Teased: New Triumph Speed Triple RS debuts February 5, 2018, India launch likely

Triumph Motorccles UK updated their Speed Triple two years ago as a 2016 model. Now they're teasing the new 2018 model which bears similar styling. So far two videos featuring the new Triumph are out. Both featuring Carl Fogarty, the multi-time World Superbikes Champion and two-time Isle of Man TT winner Gary Johnson. From the teaser shots, three things are visible as updates - the new colour TFT screen for the dash, the Arrow exhaust and the new suspension. The Triumph Speed Triple range currently has the S and the R models, we expect this to become the new RS, while some of the these updates will flow to the 2018 S and R models as well. The Speed Triple ordinarily goes up against the other powerful sport nakeds that range from the Ducati Monster 1200 to the Aprilia Tuono. Unfortunately, Triumph India has chosen to not sell the updated Speed Triple in India so far. We believe that this is the update that changes that and the 2018 Speed Triples will come to India.

This is a capture from the Triumph Motorcycles website showing World Superbike champ Carl Fogarty and Isle of Man TT winner Gary Johnson pulling wheelies on the new 2018 Triumph Speed Triple (RS?)

Arrow exhaust

The exhaust on the the new bike is perhaps the most easily spotted new detail on the bike being teased. We are not sure if it will part of standard equipment or an optional extra. But just like Ducati do with their Pikes Peak model of the Multistrada, it is possible that the one of the trim differences between the R and RS models will be a homologated Arrow end-can. In Europe, a homologated slip-on can is a term used to describe an aftermarket exhaust that has been tested to meet the legal requirements of noise and emissions testing to be certified for road use.

Arrow-branded exhaust cans are clearly visible in the teasers for the 2018 Triumph Speed Triple

Instruments

The 2016 Speed Triple came with the same clear analog and digital instruments that have done duty on the Street Triple for ages. In fact, that cluster is still standard on the new 2017 Street Triple S, the entry-level Triumph street naked. The teaser video shows that the new TFT screen from the Street Triple R and RS will be part of the equipment list for the new RS trim level. We expect Triumph to mirror the trim mix of the Street Triple and add it to the R model as well. The S model might not get a screen update.

This is the new screen and as usual, Triumph's graphics looks attractive and clear. This particular bike is about to run of gas though, heh heh

Suspension

It's hard to make out the details, but the upside-down forks are black in the teaser shots while the current S and R models both feature gold forks. Given that the R model already had the top of the line Ohlins NIX30 forks and TTX36 rear shock we wonder what Triumph could be bringing to the RS model. Could it be the Speed Triple's turn to gain the semi-active suspension that Triumph debuted on the Tiger 1200 - Triumph calls it T-SAS. We think the top Speed Triple could do with the SAS, yeah?

The black USD forks are a new appearance on the 2018 Triumph Speed Triple

Details and launch

Triumph says the motorcycle will become public on February 5, 2018 at 14:30, or 2:30pm India time. Stay tuned for OVERDRIVE for the details as they emerge. We do expect Triumph India to slot the motorcycle for an Indian innings later in the year.

Take the a look at the two teasers

This is the first teaser. Notice that the reveal date was changed from the time this one came out.