Is Triumph's new 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS a step too far? | MCN First Ride

[@marscruz]

I always think that Michael does the best job in defining the niche each test bike fits into. He knows what kind of rider is going to enjoy whatever bike he is talking about. All riders are different and I appreciate the fact that he is trying to give us the profile of type of rider each bike was built to satisfy. There is no "best bike" per se. There is only the "best fit" for your requirements. Thanks for that.

[@richardcurtis2469]

That's a fair point. I will take that on board. It's me I think. I am 64. Still ride bikes got a Honda cb600 hornet been restored fully . It's 22 years old. So I think I'm still stuck in the 1970s

[@michaelmarston237]

To heavy abs comes in to early .

[@davidpersson986]

Best reviewer ever! Feel like I know what I want after listening to Neeves. Brings out the nuances and selling points of each bike. Nice contrast to all the reviewers out there full of general praise of little use to who is trying to navigate in the wonderful world of motorcycles

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate your comments.

[@Sasr14c8]

this is the same guy that said the R1 was a comfortable bike

[@sabihasultana5914]

@@Sasr14c8 0

[@panchochilli11]

I really like the way you summarize where this bike fits into the category. Really useful info for a buyer. Great job as always, my favourite reviews.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks!

[@flubbyhog]

I love the way neeves dissects a bike; the good, the bad and the competition in there’s too. Never a bad review. Always makes me think about something I didn’t think about before. Well done!

[@andrewprice1189]

The only reviewer worth listening too these days is Mr Neeves. Sets the standard all others aim for

[@greenambles]

1:52 “That doesn’t even need it’s front wheel unless it’s parked” 🤣🤣🤣👍🏼

[@johnnyrodrigo2030]

Hahaha I laughed a lot. I have a 2017 1290 SuperDuke GT, and even for the Grand Tourer it’s true 😂😂

[@samiam5326]

Great review and comparison. Thank you. Who else wants to see a shoot out between the new Speed Triple, new S1000R, and new Tuono 1100 RR?

[@beetleything1864]

lamb chop rides - compares the triumph to the Tuono

[@the510wagon]

Neevesey is the best reviewer. Very wise. I always appreciate the background info he gives about the history of a bike & where it sits relative to the category & competitors. I would love a new ST1200RS... But pricing in Australia is rude.

[@Bajker4ever]

Its time for new Daytona 1200 :)

[@shawnlack1527]

Yeah the Daytona needs a Liter bike. Or a production Norton.

[@bboness713]

Oh yes! I'll second that!

[@Benjay1975]

The people have spoken

[@WegrennerX]

Love the look of that old beast

[@jastheacenz]

Yessssssssss plzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@Zekenificent]

I love the comment he made about the KTM Super Duke only needing its front tire when it is parked 😆.

[@diablo5744]

ha, i just said this without readnig through the comments, im deleting my comment ! lol

[@Zekenificent]

@@diablo5744 no worries, don't delete your comment

[@countryjoe3551]

I've ridden one enough to completely understand and agree with him.

[@douglashodge334]

Neeves is the only bike reviewer I can happily listen to talking for 20 mins. Great review and what a machine!

[@bokiNYC]

Agree 100%!

[@trevorphillips3055]

Think I'll stick with my 2014 street triple 675r, it's all you need for the road and still great fun to ride. No BS electronics just abs.

[@stevecrocker6904]

now here's a gentleman who does his product preparation and has set what he is going to say. No "ums", "ahs" and cliches of the would-be reviewers. I'll listen to him any time

[@bokiNYC]

Agree 100%!

[@ericaworthington2675]

High power? Great for 2-up, eg Busa is a fabulous 2-up sport tourer. I can't wait to see this engine in a revised Tiger Sport, for 2-up. Please, Triumph, bring us a Tiger Sport 1200!

[@lensoprezole5322]

Hello Michael, your comparison between all the bikes of the supernaked category is just GOLD 👍 Thank you very much. Very useful to guide us for a purchase. Precise enough even though I love to learn more about technical details. Now, waiting for the icing on the cake with the Tuono V4 factory review 😍 Take care.

[@gjkMN]

I love Neevesy's reviews because he talks about things like feel and character, and all the things I can't know myself just from reading the spec sheet.

[@craigmason6656]

Nice realistic review Neevsy. I'll be sticking with my 18 RS thanks. Hope this sells well though. Cheers from Melbourne.

[@vknair6652]

The best motorcycle reviewer on KZbin.

[@MrMikey1703]

Thanks Mike, I like this new style of reviewing - as in giving your thoughts a day or so after riding the bikes. It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of being on a new generation machine that you aren't able to take stock and have some rational thoughts. Being a newish 1290 SDR owner (after 5 Trumpy's inc a S3), I don't think that I should test ride one of these as it's bound to cost me a lot of money and a at least month sleeping in the kennel. :D

[@Andy-2022]

This is the second review that says a negative about the ride quality. A bit of a let down because this bike will spend most of its time on the bumpy road. Adaptive suspension would have sorted that

[@suereed]

The birds are so happy. I honestly though they were outside MY window.

[@MMPAspergerian]

I thought they were outside also; maybe it's because I had too many beers?

[@akent46]

It must have been one of the 5 days a year that the sun is out in UK

[@lexusrcflover9175]

Absolutely in love with my Street Triple 675r I couldn't imagine it with 70 more hp this bike must be madness...👌

[@TheJWC56RSA]

You are spot on!! I have both the Super Duke R and the Streetfighter V4 S. To be honest they are much to much for the road as you said! I think I enjoyed my MT09 much more!! I'd love the SDR and the SFV4 rather with more torque and less speed! More to enjoy on the road and not to go to a track.... It is getting stupid now! Who want to start to enjoy a bike at 9000 rpm and up?? Regards!!

[@lensoprezole5322]

TheJWC56 : you are totally right but unfortunately a lot of guys are "retarded" they think the more powerful bike is the best. They think like kids. I wonder if they have already riden on a 180 hp bike with the throttle wide open. And that's even without talking about all the guys never going above 6000 RPM because they are too scared. All they can say is "THE BEAST" on youtube ahah.

[@robertbermudez4458]

Mt 09 sp 👍

[@MrBlueberrypie44]

Well done Neevesy One of the best reviews of any bike I've seen on YT. I'm not a Triumph hero, but I do like them. And once again, Neevesy has spoken truth on the matter. Exceptional awareness and detail. Thanks MCN.. and Keep up the good work

[@4130Media]

this isn't first ride, this is a thorough review! very well done, always a pleasure to listen to Neeves' reviews

[@movem1]

Brilliant review and really impressed with Triumph for jumping into the ring with this one. Can't wait to see it at my local dealer

[@matthewkonopka3012]

Just got a 2020 S3(outgoing model). Dream to ride. So glad I picked one up before they are all gone. A true masterpiece to the Speed Triple name.

[@shadowred1980]

Great review. Michael gets the details across in a way very few others can. Hats off sir.

[@kevinhamilton9920]

Just bought the 2022 rs. Picking up Wednesday. My uncle has the same bike. Can't wait to pick her up.

[@MrMRTravac]

Lovely review honestly felt as if I've been out on the bike myself

[@duc899]

Lovely bike, typically great review. The most helpful in picking a bike I've seen - much appreciated sir.

[@matthewburhans4355]

I absolutely love my 07 speed triple! Although mine does have clip-ons, for my 6'4 body it's still a very comfortable bike to ride and I ride it most days to the office. I would say to whomever wants a raw feel of a bike unlike all the tech the newer models have I would recommend the 2005-2010 model speed triple. Me personally I wouldn't want a newer bike, since I love the raw feeling and knowing that you're in full control of the bike rather than a computer is just a feeling you'll never stop loving.

[@startodo]

After watching Double D's speed I wanna chuck a set of clip on's on my 2013 speed triple..

[@pclark6068]

Great to hear a balanced review of this new bike, I maybe a little bit biased as I have an 18 RS, but some of the other journalists gushing over the bike’s power and track ability, missing the point of how is it as a day to day road bike which most people probably use them for! They also gave glowing reviews of the previous model, yet seem to suggest how bad it is now !! Great video and detail especially against its rivals in this class 👍

[@timothymills733]

Spot on Sir. I have thought this for some time, yet most Journos, not yourself of course, have been complaining about the "low" power of the machines that have "only" 150BHP,. Your perspective is very refreshing. Also, I would go so far as to say that 99.99% of riders can't even use the performance of the super-nakeds on the track.

[@lensoprezole5322]

Yes, a lot of riders have poor riding skills on the track. They try to put their knee down but they keep their head behind the windscreen at the same time. LOL !

[@OCCUPIEDNATION]

Top stuff, by far the best review of the 2021 Speed Triple 1200RS I've seen so far.

[@allwheeldrive]

Great review. And, more to your point about going too far, I've got an '09 Speed I've put several thousand miles on. It is a total blast to ride. And even with a measly 130hp, it has *always* been more than powerful enough on the street. But even that version has one of the sweetest engines ever made. But like this one, the ride is always very firm, always ready to attack. And the ergos made my last 500-mile trip...challenging. It might be because I have a VStrom 1000 to choose from, but it is still spot-on for the days when you just want to play.

[@madpekon]

I have been waiting for the review since day one. As always spot on.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

It's always worth waiting for!

[@fyorbane]

Great review Neevsey. Shame that Triumph have made the new Speedy a little too track orientated with that setup. I have just watched a full review of the new 1100 Tuono Factory and the guy could not stop gushing over it. He actually went as far as to say it was the best bike he has ever tested. And it looks gorgeous. As ever a tremendous job of describing what the new Speedy is all about. Take care and ride safe.

[@col.sirbuffyhorsetrouser9158]

Excellent review - as an owner of the 1050, you have just confirmed two things in my mind: 1. if you don't do track days (how many people buy a bike with this primarily in mind?), this is the wrong choice for a Triumph urban Sports bike, and 2. its got more power than can realistically be used on the road, and the older versions are a far better choice. Shame that Triumph took such a successful blend of power, looks and plush road abilities, and turned the (only new) version into a primarily track-focused bike that, it seems doesn't have the charm, all-round abilities and enjoyment that the outgoing versions had. I suspect that the depreciation on these will be high when people who buy them are disappointed that they aren't as everyday-friendly and UK road usable as all the previous the 1050's. Long live the 1050's!

[@TrevorGoodone-x6t]

Agree!

[@MOTOUK1]

Great review, when I reviewed the bike in last two weeks also I found for the road it just was missing something that sense of occasion. My standard street bike I ride daily is the MT10SP so coming from that I was a little disappointed. Agree for track amazing but at the end of the day it’s a road bike so needs to be more road focused like the earlier Speed Twins were. Thanks Michael 👍

[@silkysmooth7900]

I love my '09 triple. It's perfect.

[@MrG61-u9k]

Always a balanced in depth review from Michael and a pleasure to watch. Great stuff 👍

[@mocky1220]

170+ hp feels just enough for the road.. Whoa! 😉

[@benkelly2190]

A great review, telling me all I need to know..keep my 2018 speedy RS . Thanks👍🏻

[@bjrkK]

Had the 1200RS for 6months now, 8000km and 4 track days later I can highly recommend it. Surely it wakes up at the track, this is just the perfect bike for me.🙌

[@rogerseelbach5330]

At first, I thought something was wrong. It was like it was slipping.

[@jace2wheel762]

Love my 19 RS. Other than adding some padding or an aftermarket seat. And tweaking the tune, bigger sprockets and a power commander turns that 148hp to 170+hp(on the dyno) quite easily and gives a more comfortable ride. The thing is just a phenomenal ride!

[@I_am_Monty]

Hands down the best motorcycle reviewer. I like the video even before I watch it! I have got so much info/skills from watching Michael's videos. Sounds like an awesome naked bike 👌

[@masseyfergusonab]

You are the best reviewer Hands down• 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Appreciate that

[@MrBiggles]

Love MCN ❤️. Sounds like a nice bike, Cheers Neevesy 👍🏻

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video at last a review were the old speed triple rs hasn't been slated over the new speed triple rs 🇬🇧👍

[@GOINFINITI]

Love it how you explain the bike - you can really understand the feel of riding one.

[@michaelhayward7572]

I've watched a bunch of new S3 reviews. This one, honestly is comfortably, the best of the rest.

[@fido0825]

As always Neevesy gives another excellent review! As a hick from Missouri, USA, I could listen to him talk all day about square root tables or antique coffee pots. He wins my "Best Online Bike Reviewer" award hands down both for his knowledge and insight as well as his accent (yes, you guys in GB have the accent). Chopsy would be 2nd!

[@savr1200gs]

Great review the fact you couldn't soften up the suspension for the road really surprised me.. something for triumph to think about?

[@MadChalet]

I wonder ... can't a switch in the spring(s) heal this problem? Sure, at that kind of money it seems like something that shouldn't be, but in the end the cost wouldn't be that much. Maybe I'm off in the gravel. (Same goes for tires ... if the tires aren't great it doesn't mean the bike won't be great with a proper set.)

[@lordgibbness]

Yeah I wonder if triumph will listen and adjust for the next model year? Else the only option will be a spring swap.

[@lordgibbness]

@@TylerTron21 Preload is just to set the front to rear loading. Only the spring + compression damping will affect the feeling of stiffness.

[@lordgibbness]

@@TylerTron21 yes agree preload is needed to put the bike into the correct working range. But predominantly it will set the front to rear bias. However, only spring rate and compression damping will affect stiffness (preload will not affect this).

[@lordgibbness]

@@TylerTron21 I know suspension theory. Please yourself if that's what you want to think. Cheers.

[@carlosarques]

Best & honest reviewer ever! Period.

[@andrewd7586]

I had an insane BMW S1000RR. I stepped “down” to a BMW S1000R, which was for me, a far better bike. Mainly due to the immense torque it had! I did track days at Phillip Island on it & it’s handling there was also brilliant! I moved on from the S1000R late last year here in Australia primarily due to our over draconian speed laws. Now I own a BMWR18! Love it!😍 Cheers & great review Neevesy from Down Under.🇦🇺🍻 P.s. Stay safe with covid mate. 🙏🏻

[@speedybobblehead9382]

Great review, I have no interest in change my 2018RS for this one, it’s every thing I need and more 😍

[@melowd7779]

Best Mc reviews on KZbin, hands down.

[@DJPTEXAS]

Best reviewer by far ! great job as always...

[@petercarr6599]

Great watch buddy, thankyou ❤️

[@CubanRider]

Enjoyed every bit of the video. One correction I have to point out is that the new S1000R does not get the shiftcam from the RR, it gets the same engine as the 2020+ S1000XR. I can deal with a bit of suspension stiffness on the 1200 RS, hoping to pick one up soon.

[@red.riot.2280]

Heck now. More POWER! Haha. The only thing extra I want is a windscreen. But I agree that midrange is much better that top end. The option for a touring screen is a must for daily use. So far, I’m keeping the MT10. Well until the next gen.

[@philipjames3526]

In the market for a new bike. Keep seeing the 'old' Speed Triple RS new for 12k - I would like to see a comparison of the 1050 RS to the new 1200.

[@Sean-oq3ox]

I just bought a 2019 speed rs. You don't need anymore power than that for road use. Plus I like the looks better and how it feels bigger than a street triple.

[@Andy-2022]

Ditto, old bike is brilliant

[@philipjames3526]

@@Sean-oq3ox Yeah - I have the Street RS. And the only thing that 'appeals on the 1200 RS is what would appear to be a more top endy revy engine. I really just need to see if I can get a test ride on the 1050. As 0 still has Ohlins, up and down quick shifter. More than enough power. And personally. Looks pretty cool.

[@xRever95]

Picking up my 2021 Tuono V4 Factory this tuesday :) Hope you do a review of that beast aswell :)

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

xRever95 you are about to experience what many people only dream about. I'm an ex-Tuono V4 owner. 2017 model. The Tuono is a magical bike Magical. You'll enjoy it beyond words.

[@xRever95]

@@gabrieljohannson6777 I've had it for over a day now. Just putting the first miles into it. Came from a ninja 400 that i've had for two years. Great machine, lots of power. But being cautious with it, even though its really easy to ride. Cant wait to see what the different YT channels will think of it :)

[@rushy67rr97]

Usual honest review from Neevesy, had a Street Triple RS and I felt that was too stiff for the rode with Ohlins, however Triumph launched an “R” version which was just about right, they should have pulled the same trick on the Speed Triple IMHO Far as the new S1000R is concerned I don’t think it comes worth shiftcam so the headline news seems to be electronics tweaking, new gearing and weight loss at BMW, will be interested to see what you think...

[@donaldduck9424]

As usual a very good, detailled and honest review. The Speed as well as the Street Triple RS are ment a little too sporty i think. But the Speed RS will sell like hotcakes i guess. It's just too beautyful :-). So Triumph has done a good job;-) . S1000R does not come with the shift cam engine by the way.

[@niksingh22]

big 👍 for MCN.. for showing full review of triumph rs1200👍🇮🇳

[@notafanatic]

This review is a prime example why Neevesy is the best in the business.

[@mathiashammar1]

Great review and honesty about the bike! Seams like Triumph hit a big one with this for the more sporty riders. They nailed the chassi, TFT screen, engine and powertrain. Its a ripper with those nice tyres.

[@DearMajesty]

Great review Neevesy! One of the few journalists a rider can trust these days. A very nice, complete and nuanced review!

[@BizAutomation4U]

The most honest journalist in the industry.

[@baccaratfitness2360]

Really appreciate your review technique, simple, direct, relaxed and thorough.

[@ulrichfriehe3459]

From abroad I loved to listen to your explanations; it's a wonderful bike both to ride and to look at.

[@radarsh1967]

For the first time I’m second guessing my decision to get the new 2021 S1000R. Great reviews as always.

[@dogshmog]

I had a 2019 s1000s. Amazing machine, the new one will be even better.

[@guyhayes4752]

I know everything is getting big horsepower these days but I have a 2004 speedie, 120bhp...and for me it's more than enough. I've had a fire blade before but three years of having my 955I and I really don't know what I'll get rid of it for, awesome sounding punchy triple. That being said the new speed triple looks amazing.

[@larrysweetser4198]

Best editor on two wheels

[@waynepritchard7233]

A fascinating and honest review. This guy really knows his stuff. Outstanding video.

[@Tobyinmud]

Rode the bike today. Didn’t find the ride too hard as in the video though I am considerably heavier than the MCN pilot. Bike was amazing, real weapon. Ordered it there and then.

[@jackpart1633]

0:00 - 1:33 PREACH IT MAN. Those bikes are brilliant but not for the real world; the track is one thing the road is another. Totally agree with you, as always you're one of the voices of the true motorcyclists.

[@Andre-Mostert]

Those first line of the video is so true. Most of the people dont use the bikes for track days and they just want a well rounded awesome looking and riding bike with some good numbers to back it up. I just got myself a Street Triple R and I am so impressed how this 765cc engine feels so much like a litre bike. Smooth and sounds awesome. I have even gone so far to start a little motovlog to capture my experience with this bike. So far I am super impressed. This one is one I need to go and test ride some or other time. Liked and subbed.

[@pcarts232]

Yeah agree, I have the Speed Triple RS and at first tbh I didn’t like the suspension but it’s an absolute blast 💥 i love it and I wouldn’t swap it for anything!

[@paulkitchen5802]

I love my 18' Street Triple RS and it has made me a better rider. The brakes are amazing and it is like a scalpel to me. I have never felt the need for more than about 140 HP in any bike I have owned. I have always wanted to try the Tuono for many reasons. I am not a big fan of the KTM even though I love my Adveture 1190. I have thought I would love the Street Fighter V4S also but at that price I would have to trade both the Triump and KTM. Now after the new Speed Triple release and what Neevesy says I think this might be the next one.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Wife rides a 2018 street triple RS. We both love the thing! The suspension, brakes, transmission; literally everything is amazing on it. Ton of fun!!

[@iantouzel638]

Your the man , best on the web. I was thinking about selling the my S1000R for the new Spedd triple, but where i live i need heated grips and dynamic damping. The road is a nightmare in Québec , holes, bumps, cracks.

[@VikingBagsYT]

Great video! Just wanted to say we here at Viking Bags really appreciate your content! Keep up the good job!

[@lordgibbness]

I tested the bike today and the suspension was really good. Not overly firm. So I would say everyone needs to make up their own opinion.

[@scottbailey5644]

Neevesey is best and most knowledgeable presenter by far! Look forward to your next vid sir...

[@JamesCAsphalt8]

Excellent, well thought out, well presented and researched review. Thank you.

[@pratik649]

The introduction was very well laid out

[@Firestorm637]

Totally agree with you!! The Middle weights are the new Goldilocks bikes. Nice to have Halo bikes to show off new tech that will end up on their lower bikes. The Streetfighter is 208 horsepower but around town are you hiting 12,000 rpm plus.

[@michaelspreyer5619]

Great review which helped me enormously as it’s real objective. First time I’ve seen Michael Neeves as a reviewer but will follow him by now. He does a real amazing job!

[@josiah1583]

I think it fits really well into the lineup. The trident to get started, the Street Triple if you want a more reasonably fast motorcycle, and the Speed Triple as your hypernaked. Wouldn't be surprised to see a lower tuned slightly cheaper speed triple 1200 S for 2022 to really round out their naked sport bikes.

[@Stone1108]

Yesterday I test rode this model in the UK ‘shout out to Bridge Motorcycles in Exeter and Chris the Triumph sales manager who allowed me 4 hours with the bike!! In a few words my debrief to Chris with a big grin on my face upon my return was “…Triumph have been very naughty but clever with this bike … everything about this bikes design could only have come about by listening to people who know what a thoroughbred street fighter should be and some…” No it not too much for the road, she’s a bike that rewards when you put her in the zone. agree with everything said here, i’d love to try her on the track. If you want a top A & B road experience with a big grin all day this bike won’t let you down. She is a more raw ride and it knock 30 year off of me because I was so engrossed in the ride experience. BTW I ride a KTM SuperDuke GT that has never been out of sports mode. As always this review is spot on for the road and I can only imagine from my ride that he is spot on for the track. Great bike.

[@davidebbs2797]

Time for Hinckley to bring back some of those eye popping color options their famous for. And don't tell me their listening to customer feedback for dull, dark Asphalt grade paint choices. What's with bolting the seat cowl on and not being able to unlock the rear with a key too? Has it lost the USB? Great summary Neevsey :)

[@ManishKumar-iv7ld]

I've see So Many of Ur Videos.. U are So Articulate & to the Point !! Fantastic Review (as Always) & What a Way, to Describe How the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS REALLY Feels / Behaves !! Thanks again :)

[@m0mgf]

By having 200HP, allows for the mid range grunt to come in lower down the rev range... So you do not have to be screaming the engine all the time.

[@nitinsharma12]

FINALLY SOME HONESTY, OTHER REVIEWERS ARE JUST READING BROCHURES...

[@firehouse6226]

Good commentary. Triumph engines really are amazing.

[@garysmith2983]

I love my 848 Streetfighter. Traded my Blade for it last Sept and wish I’d made the change years ago.

[@manardh7387]

Many people buy these kinds of bikes to take to the track as I understand. Never too much power. Here in the U.S. I determined that at least 100 hp will keep up with traffic unless you wear earplugs and run at the top end of the RPM range. Personally, lots of people spend money on things that are exotic, motorcycles are cheaper than cars.

[@RikkyTang]

Great review - your thoughts on super nakeds on the road match mine and I've made the jump from an S1000R to an R1250R mainly for the real-world performance - it's great fun from 3-8k rpm! Just to be clear for those that might misunderstand... while the engine of the new S1000R comes from the Gen4 S1000RR, it does not have the Shiftcam tech so in that respect it's similar to the current S1000XR.

[@victorpintotapia4874]

Superb review. Greetings from Ecuador.