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A Wolf in Wolf’s Clothing: The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR

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Person riding a Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR.


As the new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR rolled into my driveway in Toronto, it was love at first sight. From the sturdy definition of its more-dressed-than-naked frame to the hand-stitched black leather seat and wasp tail, the Speed Triple 1200 RR is flat-out chic—a couture machine engineered with the power and tech to back it up its aggressive appearance. I eagerly suited up and tossed a leg over the bike to experience the performance firsthand.

Downtown Toronto traffic comes with a multitude of challenges. The area has a seemingly unplanned grid of one- and two-way streets, and it’s shared by a network of streetcars and bicycle lanes and criss-crossed with pedestrian crossings. But despite the chaos, navigating these buzzing urban thoroughfares on the nimble and sporty Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR was painless. At rider’s command, the bike offered instant and sustained power to zip around obstacles. And with Triumph’s Quickshifter, I maneuvered through traffic at variable speeds with ease.


A uniquely-shaped cockpit fairing gives Speed Triple 1200 RR a chic and aggressive street look.
Renata Kaveh

An Apex Predator

When it comes to power and performance, Triumph delivers the goods with this bike. The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR is powered by a liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, 1160cc, inline three-cylinder motor that generates a responsive 177 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque. The motor has a low-inertia design that’s quite unlike its competitors: Whereas a bit of jolting is typical, the Speed Triple 1200 RR offers a smooth ride via its six-speed transmission and electronic throttle.

Those enhancements combine with the stainless steel three-into-one header system, underslung primary silencer, and a side-mounted secondary silencer to create the bike’s throaty-but-smooth sonic signature. It was a perfect soundtrack for my ride through Toronto’s concrete jungle.

The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR’s chassis consists of an aluminum twin-spar frame, a bolt-on subframe, and single-sided swingarm. It’s equipped with an Öhlins 43mm adjustable USD fork up front and a monoshock in the rear; both use the Öhlins S-EC 2.0 OBTi electronic compression and rebound damping system.

That high-tech suspension excelled in areas like Queen Street West, where potholes reign. Twin Brembo disc brakes up front and a single disc in the back provided ample stopping power. Better yet, the adjustable front braking system allows riders to tweak the feel of the lever to their preferences.

Man walking away from a parked Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR.

Speed Triple 1200 RR comes with a multitude of carbon fiber elements and top-tier ride-control electronics engineered for both road and track.
Renata Kaveh

 

Genuine Sports Ergonomics and Handling

Rider ergonomics are no afterthought with the Speed Triple 1200 RR. I measure six feet tall and weigh 205 pounds, and I was pleasantly comfortable on the bike. It offers a more relaxed riding posture that creates a painless rider triangle ratio; it’s ideal for the streets and roads I’m after. When paused at stoplights or threading through stop-and-go traffic, heat radiation off the motor was nearly non-existent.

But when you want to get more aggressive, the bike is happy to accommodate you thanks to the clip-on handlebars and well-measured footpeg distance. My body wasn’t complaining after a day of dynamic riding.

The Speed Triple 1200 RR comes with high-performance Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires; combined with a lightweight cast aluminum chassis and an optimized center of gravity, it achieves a new benchmark in Speed Triple precision handling and agility. While I didn’t have the opportunity to test the bike on a track, grip and cornering traction around the city and on the highway were laudable.

After getting my fill of the downtown matrix, I merged onto the Don Valley Parkway, Toronto’s municipal expressway, and rode along Lake Ontario’s freshwater shoreline. The Speed Triple 1200 RR was dynamic and sprightly—and stupid fast. On one traffic-free stretch of highway, I may or may not have realized the bike’s top speed of 165 mph.

At high speeds on straightaways, and with my weight pushed behind the fairing, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR ate up miles with impressive steadiness. That said, the front fairing screen creates a very tiny protected area. This is where my size is probably a disadvantage—I nearly had to pin my chin to the fuel tank to keep from getting buffeted by the wind.

Person riding a Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR on a narrow bridge in a city.

The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR applies modern design and engineering to the British café racer archetype.
Renata Kaveh

Designed for Less Effort, More Fun

Performance-enhancing technologies are a prerequisite for such a powerful beast, and the Speed Triple 1200 RR provides the perfect showcase for rider-aid tech. The Optimized Cornering ABS and Cornering Traction Control are state of the art, and they function across all riding conditions. In addition, Front Wheel Lift Management operates via the traction control to help maintain front wheel contact with the earth. These systems have become more intuitive thanks to input from the Inertial Measurement Unit, which provides critical data when the bike is leaning through a corner.

A five-inch color TFT display handles all instrumentation and ride electronics. The Speed Triple 1200 RR’s five Riding Modes are included with three pre-programmed for Road, Sport, and Rain. A fourth mode is rider programmable, and the fifth is exclusively for riding on a track.

Amid all the gadgetry, some of the simplest concepts, like neutral position and standing balance, shouldn’t be taken for granted. I’ve found myself fighting with some motorcycles over these simple tasks, but the Speed Triple 1200 RR presented no issues. While no featherweight, the bike is light enough—with a full tank (3.4 U.S. gallons), the Speed Triple 1200 RR weighs in at 438 pounds and can deliver 37.3 mpg.

Man in a leather jacket walking away from a Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR

The bike offers pure elegance, performance, and attitude.
Renata Kaveh

The Perfect Equation

The competition to create the perfect motorcycle is fierce. Designers, engineers, and mechanics all work in alignment to push forward the boundaries of motorcycle dynamics and presentation. If there’s a secret algorithm for the perfect ratio of beauty, sophistication, attitude, and performance, Triumph has uncovered it with the Speed Triple 1200 RR.

After my ride, I have to give kudos to Triumph for creating one of the most aesthetically beautiful production motorcycles to debut in the last decade. Set amidst many production bikes in its price range, the Speed Triple 1200 RR truly stands in a class of its own.

[From $20,950; triumphmotorcycles.com]

Get it

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Bond Edition on a black background.
Courtesy Image

 

Celebrating 60 Years of James Bond

Want to get a really special bike? Consider a limited-edition Speed Triple 1200 RR. To commemorate 60 years of James Bond and the partnership between two iconic British brands (Triumph and 007), Triumph is releasing a limited run of 60 motorcycles, dubbed the Speed Triple 1200 RR Bond Edition. The bike comes in a custom color scheme of Granite and Storm Grey with carbon fiber and hand-painted gold accents. Each motorcycle is individually numbered and includes a hand-signed (by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor) certificate of authenticity. Prices start at $24,995.


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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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