TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2016 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £240 |
| Power: | 138 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (483 lbs / 219 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesWhile it can’t match the limitless any-gear acceleration of BMW’s S1000R, the 2016 Speed Triple R offers an entirely different ownership proposition. It’s got character, usability and a level of detailing and build quality that simply can’t be rivalled. It’s beauty and the beast.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineA narrower, smaller tank allows the rider to sit further forward and as a result the 2016 Speed Triple feels much sportier steering than before. The chassis, swingarm and geometry remain unchanged, so too does the R’s fully adjustable Ohlins NIX30 front fork and TTX rear shock. The ride is composed and precise but could be a little too stiff for badly surfaced UK roads, with the softer Showa-suspended S model perhaps offering a more comfortable road option. Like the S, the Speed Triple R features gorgeous Brembo M4 monobloc front brake calipers reinforced by switchable ABS which offer plenty of stopping power and a fairly sharp initial bite.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityIt makes a smidge more power (up from 133bhp to 138bhp) than the previous model, and torque’s been boosted by an average of 5ftlb right across the rev range. But it’s in the low and mid-range where the changes are most noticeable. Assisted by the new ride-by-wire throttle system, the initial twist of the wrist rewards with instant, urgent response meaning that below 3500rpm the new Speed Triple feels much more aggressive than the previous model. Yet despite that snappy pick-up, the new Triple has a beautiful air of sophistication and refinement in its power delivery, allowing you to get swept along on the swell of mid-range courtesy of an engine that’s keen-as-English-mustard to rev. For all its new-found silkiness, Triumph have lost none of the Speed Triple’s raughty character; it’s still bold and mechanical, and the new, freer-flowing and lighter under-seat exhaust system does a magical job at amplifying the almighty triple-cylinder roar.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueEasily one of the most detailed and best-finished bikes to come out of Hinckley, the Speed Triple R looks more like a very high-end special than a production bike. Gorgeous paint, beautiful attention to detail, and a whole host of different textures, colours and finishes make the new Speed R a real bike to be proud of. If you like poring over carbon-fibre, Ohlins gold, billet and alcantara, this is the bike for you.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentCompared to BMW’s S1000R and Yamaha’s MT-10, the Speed Triple R is considerably more expensive. But neither of those machines can rival the Triumph for quality, finish or looks. And residuals are currently very high with Triumph claiming they’re 13% higher than their competitors.
Equipment
New ride-by-wire throttle has benefitted the Speed Triple with five rider modes – Rain, Road, Sport, Track and a custom setting - each offering the full 138bhp but via suitable combination of throttle response, traction control intervention and ABS mode. The all-new LCD dash displays speed, revs, current mode, gear position, fuel level, tank range, trips, and offers a lap timing function. It’ll also show tyre pressure (when Triumph’s optional extra sensors are fitted).
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1050cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 12v, inline triple |
| Frame type | Twin spar tubular aluminium with single-sided swingarm |
| Fuel capacity | 15 litres |
| Seat height | 825mm |
| Bike weight | 219kg |
| Front suspension | Ohlins NIX30 43mm fully adjustable fork |
| Rear suspension | Ohlins TTX36 fully adjustable monoshock |
| Front brake | 2x330mm discs with four-piston Brembo M4 monobloc calipers |
| Rear brake | 255mm single disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55-17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 52 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £240 |
| New price | £11,500 |
| Used price | £6,600 - £7,000 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two years unlimited milage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 138 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 83 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 150 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 170 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1994 Speed Triple T309
1997 Speed Triple T509
2000 Speed Triple 955i
2005 Speed Triple 1050
2012 Speed Triple R
Other versions
Other Triumph Speed Triple reviews on MCN
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2016 - on)
4 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2016 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 R (2016 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £240 |
Year: 2016
Worst This did not come with a quick shifter, although the hand book says it does Not fitted as standard with Arrow Exhausts Best So easy to ride, fired with ABS and traction control, so 4 standard drive option and one custom. Just as happy in traffic as is it on an open road.
Brakes are so progressive, but grab a real handful it will stop dead, good job you can switch the ABS on! I can rides this for 3 hours with no problem. Not so a passenger, unless small. So 3 out of 5 Seat tends to load the rider so can be hard work in tight lanes etc. Tried a gel insert, a bit better, but then had a custom cover made with much thicker padding. Then had extended rear pegs, this has made it much better. Most of the tell I remove the pegs and have to cowl installed, which replaces the seat.
Just so smooth and well built
Very high quality finish, no cheap foreign material in this bike. So smooth, virtually no vibration and you can use the mirrors at any speed. Very positive gearbox, but first is very clunky. Ride ring position is very comfortable, the bike wraps around you and you become one with the bike. Very stressless riding position, slightly more forward lean to the pre 2016 model, making it very comfortable at normal road speeds. And this model was built in the UK and saw these being built in the factory on a factory tour.
As most bike, not cheap, but not crazy, except the 12000, which I believe is about £400, but that is a major service
I now have the Metzeler M7 RR, for me as a non hard rider are so much better then the original Pirelli Supercorsa, which want to dive into the corner, the M7 is much more forgiving, with a slightly different profile.
Buying experience: Dealer new, around £13000 with extras
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £240
There is nothing l don't like about my bike Triumph got it spot on with this model .yes l would recommend everyone buy a Triumph
The bike is a all rounder very comfy seats ride for 2 or3 hrs easy without break
It is built to a very high spec in my eyes .never broke down never failed me in any parts .as Triumph fit only the best parts
Get about 45 to the gallon at a steady 50mph
My favourite feature is the front headlights they look fantastic when lit up on a night .also the sound of the triple engine it has it own unique sound
Buying experience: Yes l bought it from dealership in York paid 9,400 worth every penny to me
Year: 2017
Best feature; The engine Worst feature; Long distance comfort, you can tour Europe two up on a Speed triple but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
Excellent ride quality if you take time to adjust suspension correctly,comfort range is about 2 hours or a tankful Can't really fault the brakes, powerful and progressive
Can't fault the 1050 triple engine on anything really other than another 10-20hp would have been nice. Power delivery is smooth and linear.
Totally reliable over three years, only issue has been a "T" on the tank badge that came off after a few weeks of ownership, promptly fixed by the selling dealer. Seems fairly resistant to corrosion but then I believe in cleaning my bike after pretty much every ride or every couple of days if touring.
Running costs I suppose aren't too bad except for fuel as the engine and handling do encourage enthusiastic use of the throttle and riding around in a gear lower than perhaps you should
As a naked sportster it could have done with heated grips as standard
Buying experience: Bought new from a dealer as a replacement for my previous Speed Triple. Service was fantastic.
Year: 2016
Superb bike, not the maddest or baddest, but a great machine and a fantastic update.
The Ohlins are firm but plush too. Plenty of adjustment but haven't tried it to personalise it yet.
Still running in but more than enough for the road, plenty torque already.
Quality of finish is outstanding. No problems so far.
Not cheap, being only a few hundred less that the S1000R which has heated grips and semi-active suspension. However, it looks and sounds much better. Power is more than enough for on the road
Quickshifter was optional extra, but well worth it. Quality is superb.
Buying experience: Dealer good, but a long wait with no delivery date at order time. Triumph need to improve their order information to customers - I almost cancelled my order and got a Ducati instead.
