On track

It’s only on the racetrack that a chassis set-up as finely-tuned as that of the Speed can truly be given free rein – and Triumph set out its stall at the Almeria circuit in Southern Spain.

With ‘Track’ mode engaged, automatically altering the ABS to an rear-wheel lifting level and reducing the traction control to the most minimal of settings, the RS can be enjoyed in its least factory-shackled state.

I found myself a fan of the ‘Track’ mode’s circuitinclined traction setting. It’d let you get away with a bit of slide on the exit of corners, but it was always there to stop things getting out of hand. All day long on the road the system had reared its head in ‘Sport’ mode every time a power wheelie came in to the mix. As annoying as it was at times, the actual system proved accurate and efficient.

I never felt as though it was holding me back either, and there were a few occasions when I reckon I would have been given a free flying lesson had it not of been there.

Going fast is fun, but that’s not all the RS is good for. It’s a loveable headcase that’ll lead you astray at the first opportunity, and that only made me love it even more. Triumph’s managed to rekindle this bike’s inner hooligan.