Triumph 1200 Speed Triple RR

[Trogladyte]

I ve been riding the KTM Superduke 1290 R for 3 years now. And while the SDR has not disappointed in any respect, I've got that itch.

So it was sunny. And I ended up in Rosner's in Sanderstead. I've bought a bike there before, and I like them.

I was drooling over the RR. It's more than an Rs in a frock. It's transformed the super naked RS into a sporty cafe racer, with a nose fairing and semi active electronically controlled Ohlins suspenders.

They had a demo bike. And nobody was riding it, so they suggested I might like to. Does the Pope shit in the woods?

So it's a plush ride, and it's a missile. On the A22 Caterham bypass it was sublime. It was beautifully planted, but felt nimble a la Street Triple. But this is more Daytona than it is Speed or Street triple. The 176 ponies aren't very evident at low revs, but there is a massive mid range, and as the revs climb it howls, and goes ballistic. With clip ons, you are poised to take advantage of this on the big fast roads.

But in urban settings it wasnt so much fun. The riding position, lack of steering lock, absence of significant low end grunt, and less than fantastic views in the mirrors, all conspire to make it sub optimal in tight environments. So it's no urban hooligan.

The finish and build quality all looked good. The up/down quick shifter is ok, but the gear shift felt a bit imprecise. The TFT dash was very nice, and I managed to change rider modes on the hoof. I found the controls fiddly, but you'd get used to it.

All in all, I thought it was an impressive package - a sporty cafe racer, with plush suspenders, and howling mid range and top end. And the Brembos are sharp and lovely. I think it would make an impressive track tool.

But it's not for me. I was pleased to be riding away on the SDR, which is s much better bike for the kind of riding I do. It affords a much more upright position, with better visibility all round as well as in the mirrors. And, if course, it offers vast reserves of brutal grunt from below 2k rpm.

I noted quite a few other points of detail, but that's the bones of my first impressions after a quick 45 min ride.

[Tricky]

Nice little write up, I've been tempted to try a Speed RS, but haven't as yet, I do like the look of them though

[Trogladyte]

Nice little write up, I've been tempted to try a Speed RS, but haven't as yet, I do like the look of them though

Yes, I like the look of it too. I'm going to test one of them next. The RR looks super sexy. But I think the RS might suit me better.

[Count Steer]

Did you stick to the speed limit through those bends on the A22 Trog?

(Regularly used to see BMW 3 Series - funny, it always seemed to be those - stuffed in the central hedge going northbound on the downhill stretch. Deceptive Bends again ).

[Trogladyte]

Did you stick to the speed limit through those bends on the A22 Trog?

(Regularly used to see BMW 3 Series - funny, it always seemed to be those - stuffed in the central hedge going northbound on the downhill stretch. Deceptive Bends again ).

I'm going to take the 5th on that.

[Skub]

Cool write up Trog.

Is the 1290 behaving? A mate just bought one and I wondered if they have any of the typical KTM issues?

Get a thread and pics up in the 'owners/projects section,would be good info for the future.

[Trogladyte]

Cool write up Trog.

Is the 1290 behaving? A mate just bought one and I wondered if they have any of the typical KTM issues?

Get a thread and pics up in the 'owners/projects section,would be good info for the future.

Thanks.

Yes, the SDR has been great. I do fancy a change, but I don't think there is anything else as good for the kind of riding I do. I've had a couple if minor issues. I had a jammed valve in the exhaust, and failed right side switchgear. And the WP shock is corroding under the vinyl coat. But that's it. So far.

It really is the tool for the job. Much of my riding is urban hooliganism or minor roads, and for that, it's superb. And it's also got plenty of brute force for longer runs. Whatever I do with it, it never fails to deliver a grin.

I've struggled a bit with posting photos on here. My photos are on Google and I can't get it to play.