BMW S 1000 R versus Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Triumph

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 18.245 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • elastic and powerful motor
  • hissing triple sound
  • precise chassis and powerful brakes
  • easy to drive despite performance
  • relaxed, upright sitting position
  • complete technical equipment
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • very low steering angle
  • Pillion rides hardly reasonable

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.445 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.089 mm
Seat :
830 mm
Weight :
198 (max: 393 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Three-cylinder 12V DOHC in-line engine 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.160 ccm
Hub: 61 mm
Hole: 90 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: X-Ring-Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
Maximum speed: 245 km/h
Performance: 180 HP at 10.750 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 9.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
277 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Double tube frame with screwed rear frame (aluminum)
Front suspension:
Öhlins 43 mm NIX30 upside-down fork with adjustable preload, compression and rebound (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Öhlins TTX36 double tube strut with adjustable preload, rebound and compression stage (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Double disc, Brembo Stylema monobloc radial calipers, cornering ABS, radial handbrake cylinder ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo double piston floating caliper ( 220 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

Conclusion - what sticks

Motorcycling is fun! If you don't know that yet, you should take a quick lap with the new Speed Triple RS 1200. Whether country road, motorway or even race track: This bike always lets you tile through the area with a big grin under the helmet.
 
Despite the many technical delicacies, it is an accessible bike - although of course you should approach every ride with respect because of the brute performance. Nevertheless, the precise chassis and the correspondingly scalpel-like handling exude a lot of confidence. With the 1200 RS, Triumph has really succeeded in creating an extremely good naked bike, which is also very well priced in the competitive environment due to the offer. Definitely test drive, but first check the account balance for safety's sake. Otherwise prefer to stay at home ...

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 17.900€
  • Used (3 years old): 11.000€
  • Years of construction: Speed Triple since 2005
  • Availability: 1200 RS since 2021
  • Colours: grey, black