Optimization at its Finest
The Speed Triple RS doesn’t scream transformation at first glance. Triumph has wisely preserved the iconic silhouette, the dual bug-eyed headlights, the broad shoulders, the compact stance. But the real magic lies deeper, in how they’ve carved and polished the internals. The 1050cc three-cylinder engine now revs higher and cleaner. It punches out 150 horsepower,10 more than the previous gen, and delivers 117Nm of torque, arriving 700 rpm sooner. But it’s not the numbers; it’s the character. Triumph has shaved 19% off the engine’s rotating mass, and that change is felt instantly when you twist the throttle. The response is snappier, livelier, with a touch of madness, like the bike is just waiting for an excuse to leap. Out on the mountain, that responsiveness became a living part of the rhythm. Second-gear exits from hairpins, the throttle feathered just right, and the Speedy would surge forward as if launched from a spring. No lag. No hesitation. Just crisp, linear drive from apex to horizon. The Ohlins suspension setup,NIX30 forks up front and TTX36 shock at the rear, feels dialed in from the factory. Mid-corner bumps on Abbinamakki’s weather-worn surface didn’t upset the chassis. The Speed Triple RS felt solid, planted, like it had memorized the road before I ever arrived. You’re not working against the bike. You’re working with it. And those Arrow exhausts? Sweet mercy. That deep, guttural growl echoed off the rock walls in the early morning chill, chasing monkeys off the guardrails and raising hairs on my neck.
A Real Highway Rocket
There’s something unnerving about how easily the Speed Triple RS swallows distance. On the straighter sections leading to the base of the mountain, I found myself pushing past legal speeds almost unconsciously. The bike doesn’t beg to be fast, it just is. Torque is so accessible that overtaking becomes an instinct, not a decision. Unlike its younger, sharper Street Triple sibling, the Speedy carries more mass, about 20 kilograms extra, but that actually worked in its favor on downhill sweepers. It’s more stable, more composed at high speed, and the added heft seems to aid traction when braking hard into tight corners. And those brakes, oh, the brakes. Brembo M50 monoblocs clamping onto 320mm discs, with Triumph’s finely tuned cornering ABS system working quietly in the background. Even mid-corner corrections on damp tarmac never spooked the system. Just controlled, predictable deceleration, lap after lap down the hairpin descents. Clutchless upshifts were smooth thanks to the standard quickshifter, but it misses a downshift blipper. At these speeds, particularly in tight twisties, being able to drop gears without a clutch would’ve kept the riding flow more seamless. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a wish.
Sporty, Comfortable and Economical
Here’s the part that took me by surprise: comfort. The Speed Triple RS looks every inch a hooligan, but it behaves like a gentleman when you need it to. The seat is sculpted beautifully, firm enough for feedback, soft enough for long hauls. After hours of mountain riding and highway thrashing, I still didn’t feel that familiar lower-back fatigue or wrist pressure. This naked monster respects your spine. Triumph nailed the ergonomics. The bars are just right for both upright cruising and forward lean in corners. Pegs offer plenty of clearance, and the controls feel natural underfoot. Even the mirrors are usable at high speed, rare in this segment. Fuel economy? I averaged 5.9 liters per 100km despite pushing hard. That translates to over 250km of range from the 15.5-liter tank. No blinking low-fuel light panic mid-mountain. The only downside is the key-fuel cap, which feels outdated on a bike with keyless ignition. Wind protection is minimal, as expected, but the small flyscreen up front helps deflect wind off the chest. And somehow, at 140 km/h, it’s not punishing. You feel the wind, but it’s manageable, and that slight resistance reminds you you’re riding something raw and real.
Insight
This bike talks to you. Not in words, but in subtle, constant cues. The 5-inch TFT display is brilliant, sharp, colorful and logically laid out. There are three standard themes and three RS-specific ones, each clean and customizable. I loved the joystick navigation on the left grip; I could switch between maps, fuel data, or even lap timers mid-ride without fumbling. Backlit switchgear is a luxury you don’t notice until you ride at night. On our ride back from Abbinamakki’s peak under a full moon, the illuminated controls added a level of premium feel few bikes in this class offer. And the twin headlights? They cut through darkness like a surgeon’s scalpel, bright, wide, and steady. Cruise control was a gift on the smoother valley roads. It let me roll along at a steady pace, soaking in the landscape without constant throttle input. A Bluetooth module and “My Triumph” app will enable navigation and GoPro control in future models, a smart move for tech-savvy riders.
Technical Specification
We get all technical info directly from Triumph’s official websites to keep it accurate and reliable.
| Component | Specification |
| Engine | 1050cc inline three-cylinder |
| Power | 150 hp @ 10,500 rpm |
| Torque | 117 Nm @ 7,150 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, with quickshifter (no down blipper) |
| Suspension (Front) | Ohlins NIX30 USD Forks |
| Suspension (Rear) | Ohlins TTX36 Monoshock |
| Brakes | Brembo M50 monobloc, 320mm dual discs |
| Electronics | 5″ TFT, ride modes, cornering ABS, TC, cruise |
| Exhaust | Arrow Titanium (standard on RS) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.5 liters |
| Average Fuel Consumption | 5.9 L/100 km |
| Weight (dry) | Approx. 189 kg |
| Tires | Pirelli Supercorsa SP |
| Lighting | LED DRLs + Twin Headlights |
Conclusion
There are faster bikes. There are lighter bikes. But very few combine raw charisma, usable power, top-shelf hardware, and rider-focused design the way the 2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS does. On the demanding climbs and descents of Abbinamakki, where lesser machines would fumble or fatigue, the RS sang. Every throttle input was a verse, every corner exit a chorus. This isn’t just a naked bike with muscle. It’s a mature, thinking man’s hooligan, a refined brute. It’s the kind of bike that turns you into a better rider not through technology alone, but by forging a partnership built on feedback, balance, and trust. And after nearly 1,000 kilometers of varied terrain, hot tarmac, cool mountain mist, high-speed straights, and goat-path tight switchbacks, I didn’t want to hand back the key. That’s not common. That’s special.
Is the 2018 Speed Triple RS suitable for daily commuting?
Yes, though it prefers open roads. With cruise control, comfortable ergonomics, and decent fuel economy, it can definitely serve as a weekday bike, but city heat and low-speed maneuvering will remind you of its performance DNA.
Can I take a pillion on the Speed Triple RS?
It depends. For spirited mountain rides and track days, you’ll miss it. For most riders, it’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
Is the lack of a downshift blipper a big deal in Speed Triple RS?
It depends. For spirited mountain rides and track days, you’ll miss it. For most riders, it’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
