2016 Triumph Speed Triple R Review | MC Commute

Senior Editor Zack Courts is always arriving to office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he’s riding. Too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights. We thought some of it might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts, so we strapped a camera and microphone to the side of his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of him talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren’t more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we’ll send him home on that one next.
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It's no secret we're always trying to get our staff to work a little harder. Especially the ones that always seem to have too much to say. "Write it down!" the boss yells, exasperated. Senior Editor Zack Courts is a classic case, always arriving to office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he's riding. Too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights that we thought might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts.
So we strapped a camera and microphone to the side of his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of him talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren’t more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we’ll send him home on that one next.
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[@timharrelson4323]

Every time someone whines about having to pull the clutch in to start a Triumph, an engineer at Hinckley gets their wings.

[@zachmarkham84]

Best review series on KZbin. Zack is such a likable personality. Seriously, just review every bike, I'll watch

[@Laamanator2]

Zack just casually sliding around a 14,000 dollar bike :O

[@rockafella1690]

Laamanator2 Yeah I'd shit myself if the back end kicked out like that!

[@SIRtheblockparty]

YEAH WTF, MANIAC ALERT. I read your comment expecting it to not really be too bad, but then I saw the end of the video.... F that!

[@Death666wish]

Almost made me cringe.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's called traction control, and experience. The rear of a motorcycle doing something other than following the front wheel perfectly isn't an emergency. :)

[@katyg3873]

Lifted_Above he turned the traction control off, hence the slidy-ness.

[@AJTalks]

That drifting at the end was insane. Props

[@MrPainfulTruth]

Dude has some skills. I'd rather not wheelie in the wet, let alone that sick drifting

[@TheKniperlight]

You need to practice this, it is way easier to control than you'd think.

[@meepmeepimajeep]

This has been my dream bike for sooooo many years.

[@nurglerider781]

You and me both. I have 99 Daytona 955i right now that I love but it's getting long in the tooth and I'd love nothing more than a Speedy to replace it.

[@AmgK.]

MeepMeep ImAJeep mine tooo .. hope you can buy it soon

[@forza-extreme]

just do it. you wont regret it. im riding a speed triple 1050 . have always driven suzuki gsx-r

[@bullseye1470]

I'm debating between this bike or brutale 800rr of course big price difference but I might just go with this cuz of that price difference

[@josephiorio7376]

just recently bought a 2012 fz8 , should i keep or get this? been deciding idk yet.

[@th3s3rv37]

I always pull the clutch when I start any vehicle (given it being Manal). it takes away the resistance from the neutral gear, being easier for the starter motor to do its job. I know it's not much but every little helps. it's also a safety measure.

[@LazyWaffleman]

I haven't seen a review like this in the motovlog format, Im new to the channel. Its extremely good, chase really does awesome job but this informative in a better, different way!

[@Chris-tn8xb]

Really enjoy these commute videos. Keep up the good work!

[@j_thom]

I still have my heavily doo-dadidly-festooned-and-farkled '05 S3. Still love it just as much as the day I brought her home.

[@Miata822]

When I saw the '16 was going to have TC and ride-by-wire I scooped up a new old stock '14R. Frickin awesome bike. always puts a smile on my face.The only thing I added was a slipper clutch. I love the Tuono but it overheats in Texas traffic and I think it secretly wants to kill me. The Speed3 is, above all things, confidently competent. It makes me feel like a better rider than i am. ride one and you'll understand.

[@EverythingisFire]

Would love to see a "Street Triple R" on one of your commutes :)

[@monteiro5306]

Im from Brazil and a Motorcyclist reader for many years ( in fact, Jeff Karr and Ken Vreeke were staffers, kind of 1982 , a CB 1100 tested for 24 hours...long, long time ago ) and a Triumph Speed Triple fan. I really liked this commute test. Many thanks and keep not only this but MC Garage, and thank you very, very much.👍👍

[@FragEightyfive]

Thanks for the video. I love these commute style vids on all different bikes.

[@WeNeedASaga]

This vid was worth it for the carpark skids alone. Loved it Zack!

[@TeejtheDeej]

What makes it cool is how simple you make it look. Bravo!!

[@jestermoon]

It is all fun and games til someone loses an eye.....good skills mate!

[@TamanLinkin]

Damn nice riding and sliding lol. Balls. Nice simple review, good video and sound quality. Subscribed.

[@kiwiandyt123]

It's a darn cool bike alright! Nice video, love this format. Street Triple next?

[@tysonvilleneuve931]

Man... you've got balls doing that with the rear wheel in the wet. I did that on my Speedy a couple times when the pavement was cold and I felt like I was milliseconds away from a highside into traffic. Then again it's a parking lot and you're far more experienced. Fair play to you!

[@kennethh2430]

Loving my 2007 I picked up used this summer with only 8300 miles on it!

[@IslanderJerYT]

because neutral switches cannot be trusted sir

[@dale-fi1fi]

could be in false natural an fucks off when you start it lol

[@Brancovtn65]

@Fail Zero - Destroy the CCP Ugh that's a brutal way to go... And a brutal sight to see I could imagine.

[@SClown86]

Great vid and review, thanks Zack!

[@sicania333]

Proud owner of a Speed Triple R since June 2016. I love that bike, and, please don't think I'm saying this because I own it, but it's one of the motorcycle I could buy in 2016. The brakes are AWESOME, the agility is jaw dropping, the power is amazing. The maneuverability is soooo smooth. I wans't expecting such agility from a 207 kilos bike. I would never have guessed that I would choose such a great looking AND great riding bike. Trust me, Triumph won it this year. I love the bar-mirrors, you need to get used to them, but they're cool and practical. Just be careful when you, how do you say, lane split? When you surpass two cars ahah! Be careful there.

[@EEEBA1]

How is it on the twisty roads? Can you keep up with your friends and inline four engines? Thank you and stay safe.

[@Mattrycky]

Really falling in love with the sound of a triple

[@urbanomotor7758]

nice video as always, love the points and relaxed chats about relevant stuff, cant help thinking though the plastic components on the bars, look so cheap and without thought process. Triumph did that with the Daytona, very nice bike, handling was superb but the finish and attention to detail was so bad, they even put the rectifier next to the engine and wondered why they had so many issues. The reality is there can always be complaint, but the small things make the big things come together. Great bike and video, thanks for sharing

[@keonifeist2728]

Great video man! How would you compare the triple to the fz10 on power down low? I know the fz10 is better up top but low down pull and torque is important to me too. Looking for the better "faster" one of the two. Thanks man

[@alexanderstrandqvist4063]

Great video! I reacted to one thing thou, that being the brakes. In another comparsion test I saw (Bike World) they did a brake test between this and the FZ-10 (and also the S1000R and the SD1290) and the FZ-10 came out on top out of all of these bikes in reality. But I don't know, perhaps on paper these brakes tops the FZ-10's? Not that its gonna matter that much, since as you claim, all of these bikes have amazing Brembo brakes. Keep up the awsome work guys, you have made alot of my dayz!

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I test rode one, it was the nicest thing I've ever ridden. I didn't get to test it's "Top-end rush" though unfortunately. Just so smooth, comfy, handling, looks, all were superlative. Ohlins and a bit of carbon make you feel good owning it. I think the real secret to this bike is how well it does everything, not that it's the absolute best at any one thing, but it does offer a sweet package. I bought a ZX14R because I wanted to see how powerful it gets, but I still can't stop thinking about the Speed T. So nice.

[@DouEditz]

Photo314159 hows the zx14? Is it an r? Im going nuclear....

[@i2ambler2002]

I just picked up a 2018 Street Triple RS, which is close to this in power. I wonder if they are going to really up the power in the new Speed? The street is such a great bike, and is so docile under 6k RPMs

[@paulfrankelphd]

I live in Detroit, so driving past palm trees on a commute to work looks marvelous!

[@ericsill9229]

I want this bike sooooooo much. I've been on my Daytona 675 since 2007 and I test rode one of these and absolutely loved it. Time to upgrade

[@EEEBA1]

Eric Brant Did you get this bike? I'm deciding between this and the S1000R.

[@EEEBA1]

@fyoukim12 I just sold my Super Duke and hopefully in the next few months I will be getting the Triumph :)

[@Thesusoperator]

one of my dream bikes

[@ACR3D1]

Great review! I've watched a lot of them too. I'm hoping to buy this bike in the spring, hopefully i can save up enough pennies by then :D ... then again maybe i will wait until next fall in hopes my dealer will be running some sort of special to push 2016s out like they are doing the 2015s right now. IDK if i can wait that long though. I've wanted a speed triple for a while now and this new model has me all excited. It looks awesome. anyway, thanks for the great review!

[@codyalfar]

I recently brought a 2001 955i speedy back to life. I have owned an 03 speedy as well as a 2013 Tiger. Loved both, but it's very interesting looking at the similar platform in its EFI infancy! Runs good and rides good so I don't see a reason to replace her for now.

[@eklingsinghrathore]

Nice video Zack, you said about traffic but there was so much space between the cars and the corners common and how can u remember the road to your office while talking and riding a bike 😁 the sliding in the parking lot that was fun twisties HAPPY HALLOWEEN👻 GOOD DAY ☺

[@kingsqueak2221]

How many high-sides did it take until you got the drifting down like that? Wish I had that comfort/control level.

[@johnger850305]

Wanna ask do you guys mount the Gopro at the front of the Helmet? Or using a clamp for backpack??

[@DoRC]

I've always disabled the clutch switch. I just wire it into the neutral light so it works as it should have in the first place.

[@Superhueman]

Great review! Subbed

[@calebkeebler1918]

Thanks that was a great review man.

[@2wheeled76]

Thanks for doing these commutes! While on the point about mpg I'll be interested to see if you get your hands on a new FZ09 and what you end up getting out of that 3.7g tank. I was holding off for the new version after hearing old-gen owners complain that they'd get

[@Doncan0823]

I'll buy it just for the sound of the engine. Beautiful !!

[@Joos2000]

The pull the clutch to start is an Australian and EU compliance thing. You guys in the US get it as a "bonus". ;-)

[@KutWrite]

I was sure it was some bureaucrat's crap. All those soy-people hate motorcycles.

[@PhyuckYu619]

I miss my Speed Triple. One of my favorite bikes ever, wish i would of went with the R. I was lame and went with the regular speed triple :(

[@tadhefflin3408]

I have a 2013 speed triple R it is amazing it has the PVM wheels on it so it's a little lighter round headlights bar in mirrors and it is just got the perfect appointments for me and it's just dam fun

[@nicholasparaskevas5540]

Hello bud, any great videos on air filters, changing from carbs to fuel injection, and how to change from a break drum to disks lol. I own a 1988 Honda Nx650. Been wanting to know the how to before i invest into parts and labor.

[@bradennelson7735]

Great video! I really enjoyed it. Currently debating between a 2015 s1000r and a 16 speed triple R as a replacement for my 2015 street triple rx. Half of me loves the fit and finish of the triumph and the character of the triple. Other half of me wants the balls to the wall of the bmw.

[@sen7882]

When you say "on the high range, it was ah~~~" that was so funny, can't stop laughing. XD

[@Jcestanley]

Love these vids. I have a question for you; maybe you can help me. Im a fairly new motorcyclist looking for a commuter bike to take me to and from work. It's a 40 mile commute each way that's 95% interstate. I also want something fun to romp around town on on weekends. I'm trying to stay under 14k. I've been looking at the monster 821, FZ-10, f800gs, mv agusta brutale, even an FZ-09. I'm pretty open, I want some torque but something that's comfortable for a 40 min interstate ride and I'm not really interested in a supersport and I've even considered a Harley forty eight. Any suggestions?

[@kalebmartinson]

I always thought the headlight was ugly after seeing it in person it's surprisingly good looking. How is this bike for longer distance trips. I currently have an r6 and I want to be able to ride for more than 2 hours.

[@SuperstarPecanbar]

Completely agree on the lack of mr Hyde. Compared to my Z1000 it felt a little underwhelming, but coming out of a roundabout was a different story. Brakes were superb on the triple, like you said.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Good video. Speed Triple came out in 1992, Ducati released Monster in 1993. I wanted both but bought a SV1000S in 2003 which I still have.

[@Camtheperson892010]

You’re brave sliding it around like that! Lol. Lot of faith in the bike!!

[@harpersneil]

The lid over the battery has three he headed screws holding it down. If you adjust them slightly, you can get that cover to sit flush - mine was the same when I bought it.

[@dirtyblonde1707]

What back pack are you rocking there? I'm looking for a full waterproof motorcycle backpack like yours and it's super sick!

[@rattletop]

Zack, what ReviT gloves are those? Also do they have touch-enabled finger tips for use with smartphones?

[@reeve.c]

now the real question is: The current Speed Triple R or the new Street Triple RS?

[@SineOccasu]

Zach, would you say the refinement is higher on the Speed, compared to the Tuono? I gotta say, I can't un-see the panel gap on the tank now :/

[@westonpeterson1502]

What is the 4 point harness/pack you are wearing? Looks awesome!

[@LeroyRifkin]

hey man cool bike. do you ever take it off any sweet jumps?

[@jjpc225]

I.love this since you're driving in my neighborhood. you're right by Costco!

[@GiacintoMarcellino]

"I need to be carefull here" ---> Starts sliding around.

[@llerradish]

What roads.... wouldn't that be a good time to test the ABS? And the traction control?

[@nabiji]

Question is Zack, given the expense of the R model, would you prefer to go standard over the R model instead? Sure the suspension isn't as good, but you've basically stated you wouldn't consider it as capable as the competition as a track machine.

[@maxx666mayhem]

Fantastic video

[@notamotorbikemechanic]

I noticed you model has the larger old indicators , the U.K. Model has the small led indicators that were extras on the previous model.

[@TheBaj]

great bike! but is that front tank panel not installed straight?

[@sweetstickyicky]

I have no idea why, but triples just turn me on!

[@lucalima12]

I made a test ride the quick shifter seems not so much well what would U say?

[@GorhamWorks]

It most certainly has the "gentlemanly" go... When dry the front wheel is very very light. Great bike and good review. Hopefully you can sneak it off to the twisty's. .

[@Krezo200]

sounds extremely good for stock exhaust

[@ClutchFirst]

Beautiful naked bike. I wish it wasn't 480lbs though.

[@GIGABACHI]

CLUTCH1st LOLZ, Try a 1982 GS1100G...then you'll know heavy. This thing will feel like a bicycle. 😁

[@Mudux]

A worse thing doesn't make a bad thing good.

[@GIGABACHI]

Mudux W/E floats your boat, Mate. 😂

[@Mudux]

JIGA BACHI I don't like riding boats, sorry.

[@Loudlevin]

You are correct, it does feel tad piggish out the dealer, but eliminating those absurdly heavy cans for a single out , removing passenger pegs and installing a lithium battery transformed the feel of my 2013.

[@LedGaRRagE]

awesome speed triple !

[@dayriderschat]

Many bikes need the clutch pulled when starting as a theft safety , same for side stands having to be in a safe position before taking off...

[@wrkings]

Then i bought the speed r and everything became so smooth and easy to use, the heat coming off the tuonos frame, my god

[@levaiadam3053]

this masterpiece is so dope

[@kevincraig8257]

That is slick I'm waiting for the 2021 think I'll have to buy one hp increase not as much yet as the streetfighter but enough for me

[@ravenville15]

can you gave a review on the suzuki m109r?

[@JensLine]

Hi Zack! Great commute. I was wondering if you will be testing the new BMW G310R at some point in the future? Keep the videos coming. - Jens

[@EverythingisFire]

Would love to see a 2017 "Street Triple R"! :)

[@saidnobodyever711]

I guess you mean the 765 RS? Can't wait to see Zack review it.

[@kevinwong9656]

Nice! Any chance you can ride the Suzuki GSX S-1000 to work?

[@MrDopestDope1]

that drift, thats where i would have fallen and made oopsies

[@itzajdmting]

What an awesome bike. What an awesome rider.

[@petroosabdollahian1648]

Is this bike good enough and usually commuting friendly? for daily use and weekend touring? Any way great video bro Be safe

[@tadeuferreira5705]

i would love to have one but here in Portugal they only have dealer in Lisbon and Porto, and I dont want to travel 3 hours to get service done

[@SlingingLead]

Perfect Mr. Hyde impression at 9:38

[@EEEBA1]

How does it compare to the S1000R? Thank you

[@dkim7190]

12:18.......Hahahaha. You made it look so easy! Got me smiling.

[@RenaultSport133]

Amazing content Zack, as always. Btw, does anyone know why the on-ramp Traffic Light at 7:13 isn't constantly green if there's no congestion at the moment?

[@RenaultSport133]

***** I see - thx!

[@aaronchristopher812]

great review... You lost me at 125hp. But it's such a sexy looking bike. Starting to sway more to the Ducati Monster

[@h.mushmann2351]

I like those mirrors

[@SIRtheblockparty]

FINALLY, THE 2016 SPEED TRIPLE R. Too bad it's rainy. And I already bought a 2010 ZX-10R.

[@TushalBhadang]

When will you do an MC Commute ride on the 2018 Street Triple 765 RS?

[@eduluizfilho99]

How about a S1000R commute?

[@DrTranofEvil]

Yeah, my gixxer is the same way. Clutch in or no go.

[@TheNickypops]

I loved this bike on a test but wasnt able to test the tuono. If you had to pick between the two which would it be? Purely on fun basis. I live in Ireland and these triumph triples come with their suspension are set up very well from factory for our crappy roads. 180lb rider

[@TheNickypops]

Thanks i need a go on the tuono, I loved the old twin which my friend owned and missed the opportunity to buy but I loved the triple r instantly. I tend to mess around on bikes in a similar fashion to yourself and Ari and respect you're opinion. Here in Belfast we have lots of wet weather i enjoyed the sliding in the car park section as I also cant help myself with those surfaces.

[@abnx9670]

Any chance you will test MV Agusta Brutale?

[@KutWrite]

You have to pull in the clutch due to - what else? - government regs. Do you think anyone at NHTSA or the Euro agencies rides a bike? Competently? Nice review & ride, thanks! Great sound... even with the stock mufflers! I'm also glad both headlights come on in low beam. Most newer bikes with two lamps use both for high-only. I detest that one-of-two look. My favorite was the VFR-800 which had FOUR beams on high.

[@gwwayner]

Although I buy Motorcyclist Magazine quite often, I have never seen an article on rear suspension linkage modifications. I notice you seem to ride on the glass-smooth roads in your area but in more northern climes (like here in Eastern Canada) there are lots of bumpy frost-heaved back-roads that reveal the true handling prowess or inadequacies of a sporting motorcycle. Designing rear suspension for a passenger load seems stupid and a compromise for a bike with sporting intentions. I installed a KyleUsa linear linkage (developed for the Daytona on race-track) and Ohlins TR805 shock (with 15% lower spring rate) in my 2010 Triumph STR and the difference in ride quality and handling is phenomenal. Also have the Arrow-3-1 and SuperSprox 520 conversion with 2T larger rear sprocket. This 675cc bike pulls so hard in top gear even from low rpm that lower gears are not needed on fast back-roads. Doing the same to the Speed R would be interesting. Btw ultimate hp is quite useless on public roads; I have a hard time avoiding jail on my STR!

[@dainjahrus]

hahaha discussing the bike midwheelie... you sir are a champion. Also, my ducati doesnt require you to pull in the clutch to start it if its in neutral. woot woot

[@brianglendenning1632]

My Suzuki does not need its clutch pulled either, unless the stand is down (of course). The one touch start on a bunch of Suzukis (SV650 and the GSXSs - both of ‘em) is surprisingly nice, even if it seemed a gimmick at first. Great to press the button and wander off to strap on a Kreiger or shut the car hole door. Can’t be too difficult to make it that easy, and I doubt Triumph is any more risk averse than Suzuki or Ducati.

[@yudhamica17]

Anyone know what jacket and pants he's wearing?

[@EZRider68]

What backpack is Zack wearing?