Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2014

The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2014 are both powerful naked bikes with impressive specifications.

Starting with the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021, it boasts a 180 HP engine with a torque of 125 Nm. It has a 3-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1160 ccm. The suspension system includes Öhlins forks at the front and Öhlins suspension at the rear. The frame is made of aluminum and features a double tube design. The front brakes are equipped with four-piston radial monoblock Brembo calipers. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, it offers ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, and traction control. The dimensions include a front tire width of 120 mm, a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 190 mm, a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, a wheelbase of 1445 mm, a seat height of 830 mm, a curb weight of 198 kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 15.5 liters.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2014 features a 173 HP engine with a torque of 144 Nm. It has a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1301 ccm. The suspension system includes WP forks at the front and WP suspension at the rear. The frame is made of chromium-molybdenum and features a tubular design. The front brakes also have four-piston radial monoblock Brembo calipers. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, it offers ABS and traction control. The dimensions include a front tire width of 120 mm, a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 190 mm, a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, a wheelbase of 1482 mm, a seat height of 835 mm, a curb weight of 189 kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 18 liters.

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021

Now, let's compare the strengths of each bike. The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 is incredibly versatile, making it easy to ride in city traffic while also being super-fast when needed. It has a powerful and rev-happy engine, a top-notch gearbox, and can be ridden quietly when necessary. It offers light and compact handling, stable behavior even in fast corners, strong brakes, and precise handling.

On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2014 excels in precise handling and traction control. It also has a powerful engine.

KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2014

Moving on to weaknesses, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 has some issues with load change reactions at low speeds. The steering angle is slightly too low, and the knee angle may be narrow for tall riders. It may have connectivity issues with mobile phones, and the brakes can be noisy. The traction control is overly defensive, even in track mode, and there are vibrations in the handlebars. The suspension may not respond with enough sensitivity, and the basic setup may be too tight.

On the other hand, the main weakness of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2014 is its high price.

In conclusion, both the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2014 are powerful naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Triumph offers versatility and a powerful engine, while the KTM excels in precise handling and traction control. However, the Triumph has some issues with low-speed reactions and connectivity, while the KTM is priced higher.