Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS: 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year Winner

The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is the bikesales Bike of the Year winner for 2021, proudly presented by Shannons. And with its high level of build quality, performance and sophistication, it was difficult to see this result going any other way.

Our expert judges instantly fell in love with the new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, with the British three-cylinder naked bike ticking all the boxes required of a BOTY winner.

While our usual week-long road test was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were still able to individually ride and review over 50 new and updated motorcycles in 2021. We took into account engine performance, handling and suspension, value for money, build quality, innovation, the extent to which it is fit for purpose, and overall fun factor.

When it was all said and done, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS was an obvious and deserving winner which met all the relevant criteria.

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The Speed Triple moniker has been around for nearly three decades, but this latest iteration is the most impressive yet, with its perfect mix of high performance and rideability.

“When you think of motorcycling, you think of speed, style and precision, and the new Speed Triple 1200 RS ticks all of those boxes,” said bikesales editor, Dylan Ruddy, in his initial review. “It might just be the quintessential motorcycle.”

At its heart is an 1160cc inline three-cylinder engine that produces 177hp (132.4kW) at 10,750rpm and 125Nm at 9000rpm – both significant improvements from the previous model.

Throw in a lightweight chassis, high-spec Ohlins suspension, Metzeler Racetec RR tyres, Brembo Stylema brakes, a comprehensive electronics and safety package, and an incredibly smooth-shifting gearbox and quickshifter, and you have a near-perfect motorcycle.

The Speed Triple 1200 RS is a rapid, agile machine, but our judges were most impressed with its all-round refinement and sophistication.

With bold styling that delivers a sleek, sharp and menacing aesthetic, the Speed Triple is also incredibly well built from the inside out – something we have definitely come to expect from Triumph in recent years.

Priced at $27,700 ride away, the Speed Triple certainly isn't on the cheaper side, but there is no doubt that you get what you pay for and, for those who have the budget, it is worth every penny.

As a complete motorcycling experience, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is hard to beat. It is fast, fun, and stylish, and it stirs up the kind of emotions that only riding a high-performance motorcycle can.

Naked bikes are in vogue at the moment, and the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS follows a similar path to last year’s BOTY winner – the KTM 1290 Super Duke R – as a thrilling yet functional example of what the category can offer.

The BOTY judges were unanimous in praising the bike's performance, handling, technology, style and build quality, and that is why the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is the 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year winner.

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