‘Triumph have gone a bit too far’

GUEST ROAD TESTER

As a huge fan of the Speed Triple, I can’t help but feel disappointed by this latest incarnation. Yes, it is far sportier than the previous model, packing better electronics and on a billiard-smooth surface the chassis responds with gusto – but how often do you ride like that in the UK? I fear Triumph have fallen into the trap of believing the hype that supernaked riders want a balls-out naked sportsbike when their rivals have proven that in reality this simply isn’t the case.

This year Ducati tamed their Streetfighter and having been labelled as ‘The Beast’ when launched, in its third generation KTM have done exactly the same to their Super Duke R. Triumph have flown in the face of this and the Speed Triple 1200 RS is harsh, unforgiving and not that much fun at a gentle pace, which is a shame. Put simply, it’s too purposeful for UK roads and is far from the relaxed, yet sporty 1050 it replaces, which I think owners will find a turn-off. The Ducati, which you assume will be mental with its V4, in contrast is relaxed, forgiving, plush and yet still more than happy to go bonkers when requested and the KTM is much of the same, although it still has a slightly untamed typically KTM side to its ride. If Triumph released a more chilled S model I reckon they’ll be onto a winner but as it stands, the RS is just too sports-focused.

JON URRY