TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 RS (2018 - 2020) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Power: | 148 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (417 lbs / 189 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Triumph Speed Triple 1050 RS’s power and torque have been increased for 2018. The delivery is smooth and effortless, yet it still has enough rush to deliver, even for dedicated sportsbike fans. The handling is predictable, stable and easy going, while the ride is both sporty and comfortable.
The riding aids are now on par with the competition, and welcome touches like cruise control and heated grips have further widened the bike’s appeal. It’s a naked, yes, but also an all-rounder capable of excelling on a daily commute and trackday alike.
Triumph Speed Triple RS video review:

Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineOn track settings at track speeds, aggressive riding doesn’t faze the Speed Triple; it remains stable and compliant, yet the steering is precise and accurate. That ease-of-use shines through again.
Even at a fast trackday pace ground clearance isn’t an issue, the strong Brembo stoppers are consistent and offer excellent feedback.
It’s simple to ride briskly without it being manic or too intimidating, just like the old bike.
On the road you’ll love the easy steering and undemanding nature of the chassis, but when you do want to push on the Triple is stable, predictable and confidence-inspiring. The Triple gives great feedback through its plush suspension, you can feel precisely what the Pirelli Supercorsa rubber is doing. This is a bike that flatters your riding – that is so simple and easy to ride, no matter the speed.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityTriumph have made 105 engine mods, resulting in 7% more peak power from a higher-revving three-cylinder engine. While peak power is up from 138bhp at 9500rpm to 148bhp at 10,500rpm, Triumph haven’t sacrificed driveability; they’ve also managed to increase peak torque by 4% (up from 82.6ftlb at 7850rpm to 86.3ftlb at 7150rpm) and moved that peak 700rpm lower in the rev range while making the torque curve much flatter too.
The new engine bits include a lighter crankshaft with a revised profile, a new cylinder head and pistons, a lighter balancer shaft and a new sump while revised fuelling and a new free-flowing exhaust and lighter high-level Arrow silencers complete the tweaks.
The Triumph’s wonderful spread of torque makes it an effortless ride. Alternatively, you can dance on the gears and exploit those new extra 1000 revs in pursuit of some serious fun
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe Speed Triple is built with impressive attention to detail and top quality parts. The chassis is heavily based on the previous model, which hasn’t uncovered any horror stories.
In our Triumph Speed Triple owners' reviews the story is very positive, with the average rating approaching five stars across the board.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentPriced just above £13,000, the new Speed Triple boasts a lot of technology for your money. There are quality components, like fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension and Brembo radial brakes. But for that price I’d still expect an up-and-down quickshifter with auto-blipper as standard.
Equipment
For the first time the Speed Triple comes with an IMU, which allows both ABS and traction control to be angle-sensitive. A 5-inch TFT colour dash also makes its debut alongside a choice of five different riding modes.
All-new backlit switchgear featuring a five-way joystick helps you navigate the new technology while other welcome additions include cruise control as standard, three-level heated grips and keyless ignition. Fully adjustable Öhlins suspension and Brembo radial brakes are identical the previous model.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1050cc |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 12v, in-line three-cylinder |
Frame type | Twin spar tubular aluminium with single-sided swingarm |
Fuel capacity | 15.5 litres |
Seat height | 825mm |
Bike weight | 189kg |
Front suspension | Öhlins NIX30 43mm fully adjustable fork |
Rear suspension | Öhlins TTX36 fully adjustable monoshock |
Front brake | 2 x 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston M4 radial caliper |
Rear brake | 255mm single disc with single-piston caliper |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 52 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £250 |
New price | - |
Used price | £6,000 - £9,500 |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | 2 years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 148 bhp |
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Max torque | 86 ft-lb |
Top speed | 150 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 170 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1994: UK introduction of 885cc steel-framed café racer Speed Triple
1997: Streetfighter-styled (twin headlight) 885cc Speed Triple with aluminium frame and fuel injection
1999: UK introduction of 955cc Speed Triple
2005: UK introduction of 1050cc Speed Triple
2011: UK introduction of all-new Speed Triple
2012 Speed Triple R
2016 Speed Triple R and S
Other versions
The S model shares the same engine and performance as the RS. It also shares the same chassis dimensions. However, the cheaper S model runs 43mm Showa USD forks and a fully adjustable Showa rear shock. Lower spec finish, and no Arrow exhausts. The base model only gets four riding modes, missing out on the Track mode. The biggest difference is electronic: the base model has no IMU and so only gets conventional ABS and TC.
Other Triumph Speed Triple reviews on MCN
- Triumph Speed Triple 1050 review (2005-2010)
- Triumph Speed Triple 1050 review (2011-on)
- Triumph Speed Triple 1050 R review (2012-on)
- Triumph Speed Triple 1050 R review (2016-on)
- Triumph Speed Triple 1050 S review (2018-on)
- Triumph Speed Triple 1050 RS review (2018-on)
- Triumph Speed Triple 955I review (1997-2004)
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 RS (2018 - 2020)
14 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 RS (2018 - 2020) 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 RS (2018 - 2020)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £500
Best bike ever owned, fits me like a glove. Shame Triumph Customer Service still not up to par.
Plush, agile and stable, by far the best bike I've ever ridden, from supersport to sport touring bikes.
Pulls like a train in the mid range, lacks a bit of low an high range punch, but I really believe that's due to mid range one being so strong it feels like the rest it's low on power.
Great built quality overall, although the gearbox issues can be a pain. I know I'm not the only one with this issue, a faulty quickshifter ruined the gearbox, Triumph Customer Service didn't help at all, and even claimed it was riders fault. At the end, after a 2.5k€ bill rebuilding the gearbox, they asked for an extra 400€ for a quickshifter. Was really expecting better from them.
Considering a pair of good tires for 350€ plus a maintenance for around 120/150€, this would be my yearly maintenance expense.
Electronics are amazing, in 2022 still no outdated, Ohlins, Brembo, digital tach, steel braided brake lines, sounds good, carbon fibre all around, single sided swing arm...... the only let down for me it's the lack of LEDs on the headlights. Quickshifter it's a must, but, on the other hand, it might ruin the gearbox, so.. Triumph's tank bag it's so big it ruins the looks of the bike, and it kind a ruins the ridding experience a bit too.
Buying experience: Bought it used, out of warranty, low mileage, way underpriced. This bikes are not very well known in my country, average guy would prefer to spend more on a MT10, or any other japanese comparable bike, so depreciation favored me.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £180
It is not the fastest bike I’ve owned, but it is fast enough for the road, and the handling is just incredible. It goes exactly where you want it to go and gives you so much confidence and feedback. It’s worst feature is the excellent keyless ignition which requires you to fish around for the key to open the tank and under seat "storage" area. The under seat "storage" is disappointingly small, not even being large enough to accommodate my admittedly large phone.
The handling is incredible. It’s so planted and so agile at the same time. It loses a star because occasionally it crashes over a bump or pot hole and it’s quite stiffly sprung. I’m quite happy when the fuel light comes on after 100 miles or so, so that I can stretch. I couldn’t do much more than 90 minutes without stretching.
Power delivery is excellent, torque everywhere and it makes a great noise through the Arrow cans. I don’t often use track or even sport maps as I feel the throttle gets too snatchy, but in road mode it’s perfect.
It’s probably the best built bike I’ve owned with the best finish. I don’t often ride in the rain which helps keep it clean and corrosion free.
Nothing scary here either. Insurance, fuel economy and servicing are all acceptable for this type of bike.
I love the Ohlins at both ends, the Brembo brakes and master cylinder are great, and the nice carbon fibre pieces add that bit of extra something that lifts it above Japanese and German rivals. The stock SuperCorsas were great on hot days, but I didn’t fully trust them on cooler rides. I swapped them for Michelin Power 5s and I immediately had more confidence everywhere and the bike felt more agile.
Buying experience: Bought used from Triumph Glasgow right before they closed last year. Good experience. The bike wasn’t in the showroom yet as it was a trade-in with 2500 miles and wasn’t coming in for a week. I’d just mentioned to the salesman I’d like a 2018/2019 Speed Triple RS in white if he gets any in. Went to see it the next week and bought it. Quoted £9750, paid £9500.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £300
Swapped my BMW R1200 GS for a 2019 Speedy RS. Horses for courses. Sublimely capable sports bike that requires correct set up for maximum enjoyment. Not practical and not particularly comfortable at high speed. But jaw dropingly gorgeous and a sound track that induces fun and possibly more... I do miss the practicality of a big top box and spacious seat for pillion.. Also, anything over 110 mph and you'll be clinging on for dear life...
Suspension really has to be set up right for road use. Plenty of adjustment on the TTX OHLINS so with a bit of expert knowledge, the right set up should be attainable. Brakes are incredible.
Fast, fast, fast. This engine spins up like a race bike. Flywheel seems to be very light and the power delivery is as smooth as Bob Monkhouse. Engine braking is fantastic too. Gear ratios are perfect for road use and the torque is smooth and delivers well low down in rev range. Much smoother the the GS in low speed traffic. Very easy to ride slowly. Feulling is excellent. Not to much pop bang on the over run... which is a good thing.
Not the same build quality as my old GS. Matt finish marks easily and the carbon lacquer seems to scratch easily too. Switch gear is very well constructed and the brakes and suspension are excellent quality. Heated grips are very effective. Headights should be LED at this price point.
Dont know yet. Haven't had it serviced. Parts seem a lot more affordable the BMW though...
Should have LED headlights. The TFT display is good. But the top of the screen gets masked by the cowling. wish this was adjustable...maybe it is and I need to check! Set up is a bit fiddly and I would like to be able to come MPG with metric speedo etc... Lovely display options for themes etc. Very crisp in daylight and doesn't flick around from night to day as much as KTM does.
Buying experience: Bought privately. good experience.
Version: RS
Year: 2020
The best bike out there that does it all. It looks stunning, it rides like it’s on rail sand you can tour, ride the twisty back roads or do a track day. This bike covers all the bases and I can only say that you don’t need the latest2021 model as I can only say has too much power for the road.
Goes and stops fast. The only negative is the rock hard seat. I have ordered a new seat cover with additional memory foam and rearsets from Italy.
Top quality
Quickshifter
Buying experience: Hard to get as they sell in hours
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £600
Blazing fast, solid at speed and in corners, comfortable for long trips in the mountains. I would absolutely recommend.
The track setting is great for coming down a steep, rocky dirt road since it effectively turns off ABS. Otherwise I run with one of the other rider modes and ABS has never been intrusive. Brakes are excellent.
Wow. Just wow. I traded a Yamaha FZ-07 (70hp) for the Triumph at 150hp and the result is incredible. Strong pull all the way through the RPMs and lightening fast acceleration when passing or just playing around.
This is a very solid bike. I bought mine used w/ 200 miles on it. Six months in I'm at 4500 miles. Took a 1,000 mile week in the mountains and bike was amazing.
Routine service is around $300. I had mine serviced at 500 miles and have another coming up at 6000. At 10k miles per year, service would be around $600 / year
Seat is excellent, as is the riding position. The engine is amazing but what really struck me was clutch. Up / Down w/out grabbing the lever for super-fast shifts. I'm not a fan of the Pirelli SuperCorsas that come w/ the RS. They wear out too fast. Perhaps if I was a track junkie, but for someone who has to ride 50 miles to the mountains before hitting the twisties, I've found the Michelin Power 5's to be ideal. I'd recommend a wind screen as the naked bike does little to divert the air.
Buying experience: Excellent buying experience from dealer. Worked out a good trade for the Yamaha and the price on the 2 year old, low-miles Speed Triple was excellent. Perhaps they were making way for the new 180hp models. I did have trouble with the delivered bike, which arrived w/ dead battery and missing an engine mounting bolt. No issues w/ battery after installing a new one, and my Triumph dealer installed a new bolt at no charge.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £250
So smooth and handles like a dream my best bike ever.what a motorcycle should be.
2 hours,more to do with my old knees but ready for fuel anyway..
So smooth & more power than I can use.
Beautifully made,8000 miles in 18 months.
Exhaust, tank bag. Pirelli super corsa,keep putting them on.
Buying experience: Dealer,£13600.tank bag,heated grips,radiator cover thrown in.
Version: 1050RS
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £120
I simply adore this bike. Have owned a good number of Japanese bikes over the years, faired and un-faired, and even had a big old HD for a while. This bike is without doubt the best of them all. Handling is fantastic; the bikes limits are way beyond my own and it always feels so incredibly compliant. Like a pussy cat at normal street speeds, never feeling bogged down or like it's chomping at the bit to go any faster, but you know it's all there! It's comfortable, it's well built and well finished. I would, and do, recommend this bike to everyone.
I enjoy this bike most when it's just rolling on and off the peak torque through my favourite twisties. You've heard it before, but I only have to look where I want to go and the bike's already half way there. Superb. Laughably so. I don't carry any pillions on this bike - it's mine, and mine alone! The brakes are as solid and communicative as any I've ever experienced, and not once have I ever been left wanting in the braking dept.
There's nothing I dislike about the engine. It's my first Triple. I've had 2 strokes, 4 cylinder 4 strokes and brutal V Twins, but the Triple seems to have all the based covered. The torque of a twin and the silky smooth high revving of a 4. I cannot detect any flat spots anywhere in any gear - twist the throttle and it goes; simple as. In the rain or even on less familiar roads, the Rain mode is perfect and just knocks the edge off the initial throttle response; buys you that little bit of time when you most need it. I like aftermarket cans, and have fitted them to every other bike I've owned; not on this one though, the ARROW Special Parts ones on this bike look and sound gorgeous at any engine speed. Have I already mentioned that I adore this bike?
Owned this for a little over a year now. Have covered 4K miles, mainly in the dry but not always in the warm weather. There's no corrosion to report at this stage, and apart form a 'tail tidy' everything else is bog standard. Have only had to replace the tyres once so far; did that around the 3K mark. Have no idea what the MPG is, but the tank is perhaps a little on the small side. This isn't an issue for me, and the electric steering lock makes fill ups so much easier.
Fisrt service costs were covered by the dealer, and when it had its annual service a couple of months back, it was less than £100. I really like the Diablo Supercorsa's that come as standard, so I stuck with these when I changed - grip is astonishing even if lifetimes are compromised. I'm pretty easy on tyres generally, not so many burnouts and drag starts these days. Shop around for tyres though, the prices vary considerably from one dealer to the next.
Never had Heated Grips before, and will never be without them again - they're brilliant! Same goes for the quickshifter and blipper; just remeber to pull the clutch at junctions!! The digital TFT screen and its many functions are a pleasure to flick through and play with to find your perfect display choices & settings. There are five rider modes including Track. The Road setting is spot on for me. Rain mode culls the ponies by a third - most welocme on damp greasy roads.
Buying experience: I bought the bike from my local Triumph dealer - it was their demo bike. I paid £12K & that included a host of frame protectors, heated grips, £100 clothing voucher and a Service contribution. They were very flexible and accomodationg with me, and I'm happy that I got a good deal from a dealer I genuinely feel I can trust and have confidence in.
Version: Rs
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £200
This bike is mint!
Excellent handling All day comfortable Handling is very good Super corsas inspire confidence,i've rode on a very very wet day in rain mode and no issues either The bike was stable and reasured Ohlins is firm, but you can turn the compression fully anti clockwise to comfort setting and then it's perfect for the uks bumpy roads. Spec heated grips for £188 they are amazing and is linked up to the tft Worth the extra! Quickshifter is good Some great deals at the moment so get one bought!
It's a peach! Smooth at low revs Revs hard when pushed!
Beautiful finish and attention to detail. It doesn't feel mass produced, it feels like a bespoke special
Fixed price servicing available
It's great, really works well
Buying experience: Talk to Jason at streetbikes was a mint deal totally knocked the socks off everyone else!
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £160
Great bike... coming from sports bike it offers all the thrills you could want with a bit of comfort and usability.
Firm but effective on the road and absolutely bob on on track. 53s round Brands kept sports bikes honest!
Loads of go from all revs and strong thrust in the mid range. Decent top end too!
Few probs... front brake fluid reservoir leaked, mirrors wouldn’t hold their position and quick shifter linkage needed replacing. All sorted, without problem under warranty. Matt black finish is prone to marks.
Pretty straight forward and good service from pure triumph
Well specced with plenty of gadgets and options on the tft screen. Easy to use too.
Buying experience: Great dealer service and excellent value for money considering the ohlins, arrow part and lashings of carbon!
Year: 2020
By far the best bike I’ve ever owned!
Year: 2019
Having owned a 2008 Speed Triple since 2012 I love the concept of a straight bar naked triple. The RS (which I purchased in July 19) moves the game on significantly; I have never ridden anything that charges sooo hard in fifth gear..really intoxicating particularly with the induction roar. Every time I open the garage door, I love it’s quality and it’s looks. A great bike. Highly recommended. Worst feature...as the RS is the premium model, it should include heated grips and quick shifter as standard.
Controlled firm ride, great feedback, steers and tracks accurately. Brembo M4 powerful and progressive. I am 6’2” and 16 stone so the Ohlins front and rear is firm and pliant. If I was considerably lighter say 12 stone then the ride maybe too firm..
Grunt, revs, power delivery, induction roar- superb. Great throttle connection.
Well put together, a quality product. No problems thus far other than an indicator with moisture ingress. An email with photos to Triumph dealer Team Roberts and a replacement shipped in the post.
500 mile service at Edinburgh Triumph.
A beautiful quality product, well put together. Still on the original Pirelli Supercorsa’s - looking to swap onto Pirelli Angel GT 2’s..the sportier end of sport touring tyres.
Buying experience: Purchased the RS from Doncaster Triumph Team Roberts for £13100 - £13600 was the on the road price. Team Roberts were excellent, great purchase experience and pulled all the stops out to have the RS delivered to my house in Forres North East Scotland.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £200
Fun and easy to handle, great at keeping speed and momentum instead of constant speed revving. Great build quality and finish. Although, we don't get the heated grips in Canada, the bike comes equiped with quickshifter up-down/auto-blipper which works great. Breaks are great and cruise works perfect too. Great sound coming from that engine and Arrow exhaust. Obviously, Wind protection is not to be expected and can be annoying on windy days or when riding at highway speed and over.
I've been using it as a commuter and weekend ride on highways and backroads and the bike feels great. Torque/powerband is available at any RPM. For my daily usage, i could ride it without using the 5th-6th gears. Breaks never feel like fading and are always responsive and the abs too (based on selected program... sports-track-rain-road-personnalised). Ohlins suspensions feels a little bit stiff under such a light bike but, then again, i not good at setting these right. Great all around bike.
Sounds so awesome and aggressive, torque all over the powerband, lacks a bit of top end rush that we got used too with Japanese bikes... power delivery is linear.
Everything's fine with it and I haven't observed any particular parts, area or mechanical/electrical features that might require particular attention or weakness. Bike comes with a keyless start and electronic lock... Hopefuly, it will be reliable and won't be troublesome if anything should happen with power or battery.
Servicing the Triumph bike at the dealer cost way more than any other that I've owned before. But other than an oil change, as of now, the bike didn't need any other service (the triumph oil service cost like a 150$ at the dealer). In reasonable circumstances of use, fuel consumption is good. But, the tank only holds 15L of fuel.
Great: TFT screen, Quickshifter up-down/autoblipper, cruise. Dislike: sensible tire pressure monitoring... shouldn't exist on any vehicle. For the price, the bike should come with radiator/oil cooler guards, sliders and paddock stand pins.
Version: Matte Black
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £1
Great power, handling, finish and looks. Heated grips and cruise control are the icing on the cake.
Have not been able to get the feedback I'd like from the front tyre or the brakes yet, so fine tuning of the forks is required. I can sit on the bike for four hours before cramp sets in, there is not massive leg room, considering that you sit on the bike, more than in it. It is a naked so windblast is inevitible, however, it is completely turbulence free.
Engine is great. Real world overtaking is a breeze, no drama or flashing lights from drivers as when you perform similar manouvers on a sports bike. Bundles of torque and fuelling is better than other bikes I've had.
Build quality is excellent, lots of real carbon fibre and high quality plating everywhere. Only issue so far is an LED indicator that's misted up that I need to speak to seller about. The ohlins suspension and arrow cans add to a quality package.
Fuel consumpion of over 50mpg so far with a combination of routes, so no complaints there.
Heated Grips and Cruise Control are great. Going to get the quickshifter. The OE tyres are good but I think something that gives more feedback would be good. I'm also going to get a fender extender and oil/rad guards.
Buying experience: Triumph West Yorkshire were very helpful and gave me a great deal when I traded in my Explorer 1215 XRx. Highly recommended.
Version: speed triple RS
Year: 2018
One of the best riding bikes on the market. The only thing I'd say is could do with a bit bigger screen to tuck behind.
Top end.
Everything top end.
I think they should do half price services no matter what dealer you got the bike from.
Buying experience: The dealer was really good and would recommend.