I tried commuting on a Triumph Speed Triple RS... | 2022 Triumph Speed Triple RS Highway Riding 

It’s completely trivial, but that single sided swingarm is a selling point for me. I mount my own tires and not having to measure a thousand times to be sure they’re even is almost worth the cost over a Street Triple

Before even watching this, I can tell you my 2020 speed triple is more comfortable than just about any bike I’ve owned. Including BMW R1250 GSA, BMW 1600GTL, Harley Ultra Classic limited, and 2005 Honda gold wing. I routinely do 3 hr pleasure rides with no pains. Mountains, highway and city.

It’s the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. I absolutely love my rs and the way she rides. Amazing bike.

Had a naked Bandit this summer and used it for touring as well as commuting and all other fun riding. Sold it to a friend of mine. He gave me a ring later on and wondered how I was able to tour on it. He thought the wind pressure on his chest was high. Gave it some thought and I realized I always have a larger tank bag in front of me. At least for me that seems to be one option if you would like to own and use a naked bike for everything! 😁 Great review as always! Keep em coming! 🙌

I commuted 120 miles round trip on my 2002 Speed Triple for years until I retired in 2016. I found it a great bike for that purpose. It has 88,000 miles on it with no major issues. I have never owned a road bike with a fairing so I don't understand that issue. I also took that bike on trips. With a couple of soft bags and my back pack I was able to take 7 to 10 day trips fairly easily. Maybe the new version of the S3 has lost some day to day capability. I still have that Triumph and have no plans on selling it. I have other bikes, mostly for going off road, but I will never sell my old S3.

I own a Speed Triple, mostly for back road riding, but yes I could tour on it, I would have to give up a little storage space, and have seriously considered taking it over the Tiger 1050 for a tour from CA to TX and back.

I bought a 2007 Speed Triple brand new and found it to be the most comfortable bike I had ever ridden. I viwed to keep that bike forever and just rebuild the engine when needed. But then I saw the 1200. I now have the 1200RS. Still in love with the Speed Triple line. Triumph forever.

Agreed that the wind is rough on this bike. I got the tiny factory wind screen for the bike and it surprisingly helps a lot on the highway! I like the look of the headlights without that screen, but it helps me for highway commuting.

I commute 100 miles a day on mine when the weather agrees. I ride with a large tank bag and wear a Shoei Rf1400 helmet. I get some mild buffeting on the highway since I added the fly and windscreen. Before I added them, I had no buffeting that I noticed. I actually moved my bars forward slightly. I am 6 feet tall. As far as being blown around, I don't notice that much derivation from my set course unless I am using cruise control. It's amazing how much we use throttle control for steering.

I used to ride a Buell XB9 Lightning home. I just leaned into the wind and rode it. I rode it over 1000 miles to a rally once and it was fun.

I never thought the Speed Triple RS would be too bad of a commuter bike, now the RR will probably be a bad commuter because of the aggressive positioning the rider’s in.

Great review man I’ve got a 2012 street triple r and I love it but damn does that cruise control sound so nice haha slap a tank bag and a backpack and I can ride all day!

Put the mini fairing(without the extra extension) on mine and made the wind a lot better. 5 Hours is the longest ride I put in. If there were better options for bags on the rear I would tour.

Interesting vid. Ride safe, god bless u.

This thing looks amazing!

Fun video. You should always try the factory fly/windscreens on these naked bikes on the highway. Also the factory ``comfort seats``. These 2 items make a difference most of the time on these type of bikes.

4:51 damn look at that thing rollin'

I ride mine 4-5 hours. Only think that hurts is my knees typically. Could use a peg lowering kit but other than that the flyscreen works pretty well. I didn’t experience getting blown around too much. But I’m also in canyons and such so the wind is more channeled and not side to side.

Probably one of the rare models that comes with rearview mirrors that are actually nice

Great review as usual. What gloves are you wearing? Doesn't look like the ones you posted in your description.

I think wind being a factor on naked bikes is really only a thing for people who are traveling across country on the interstate or that live in specific areas where they plan to use the interstate often. Your trip from Atlanta to the mountains for example. My trip to the beach here in NC is 100 miles each way. But it’s actually faster from fort Bragg NC to take hwy 87 (only 55mph limits) down to the beaches that I go to. We have interstates that get up to 80mph speed limits but they are out of the way and it absolutely sucks if you get stuck behind a wreck on the interstate because traffic can get backed up for miles. So I really don’t use them that much. Because we have a lot of wide open country it’s nicer to take the smaller 55mph highways and enjoy the curves and scenery. Even more reasonable highway trips like fort Bragg to Raleigh NC which I could do by taking 95 north to 40west, we have hwy401 which is the same kind of deal as 87, it’s more of a straight shot and when you’re out in the country between the two major towns it’s mostly 55mph so there’s no issue of fighting the wind at 80mph for long periods of time. Interstates here are mainly used for traveling out of state. Like taking the kids to Disney in Florida or to my moms in Atlanta. I really don’t have a reason to ride on the interstate other than legally being able to go a bit faster for an exit or two for fun. But I would never do it long enough for it to be a big issue. At least not now. Maybe when I retire I’ll get a big ass gold wing or something and travel all over the country but that’s not in the plans anytime soon.

that glossy black tank cover of recent street/speed triples are sexy AF. I wasn't a fan of the styling but the minute I sat on one and touched the tank cover I fell in love.

Dang CChase! a 5 hour Commute??? That's a trip to Vegas for me! I actually am kinda looking at a Naked bike that I can either Tour or Track. I have a Jixer 1000R right now, and its a good bike, but I at a place where I can start touring with my bike, and I don't want a cruiser. Did tour a bit on a 390 Adventure (8 hours without mods). I also went on some trips on a buddy's 1290 Super Duke (2019 model) and had a '14 Street Triple I took on some trips to Vegas and California. So, I am looking at this bike (and some others, Super Duke, Duke R, MT-10 or MT-09, even the Street Tiple RS or the XSR900, and MT-10 temps me b/c I had R1 and I miss the sound of that engine). So... Thanks for this video. Think 5 hours is an extreme commute, but, Then again, I grew up in LA area where people do commute 2-3 hours b/c traffic, which is why I learned to ride in the first place and got my motorcycle license. Love the Video, and Yes, I would tour with this bike, so it would be interesting in these videos to mention if there are modifications that would make the bike a better touring bike (windscreens, hand guards, saddlebags, etc, which I assume there are, as the before mentioned Super Duke I borrowed had a windscreen and sadlebags on it, hand guards, heated grips/seat, and a Must for me: Cruise control.

I think the street triple is a better option..116 hp is enough for cruising around town.. this bike ,the speed triple makes a hair raising 177hp!! ..unless you're a SPEED DEMON, this is complete overkill..OVER 100 mph on the highway is no fun so all that hp is completely irrelevant. Great Review as always Chase!!!.

OC: easiest way to cancel the cruise control light is ALT+F4. Also, no I wouldn't tour nekkid like that. Still an excellent bike!

The wind on the speed triple is brutal it’s so weird, it’s like it senses wind and just passes it straight to you it’s annoying but I still love mine !!

This bike is so aerodynamic, I can ride in 20MPH+ cross winds and it holds me up in a straight line. I'm 150 pounds wet. This bike is definitely a commuter bike, or whatever the hell you want it to be! Anyways ima ride off now.

AWESOME BIKE ! ! ! ! AMAZING ! ! ! ! FANTASTIC ! ! ! !! MAGICAL ! ! ! ! ! ! SUPERB ! ! ! ! ! !

I’m a big fan of touring on a naked bike. I’ve done road trips on my mt-09, and getting ready for a trip on my 2004 Speed Triple. Not the best bike for the job, but definitely doable.

A street triple is the only bike I’ve owned, and I love the bike, but hate it on the highway. People tell me I’ll get used to the wind, but I definitely haven’t gotten used to it yet

I have this bike and love it for what I like doing: being a hooligan. However, there's a half dozen other bikes I'd pick over this if commuting was my primary driver.

I have a 2020 superduke r and I have only just found out that you can disengage the cruise control the same way, like you said so much better and smoother way to do it, I used to have to get ready if I was going to tap the breaks ha ha

I have a Street Triple RS and I feel slightly the same about touring. Even with less aggressive tires that bike will absolutely not settle in on the interstate. That and cruising at 80mph put me right at the threshold of 8,000 RPM so the bike is constantly wanting to spool up. I love my bike but feel like it falls more into the great at trackdays side of naked bikes. Instead of the great at being an all around naked bike.

This is the kind of review I like because when I go for a pleasure ride I go all day, most bikes I've ridden leave you stiff and sore so that's a major upside to this bike for me.

With the troubles on the freeway. Vehicles ahead of you cause turbulence, especially pickups which can feel like you’re getting blown around.

I've got a 21 Trident & I'm looking for an upgrade I commute rain or shine all year round about 20mins each way. Loved the video but might hold off for the new 23 street triple RS

One thing I do notice every time I ride is that the clutch has very positive action once it is warm. On the very first start from cold, the clutch is "notchy". I think it may be that the oil has not fully encased the ramps in the slipper/ grabber ramps until you have ridden a few miles. I have tried to work the clutch lever a few times prior to riding off, and also let the bike warm up for a few extra minutes, but it doesn't seem to matter. Once warm it's great.

OC: I would consider touring on a naked bike, but I wouldn't want to make a habit of it. I think it really depends on the naked bike; some have a nice smooth airflow that doesn't seem to buffet, while others (cough cough my 2015 Bonneville cough cough) seem to be intent on exhausting you with turbulence.

I just did a 7,000 mile trip around the western US on a MT 09 with no windscreen in September so this thing would be no problem at all for a long trip. I had a puig touring screen that I tried before the trip but found that it directed the air straight to the bottom of my helmet and made it deafening inside so I got rid of it. I also use it for food delivery and often put on 200+ miles a day.

I commute daily on my street triple rs. No complaints, even in Orlando traffic for an hour. How do you get your on board audio so clear?

Btw Guys one trick to change modes between Rain>Road>Sport WITHOUT causing the engine braking to slow the bike down is to activate the cruise control. This way you continue forward progress without having to suddenly slow down when shutting the throttle. CC works from as low as 32mph ps I have the fly screen and windshield on mine + rotated the handlebars back ever so slightly. I would definitely tour on it once the flu situation clears out ! suspension in the comfort setting is quite plush

I took my 2011 Triumph ST roughly 500 miles (one way) to Barber Vintage in one shot. Not exactly a comfortable ride, but I made it there and back. 😣

7?!? For a naked bike? I love naked bikes but if after 5hrs you can give this babe a 7 then it must be a great bike either that or you are just built solid.

It's a nice little bike to get around town on.

For me, maybe because I’m smaller, (5’5 F) I own a street triple 765 and it’s so comfortable. Can ride it 4hrs fine. I test road this bike and it was even more comfortable lol. Wind isn’t too bad for me at all. The smaller little fly screen does plenty for a naked in my opinion. Even on windy days I don’t really feel blasted

Hey chase! Love this video. I absolutely love this triumph, but I was wondering if you could compare this to a MT-10. Both 1000cc and both have my eye for my next bike.

Yes i have a duke390 and wanting dreaming for that speedtriple

Beautiful bike..

Man, I want one of these but my Street Triple R has a more comfortable seat. Cruise control, keyless operation... I miss those though.

Just got one for every day use 😮

What are the revs sitting at when you’re doing highway speeds?

My trident gets pushed around a lot. I want to upgrade and I’m not sure if I want to look into a speed twin an XSR900 or the FTR.

I'll still always find it silly how cruise control is NOT standard on all modern motorcycles. It absolutely should be.

I started watching this channel looking for a commuter bike so I can go between downtown ATL and Chamblee. So far Yamaha's yzf or mt lines look promising (I'm a beginner, so R3 or mt-07). What do you guys think?

Put the Triumph fly catcher on and its clear extension. It takes the air/wind out of the pit of your chest. Didn't notice any other bikes out on the hiway. Maybe it WAS too windy. Anyway..the gray one is a much better ride.

Have you tried the new Street Triple 765 yet I’m waiting on that review!

My OCD prevented me from buying this bike. The assymetrycal headlight pattern (high beams on one side and low beams on the other) would do my head in

I did a 10 hour 700 mile marathon on my 2015 FZ09 which lol aint got nuthin for wind protection at all. And that gen MT09 had a terrible saddle to boot. Ya get a naked bike you know wind pro aint gonna be there. Still take this over most.

I was thinking about getting one. I am concerned about my size and how I will look on one. I'm 6ft @255lbs how tall n how much do u weigh?

im planning to get the 675 rs as my first bike is it a good ida or should i ride smoothing smaller?

Do the desert sled and hypermotard commute test. Also regular Aprilia tuono. Please

So what was the actual MPG? Maybe I missed something?

On my gen one fz09 I was racking up over 14k miles from April- October

oh my God. It looks just like the insect "Praying Mantis".

hey , how good are those gloves. Contemplating between those gloves or heated grips.

@chaseontwowheels, Is there a difference in performance or mileage when it comes to octane? 87 vs 93?

My dream bike

Could you get Brian to do more bike reviews? Thanks!!!

on a naked bike I keep it under 60. Its just too windy to do 80 for a long time

What’s the temperature like there? I was riding last weekend in town, not going more than 30 miles nor above 60 mph but after a 40 min ride I was shaking. I’m also a pretty skinny guy so I guess that doesn’t help.

OC-Nope. Having commuted in both configurations, I wouldn't go without windscreen... maybe in the summer.

It's a great looking bike, but it's not for extensive motorway driving unless you get a wind deflector imo.

Sport mode is the best, cruising on windy highways and bridges it does feel light compared to the Rocket GT.

I've toured on an unmodified 2020 Katana. After 600+ miles in a day I wanted to die.

The cruise control works the same on my 2019 Tiger 800

Trying to decide between 2022 RS and Ducati SuperSport S. Doing mostly weekend tours and rural twisties. Currently own mt07, can tour on it... but handlebar/foot peg vibrations are killing me by the end of a day of riding.

As an owner of a 1200RS I don't see the problem in Commuting. The seat is plushy and the geometry is usable for longer tours. But as a disclaimer I can commute on the German Autobahn. Sadly the iOS connection to the connectivity Module is not working correctly and navigation doesn't work. That's a shame. SAdly t

How comfy is the seat?

Thing about wind on a naked bike is if you ride it every day after a year or so you’ll not even notice it anymore.

OC: Absolutely would never tour on a naked bike without defeating the purpose of a naked bike and adding a windscreen or whatever else. Just not my style. I deal with enough wind on my CBR500R for long distance touring.

Would I tour on a naked bike? I did 400 miles on a street triple rs for a Christmas (split in half with maybe 4-5 hours rest to do Christmas dinner in between) On the way there it was really calm, cold but I was basically teletubbied up in a sleeping bag style cold weather onesie. On the way back it was literally gale force winds (50+mph) on tiny little English roads with no lights for the first hundred 80ish miles and apart from nearly getting hit by some idiot driving the wrong way onto a dual carriageway I got home was fine. I was tired but not even sore (or actually cold thanks to my suit). Definitely should have got heated grips and bought a better helmet but other than that yeah. I would and have toured on a bike like that and the wind is fine.

Nitpicky is the correct adjective... The RS is brilliant.. but, it's not a commuter... you deserve an NT 1100 DCT... STABLE, CRUISE, EXCELLENT MILEAGE, and COMFORT for cross-country...

Any light naked bike it's a pour choice for touring, regardless the brand, actually the better the naked bike is (lighter, faster, more agile, etc) the worst for touring, what exactly you expect to find? Also comuting is about splitting lanes (filtering in US) which a light naked is stelar! In city, in summer, in traffic.. the naked bike will be the best.

OC: wouldn't tour on a naked without at least a high windscreen. In the case of that speed triple, putting a windscreen on would kill the looks

The bug eye front end is hideous. Stop it triumph

Just curious to how you get shots like that so far away from the bike?

Which mountains?

Where is here ? The mountain Sean!

Would you travel (with luggage) on this bike?

OC: I love Triumphs. But they broke my heart discontinuing the Daytona. If I got a new one I think it be a Street Triple instead. But sorry Triumph I really want that MT09 SP like really bad. Also was waiting for Beau to say "I'm the king of the world" at the end.

Why one headlight out?

No 40-80 pull?

I know this completely not related to the video but wanted to hear y’all’s opinion. What would you all say about starting on a Kawasaki Ninja 650?

I wish he would try the 765 triple rs

God I panicked right at the start there. No don't pick up the Diesel! Didn't realise the colours are the other war round there.

How ridiculously thoughtless is Triumph for not providing a nice windsshield option for this motorcycle! It is just a SHAME especially if it is a frame mountied headlight and dash they missed a golden opportunity to sell more bikes to people like me that really want some windprotection in addition to everything else the machine has to offer! See Yamaha DID provide easy windscreen mounting for the MT10 so I guess I have to buy that bike since I am not interested in riding an ADV or full on sportbike with wristkiller ergos. BMW S1000R apparently does NOT have frame mounted headlight meaning a windscreen is like attaching a wind sail to the handlebars....Uhhh NO which is sad because that bike has EVERYTHING else one could want! Has any aftermarket company developed a decent windscreen for the RS? (little flyscreens dont count) I just want a 1000 naked I can do everything on without it looking like an ADV bike or weighing 500 llbs. The BMW and Triumph are pretty light the Yamaha not so much but at least I can make it work

What’s your favorite 3 bikes for touring?

I miss Yummi… :(

The bug eyed lights look ugly on the T Triple, they should change it for a single head- light

Hi boss 👋👋