The Next-Gen Triumph Speed Triple Is Their Fastest Streetfighter Ever

This thing is lean and mean.

Although the streetfighter category was borne of motorcyclists riding full-bore race-replica street bikes stripped of plastic bodywork that was accidentally smashed in crashes, manufacturers have commonly watered down their imitations of these home-brewed rides.

The new generation Triumph Speed Triple S and RS incorporate a major engine development and advanced engineering for performance enhancement and weight saving, boosting the 1,050 cc, three-cylinder engine’s peak power 7 percent higher than the previous generation to 148 horsepower while trimming total weight by 7 pounds.

“We have made major changes to the new Speed Triple engine,” noted Stuart Wood, Triumph Motorcycles‘ chief engineer. “The result is a motor that spins up faster and revs harder for longer with a red line now 1,000 rpm higher than the previous generation. This delivers more Triumph Triple character, crisp throttle response and the unmistakable Triple deep, rich roar to match.” 

That’s because the Speed Triple RS now speaks through lightweight sports silencers to make it the meanest-sounding factory streetfighter yet.

The RS includes double-adjustable Ohlins fork and rear shock, while the S employs double-adjustable Showa hardware.

Both editions ride on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires with Brembo 4-piston radial Monobloc calipers. 

You can choose either black paint or white. At least, unless you crash it and it becomes the unofficial hooligan streetfighter color combo of road rash and rattle-can spray paint.