Triumph has released details about the 2022 Speed Triple 1200 RR, which it says will deliver “the most focused and exhilarating Speed Triple ride ever.” The new RR shares the 177-horsepower 1,160cc inline-Triple powering the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS we recently tested, and the same aluminum twin-spar frame and subframe. But under the skin, and there is a skin, the new RR takes Hinckley’s hooligan in a new direction.
Styling cues that combine “distinctive British elegance with exhilarating real-world performance” are influenced by Triumph’s Modern Classic lineup. The RR has a single round headlight and a partial fairing. It’s the first liter-class Triumph sportbike to get a fairing since the Daytona 955i, which was discontinued in 2006.
The Speed Triple RR is identical to the RS in terms of performance, rake, trail, seat height, and wheels. but the RR’s clip-on handlebars are 5 inches lower and 2 inches further forward, and coupled with the new footpeg position foretell aggressive race-bred ergonomics. If the RS is a streetbike for the track, the 2022 Speed Triple RR has all the makings of a track bike for the street.
Equipped with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically adjustable semi-active suspension, which works in tandem with the IMU sensor to manage traction in real-time, automatically adjusting compression and rebound damping. The sticky Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires fitted to the cast aluminum wheels are about as close as you can get to slicks on a street-legal bike. The Brembo Stylema monobloc front calipers over 320mm floating discs, and the 2-piston caliper and 220mm single disc at the rear are now linked on the RR, and an adjustable Brembo MCS lever is fitted as standard.
The RR also shares the RS’s stacked 6-speed gearbox designed to maximize power transfer from engine to gearbox when accelerating, but still allow clutch slip during aggressive downshifting, providing improved rear wheel control. An innovative up/down quickshifter features Moto2-derived technology and can map gear shifts against real-time parameters. Optimized cornering ABS and switchable cornering traction control systems utilize roll, pitch, yaw, and acceleration data, to calculate the lean angle and actively control ABS and TC according to the chosen riding mode.
Additional rider aids include switchable wheelie control, cruise control, and five riding modes – Road, Rain, Sport, Rider-configurable, and a Track mode, which limits ABS and traction control intervention. The riding modes have multiple levels of intervention to choose from and are selected and adjusted via a five-inch optically bonded TFT display. Featuring full connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control, and a lap timer for use on track. As with the RS, the RR has LED lighting throughout, including a DRL, a rear light integrated into the tail unit, LED self-canceling turnsignals, and a full keyless ignition/fuel cap system.
The RS we recently tested was a huge leap forward for the Speed Triple. The new chassis and engine combination made for sublime handling, precise agility, and immense performance. Carbon-fiber infill panels incorporated into the new RR’s tank, fairing, and cockpit, combined with carbon-fiber side panels and front mudguard, help to explain the minimal difference in weight between the two Speed Triples. The RR is just 2 pounds heavier, ensuring that the immense performance of the Speed Triple 1200 RS developed by its lightweight, low-inertia engine (with a claimed 177 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque) will not be lost on the RR.
Triumph is eager to point out the unique nature of the new Speed Triple RR, and to some extent, it’s difficult to pin it to an existing class. It’s no longer a naked, obviously, and although it shares the performance figures and components of the current class of MotoGP-inspired sportbikes, it doesn’t share their styling. No wings or aero adorn its smooth lines, which are more familiar to the retro designs. Regardless of classification, on paper, at least the new Speed Triple RR looks like it will ride like an Exocet missile on wheels.
This new model comes in two paint schemes: Red Hopper and Storm Grey or Crystal White and Storm Grey with gold detailing. Both schemes are available as standard and include a color-coded belly pan and seat cowl, supplied in addition to the pillion seat. The RR has a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and service intervals of 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, and over 30 genuine Triumph accessories for customizing your RR. Available in dealerships from January 2022, MSRP is $20,950.
2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Specs
Base Price: $20,950
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Website: triumphmotorcycles.com
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 1,160cc
Bore x Stroke: 90.0 x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio: 13.2:1
Valve Insp. Interval: 20,000 miles
Fuel Delivery: Multipoint sequential EFI w/ throttle-by-wire
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 3.5 qt. cap.
Transmission: 6 speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: X-ring chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar frame, bolt-on aluminum rear subframe & single-sided cast aluminum swingarm
Wheelbase: 56.6 in.
Rake/Trail: 23.9 degrees/4.1 in
Seat Height: 32.7 in.
Suspension, Front: 43mm inverted fork, electronically fully adj., 4.7 in. travel
Rear: Single shock, electronically fully adj., 4.7 in. travel
Brakes, Front: Dual 320mm floating discs w/ 4-piston radial monoblock calipers & ABS
Rear: Single 220mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Cast aluminum, 3.50 x 17 in.
Rear: Cast aluminum, 6.00 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear: 190/55-ZR17
Wet Weight: 439 lbs.
PERFORMANCE
Horsepower: 177 @ 10,750 rpm (claimed)
Torque: 92 lb-ft @ 9,000 rpm (claimed)
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gals.
