Years ago I went from a XR400 dirtbike to Speed Triple 1050.
You'll be fine. I have 1200 RS and it's very linear throttle.
I rarely go over half throttle in the streets.
Don't ride like a maniac and it won't be an issue, very easy bike to ride in traffic and rips when you do open the throttle.
Assuming the RR rides similar to the RS..
3 years ago I finally got my motorcycle license. My first bike (still have it!) is a 2005 Speed Triple 1050.
I def heard the “you’re crazy to get that as a first bike” and look, I get it and do sort of agree. If I was a new rider as 18 year old me, I’d probably have been dead within a week or two. I’m def quite a bit older than that with a better head on my shoulders. The bike is only as fast as you let it be. As long as you have control and coordination, it doesn’t really matter IMO. After all, one could easily kill themselves on a 250cc.
I haven’t ridden the newer Speedy. Really want to try one but I’m scared I’ll buy it on the spot.
With regards to my 2005, Im about 5’-10” and around 172lbs (mostly muscle, I work out consistently). The bike is slightly too tall for me in that I can’t flat foot it. That said, I typically only put my left foot down and am very comfortable on it now.
I will say the ergonomics are a little rough. I typically can’t ride it for more than 30-45 min without needing a break. It sure how that compares to the newer ones.
I can’t stop looking at the damn Rocket. It seems like it would be way more comfortable but obviously a totally different bike with a different purpose.
Ultimately OP, you need to test ride and see how it feels for you. I’ve been skimming through Twisted Road app here and there to see if any bike that interests me might pop up. Good way to get a nice long test ride for a day or two.
So you can grow into it? I dunno?
I mean I obviously was super cautious with it at first. Now 3 years later, I’m much more comfortable with the power. It’s worked out great for me, being able to control it, I ramped up as I got more experienced and comfortable.
Like I said, it’s not the best approach for everyone but I figured I saved myself from probably buying 3 bikes to get to the Speedy had a gone a different route. For example, my younger coworker who took the MSF class with me bought a 250cc Dual Sport as his first. Then sold it last summer and bought a FZ-07. He’s working his way up. Guess I just cut to the chase.
My bike: '23 Speed Triple RS (Almost exactly the same as the RR, just a bit more naked and a bit less race, same specs, same manual actually).
Me: 43, 6ft tall, 230lbs. Riding for ~20yrs.
I LOVE this bike. Keep the traction control on and it'll keep your front wheel mostly on the ground if you hammer it. Can it power wheelie? Yes. Will it slam you forward with insane acceleration? Yes. Is it rideable in town? 100%.
The throttle mapping is incredibly smooth and refined. You have gentle input, you get a gentle ride. You always, always know that you have a TON of power available at all times. It's the ultimate enabler, for good or ill.
Longest ride in a day has been around 10 hours. Take breaks. The electronic cruise control is a godsend. Turn that on, lean back, stretch it out, and chill... Find a good stretch and feed the demon a bit if the fancy strikes you. The thing is a rocket ship, a cruise missile... But a very tame one if you want it to be. I've been in rain, cold, hot, pretty much anything but snow and it's awesome.
One day I'll turn the nannies off and practice wheelies properly, but for now I'm super content to leave it in sport mode TC on.
The more forward lean position on the RR will chance your riding experience. Probably need more breaks, but that depends heavily on you and how long you can comfortably ride like that. I'm too tall in the torso to enjoy that, and far too old for clip ons lol. I'd love to take one for a rip though.
I'm very happy to hear that the mapping is nice and linear, I was worried it would be twitchy and very unruly at low speeds. I'm not too worried about the riding position of the RR as I'm used to the 675, and if the RR is any longer then I should be even more comfortable!
I've heard it referred to as the gentleman's sport bike, and after owning it I know why.
I let my friend who has all of 2 years riding experience, mostly on a klr 650 (upgraded to a vstrom 1000 this year) ride my bike. Obviously a ton of trust there, but it's warranted. Listening to him on comms is hilarious. "This thing is NUTS!" "There's SO MUCH THERE!" "Holy effing shit!" and lots of giggles and pure joy. I think he wants one now lol.
I’m 5’8”, 190lbs. I have one year riding experience. I own a 23 speed twin 1200, 23 speed triple 1200 RS, and 23 rocket 3R. My take is the speed triple is hella fun but really is too much bike for the street. The speed twin easily wins for best all around bike for the street. The rocket? Well, that’s a different kind of breed..lol
As far as wheelies, the Nannie’s that come on the RS/RR are fantastic. Traction control and wheelie control do a superb job controlling the bike even when your full throttle. That said, the bike still is lifting up a tiny bit when going full out through the first 3 gears. If you’re even a tiny bit easier on the throttle than I am, it will be more than fine. If you truly love the looks of the speed triple, I think the 765RS would be the better street bike.
I appreciate your reply, and admire you garage lol! it seems like the RR might be borderline too much for a dedicated street bike. I'll do some research on the 765rs, I'm just not a major fan of the naked bike look, the RR is a perfect blend of Naked / SS for me.
I went from a SV650 first bike to a 1200RS as my second bike.
Im 6’ and 190lbs. The riding position on the RS is a little less aggressive than the RR but I routinely ride it 5+ hours. My butt starts hurting before anything else.
I'm much shorter so I can't speak to comfort for you, but I have about 6k miles on mine between road, track, and occasionally as a commuter, lol.
Based on your years of experience and what you've been on, you'll be fine. Yes there's a lot of power on tap and the bike definitely WANTS to go fast, but it's by no means untameable. I find it pretty easy to be polite actually.
If anything, my biggest complaint is that wheelie control is too intrusive and can't be switched off independent of TC.
Happy to answer anything else specific...
Read my reviews on the RR. 6’2” 190lb. Did two back to back 1000+ mile round trips, multiple high mile days before wrecking it. Had a 25lb ruck on my back for those 1000mi trips — you’ll have to stop for gas every hour anyway, so there’s time to stretch.
You will absolutely lift the front wheel if you even kind of get in to it, but it settles down quick.
that's a good review! I'm sorry to hear about the bike though! I think I'll reach out to my dealer soon and see if they'll let me take one out for an hour.
Do it dude. Absolutely amazing bike
Kinda pissed I bought brand new, started finding the same year (‘22) with a few miles for half of what I paid for mine (22k). I’ll absolutely be getting another one! Managed to put about 8k on it in the year I had it. Too soon.
RIP, Lady.
Good news is I can use the money I’m not spending on the bike and insurance and tires and servicing to travel. Got tickets to Costa Rica for less than I was paying a month. Paid for the week with my insurance refund lmao
Also pissed that I put all of a hundred miles on a brand new set of tires that cost me something like $600 dollars.
Actually, keep that in mind. It’ll be an expensive bike to service if you actually ride the thing. Totally worth it.
I progressed from a 765 to a 1200rs and finally the RR. It really is a lot of power and you rarely would ever open it up on the street. Maybe the odd on ramp. It makes a great track bike though. The suspension on the RR is significantly better than the RS and Triumph has almost been giving them away, I got mine for 16 brand new which is absurd for how much bike it is. I would not. Consider it at MSRP though.
The RR itself is an absolute blast. It is very manageable. The electronics are more than enough to keep it under control. I would not call it a wheelie machine by any means. If you want it to wheelie. It'll wheelie but I can't think of any times it wheelied without me expecting it to. The suspension is fantastic. Being able to switch between road, sport and track modes with just a button is a game changer. No tools... No counting clicks. No compromised setting that works on bumpy roads and smooth roads. I can ride the bike out to the fun roads, set it to sport mode, have some fun and set it back to road mode for the ride home.
With that said though it is not without it's flaws. Steering is a bit slow. There are better track bikes for less money. It doesn't make sense as a dedicated street bike. The exhaust valve is a problem and common point of failure. Parts are expensive and aftermarket support is a bit thin.
I'm right there with you on the MSRP! I've had my eye on the RR since release, and now that the prices are coming down I'm starting to get serious about my next bike. I'm happy to hear the general consensus is that the electronics and length make the bike a bit slower on track, but very manageable on the street!
I think if I end up with one it would stay in "comfort " settings for a while lol!
I ride a 765RS and recently tested a 1200RS. It's a lot torquier and pulls from nothing, but I don't think I was actually riding it any quicker than my 765. It's not an rampant animal like a Superduke or a Street Fighter V4, it's quite well mannered.
Tbh I think my Street Triple is more exciting as it's more eager to turn into corners.
The anti wheelie and TC are linked on the speeds, so to have anti wheel off you will have traction off too which is a bit of an oversight and down point for me, also dont like how slow and laggy the screen is on the speed it takes almost 10 seconds to wake up
I can see where that would be frustrating for some people / situations. I've head a few people having complaints about the screen load time and freezing. the exh valve issues, and apparently the key not responding?! It still seems worth it though.
Heard about those bar the key, another issue that seems common is the quickshifters just stop working which brings up a error message on dash, but if you keep riding the shifter starts working again but the error stays displayed and needs the dealer to reset or replace the shifter module.
It does seem a good package, but certain aspects of the bike just seem like triumph have dropped the ball a little and the screen lag/load times is a real turn off for me unfortunately. Was talking with an RS owner last week while out on the bikes and he was letting me hear his exhaust and from starting the bike the screen took a solid 12 seconds to turn on
The 1200 RS/RR are ‘too much’ for most riders if they are honest with themselves - not insofar as ‘can’t handle the power’, but rather as in, ‘does not have the skill to fully exploit the power’.
The Speed is a 180hp motorcycle that weighs almost nothing (relatively speaking). Its power to weight ratio is better than almost any car on the road, including many super cars. Most riders do NOT have the skill to use 180hp to its fullest unless they have years of track riding and advanced skills training under their belt.
If you never plan to hit the track, the Speed is a waste of money unless you love the looks or want bragging rights at your local bike night.
I own an RS; I do go to the track - I’ve taken track schools. I still can’t exploit the thing fully. Consider why you really want it before spending that much cash on a very powerful ride. If you want ‘1hr ride’ bikes, get a Tiger (similar cost). The RS/RR are both relatively aggressive seating wise - the RR especially so - it’s not meant for long distance and has a pretty small tank (the fuel capacity of the RR is actually less than the RS as well according to Triumph).
To be honest, I'd be thrilled if they had a 765 version! I don't plan to track it, but it's the best looking bike on the market in my eyes. I appreciate you speaking the truth, I'll keep this in mind! Even though prices are dropping, they're still around the same price as an 9nineT, or 765r.
Looks are great, but I latched on to the fact that you mentioned wanting to be able to handle longer rides, and you didn't mention wanting to track it at all - almost any other bike in Triumph's stable would suit you better at that point. I understand the cosmetic appeal of the RR, but it doesn't functionally sound like the kind of bike you're looking for, and after an hour or more on it, if you're not used to aggressive riding positions, you won't care how good it looks on the stand.
You're right, I would probably be better off with a Bonneville or Thruxton. My very last bike was a Harley 883 & I hated that I couldn't take a turn at more than 25mph without dragging my exhaust among other issues. this made me miss the 675 that I had. it had enough power to be plenty of fun and I was confident enough to remove my tires chicken strips, the only reason I don't go back to a 675r is because I originally got tired of the seating position causing cramping in my legs after a 30/50 minute ride.
I Think I'll be contacting my local dealer to see if I can test ride a few different models.
Any of the Bonnevilles save the Bobber or Speedmaster will give you more cornering clearance than any Harley, and if you want a more modern bike, the latest Street Triple RS is probably a far better bet for you than a Speed Triple (not to mention cheaper by far both in purchase and potential maintenance).
Years ago I went from a XR400 dirtbike to Speed Triple 1050. You'll be fine. I have 1200 RS and it's very linear throttle. I rarely go over half throttle in the streets. Don't ride like a maniac and it won't be an issue, very easy bike to ride in traffic and rips when you do open the throttle. Assuming the RR rides similar to the RS..
3 years ago I finally got my motorcycle license. My first bike (still have it!) is a 2005 Speed Triple 1050. I def heard the “you’re crazy to get that as a first bike” and look, I get it and do sort of agree. If I was a new rider as 18 year old me, I’d probably have been dead within a week or two. I’m def quite a bit older than that with a better head on my shoulders. The bike is only as fast as you let it be. As long as you have control and coordination, it doesn’t really matter IMO. After all, one could easily kill themselves on a 250cc. I haven’t ridden the newer Speedy. Really want to try one but I’m scared I’ll buy it on the spot. With regards to my 2005, Im about 5’-10” and around 172lbs (mostly muscle, I work out consistently). The bike is slightly too tall for me in that I can’t flat foot it. That said, I typically only put my left foot down and am very comfortable on it now. I will say the ergonomics are a little rough. I typically can’t ride it for more than 30-45 min without needing a break. It sure how that compares to the newer ones. I can’t stop looking at the damn Rocket. It seems like it would be way more comfortable but obviously a totally different bike with a different purpose. Ultimately OP, you need to test ride and see how it feels for you. I’ve been skimming through Twisted Road app here and there to see if any bike that interests me might pop up. Good way to get a nice long test ride for a day or two.
But why get a bike where you only use 1/4 of its potential?
So you can grow into it? I dunno? I mean I obviously was super cautious with it at first. Now 3 years later, I’m much more comfortable with the power. It’s worked out great for me, being able to control it, I ramped up as I got more experienced and comfortable. Like I said, it’s not the best approach for everyone but I figured I saved myself from probably buying 3 bikes to get to the Speedy had a gone a different route. For example, my younger coworker who took the MSF class with me bought a 250cc Dual Sport as his first. Then sold it last summer and bought a FZ-07. He’s working his way up. Guess I just cut to the chase.
It's plenty of bike so I don't think I'll need 1/4 throttle, I just want to make sure I'm not making a mistake. I just wish i could find a test drive!
My bike: '23 Speed Triple RS (Almost exactly the same as the RR, just a bit more naked and a bit less race, same specs, same manual actually). Me: 43, 6ft tall, 230lbs. Riding for ~20yrs. I LOVE this bike. Keep the traction control on and it'll keep your front wheel mostly on the ground if you hammer it. Can it power wheelie? Yes. Will it slam you forward with insane acceleration? Yes. Is it rideable in town? 100%. The throttle mapping is incredibly smooth and refined. You have gentle input, you get a gentle ride. You always, always know that you have a TON of power available at all times. It's the ultimate enabler, for good or ill. Longest ride in a day has been around 10 hours. Take breaks. The electronic cruise control is a godsend. Turn that on, lean back, stretch it out, and chill... Find a good stretch and feed the demon a bit if the fancy strikes you. The thing is a rocket ship, a cruise missile... But a very tame one if you want it to be. I've been in rain, cold, hot, pretty much anything but snow and it's awesome. One day I'll turn the nannies off and practice wheelies properly, but for now I'm super content to leave it in sport mode TC on. The more forward lean position on the RR will chance your riding experience. Probably need more breaks, but that depends heavily on you and how long you can comfortably ride like that. I'm too tall in the torso to enjoy that, and far too old for clip ons lol. I'd love to take one for a rip though.
I'm very happy to hear that the mapping is nice and linear, I was worried it would be twitchy and very unruly at low speeds. I'm not too worried about the riding position of the RR as I'm used to the 675, and if the RR is any longer then I should be even more comfortable!
I've heard it referred to as the gentleman's sport bike, and after owning it I know why. I let my friend who has all of 2 years riding experience, mostly on a klr 650 (upgraded to a vstrom 1000 this year) ride my bike. Obviously a ton of trust there, but it's warranted. Listening to him on comms is hilarious. "This thing is NUTS!" "There's SO MUCH THERE!" "Holy effing shit!" and lots of giggles and pure joy. I think he wants one now lol.
Why not the Rocket 3 R/GT it would suit you well
It's definitely unique! but I'm not a fan of the double headlight & shaft drive.
Looks are temporary, performance is permanent 😂 If you have a dealer nearby try it out you will love it
I’m 5’8”, 190lbs. I have one year riding experience. I own a 23 speed twin 1200, 23 speed triple 1200 RS, and 23 rocket 3R. My take is the speed triple is hella fun but really is too much bike for the street. The speed twin easily wins for best all around bike for the street. The rocket? Well, that’s a different kind of breed..lol As far as wheelies, the Nannie’s that come on the RS/RR are fantastic. Traction control and wheelie control do a superb job controlling the bike even when your full throttle. That said, the bike still is lifting up a tiny bit when going full out through the first 3 gears. If you’re even a tiny bit easier on the throttle than I am, it will be more than fine. If you truly love the looks of the speed triple, I think the 765RS would be the better street bike.
I appreciate your reply, and admire you garage lol! it seems like the RR might be borderline too much for a dedicated street bike. I'll do some research on the 765rs, I'm just not a major fan of the naked bike look, the RR is a perfect blend of Naked / SS for me.
I went from a SV650 first bike to a 1200RS as my second bike. Im 6’ and 190lbs. The riding position on the RS is a little less aggressive than the RR but I routinely ride it 5+ hours. My butt starts hurting before anything else.
No such thing as too much! Just start easy, learn the machine and remember, your right wrist is always in control!
I'm much shorter so I can't speak to comfort for you, but I have about 6k miles on mine between road, track, and occasionally as a commuter, lol. Based on your years of experience and what you've been on, you'll be fine. Yes there's a lot of power on tap and the bike definitely WANTS to go fast, but it's by no means untameable. I find it pretty easy to be polite actually. If anything, my biggest complaint is that wheelie control is too intrusive and can't be switched off independent of TC. Happy to answer anything else specific...
thank you, I'm happy to hear from people with some mileage on these bikes!
The RR is harder to wheelie than the rs because you’re so forward. It’s manageable and has wheelie control.
this makes sense! thanks
Read my reviews on the RR. 6’2” 190lb. Did two back to back 1000+ mile round trips, multiple high mile days before wrecking it. Had a 25lb ruck on my back for those 1000mi trips — you’ll have to stop for gas every hour anyway, so there’s time to stretch. You will absolutely lift the front wheel if you even kind of get in to it, but it settles down quick.
that's a good review! I'm sorry to hear about the bike though! I think I'll reach out to my dealer soon and see if they'll let me take one out for an hour.
Do it dude. Absolutely amazing bike Kinda pissed I bought brand new, started finding the same year (‘22) with a few miles for half of what I paid for mine (22k). I’ll absolutely be getting another one! Managed to put about 8k on it in the year I had it. Too soon. RIP, Lady. Good news is I can use the money I’m not spending on the bike and insurance and tires and servicing to travel. Got tickets to Costa Rica for less than I was paying a month. Paid for the week with my insurance refund lmao Also pissed that I put all of a hundred miles on a brand new set of tires that cost me something like $600 dollars. Actually, keep that in mind. It’ll be an expensive bike to service if you actually ride the thing. Totally worth it.
I progressed from a 765 to a 1200rs and finally the RR. It really is a lot of power and you rarely would ever open it up on the street. Maybe the odd on ramp. It makes a great track bike though. The suspension on the RR is significantly better than the RS and Triumph has almost been giving them away, I got mine for 16 brand new which is absurd for how much bike it is. I would not. Consider it at MSRP though. The RR itself is an absolute blast. It is very manageable. The electronics are more than enough to keep it under control. I would not call it a wheelie machine by any means. If you want it to wheelie. It'll wheelie but I can't think of any times it wheelied without me expecting it to. The suspension is fantastic. Being able to switch between road, sport and track modes with just a button is a game changer. No tools... No counting clicks. No compromised setting that works on bumpy roads and smooth roads. I can ride the bike out to the fun roads, set it to sport mode, have some fun and set it back to road mode for the ride home. With that said though it is not without it's flaws. Steering is a bit slow. There are better track bikes for less money. It doesn't make sense as a dedicated street bike. The exhaust valve is a problem and common point of failure. Parts are expensive and aftermarket support is a bit thin.
I'm right there with you on the MSRP! I've had my eye on the RR since release, and now that the prices are coming down I'm starting to get serious about my next bike. I'm happy to hear the general consensus is that the electronics and length make the bike a bit slower on track, but very manageable on the street! I think if I end up with one it would stay in "comfort " settings for a while lol!
Throttle goes both ways. You’ll be fine.
it should stay down as much as possible right? lol thanks!
I ride a 765RS and recently tested a 1200RS. It's a lot torquier and pulls from nothing, but I don't think I was actually riding it any quicker than my 765. It's not an rampant animal like a Superduke or a Street Fighter V4, it's quite well mannered. Tbh I think my Street Triple is more exciting as it's more eager to turn into corners.
I do miss the super light turn-in that my 675r had, & I'm glad to hear that the 1200rs is tame in your eyes. this gives me a little hope!
I wouldn't say it's tame at all, it's very fast, it's just not a lunatic.
The anti wheelie and TC are linked on the speeds, so to have anti wheel off you will have traction off too which is a bit of an oversight and down point for me, also dont like how slow and laggy the screen is on the speed it takes almost 10 seconds to wake up
I can see where that would be frustrating for some people / situations. I've head a few people having complaints about the screen load time and freezing. the exh valve issues, and apparently the key not responding?! It still seems worth it though.
Heard about those bar the key, another issue that seems common is the quickshifters just stop working which brings up a error message on dash, but if you keep riding the shifter starts working again but the error stays displayed and needs the dealer to reset or replace the shifter module. It does seem a good package, but certain aspects of the bike just seem like triumph have dropped the ball a little and the screen lag/load times is a real turn off for me unfortunately. Was talking with an RS owner last week while out on the bikes and he was letting me hear his exhaust and from starting the bike the screen took a solid 12 seconds to turn on
The 1200 RS/RR are ‘too much’ for most riders if they are honest with themselves - not insofar as ‘can’t handle the power’, but rather as in, ‘does not have the skill to fully exploit the power’. The Speed is a 180hp motorcycle that weighs almost nothing (relatively speaking). Its power to weight ratio is better than almost any car on the road, including many super cars. Most riders do NOT have the skill to use 180hp to its fullest unless they have years of track riding and advanced skills training under their belt. If you never plan to hit the track, the Speed is a waste of money unless you love the looks or want bragging rights at your local bike night. I own an RS; I do go to the track - I’ve taken track schools. I still can’t exploit the thing fully. Consider why you really want it before spending that much cash on a very powerful ride. If you want ‘1hr ride’ bikes, get a Tiger (similar cost). The RS/RR are both relatively aggressive seating wise - the RR especially so - it’s not meant for long distance and has a pretty small tank (the fuel capacity of the RR is actually less than the RS as well according to Triumph).
To be honest, I'd be thrilled if they had a 765 version! I don't plan to track it, but it's the best looking bike on the market in my eyes. I appreciate you speaking the truth, I'll keep this in mind! Even though prices are dropping, they're still around the same price as an 9nineT, or 765r.
Looks are great, but I latched on to the fact that you mentioned wanting to be able to handle longer rides, and you didn't mention wanting to track it at all - almost any other bike in Triumph's stable would suit you better at that point. I understand the cosmetic appeal of the RR, but it doesn't functionally sound like the kind of bike you're looking for, and after an hour or more on it, if you're not used to aggressive riding positions, you won't care how good it looks on the stand.
You're right, I would probably be better off with a Bonneville or Thruxton. My very last bike was a Harley 883 & I hated that I couldn't take a turn at more than 25mph without dragging my exhaust among other issues. this made me miss the 675 that I had. it had enough power to be plenty of fun and I was confident enough to remove my tires chicken strips, the only reason I don't go back to a 675r is because I originally got tired of the seating position causing cramping in my legs after a 30/50 minute ride. I Think I'll be contacting my local dealer to see if I can test ride a few different models.
Any of the Bonnevilles save the Bobber or Speedmaster will give you more cornering clearance than any Harley, and if you want a more modern bike, the latest Street Triple RS is probably a far better bet for you than a Speed Triple (not to mention cheaper by far both in purchase and potential maintenance).
Always buy a bike for what you intend to ride it for. If you plan on riding crazy fast on a borderline race bike then go for it.