Introducing: Speed Triple R with Ohlins

[Rincewind]

First was the Street Triple R, then came the Daytona 675R, and now the legendary Speed Triple gets the R treatments.  Ohlins front and back, Brembo monoblock front brakes, lightweight wheels, and a red rear subframe like the Daytona 675R.  NICE!

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/October/oct2411-speed-triple-gets-the-r-treatment/

[Rincewind]

Also Carbon Fiber parts standard.  

[Tyrroneous]

THAT is extremely tempting.  

I read that the 675R is not on the menu for 2012.  Perhaps these R versions are single year runs?  If that's the case, the chance of me picking up a used one in a couple of years is  probably pretty slim.

[Rincewind]

THAT is extremely tempting.  

I read that the 675R is not on the menu for 2012.  Perhaps these R versions are single year runs?  If that's the case, the chance of me picking up a used one in a couple of years is  probably pretty slim.

Yes I saw that about the 675R too, but the R-model has not been 1-year with the Street Triples.  

[SVTNate]

What really interests me is the '12 Bonnie Steve McQueen Edition.  Not because Triumph can't stop beating a dead... um.... actor, and not because the side cover sports a genuine replica of a dead guy's signature... but the matte green/black color combo is sah-weet!  I also like the black logo on the tank... subtle.

[Rincewind]

What really interests me is the '12 Bonnie Steve McQueen Edition.  Not because Triumph can't stop beating a dead... um.... actor, and not because the side cover sports a genuine replica of a dead guy's signature... but the matte green/black color combo is sah-weet!  I also like the black logo on the tank... subtle.

I was disappointed that a 1000cc super-Bonnie was not divulged, as was rumored on the 'net.  

[falconati]

The Sonnie?

[Croak]

I was disappointed that a 1000cc super-Bonnie was not divulged, as was rumored on the 'net.  

I think they're calling that the Thunderbird these days.  

Hey, it's 1000cc...plus.

[Rincewind]

I think they're calling that the Thunderbird these days.  

Hey, it's 1000cc...plus.

The Tbirds today are hardly a standard-style roadster like the Bonnie, or the Tbird 900 previously.  

No bother - I'm 10x more excited for the Speed Triple R!  

[Rincewind]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/October/oct3111-2012-triumph-speed-triple-r-gallery/

 

[falconati]

Looks great.  I hope they sell lots.

[ride200mi]

What a beautiful bike.....
Might have to look into getting one of those for around town.

[SVTNate]

What a beautiful bike.....
Might have to look into getting one of those for around town.

If by "around town" you mean Mulholland, Angeles Crest, Highway 33, Ortega, and Palomar, I agree.

I ride a Speed Triple with uprated suspension, and it never struck me as a puttin' around sort of machine.  I'd like to get a Bonnie for that sort of thing.

[R Doug]

a winning motor in a beautiful bike with quality bits.  

 

[Roadscum]

..... if only there was room in the garage for one more.  

Regartds, Paul

[falconati]

There is always room if you want there to be room.

[K2D2]

Saw one in person at Gengras.  Really sharp, I wish the came in that orange color though...

[HipGnosis]

Another review

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Triumph-SpeedTripleR.htm

[SVTNate]

Another review

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Triumph-SpeedTripleR.htm

I've read reviews before... they looked different.

That's marketing material + spec sheet!

[Mr Sunshine]

THAT is extremely tempting.  

I read that the 675R is not on the menu for 2012.  Perhaps these R versions are single year runs?  If that's the case, the chance of me picking up a used one in a couple of years is  probably pretty slim.

I know this is alot later but the 675R I just picked up is a 2012.

[Rincewind]

I know this is alot later but the 675R I just picked up is a 2012.

Big congrats - I hope you are well pleased with your new 675R.  Will it be primarily for the track?

[Mr Sunshine]

Big congrats - I hope you are well pleased with your new 675R.  Will it be primarily for the track?

Yup it'll only be track/race.  Currently on a mad sprint to get parts and get it ready for its first outing Feb 11th in Vegas.

[Rincewind]

US Price released for the Speed Triple R's:    $15,250 / $15,999 with ABS.  It seems like a fair amount for a Speed Triple, even with Ohlins standard.  

[Rincewind]

I found this an interesting interview.  A Visor Down reporter interviewed the Triumph Product Manager, Simon Warburton, at the Speed Triple R introduction.

http://www.visordown.com/interviews/simon-warburton-on-the-speed-triple-r/19923.html

Executive Summary:

1. There will never be a 1200cc Speed Triple - the 1200 engine is not exciting enough, is too big, and revs too slowly

2. There will never be a Street Triple R (675) with Ohlins and special wheels.  He said that idea is "daft."

3. It is unlikely that there will be a Street Triple 800 or similar

[Roadscum]

I found this an interesting interview.  A Visor Down reporter interviewed the Triumph Product Manager, Simon Warburton, at the Speed Triple R introduction.

http://www.visordown.com/interviews/simon-warburton-on-the-speed-triple-r/19923.html

Executive Summary:

1. There will never be a 1200cc Speed Triple - the 1200 engine is not exciting enough, is too big, and revs too slowly

2. There will never be a Street Triple R (675) with Ohlins and special wheels.  He said that idea is "daft."

3. It is unlikely that there will be a Street Triple 800 or similar

I dissapgree on your summary item # 3.

Here's what was said about the possibility of an 800 Stree Triple:

"Not in the immediate future. It's something we're aware of [with the Street Triple] we're halfway between where the market is going in terms of the 750/800s and the 600s, so we're alright for a bit but in the future we might look at that.

I'm betting it will happen, sooner then later.

Regards, Paul

[atadaskew]

$16K for the Speed Triple R puts it pretty much at the same price as the Aprilia V4 Tuono and the MvAgusta Brutale 1090R.

I couldn't pick the Triumph over those for the same money.

[Rincewind]

$16K for the Speed Triple R puts it pretty much at the same price as the Aprilia V4 Tuono and the MvAgusta Brutale 1090R.

I couldn't pick the Triumph over those for the same money.

You are comparing a high-spec version of the Speed Triple, with Ohlins and Carbon bits, to the base version of the Tuono.  The Factory version of the Tuono would be a more appropriate comparison, and that lists for $4000 over the price of the standard Tuono.  The V4 Tuono will likely be a better bike than the S3 in terms of brute performance; however, I would wager the Speed Triple R may have advantages in terms of comfort and "livability" depending on the rider's needs.

As to the Brutale, it is a fantastic bike but the dealer network is so small that it is a determent to many riders.  Even the MV USA site is down and has been for over a month, whatever that means.  Again, you are also comparing a top-spec Triumph to the low-spec Italian model.  I'm sure it is a fantastic bike, and I would love to ride one sometime, but as an "everyday rider" the Speed Triple has more accessible dealers and support.  

If you compare those $16k "base" Italian models to the base Speed Triple, the price advantage is clearly British ($11,999 / $12,799 w/ABS).

[atadaskew]

You are comparing a high-spec version of the Speed Triple, with Ohlins and Carbon bits, to the base version of the Tuono.  The Factory version of the Tuono would be a more appropriate comparison, and that lists for $4000 over the price of the standard Tuono.  The V4 Tuono will likely be a better bike than the S3 in terms of brute performance; however, I would wager the Speed Triple R may have advantages in terms of comfort and "livability" depending on the rider's needs.

As to the Brutale, it is a fantastic bike but the dealer network is so small that it is a determent to many riders.  Even the MV USA site is down and has been for over a month, whatever that means.  Again, you are also comparing a top-spec Triumph to the low-spec Italian model.  I'm sure it is a fantastic bike, and I would love to ride one sometime, but as an "everyday rider" the Speed Triple has more accessible dealers and support.  

If you compare those $16k "base" Italian models to the base Speed Triple, the price advantage is clearly British ($11,999 / $12,799 w/ABS).

Believe me, there is nothing base about the standard V4 Tuono - it comes with the APRC package - nor the Brutale 1090R.

They also show up w/ about 20 hp more.

I'm not in any way saying the Tirumph is not an icredible bike, it's just that at this level all of a sudden there are legitmate choices that arguably offer more.

[Croak]

Lets not forget that the Tuono will be two grand back of MSRP in a matter of months, if history is any indicator.

[McHack]

Do we have any idea when its actually,  (if) going to be available in the US?

[atadaskew]

Do we have any idea when its actually,  (if) going to be available in the US?

Call a dealer.  It's showing on the Triumph USA website:

http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/range/roadsters/speed-triple/7980

[garry]

Damn that bike gets expensive quick when you start adding options like ABS and the Arrow 3-1 low exhaust. Ran it up to $18K in a hurry.

[Rincewind]

Kevin Ash's review - http://ashonbikes.com/content/triumph-speed-triple-r-0


One of the most effective changes you can make to a bike are the wheels – some engineers cite a kilo lost here is worth eight lost anywhere else. Triumph has replaced the standard cast wheels with some expensive forged PVM items, which are not only lighter to the tune of 1.5lb (0.7kg) at the front and 2.2 lb (1.0kg) at the rear, most of the mass has been lost from the rim.

This reduces the gyroscopic effect and the inertia substantially, improving a whole host of areas. Acceleration is better because the wheels resist rotation much less, steering response is sharper as the gyro forces are reduced, unsprung mass is less so the suspension has less work to do and braking improves because the wheels slow more easily and there’s more grip. That’s in addition to the overall weight loss. these come fitted with Pirelli Super Corsa SP rubber.

....

No real surprises in the ride, given that all the changes do exactly as they should, and that shouldn’t detract from what a cracking good motorcycle Triumph has created here. the most noticeable difference is a general one, that the Speed Triple R feels like a bike that’s lost a lot more weight than 2kg. It’s wieldy and agile in a way that I suspect could make the stock one feel almost unwieldy in comparison, or at least lethargic, ridden back to back.

....

Most though will relish the new-found agility and the sports bike satisfaction that comes with that, and for the street hooligans the Speed Triple was always designed for, it’s even easier to wheelie than the stock model. If this is a skill you’d like to master then I can’t think of a better bike to learn on. A dip of the clutch and the front wheel is in the air then control the height with the right wrist until you find the balance point, where the bike locks in and settles as if this is what it was built for all along. And if you're simply driving out of a corner, it'll wheelie anyway.

[1000lbs]

Believe me, there is nothing base about the standard V4 Tuono - it comes with the APRC package - nor the Brutale 1090R.

They also show up w/ about 20 hp more.

I'm not in any way saying the Tirumph is not an icredible bike, it's just that at this level all of a sudden there are legitmate choices that arguably offer more.

I wanted to place an order on the V4 Tuono SO BAD when I was in the new bike market.  I was sold just on the spec sheet alone.  But after visiting a few ape boards and reading some reviews the mpg was a deal breaker for me.  Its not that I didn't want to buy the gas, it was the limited range.  Max readings of 30mpg and often in the mid 20's just doesn't make sense for a bike that is built for the road.  MV's are gorgeous but run hot and require more frequent maintenance.

I can see the arguement for the S3R vs. other high dollar options in the day to day use and extended ownership.  If the refinements on the R deliver as in Ash's review, there wouldn't be a bike length between these bikes with equal riders and the S3 doesn't make as many compromises in usability  for the add "omph" of its competitors.

[atadaskew]

I wanted to place an order on the V4 Tuono SO BAD when I was in the new bike market.  I was sold just on the spec sheet alone.  But after visiting a few ape boards and reading some reviews the mpg was a deal breaker for me.  Its not that I didn't want to buy the gas, it was the limited range.  Max readings of 30mpg and often in the mid 20's just doesn't make sense for a bike that is built for the road.  

That is kinda nutty.
I just got 22mpg in my Wrangler.  No way should it get 'close' in mpg to a bike!!!

[expatbrit]

$16K for the Speed Triple R puts it pretty much at the same price as the Aprilia V4 Tuono and the MvAgusta Brutale 1090R.

I couldn't pick the Triumph over those for the same money.

That was actually the comments from my local dealer, when I was down there chatting with them about stuff. I'd LOVE to have this bike; the original Speed Triple was the first bike that I REALLY wanted. The local sales manager had the feeling that his is just too close to the 'exotica', and that Triumph customers aren't going to be willing to spend that much when the competition is out there -- both from the above, and from the Streetfighter. (The above are less of an issue in this market, with the nearest dealer in another state).

Shame, since to be honest it's not badly priced for all the componentry on it, and the 1050 remains an amazing engine for the street...