TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2012 - on) Review

The chassis has not been changed since 2011 and the handling is not as light and easy as that of some more modern bikes of similar weight and power, but it is stable and predictable. The Ohlins suspension is a tad too hard for my taste even at the softest setting, but it is not uncomfortable. The Brembo brakes are awesome and, unlike many other bikes, even the rear brake provides good feel. Although the footpeg position betrays the Speed Triple's sporty heritage, I can ride all day in comfort (with the optional comfort seat fitted). Not much pillion comfort. The high mounted exhausts normally make carrying luggage difficult, but my bike is fitted with an Arrow "low-boy" exhaust, so no problems here. Fitted the optional Triumph flyscreen mostly for aesthetic reasons; it makes no discernible difference in terms of wind protection. It's a naked bike after all and that's what I wanted.

Coming from Japanese four cylinder bikes, the Triple is quite different as it offers much more low down torque but doesn't offer the top-end rush of a four cylinder. It has all the power you'll ever need for road riding and the power is where you need it. In fact, I have been saved by the traction control powering out of bends a few times, because it provides so much more traction at lower revs than what I was used to. Excellent fuel consumption; I get a fairly consistent 59mpg regardless of riding style. A few "good vibrations" to let you know the engine is alive, but nothing bothersome except a sometimes blurry right hand mirror.

My ST now has 30k miles on the clock of which I covered the last 8k. Looks like new, runs like new, no reliability issues whatsoever. Great finish and paint quality.

As the Speed Triple 1050 is now a bit long in the tooth, prices for used bikes are fairly reasonable. Service costs, however, are very high: A major service is due every 12,000 miles. My local Triumph dealer used to charge over £ 1,000 but have reduced that to a fixed price of £ 800. It is expensive because it is a 6-7 hour job including valve check as well as re-greasing the suspension linkage and the rear wheel bearing, in particular. The latter is important because of the extra load from the single-sided swing arm. The risk is that owners skip the expensive service on older bikes, so make sure you know what you buy. The interim service is not much more than an oil change. Excellent fuel economy.

Even though this is the upmarket "R" version, Triumph charged extra for some essentials like a comfort seat (why don't they design the standard seat to be comfortable?), heated grips, and a fly screen. A quickshifter (up-shift only, not fitted to my bike) was also available at extra cost. The comfort seat is a necessity and it really is comfortable. I love the Arrow low-boy exhaust (supplied by Triumph), but unfortunately it is not good for the planet as it is a racing exhaust without cat.

Triumph Moto2 piston

Just looking now

Just Looknig

Triumph Moto2 piston

Triumph Moto2 piston

Not had a pillion, have a singles seat cowl, and removed rear foot pegs

She'd loads of torque in any gear can make you a lazy rider. Don't need to bang up and down the gearbox, if you do hang on tight cos it will pull ya arms off

No issues

Not sure of servicing costs bought year before pandemic so haven't had a dealer service yet, changed oil and filter and brake pads all at usual costs

Confidence inspiring position, stops in a heartbeat. Epic.

A beast. Can’t wait to try the 1200. Should have a quick shifter as standard & a slipper clutch.

Build quality is right up there IMO. Bit of an issue fouling plugs - Appears a common flaw.

Some plugs, oil, filter, cleaning products. Average out the tyres.

Basic instrument panel but it kinda suits the bike. Love the fly screen nose job thing. Identity is King.

So far so good

Depends how hard you ride, tires are expensive

As has been reported elsewhere, the R does have quite a hard ride, but with patience and infinite Ohlins adjustments, you can get it just right for commuting, touring, scratching etc.. Brakes are amongst the best.

Torque just gets better and better every model - engine built for us real world bikers. Sounds brilliant. You don't really notice too much difference between the 5 ride modes - apart from between 'Rain' and 'Sport'. I generally leave it in Sport all the time anyway.

There are indeed more extreme nakeds, but nothing beats the speedy on overall package, quality and reliability. The only issue I have had over the years with my Speed Triples, is that two of them have got stolen soon after purchase - one from home, one from the city!

Only had this one for 8 mths, with a free 1st service - but never really been a noticeable noose around the Speedies neck whatever the year. It is what it is - you look after your speedy and it will certainly look after you.

Pretty much threw the accessories catalogue at this one and for the better. Fork/ Engine protectors, Comfort Seat (and it really is), Quick shifter (better than BMW's), Alloy reservoirs and bar end mirrors, Passenger grab bar, Arrow Exhaust (of course), Clutch guide (shiny bit), front nose fairing screen extender (makes a big difference from standard. Finally at 6' 1" it was a little cramped, so fitted after market Gilles adjustable foot rests, creating a near perfect triangle.

Stops on a penny! Brilliant, super-corsas are great in the summer.

Great torque and has the brill Triumph whirl!

Had ceramic coating added which makes it look like new all the time.

Not massively fuel efficient but average for the engine size.

The R comes with all the extras, very smart. I added the wind shield which fits very well and doesn't look out of place gives it a good touch! just helps the buffeting when tucked down.

Runs with best of Italian exotica, German reliability and British quality/ kudos.

Perfect but slightly less powerful than the BMW S1000R I owned, ride on firm side, seat very comfy

Having had a BMW S1000R, Hyabusa, Ktm 1190 it maybe down on paper slightly but in the real world it's such a pleasure to ride, response and fueling is perfect it's a keeper for sure

Better finish and fit than any bike I have owned it the last few year

Quick shifter

Tyres grippy, suspension ohlins firm I need to get them setup correctly

I don´t use it too much in the city but feels good when i do, i enjoy it much more when we go out on weekends, a trip trough a twisty road 400kms away was perfect, the brakes and specially the suspension it´s amazing! I ride a Street Triple R before and the difference it´s huge.

The power delivery is linear, goes up really fast from low range of rpm to the top and feels the power at any gear. Sounds a little bit "fat" in comparison to the Street Triple.

I´ve been riding almost a year ago and the only thing that i need to do is just ride it, the 1050 engine it´s amazing

The dealer recommends each service at 5000kms instead of 10000kms according to the manual due the poor quality of our fuel. Each service costs around USD200 that is almost the same with Ducati´s or BMW´s

The bike comes with Pirelli SP but i don´t feel comfortable at all with track tires, so we put it Michelin´s Pilot Road 4 and feels great and lasts a lot. I miss a lot the gear indicator on the dashboard that came with the Street Triple. The carbon fiber parts look amazing, everyone asks if the bike comes that way.