2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR First Look

After a thankfully brief teaser campaign, Triumph revealed its new Speed Triple 1200 RR, a modern café racer based on the naked Speed Triple 1200 RS.

Triumph did a lot more than just slap a partial fairing on the RS. While it’s still not a fully-faired sportbike (hence why it’s still a Speed Triple and not a Daytona), the RR is a much more track-focused machine than the RS. And that’s saying something.

For the RR, Triumph added clip-on handlebars that are five inches lower and two inches further forward than on the RS. The footpegs were also moved up and slightly back, creating a more aggressive riding position than the fully-naked model. The seat is 32.5 inches from the ground, which is 0.2 inches lower than the Speed Triple RR’s saddle.

Triumph also upgraded the suspension to an Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically-adjustable semi-active suspension system. Both the front and rear suspension are fully adjustable, even while riding, and the semi-autonomous feature continuously adjusts compression and rebound damping to match riding style, speed and acceleration.

The lightweight 17-inch cast aluminum wheels are the same as on the RS, but instead of Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tires, the double-R’s wheels come clad in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires. The V3s use a new racing compound developed in the World Superbike Championship for the tire’s shoulder, and feature a new tread design to improve response to lateral forces and improve wear regularity. For even stronger performance, Triumph offers track use-only Diablo Supercorsa SC2 V3 tires.

The fairing is angled slightly downward, contributing to the more aggressive silhouette. The fairing incorporates the RR’s single round headlight, which reminds us of when the Speed Triple had twin circular lights instead of the angled bug eye lights on recent models.

The engine remains the same liquid-cooled 1160cc Inline-Three as the Speed Triple 1200 RS, with Triumph claiming a peak output of 177 hp at 10,750 rpm and 92 lb-ft. at 9000 rpm. The exhaust system is similar, but with a brushed stainless steel silencer and black end cap.

The engine is paired with a stacked six-speed transmission and a slip-and-assist clutch. A quick shifter derived from Triumph’s involvement in the Moto2 championship comes standard. On upshifts, the Triumph Shift Assist adjusts ignition, fuel and throttle angle to relieve pressure on the gears. For downshifts, the system controls throttle blips for smoother gear changes.

The Speed Triple RR comes with five ride modes, an IMU, cornering ABS, switchable cornering traction control, advanced front wheel lift control, and fully adjustable cruise control. Other technological features include a five-inch full-color TFT display, illuminated switch cubes and a full keyless system.

The 2022 Speed Triple RR will be offered in two paint schemes, a Red Hopper and Storm Grey or a Crystal White and Storm Grey, with gold striping. Both color options come with color-coded belly pan and pillion seat cowl. A carbon fiber front fender, side panels, and carbon infill panels around the fairing, tank and cockpit add a premium touch.

Naturally, Triumph offers a selection of accessories for customizing the Speed Triple 1200 RR, including machined brake reservoirs, scrolling turn signals, heated grips and luggage options.

The 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR is priced at $20,950, a $2,450 increase over the suddenly pedestrian RS model. The RR comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty, with service intervals set at 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Expect the RR to arrive in dealerships in January.