This, in turn, meant that if I had to pick up off a closed throttle in a corner, the fact that I was in a lower gear (together with quite an immediate throttle response, regardless of which map I was in) could upset the Triumph, particularly in the softer suspension settings. Ordinarily I wouldn’t be closing and opening the throttle mid-corner anyway, which means it would only be an issue for town riding but where I live I have to do plenty of low speed riding just to get to the 'nice' roads, which makes slow speed characteristics fairly important to me. Being able to run a higher gear on the BMW already made things easier but I also found that picking up off a closed throttle in a low gear upset it less. I guess this could be down to the different characteristics/reciprocating mass etc. of the 4-cylinder compared to the Triple? It's a shame as I was really looking forward to the Speed Triple engine as, on paper, it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for but surprisingly I found the BMW engine more flexible and as a result it just felt easier and more relaxing to ride. Once up and running and stretching their legs they’re both great fun. The Triumph arguably has the better sound, although I was pleasantly surprised by the BMW as you built up through the rev range (even between 4k and 8k rpm it has a nice bit of rasp to it, even on a standard pipe). I was expecting the Speed Triple to feel faster in the midrange, given the flatness of it’s torque curve and the fact it’s apparently producing around 10 lb-ft more at 4000 rpm than the BMW but on the road the BMW never felt slower. Maybe this was down to gearing or just the flexibility of the BMW’s engine thanks to the Shift Cam system. Anyway, I guess I need to decide whether to give the Speed Triple 1200RR another test and if so, whether to try a demo bike from a different dealership to see if some of the throttle issues were bike specific. It’s a lovely bike; definitely looks even better in person than in pictures and on paper is exactly what I’ve been looking for in a bike. But then, despite being more extreme on paper, the BMW was surprisingly flexible and easy to ride Decisions, decisions!! Thanks again for the response and you’ve picked up a new subscriber. Oh and btw, jealous of the roads you get to ride on! 😊
Hi Phillip, It's a really tough decision isn't it!?! I need to try the S1000RR again now that I've got a memory of the Triumph 1200RR to compare it to. In Switzerland, the Triumph can be found for 21.5k CHF whilst the BMW seems to be at least 25k after a few options, 30k if you tick all of them including the carbon pack. The BMW engine with shift cam is almost too good, almost like an electric motor in smoothness and linearity. I can see why some people say it lacks character. But it is highly suitable to road riding, it's almost two bikes depending on the rev range you're in, stay away from the top end and it seems like a friendly 600. My main hesitation with the S1000RR is that it feels wide. I've never had a 4-cylinder, only V-twins and IL3. I have the sense that the S1000RR pushes my thighs a bit further apart than I find comfortable. I also felt less able to hang off it in corners, although it wasn't really necessary on the street. The Triumph feels special, and familiar, and I like the modern café racer style. I think it would be just as appropriate to ride it in Dainese racing leathers as jeans and retro jacket, I like that. And living abroad I like being known as the British guy with the British bike. But would I regret spending all that money and still not having a real superbike? I've still got to try the latest Panigale V4S...
Hi Andy, your "The small print" was to me like the marketing message which is said to be hidden in department store music 🙂 In regards to the Speedy - as the riding position (for me) was not comfy at all and the price is too high to just use it as decoration item for my living room I think i won´t buy one in the near future. Stay safe Q
This bike is something special and special things are pricey, like MV Agusta, you know you ride a motorcycle art. It's not everything in HP, there is so much in styling and appearance. Though, this white color takes away some of it's lines and makes it plain. Silver would be much better. I am glad Triumph produces sth like this, and feel really sorry for discontinuation of 675 Daytona. For those who complain about neck pain etc, men became such a girls nowdays, buy scooter then. I tour with R6, everything falls apart after the ride, but I love that pain, it is part of being a biker, sport bikes aren't designed for comfort.
I love the looks of this bike. I tend to like modern classics or whatever they are called today. The bike looks sleek and the quality looks top notch. It is a bike I would consider buying.
Thanks Andy, I'm sure it's a nice bike but I just don't really get the package. It looks like it doesn't know what to be and the styling looks unfinished. The MV is a much better looking bike and the lines seem to flow better. For the money I think there are nicer options.
Not a bike I would ride as not supple enough now but I do like the looks of it. Bye the way enjoyed lunch at the propeller at Bembridge so thanks for the tip. top notch nosh.
Went and tried it. Ordered a RS instead 😄 I honestly love the looks of the RR but I thought of how it would fit as a daily bike and that’s where I think the RS wins, with its way more comfortable riding position
Yes I'm with you just can't see who will buy this bike it's neither one thing or the other, and with all the expensive trinkets fitted, it's certainly not cheap. In a few years time it will be a rare bike no doubt.
Andy, you've got my head swirling with this biker fashion business. How about troosers with one leg see through chiffon and the other a luxurious tartan topped off with a silk cravat? Let me know.
The small print, a necessary these days!!! Not to sure about this bike and like you, it will be interesting to see if there is a market for it. Looks lovely, I have to say
I've owned a Sprint RS 955 since new. The sound of this new Speed Triple RR and the basic view and riding position look vaguely similar. At the time the Sprint RS was a bit of a 'budget' model (I paid £6,349 before extras) and appealed to me because I wanted something 'between' a sports tourer (Sprint ST) and a sports bike (Daytona 955). Wonder if anyone will go the DIY route and fit an after market half fairing to a Speed Triple RS, have a more upright position and save a couple of thousand pounds?
With some small adjustments, bar risers and less extreme pegs, it could be a real do it all bike and very popular, despite the price. I'd like to know how many have been sold. I doubt it's many and, given the current situation, it seems like a (very lovely) luxury too far. Although, there aren't many new bikes for sale anywhere at the mo. I want an MT09 and I need to wait until Aug at the earliest - if then. It's a quadruple whammy situation, with knobs on.
Modern cafe racer retro, looks great. Not going to be comfortable but I'd be happy to have one in the garage as a third bike. And I know it's not as cheap as the RE Continental GT.😏
Lots of complaints about the bullet-faired R nine T Racer's riding position compared to the standard version, so the difference between this and the standard S3 aren't surprising. Built for a different buyer. I own a 2006 Speed Triple and ditched the stock bars for a lower clubman-style set because I grew up on sportier bikes and prefer that riding position (I'm 58, habits die hard). I'd like one of these, but the price is too much for my budget.
Hi Andy, nice first impressions ride. From my perspective (as I’ve test ridden one) is Triumph made a big mistake by not separating it enough from other litre plus Sports bikes and that is the clip ons. Way too racy for the overall design. The clip ons are what it needs, however I would’ve made them to rise above the triple clamp (a bit like what Aprilia did with the RS660 and Ducati did with the Supersports). Other than that it’s a great machine. 👍😎
@@josgraha Not raised enough. You will see in my comment two other examples of what they should’ve been raised to. From a riders perspective (and ex Australian Superbike racer) they are too similar to Sport Bikes and need to be well above the triple clamp.
I totally disagree with all these clip-on comments, I loved the focused riding position, it's perfect for alpine twisties where I ride. The bars are less extreme than the S1000RR if I remember right (I rented one last year and did a few test rides). The only discomfort I found on the 1200RR was the cramped knees but I'd live with that for the sublime handling and confidence. My first impressions video on rather more twisty roads has been uploaded to my channel.
Come on Andy, time to improve the audio, not everyone likes the aircraft mic effect and 1080p doesn’t cut it on laptops and smart TVs. It’s becoming an effort to watch your videos, which is a shame, because your content is very good!