Triumph Speed Triple 1050 S - 1050 RS - 1200 RS How do they compare?

Triumph Speed Triple 1050 S - 1050 RS - 1200 RS How do they compare?
I'm the owner of a 2016 Triumph Speed Triple 1050 S and I’ve become a big fan of the Speed and Street Triple range.
When I heard Triumph were producing a new redesigned Speed Triple for 2021, I was pretty excited to see what they would come up with, and of course, I couldn’t wait to take the new Speed Triple 1200 RS out for a test ride
But since I bought my bike I've wondered how different is the 2020 model Speed Triple 1050 RS to ride compared to my 1050 S.
Thanks to my friends at Triumph Essex, I’ve been able to ride all three bikes and tell you how these bikes compare to each other.
In Part One I look at the history of the Triumph Speed Triple since its launch in 1994 and show you around my 2016 Speed Triple 1050 S as well a look at my riding buddy's Elyske's Street Triple 675 R.
Thanks to Triumph UK for use of their images and to Triumph Essex for allowing me to test ride the 2020 Speed Triple 1050 RS and 2021 Speed Triple1200 RS
For more information on Triumph Motorcycles check out:
Triumph Motorcycles www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/
Lings Triumph Essex www.lings.com/triumph/
My Riding Gear
Thanks to Alpha Motorcycles for the Gear
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[@dutch_biker_couple1455]

Great review of your bike, can't wait to see the next one 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks guys! I can’t wait to share it either! 😁👍

[@bubbaflux4997]

I'm picking up my 2016 Triumph speed triple S, soon. Awesome videos btw!!

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Sorry for the late reply, I missed this comment! 😩 How awesome, I’m sure you will absolutely love it. Let me know how you get on! Thanks for the kind comments btw 😁👍

[@mavericktriple9488]

I've got a speedy S on a 67 plate. I'm pleased with it. This is my third triple since I came back to riding bikes again. My last triple you had to adjust the throttle cable but now it's good triumph upgraded to a ride by wire system. As long as you ride your S it will always put a smile on your face everytime you ride it. Enjoy and safe riding.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks for watching and commenting! It sounds like you are definitely a Speed Triple fan. They’re great bike’s aren’t they. Keep safe and keep smiling! 😁👊

[@mavericktriple9488]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones Thank you for your comment. Yes I am a fan, I used have a couple of old Triumph triples the T150. When the revs of the new speedies increase the sound is unmistakable. Yes likewise keep smiling and take care fellow biker 😃👍.

[@lyskvanderpol4806]

Very proud to have been part of your journey to triumph dude! 😇 Awesome vid as always and I love your bike as much as you've loved mine 😎 Very excited for our next ride out and your next comparison vid too x

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks for being such an awesome friend. Having you as my riding buddy is a bonus. 🥰Not long until our big ride out, I can’t wait! 😁xx

[@gazfpv]

Awesome video Phil.😉👊

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks so much dude! 😊👊

[@fearlesslion1309ify]

Thank you for the info and feedback 👍🏼

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

My pleasure, thanks for watching! 😁👊

[@thelastcoyote1423]

Great video Phil. I’ve got the 1050 S on a 2018 so final model of 1050. Be very interested to see if you can notice any difference in the suspension on the 1050 RS on the road for your next video. Reason I bought the S was largely down to colour scheme - I just love the jet black on the S and dislike the mat finish and stripes on the RS although accept its the better bike in theory from the specifications on suspension and lean sensitive TC. I also only ride on the road. Your bike looks amazing. Where did you get the Union Jack emblem/ sticker as looks fantastic.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks for the kind comments and sharing your thoughts on your bike. I will definitely be comparing suspicion and ride in my next video. You’re not the only one who isn’t totally impressed with Triumph’s limited options on colour schemes. The bike actually had the Union Jack fitted on the bike when I bought it. Although I went over the bike removing stickers, I really liked this one and it had to stay! I’ll see what I can find and let you know! 😁👍

[@thelastcoyote1423]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones Many thanks Phil. Keep up the excellent work.

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video Phil I own a triumph speed triple rs and triumph speed twin looking forward to the comparison of all three speed triples stay safe looking forward to more videos 🇬🇧👍

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks Richard! Great bikes you have! What do you like most about your RS and is there anything you aren’t too happy about? 🤔👍

[@richardpearson4248]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones hi Phil can't comment on the rs yet as only covered 500 miles so hopefully put some miles on it this year 🇬🇧👍

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@richardpearson4248 Have fun putting some miles on it, I’m sure you will! 😁👍

[@richardpearson4248]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones 😁👍

[@benjaminhornung3955]

Hi mate, Had the same 2016 S speedie bike and did thew 2020 RS upgrade upgrade - Im amazed at the difference . Night and day. - Enjoy the ride!

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Hi! Very nice upgrade, they really do feel like completely different bikes don’t they?! Stay safe! 😁👊

[@jerryx2000]

isn't the throttle of the older Speed smoother. Especially on throttle closing?

[@benjaminhornung3955]

@@jerryx2000 I grabbed a copy of Tune ECU , put on the dual arrow cans, remapped the ECU and the fueling was perfect for the 2016 - The 2020 I own, is very on /off if using sports or track mode, but road mode works a treat.

[@wavester46]

I've got exactly the same bike. I used a lowboy SC Projects can and have the mods you've mentioned. The sound is very similar to yours. You'll find the Evotech tail tidy and Triumph seat cowl gives the bike a sleeker look IMHO. Enjoy. Cheers from South Australia.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Awesome, I bet it looks wicked with the lowboy SC Projects too! I would like to add a seat cowl and make a few other modifications but funds do not permit right now, one day! Thanks for commenting 😁👍

[@Champion2Manager]

Beautiful choice and bike. I also want to get one and very likely will buy one. Would you say it’s on the expensive side for maintenance?

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks! Good luck with your search for a bike and hopefully a Speed Triple. Good question 🤔 There are certain maintenance services like the 12,000 miles service which isn’t cheap, I’m not sure exactly but I believe it’s around £700 from a main dealer. From what I’ve heard most manufacturers, ie. Yamaha, Suzuki etc. would charge a similar amount. I and my ridding buddy who has a Street Triple have used a mechanic who works from home but he did used to work for Triumph and knows what he’s doing. Maybe phone around and ask on social media if anyone can recommend a mechanic in your area, that’s what I did. Perhaps I’ll make a video about my 12k service? Good luck and let me know what you get! 😁👊

[@796andy2]

on my 2nd 1050 , seems I couldn't live without one ... rode the 1200 and found a bit too manageable. 😆 (great test ride ! unescorted, 45 min routed on some nice roads) currently on a '15 abs model , pipe and tail tidy. looking at quickshifters $$$

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

The 1200 RS feels very different to the older 1050 wouldn’t you say?! I found it to be a lot smoother especially with that quick shifter. 😁

[@markb3180]

Back in the day 2013 I had a Street Triple and loved it!

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

What did you exchange if for?

[@markb3180]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones I now have a Triumph Bonneville T120 and I’ve cleaned and polished it, used ACF50 all over it as per your video’s on the speed triple and I have to say it looks amazing. Thank you.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@markb3180 That sounds awesome! I hope the acf50 video helped, it’s amazing stuff! 😁👍

[@TheAgalmic]

Very informative video and your bike is looking fabulous. Turning circle? Ha, try my Ducati Diavel 1260s with its long wheelbase and you won't complain ever again.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks buddy! My old Suzuki turned on a sixpence so I kinda got used to that! I look forward to meeting up soon when we can! 👍

[@Simon-pn7oe]

Great review l, I'm loving my black street triple 2011 (roundlightsforever)

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks, Simon I’m pleased you enjoyed it, thanks for watching. What do you like the most about your bike? 😁👍

[@Simon-pn7oe]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones Hey Phil, I like how the round headlights have aged well over 2012 -15 models, the winding sound from the triple but more so the simplicity of the bike. Not as quick as the 1050 but it does like to scare me every now and then 😅 which is why I love it!

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@Simon-pn7oe I agree the Round headlights look awesome. It’s certainly not a slow bike that’s for sure!? I have to ride it in a different way to my Speed, but I do love the old Street! 😁👍

[@jerryx2000]

isn't the throttle of the older Speed smoother. Especially on throttle closing?

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

I’m not sure to be honest. I didn’t notice any issues with the 1200 RS but I hope to be riding another one again soon!

[@pauljai7151]

I've got an old 2004 speed triple, 2nd one. Love them, I always get people comment on the bike it's a real talking point. Proud to ride triumph. Will upgrade one day.... but will be a speed triple.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Cool bike Paul, I’m sure you get lots of people taking to you. I hope you enjoyed the trip down memory lane seeing the time line. Which Speed would you upgrade to? 😁👍

[@pauljai7151]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones yes the trip down memory lane, you skip the late 955i though. budget won't allow the 1200, the 1050 rs will be a good buy now I think. Well once the 1200 are more common.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@pauljai7151 Ooops, my bad! I appreciate Triumph UK allowing me to use their images. Keep me posted when you get round to updating your bike! 👍

[@sasaklasic6590]

I really like your bike and the color of the bike, what color is it? Jet Black? How tall are you? I'm interested because I'm 193cm/6'3" so I don't know if it would be small for me....

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks, it’s a great looking bike isn’t it! It’s called Phantom Black. It has a pearlescent in the paint which you only see when the sun hits it. I’m 5’10.5” You might find it’s not too small, try one for size. Let me know how you get on! 😁

[@johnnysmet6485]

Bought a 2016 speed triple 1050 as my first bike last year , as a starter rider at the age of 54 , i just love my bike could ride it all day long

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Amazing, congrats. Just shows you are never too young to have fun. It’s such a comfortable bike isn’t it. Have a think about doing your RoSPA or Iam advanced riding, it’s well worth it. 😁👍

[@johnnysmet6485]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones i am from Holland , you should check out what tests we have to do before we can even start riding

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@johnnysmet6485 hahaha! Best bestie is originally from the Netherlands. You obviously know my friend LNR Moto then! 🤣

[@craigfletcher3126]

That's a sexy looking bike Phil. Another Awesome video also. Am I just a bit biased......hmmm maybe 😄😄👍🏼

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Only slightly biased! 🤣 I’m pleased you enjoyed the video, thanks for saying! 👍

[@viowithcrailtap]

I've got a 2010 Street Triple 675 and im wondering about moving up to a Speed 1050. The turning circle on my bike is also pants. I was quite shocked but I just got used to it. What made you go for the S over the R? I'm guessing the Showa suspension on your bike is fully adjustable?

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Have you seen my video about my besties 2011 Street Triple? What year Speed Triple are you thinking about? Yes the Showa suspension is adjustable, I made sure mine was back to the factory default which is set up for road and it works great for me. I love black and this bike came up at the right time, at the right price with a good deal! An R model would have been nice but I don’t regret my decision for one moment. Let me know how you get on! 😁👊

[@viowithcrailtap]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones I like the look of the 2016 model. Seems to have good equipment. My only gripe is the red stuff on the R.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@viowithcrailtap I love my 2016 especially as I’m not a fan of the TFT dash. If I was to change I’d seriously think about an RS with cruise control, a quick shifter and a touch more power, and then a respray! 😊

[@viowithcrailtap]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones I'll be coming from a 2010 675 with no equipment so I think a 2016 Speed will be more than enough. Seems like a great bargain to be honest.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@viowithcrailtap it’s an amazing bike, with 5 rider modes to help with a safer ride. My advice would be to fit Michelin Road 5’s or 6’s I promise you will not regret it! 🙏

[@alexmorgan3435]

I thought this was a comparison as given in your title, but it seems to be just about your Speed Triple 1050S?

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

The series is a comparison of the three Speed Triples. I have been meaning to create a full length video to include all three parts! 👍

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones Sorry I now realise this is the case but at the time when I watched this video I was expecting a comparison. No problem.

[@LouisPhilippeLebouthillier]

Very good looking bike

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks! 😁👊

[@Matt-zt6uc]

hi awsome looking bike can you tell me the bhp in rain & road modes 👍

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks so much! I’m afraid I can’t, I have no idea tbh! The throttle mapping between each riding mode works really well, if you’re a smooth rider you can keep it in road mode in the wet and the bike won’t twitch but there’s no harm switching to rain mode to play it safe! 😁👍

[@allanfoster5418]

I have a Triumph speed triple r 2018 4000 miles mint condition never been in the rain. beautiful looking machine fantastic engine. but it doesn't have the quick shifter but dose have a clunky gearbox when put in to first gear according to Triumph it is quite normal. but apart from that brilliant.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

It sounds awesome! How many miles have you done on the bike? Are you thinking of fitting a quick shifter? 😁

[@allanfoster5418]

@TheAdventuresofPhilJones Hello Phil. Bike has just covered 4000 miles from new got it from KC super bikes Carlisle last September. had bikes all my life I live in barrow in furness Cumbria. my bike only used in summertime mainly but will take it out in winter months providing roads are dry and no salt just to keep it healthy. I don't go far with it mainly just around barrow in furness and surrounding area. love this bike build quality is amazing considering it was made in Thailand. won't be bothering with a quick shifter as a added expense I don't need and gearbox is fairly quick to changing up and down. I have subscribed to your excellent channel.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@allanfoster5418 It sounds like you live in a lovely area and will certainly have fun whizzing around in the warm weather, and why not! 😁🙏 Thanks for your support and encouragement, much appreciated! 👍

[@allanfoster5418]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones 😁

[@antoniocarlosacsjr7128]

Thanks for that. After have been testing almost every option here in Brazil, except the 2016/17 1050R wich is rare here, while planning my next upgrade, I've found out that, for me, instantaneous torque and agility it's more important. And as you said, the 765RS lacks it in low and middle revs, compared with my 2012 F800R and its 8,8 Kgfm, most of it available like almost always, except in higher revs, where its 87 cv limits the fun - just a bit, in fact, cause I'm getting older, smarter and slower, that S.O.S. stuff. It's like the opposite thing of the 765RS! So, I'm prone now to get a 2016/17 for my next bike, unfortunately the last Speed Triples wich came for Brazil. I guess it will check all the few boxes to update my ride; just not sure about the agility, cause the 1050R is heavier than the F800R and the 765RS, wich have similar weights. Just have to find out if this weight difference will really be so punish for the 1050R. Thanks for the video, and best regards.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

I hope you manage to find a 1050R to test ride, let me know how you get on and what you think of the bike. Good luck! 👍

[@antoniocarlosacsjr7128]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones Thanks mate. Please, let me know if the extra weight of the 1050R over the 765RS drains out much agility of it, or if it's still nimble. Best.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@antoniocarlosacsjr7128 I don’t throw the bike around too much and haven’t ridden the 756 RS on track, but the 765 is more flexible than the 1050, as you would imagine. That’s not to say that the 1050 is more than capable on track. It depends what you ultimately want to use the bike for, if it’s track days, the 765 RS may be the best option.

[@benkelly2190]

Nice work mate.. 5 ⭐️

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks very much! 😊 I can’t wait to share the next two episodes. 👍

[@benkelly2190]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones I’m looking forward to them too, I own the 2018 RS and I absolutely love it, so much so it’s a keeper. I rode the new one last week. It is very nice but way too much power for me(and the road) sounds a bit muted as well!

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

@@benkelly2190 The 1050 RS is a lovely bike. Is there anything you don’t like about the bike?

[@benkelly2190]

@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones like you, the turning circle is crap! Big deal! Squeaky brakes! Other than that nothing! Suits me just fine and 300 Mile days are do able! Love it.

[@benkelly2190]

How do you polish your down pipes by Tye way?

[@S1000xrhp]

I share your passion for the Speed triple and your S polishes up very nicely just like my Diablo Red version. I'm OK with the reflectors but agree with everything else except to say the weight saving and handling benefits of a low exhaust outweigh the poorer aesthetics when compared to the better looking under seat cannons. But maybe the weight saving you've made over the stock underseat pipes is the happy medium. My GPR pipe crackles and pops like a mad thing, which is something to play with and an aural treat for those as I pass 🤣

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

You can’t beat a shiny triple can you! 😁👍 I don’t dislike the lowboy exhausts but personally I prefer the look of the under seat cans, but hey we all like different things! I bet your cans sound sweet, it’s nice we can announce our arrival! 🤣 Thanks for watching 🤟

[@MangoMan360]

Beat of the video is his awesome friend. 😉😄

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks dude! 😁👊

[@johnmayberry7669]

Lean the bike over more and your turning circle will be smaller

[@thesage1621]

Your headline is misleading.

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Thanks for your feedback. I’m sorry to hear that. What would you suggest would be the best title? 👍

[@kwisclubta7175]

The 2016 Speed Triple R comes with a quick shifter, does it? Hmm... Triumph must've just forgotten to install it on mine 🙄

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Oh really! Perhaps it was an optional extra but every R I've seen has the quick-shifter! I know you can pick them up for a reasonable price now. How do you like the R?

[@kwisclubta7175]

​@@TheAdventuresofPhilJones Sorry, I don't get notifications and I just happened across your video again. To answer your question, both of my bikes were stolen in March. I loved my 2016 Speed Triple R, never would have gotten rid of it. I also had a 2012 Street Triple R, black and gold. I really enjoyed that bike, too, but it just wasn't quite as nice as my Speed. Anyway, I got a 2022 1200 RS as a replacement. I wasn't exactly in the market for one, but I found a good deal. I enjoy it, but I don't love it like I loved my 2016. I just bought a 2017 Speed Triple R almost identical to my old one with 670 miles on it! It will be delivered in a couple of weeks and I can't wait. It'll be nice to have my bike back.

[@antoniocarlosacsjr7128]

​@@kwisclubta7175Hi friend. Just shocked about your stolen bikes, and knowing you are not in Brazil, cause the last Speed Triples here were de 2016/17 R ones. By the way, I'm planning to get one soon to update my ride over my 2012 F800R, wich I love and is my second 2012 one. Unfortunately, I've never rode the new Speeds, but only a crappie 2009 unit. Can you tell me if the 2016/17 R models are significantly heavier while riding comparing with the 765RS? I've found the 765RS nimble like my F800R, but lacks a lot of low and mid-range torque. I'm sure the Speed Triple will have the punch, but will it still be nimble enough? Thanks, and best regards.