Sibling Rivalry

Local test Triumph Speed Triple 1200RR & 1200RS

- By Ferdie Pieterse

Stepbrothers, or real brothers? We took two bikes which shares almost everything, one a naked streetfighter, the other a sports bike (road superbike?) with a 'café-racer' inspired half fairing, for a jaunt around the Cradle of Humankind and Magaliesburg area, to find out for ourselves.

First up, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS. Having owned two 955i Speed Triples (currently still have one) this model has long been a favourite of mine. It has evolved from a 955 to a 1050 and most recently to the 1200. With all the developments on the engine front came revised styling and many improvements to the chassis and suspension, as well as brakes. This latest model packs a hefty punch, 180 horsepower coupled to a wet weight (yes, full of fuel and al other fluids) of 198kg makes for a dynamic package.

To say that this latest model is a beast, is an understatement of note. Yes there are one or two other nakeds which have a tad more horsepower but the way that the Speed Triple 1200RS delivers its power is unlike any other. It boils down to the turbinelike smooth power delivery of the inline 3 cylinder motor, coupled to a flawless fuel injection system and many clever electronics to keep the whole package in check. There's no top-end rush when you accelerate like you would get on a four cylinder motor, or like that of a high horsepower V-twin. Also absent is the typical vibration found through the handlebars and footpegs when a four cylinder reaches 5,000 to 6,000 revs.