Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1441959
cruise control, a lithium battery, keyless ignition and a two-way clutchless powershifter on which, unlike on the RS, I found it was hard to get consistently clean upshifts, maybe because the ignition/fuel cutout is too short in certain circumstances. But revving the Triumph motor out to five-digit engine speeds in the gears to the muted but still thrilling tenor tone produced by the Euro 5 compliant 3-1 exhaust, is two-wheeled utopia. The pickup from a closed throttle is smooth and controlled, even in Sport mode–it's no less insistent, just without the snatchy pickup of some other sport bikes whose mapping displays excessive eagerness to get going. Thanks to a 12% reduction in powertrain inertia, the engine is even more responsive and picks up revs notably quicker than the old Speed Triple—it feels sharper, and sounds sharper, too. Because of the all-new freer- breathing intake and 3-1 exhaust system, this is rather improbably (given Euro 5 restrictions) the best sounding Speed Triple yet produced, with a visceral intake roar and trademark deep-throated triple exhaust howl. Just as on the RS, it's great to listen to this mechanical cantata from the hot seat, and this explains why there's no aftermarket exhaust can in the 35-strong list of accessories! SLIP & ASSIST Triumph has included an updated version of its so-called "slip-assist" clutch on the new Speed Triples, but it's a ramp- style slipper clutch by any other name, which retains enough engine braking still dialed in to help the excellent Brembo Stylema radial brakes stop you hard and late when you squeeze the adjustable lever, while ensuring good stability in stopping hard from high speed. The cable-operated clutch has a pretty light action, which was a welcome surprise considering how much torque it has to deal with. This new version of Triumph's streetfighter holds a line very well on the brakes, and it won't sit up on you if you stroke the front brake lever to lose a bit more speed, so that you miss the apex and head for the hedges, and the pickup when you get back on the throttle again is always measured and controlled. It also holds a line well around fast 75-mph sweepers such as abound on the Ronda Road, too. RIDE REVIEW I 2022 TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE RR P88 And a shot of the rear, just because. (Below) We're loving the little binki/café racer fairing which totally transforms the look of the Triumph.