A Ladies Perspective

Triumph Speed Triple 1200rr & 12oors Battle of the Triumphs

- By Gabrielle Pieterse. Photos by Ferdie Pieterse

This is going to be a little different to my usual stories of all our wonderful adventures. Firstly, I'd like to thank Triumph South Africa for allowing us the opportunity to test these 2 stunning beasts. As you all know by now, I am the biggest fan of my BMW K1200S and I am not easily convinced to ride and bikes other than my bike. But needless to say, I have ridden other bikes in the interim but nothing yet that came close to my BMW. Well, was I in for a surprise...?

On Saturday morning we collected the new Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS and the Speed Triple 1200RR. They both have the same 1200cc motor but are two completely different bikes to ride. I would like to draw a comparison to the Marvel Avengers characters, the Speed Triple 1200RS is more like the Hulk, total and utter unrefined brute strength! Although that is in no way a reflection of the design on the bike, only of the power that motor gives from pull-off! It is totally incomprehensible coming from a naked street fighter. Then we have Iron Man, an unsuspecting weapon, the Speed Triple 1200RR is refined in its looks and performance! Although its design is based on the 70's Café Racers, it definitely does not behave like one. Unsuspecting? Absolutely! Honestly, I had no idea what I was in for. Built with Moto GP braking technology made me wonder what this bike was actually capable of.