Speed Triple 1200 Rs

Mine was also really really firm when I got it. I reduced the rear air pressure from over 40 to 36 and reduced rear compression to maximum (from 15 to 20 turns out) and I have no complaints at this point. After the 1000 km service they again inflated the tires to something like 42 and it makes such a huge difference.

 

That’s too bad it’s so stiff. It kinda sounded like it would be from the reviews now coming in. Maybe you can re-spring the suspension to make it more compliant. As far as the exhaust, yeah it’s too bad they couldn’t have put on a arrow can like the 1050 RS, which is a good looking exhaust that can have the baffles removed. If I owned the bike the exhaust would be the first thing to go. Sounds like suspension springs would on the list as well. Enjoy that sweet ride T-bone.

 

Iv

I’ve been running 36 cold psi front and back and really get along well with it.

 

Correct, it's an integrated oil-coolant exchange now, if I understood correctly.

 

OK; got the chance to ride Speed 1200RS, latest BMW 1000R, SuperDuke 1290R (3.0, of course) back-to-back, and I came to that ride on my own 2020 1050RS.

I rode on official 50-60-80kmh roads, with good and bad asphalt, on really nice mountain hairpins, going up and very much down, with nice parts for acceleration as well, and braking downhill, around Lauerzersee in Switzerland.

Quick summary:

1200RS is more sporty than 1050RS, narrower, higher, turns in much faster (falls into turns), much MUCH better gearbox in terms of engagement (any gear, any rpm, any speed, up or down the hills), ESPECIALLY quickshifter/blipper, of course.

In terms of power, being on public roads, so not over 8-9000rpm, I did not note much difference from 1050RS, and the power graphs confirm this also.

Braking - Not much difference in braking either.

That QS/B though, from 1st to 2nd and back to 1st is the best way to decide if tech works, and it works here, very smooth, very confidence inspiring, no need to worry like on 1050RS, absolutely brilliant.

1200 is a bit more roomy for my, I am over 6 feet tall, the seat is a bit more comfy when you move all the way back, the 1050RS seat has a cut-out, which is not uncomfortable but I feel it.

Suspension in stock - definitely harder (we do have bad asphalt in Switzerland, especially in the mountains) than 1050RS.

New instrumentation - better resolution, but otherwise I do not see any advantage, for me it is not better than what I have on 1050RS, in fact, I think it is better visibility on 1050RS.

Big negative - absence of sound. Bike is very quiet with stock exhaust. It does NOT sound like a 1000cc bike, it does not even sound like a 600cc sportsbike, and you can barely notice any whistle a-la-Triumph-triple. Now, in some countries you could change exhaust, or take the buffle out, not in Switzerland with our draconian laws. Moreover, changing exhaust is extra cost.

1050RS with Arrow mufflers sounds MIGHTY and BIG, the engine has nice whistle and there is some feeling through pegs (and ears) like there are some balls rolling around in the engine, sound-wise 1050RS engine has much more character and presence than 1200RS engine.

1200RS now has oil level window, I think that is what that is, on the right side, very low, partly hidden by the bottom spoiler, visibility is very bad.

After 1200RS I took 1000R out on the same road.

Steering/handling is just as quick as 1200RS, falls into corners.
Seating position for me is not as comfortable as on 1200RS, better ergonomics on 1200RS, imho, but that is, of course, personal.

Gearbox and QS/B work fine, but there is some springiness in the lever, and I find QS/B operation and response much better on 1200RS. Also, going downhill on constant throttle at 4000rpm there was jerking on the BMW, not on 1200RS.

More buttons on BMW, but then instrumentation and settings are better than anywhere else. The 1200RS screen absolutely pales in comparison with BMW instrumentation screen. And BMW shows lean angle, I love that function! Fantastic instrumentation on BMW and the number of settings boggles the mind.

Sound - louder than 1200RS, children were turning their heads as I was passing by on constant throttle at 50-60kmh, some little girls made funny faces (in a good way). But it is the sound of vacuum cleaner, it does not scream, it does not wail, it drones, "uuuuuuuuh". But when closing throttle it pops and crackles, typical BMW, I remember this noise since 1st generation of 1000R, so at least in terms of noise it has this going for it.

Suspension is softer than 1200RS, but also not cushion soft, but I rode in Dynamic Pro mode.

The oil level window, unlike 1200RS, is clearly visible, marked really well.
The whole bike looks extremely industrial, there are electric connectors sticking out on the engine, kind of unprotected. Probably easy to work on, but not the most beautiful sight. Generally, I do not like the looks of 1000R, the front light is ugly, compared to 1200RS, the exhaust collectors stick out. The back (or brake?) lights integrated into turn signals is a really nice touch though.

Last I took the KTM SuperDuke 1290R out.

These things are so personal, but for me, 1290R is THE BEST supernaked bike for the roads, no questions.

It is nowhere as smooth as 1200RS or 1000R, two big cylinders will never make it smooth, same goes for QS/B, especially from 1st to 2nd gear, it is jerky as hell, reminds me a bit of 1050RS, but while on 1050RS this is because of bad calibration, on 1290R is probably because of the twin engine, so I cannot hold it against the KTM. Generally QS/B changes are more jerky on 1290R compared to 1200RS or 1000R, or 1050RS for that matter.

Throttle response makes you giggle. Just a little bit more than very very smooth throttle opening and the Beast lunges forward like nothing else, while saying "Brrrrap!". Makes you look like idiot from the outside, because you just want to do this all the time. Brrap! Brrap!

If you hold the throttle the acceleration reminds me of a liter sportsbike, rapid and you can FEEL it. On 1200RS there is no particular acceleration below at least 8000rpm, it is just like 1050RS. On BMW 1000R you do not feel nothing whatsoever, just droning and the speed increase. On SuperDuke it is an event each and every time.

And 1290R sounds like a proper 1000cc (1300, actually) bike, it is deep and serious sound from that engine. And nice vibration as well, not tiring at all.

And 1290R can be really bassy (around 4000rpm) or really quiet.

And 1290R is a doddle to ride in slow city traffic. I actually borrowed 1290R for a day before, took my girlfriend to work on it, it was supercomfy, supereasy, no heat, no jerkiness, no bitchiness, that engine is so so good I cannot believe it. I owned a Monster, and I rode all twin Panigales (899, 1199, 1299 and 959 in Mugello), I thought I hate twin engines, but I am now in love with 1290R engine.

KTM is also more roomy than all the bikes, especially my 1050RS.

Instrumentation is nice on KTM, not the level of BMW, but imho better than on 1200RS. Bright, great resolution, large letters, sun does not affect it either, adjustable. I would put a small screen in front of it, though, just because I do not want to scrub dead bugs from the creases of that panel.

The big win for me on 1290R, though, besides the rest of it, is the handling. The 1200RS and 1000R fall into corners, I did not feel comfortable with that after 1050RS which is more stable, I just felt I am about to lose the front. KTM, I sat on it and I could go around those hairpins twice as fast as on 1200RS or 1000R right of the bat, for me KTM is extremely confidence-inspiring handlingswise.

The looks, well, to each his/her own, of course. I did not like KTM looks before, I find 1290R looks realtively questionable now, from the side that is, from the front it looks far out! From the side, well, hard to beat that classic 1050RS looks, imho. BUT, like on 1000R, the oil level window is easy to see, and the back suspension preload adjustment is superb! I could certainly live with the looks of 1290R, with Akra muffler, shorter number plate holder and orange wheels it would look top-notch. I would take it in black, and I would have to paint the wheels orange separately, but that's how it is. Also, there are so many options to choose for KTM, you could replace almost all body parts with carbon fiber, which is great. And Galfer brake disks, and 65 degree throttle instead of 72 stock degrees. There is definitely money to spend on KTM if you would want to.

So, in the end, for me:
1. KTM 1290R Superduke. It's a proper road fun supernaked.
2. Triumph 1050RS, better sound, more stable, looks. QS/B not the best but I cannot complain as road rider (I barely move out of 2nd and 3rd, as I ride mostly mountains or winding country roads).
3. Triumph 1200RS. Gearbox and QS/B are fantastic. Feels much sportier compared to 1050RS. Sound sucks, instrumentation is so-so, looks are subjective, but I prefer the color-matched 1050RS, instead of black engine, brownish engine covers, silver brakes and radiator side covers and golden forks of 1200RS. I also prefer the beautiful Arrow mufflers of 1050RS, whatever the weight, they look better, they sound better, the wheel is open and easy to clean.
4. BMW S1000R. Technically BMW are always on top. Instrumentation is fantastic, number of settings is fantastic. I just do not like the looks, the sound, the springiness of gear shift lever. BMW is just not for me. I did love S1000RR on carbon wheels, though, amazing piece of iron.

If I could build my own, I woould take KTM 1290R with electronics package, put underseat Arrow exhausts on it, the gearbox and qs/b from 1200RS and instrumentation from S1000R.

Going back home on my 1050RS I appreciated it again like I did when it was new. It has things going for it that 1200RS cannot touch, at least for me. I am in dire need to change tires though, 2 sets in 6000km. If I change from 1050RS it will be to KTM 1290R Superduke, no question.

P.S. 1050RS reminds me of 981 Boxster S I used to have. Go into tunnel, mash the throttle, not much acceleration initially (no speed limit braking) but LOADS of noise. I loved that. 1050RS is like that, crack the throttle for a moment, loads of great noise but not much acceleration. KTM 1290R is both noise and a jump forward.

 

Great write up and thanks for posting!

 

Thanks for posting, that’s really informative.

No matter how good the KTM is, I couldn’t live with those looks! Same with the Yamaha MT-10 and Kawasaki H2. At least Triumph still make great looking bikes.

To be honest, I don’t think there are many (if any) great looking super-nakeds. Looks matter.

I’ve had a 1200 RS on order for almost four months and I’m running out of patience. If it doesn’t show up this week, I’m cancelling and will be looking at buying one of the alternatives.

 

Great write up indeed! KTM really have nailed it as a real world road bike! Notto mention practically... theres enough room under the seat for a puncture kit and a bottle of water, also 4 sets of 12v feeds, switched and constant. I've never experienced anything that can get you round a corner so fast and with such ease

 

My pleasure.
Remember, it is my personal view.
I suggest you all go test ride yourself.
As for me, I calmed down, I do not need to switch to the new Speed Triple RS, woohoo, money saved.

 

yes, I concur, what a bike, what a great road bike! I am in with the Beast. The beauty and the beast, it is a real life story.

but not going to run to change the 1050RS, the smoothness and relaxation on that bike is second to none.

They are kind of complementary bikes, currently I complement my 1050RS with GSXR1000R, but if I had 1050RS and 1290R I would not know which one to ride...

 

I showed my girlfriend/future wife the ktm and she said "thats f?"@king ugly" before I bought the rs.
I'm a fan of twins and love the sound (as I do the speed rs) but if I don't dig the look over everything else, then its a no.
In my honest opinion, looks wise, its getting worse.
Fantastic steed of course and bags of fun but looks? nah.

 

I'm in the same boat as you, i take it your getting a black one. waiting and losing patience especially when i took multibike insurance out on the 1st april, (lol) for the rs and my tiger sport. Now my bike is having some work done at hinkley ?? and lost a years no claims for cancelling my other policy. I have been out on ktm since then and seriously considering it instead.

 

Hi there.
You lost a years ncb?
That's not right and i'd certainly argue that.....
If you haven’t claimed in that year, you simply can't lose it.
You either claim or you don't. It's non-negotiable.
As for getting insurance on a bike that you haven’t even rode/received yet?
Is it the rs rs you don't have getting work at Hinckley or the sport?

 

I never liked the look of KTM's either. Then I rode one! Fate was sealed since then.

 

With respect to visibility of the oil sight glass. I removed the chin spoiler from my 765 which looked fine (and didn't even come on the R or S models). However for the Speed 1200, not sure if that would look okay, it looks more integrated onto the top of the exhaust area. Depends on how it's mounted and what else is hiding under there.

 

Yep, a black one. The dealer told me he’s had three silver delivered for customers but no black ones. I told him that unless he gets back to me with a confirmed delivery date (that I find acceptable) by end of Friday, I’m cancelling. I ordered on 8th Feb with an expected delivery date of early April and sold my existing bike on 1st April.

To be honest, I’ve become so pissed off about it that I don’t think I want it now anyway.

 

There are a couple of people on Triumphrat that have reported the steering lock acting a bit strange. Don't have an account there so can't post but the same issue, or a similar one, seems to happen to TMF in his first ride video at 15:26. Thought it could be worth pointing out here, and if there are any people from Triumphrat reading this forum too they might also see it.