Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to 3,000+ Reviews, Guides, & More

Triumph adds Speed Triple RS & S

2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS and S
Triumph Speed Triple RS and S

Triumph Motorcycles is introducing Speed Triple RS and S models with a host of performance, technical and cosmetic updates.

The S is the standard model and the Speed Triple RS comes with a host of electronic rider aids.

There is no word yet on pricing or arrival for Australia.

Both share the same frames Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa rubber and updated 1050cc three-cylinder engine with 105 new parts, including lightweight crank and Nikasil-plated aluminium cylinder liners for faster revving and a higher 10,500rpm redline.

Power is up 7% to 104kW (148 horsepower) and torque is up 4% to 116Nm.

Triumph has also lowered the oil level for less drag and better weight distribution.

Compression is increased to 12.9:1 thanks to a new cylinder head and piston profile.

The underseat mufflers are also freer flowing and the headers are lighter.

Triple Speed S2018 Triumph Speed Triple S

The S has a new computer, four riding modes (sport, road, rain and rider configurable), new cruise control and full-colour TFT instruments with a programmable display. 2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS

It still has adjustable ABS and traction control but you can change controls via new backlit switchgear and a five-way joystick.2018 Triumph Speed Triple S

The S mufflers are painted black, with aluminium heat shields, and stainless steel end caps.

It is again suspended by fully adjustable Showa shocks and springs.

The S comes in Crystal White or Jet Black.

Speed Triple RS2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS

The Speed Triple RS is the technological tour de force with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that helps deliver traction control and ABS with cornering abilities. It also has an up/down quickshifter, keyless steering lock and ignition, daytime running lights and an extra track riding mode

The RS gets Arrow cans in brushed titanium finish with carbonfibre heat shields and end caps. 2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS

There is also carbon in the front fender and radiator cowls and it has a lower cowl.

Suspension is, of course, from Öhlins.2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS

It comes in Crystal White or Matt Jet Black, both with red accents.

2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS (and S) Tech Specs

  • Engine: 1050cc, inline-3
  • Bore x stroke: 79 x 71.4mm
  • Power: 104kW @ 10,500rpm
  • Torque: 116Nm @ 7150rpm
  • Compression: 12.9:1
  • Transmission: Quickshift 6-speed (S: standard shift)
  • Frame: Tubular aluminium twin-spar
  • Suspension: Fully adjustable Öhlins 43mm NIX inverted fork; 4.7 inches (S: Fully adjustable Showa 43mm inverted fork); Fully adjustable linkage-assisted Öhlins TTX36 shock; 5.1 inches (S: Fully adjustable linkage assisted Showa shock)
  • Wheels: 10-spoke cast aluminium
  • Wheels: 17 x 3.5”; 17 x 6.0”
  • Tyres:120/70 x 17; 190/55 x 17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa
  • Brakes: 320mm floating discs, radial Brembo 4-piston monobloc calipers; 255mm disc Nissin caliper; Cornering ABS standard (S: ABS standard)
  • Wheelbase: 1442mm
  • Rake: 22.9 degrees
  • Trail: 91mm
  • Seat: 822mm
  • Economy: 5.2L/100km
  • Dry weight: 192kg