Triumph reveals Speed Triple RR | GRR
It has been the question on everyone’s mind since the demise of the Daytona four years ago: when would we see another Triumph sportsbike? Given the success of its Moto2 program, we have been hanging out for a faired production version of the 765 triple but, with the exception of the limited edition Moto2 Daytona, it wasn’t exactly forthcoming.
However, a month ago the manufacturer teased a new model in a mysterious clip. And now the covers have been pulled from the new Speed Triple RR, an exquisite evolution of the already incredibly popular and enjoyable RS.
Dubbed “a new statement in beauty, sophistication and attitude”, the RR is an elegant interpretation of the RS (which itself was updated earlier this year) featuring new clothes, revised ergonomics and a host of premium equipment.
A bikini fairing wraps around the nose of the machine, with a signature round headlight (complete with DRLs) replacing the cats’ eyes of the standard bike. There’s no lower bodywork – and no intention of introducing any either, the manufacturer claimed during the reveal – but the resulting silhouette is a timeless upswept brushstroke atop an exposed engine and chassis. The nose down, muscular shape is synonymous with performance, while clip-on handlebars (135mm lower and 50mm further forward), relocated foot pegs and an angled, 830mm-high seat ensure that it has the form to match. Lightweight 17-inch cast aluminium wheels wear new Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tyres, unique to the RR, while the track-only Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2 V3 are an optional extra.
Premium materials feature throughout, including carbon-fibre trim on the side panels and mudguard, while the two colour schemes of ‘Red Hopper and Storm Grey’ and ‘Crystal White and Storm Grey’ both receive a colour-coded seat cowl as well as the pillion seat. The attention to detail extends to carefully hidden cabling and hoses to keep the look as clean as possible.
Cradled inside the lightweight, compact chassis is the same low-inertia 1,160cc triple of the RS, with 180PS (132kW) peak power at 10,750rpm and 125Nm (93lb ft) peak torque at 9,000rpm.
All of the RS’ track-derived specification features, as does Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically adjustable semi-active suspension (their most advanced). Fully adjustable via the TFT (even while moving), it continually monitors input such as riding style, speed and acceleration to automatically adjust both compression and rebound damping.
Stopping is delivered by track-spec twin Brembo Stylema monobloc front calipers and lightweight 320mm floating front discs and a Brembo twin-piston caliper and 220mm single disc at the rear. Advanced optimised cornering ABS and switchable traction control (with advanced wheelie detection) use an IMU to measure roll, pitch, yaw and acceleration rates, in order to calculate the lean angle and optimise slip rates and torque control.
Triumph’s Moto2-derived quickshifter features an advanced sensor that feeds the ECU a wealth of information and allows it to respond appropriately, adjusting factors such as ignition, fuel, and throttle angle on upshifts, in order to relieve the pressure on the gears, while fettling the throttle blips on downshifts. Five riding modes of Road, Rain, Sport, Rider-configurable, and also Track balance these technologies for various riding conditions.
And despite its café racer appeal, the RR comes with a brace of tech, including colour 5-inch TFT dash with connectivity, plus LED lights bookending the bike. Self-cancelling indicators, a full keyless system and cruise control maximise the ease-of-use of the machine.
The RR is due to be available from January 2022, with an on-the-road price from £17,950 (compared to the RS’ £15,500). It will come with two-year unlimited mileage warranty and the option of more than 30 of Triumph’s finest accessories.