2011 1050 To 2019 Rs - Worth It?

I went from a 2011 Speed Triple to a 2019 Speed Triple RS and glad I did. Loved the 2011 but love this one so much more

 

If you can afford one get a test ride (not wise if you can't ). I have a 2015 94R, the last before they started adding the bells and whistles, I returned to Triumphs after 2 years with a Multistrada full of bells and whistles, most of which I decided I didn't need. I've got more pleasure from being able to maintain the '15 Speedy myself and making it my own with a few modifications.
A good test ride will probably decide for you (not anything i say).

 

I had a 2015 Speed Triple 1050 with a few ad on's & a Hilltop Motorcycle engine tune. I loved it.
I had a week off work, test rode a KTM SD gen 2 & a Monster 1200. I then booked a Speed Triple 1050 RS test ride to confirm it couldn't be any better than the 2015 R. I was blown away, it was fantastic. The engine spins up so much more freer & the dash is really nice.
I bought a used 2019 with 1700 miles, heated grips, fly screen, tail tidy & rad guard & its a fabulous bike.

Test rode a Speed Triple 1200 RS in the summer & thought my 1050 was just as good.

 

From the 2015 1050R to the 2019 1050RS I would say I didn't notice a difference in power & torque. The big difference you notice is how free spinning the engine is, how quickly it spins up, & how quickly it reacts to the throttle input. With the ride by wire throttle the response/sensitivity increases as the ride mode performance increases.

I likened my first test ride as going from a Speed Triple to big powerful Street Triple.

I don't ride track. I can't say I've ever noticed the rider aids activating. Either they are not activating or I'm not riding aggressively enough to make them activate.
The air box induction roar is very addictive & makes you won't to give it the beans often.

A test ride would be best to give you your answers.

 

I’ve got an RS and I think it is the perfect road bike. The power is just where you want it, it’s comfortable, solid , steers and handles beautifully. I’ve not felt the TC kicking in once and I’ve seldom used the rider modes. The ABS is there as a safety blanket and I hope I’ll never be in a position to rely on it. But you never know.
It will feel more powerful than yours for sure but the biggest benefit will just be the newness of the bike. The QS is a nice to have and not essential.
I don’t think you would regret it for a moment.

 

Be careful… I went for a test drive in 2018 and bought it on the spot. Came from 2001 cbr 1100xx, now on my second RS, model 2019. Doubted to test drive the 1200 RS, but didn’t ….jet.

 

Didn't like the beast over the RS?
I'm still trying to decide between the two, either a 2017 SDR or a 2020 Speed RS (1050)

 

No, the step in the seat on the SDR G2 dug into my arse & it didn't feel that premium.
The standard Monster 1200 was too small & after a sit on a used Monster 1200R, which was much bigger, I bought one six months later.
Then I PX'd the STR 1050R & Aprilia RSV1000R plus £900 for the 1050RS.

The Monster 1200R has now gone & I have a 2020 SDR Gen 3 fully loaded.

The SDR Gen3 is a great bike, its big & grunty, & does feel like a beast. My wife rides pillion a lot so I fitted a Duke grab rail, which I couldn't on the Monster 1200R. 1050R grab rail carried over to the 1050RS.

If I had to pick one I'd probably pick the 1050RS. The SDR G3 is a great bike but you never seam to be able to really open it up, its almost too much, for me at least, I don't claim to be a riding God.
The 1050RS obviously rev's much higher, feels more satisfying to ride, plus I love the look & as with all Triumphs the quality of finish & detailing is fantastic.

I generally buy 12 month+ old bikes. Maybe in year or two I'll trade the SDR G3 for a STR 1200RR if I can get on with the riding position & the wife will have to stay at home unless we're on the 1050RS. I wish she'd take a test.

 

Appreciate the write up, thanks! Always interesting to know one's thoughts about all these hyper naked labelled bikes.

I personally agree, and when I test rode the RS I did enjoy just revving it out, whereas the SDR just felt like it has so much more power to unleash but you simply (and legally) just can't.

My issue is, the SDR 2.0 and 3.0 are kind of my dream bikes, and after coming off an MT09 as well, the RS 1050 just felt similar in terms of engine performance, obviously everything else was miles ahead of the MT.

I'm just torn between the heart (SDR) and the mind (RS 1050), and unfortunately just missed out on a great 2nd hand 2020 RS model as well.

 

I don’t think you would regret making the upgrade in the least. I have a 2020 RS and it’s an exceptional combination of competence and character.

And I’ve owned quite a few motorcycles, certainly more than necessary. The ST RS is as characterful as my RSV4, but without the head down posture or tall seat. It’s faster than my R1 or Mille was.

The TFT panel seemed like a gimmick (what’s wrong with dials?) until I rode the bike and realized that the TFT instrument panel on the RS is simply a better mousetrap. It delivers a lot of information clearly, in a small space.

I’ve even done a track day on mine. The up-down quick shifter flatters your riding, bike goes around the course with that solid feeling like it could be ridden through walls.

And the fit and finish are top. If I had a complaint it would be that Triumph brands every part of the bike, it’s slightly OTT. But that’s a minor thing.

Recommended! No disappointments.

 

Last summer I rode the Speed Triple 1200 RS, the 1050 Speed Triple RS, BMW S1000R, SDR 3.0 The Beast.

The SDR 3.0 was the one I thought I really wanted and indeed it was simply awesome. The Speed Triple 1200 RS I found underwhelming. It's a great bike almost clinical but you have to rev it. The BMW S1000R I had to get off after 15 minutes as the vibes through the foot pegs and bars were significant. Love the look of that bike and the angry sound of the engine, but it would have become an instrument of torture. The Speed Triple 1050 RS was the best of the bunch. Not quite as light or fast turning as the newer 1200RS but not far behind, however, torque was available lower down the rev range meaning you didn't have to rev it quite so much. Plus I prefer the TFT dash and looks to the newer 1200 RS. The dash on that is not my thing. Didn't like it. It felt a little firmer although this could have simply been down to harder suspension settings. However the bike I would still have in a heart beat would be the KTM SDR 3.0. It has so much character where I felt the Speed Triple 1200 RS was lacking. The build quality on the SDR 3.0 that I rode looked premium and it was just as comfortable as the Speed Triple 1050 RS. I like the looks of both bikes very much, but living with either of them day to day it has to be the 1050 RS. The SDR if you didn't lose your license in the first 30 minutes you'd likely lose your life by the end of the day as it is brutally fast for the roads. Too much may be. It was like riding a prize winning raging bull when you twisted the throttle fully open. Love KTM for continuing to make it and one day ....... maybe I buy one if I move to somewhere where there are no speed limits or they are not enforced. For the time being it is the Speed Triple 1050 RS for the win. Also I would be very pi$$ed off with Triumph had a bought a new 1200 RS and within a few months they had confirmed the imminent launch of the 1200RR. Not so keen on the look of that with the single headlight and Flash Gordon style front fairing. Doesn't do anything for me.

 

Naaah, you deserve all this stuff. Treat yo self!!

 

No you don’t, and you shouldn’t. Enjoy it wile you can!

 

Well after riding Sportsbikes all my life, and then having an enforced 8 yr break, I came back to biking 3 years ago, and got straight into the Supernakeds, as I`m now at an age where I find Sportsbikes too uncomfortable.

Within the last 3 years I`ve owned a Kawasaki Z1000, then a Yamaha MT-10, followed by an Aprilia Tuono Factory, then a Gen 2 KTM Superduke R, and now, within the last few days, I`ve just collected a Speed 1050RS.

Okay, I know we always tend to favour the bike we`re riding at the moment, but on early evidence, I feel this Speed Triple could be the best of the lot !
Reasons ? Well, the performance is just excellent, with the engine spinning up so quickly, making throttle response superb, with perfect fuelling (no surging or hunting at low speed, and instant power everywhere). Couple this with the looks, the sound, that excellent TFT dash, and comfortable riding position, and you have one helluva bike..............and THEN you add the handling !! Bloody hell, this thing corners like it`s on rails, and changes direction with minimal input. It is SO enjoyable to ride !

Well done Triumph - What. A. Bike !!

 

convinced @Ridebjj ?

 

How does your Mrs like the seating position on the 1050 RS?
As mine would be on the back as well commuting along.
I almost put a deposit down on a 2021 SDR last week, but just gotta get the Mrs on the back to make sure she's comfy enough