Triumph Sprint RS test

Intro: A STRONG PERSONALITY

The Triumph RS is an English mixture between the racer - ST - and the sports bike - Daytona - which features one of Triumph's traditional hallmarks: the famous straight three-cylinder engine. This motorbike may pose a serious rival for the Honda VTR 1000 F or Suzuki TL 1000 S. With aggressive lines, and a combination of a high-performance engine and elegant pencil-shaped body, this machine has bags of charm. A realachievement ! (Jessica Paupinat)

Esthetique: SPORTY BIKE

English-style elegance is contrasted with an agressive look, giving this bike remarkable presence. You'll love it or hate it. We would have liked to have seen a central stand (an optional extra for € 184) and some grips for the pillion passenger (also an option at € 127). The RS features a new all-digital instrument panel (a first for Triumph) with an analog white-set rev counter. It offers reasonable finish with a strong sporty flavour.

Motorization: PURE PLEASURE

The Triumph Sprint RS comes with a 955 cc straight three-cylinder injection engine that delivers 97.5 bhp with a 95 Nm torque at 9200 rpm. In other words, pure driving pleasure. This four-stroke lets out a distinctive roar when you turn the key, which just gets better when you accelerate. With a top speed of 245 km/h on the clock (on average 10 more than in reality), the RS's performance is equally impressive. The Sprint RS takes just 3.2 seconds to go from 0-100 kph and can cover 1000m in 21.8 seconds from a standing start. The three cylinders prove their agility and breathtaking all-round performance.

On the road: GLUED TO THE ROAD

Right from ignition, the Triumph Sprint RS is disconcertingly easy to control. The road hold is exceptional and its 231 kilos on a full tank quickly seem to disappear. This motorbike devours bends, and despite a back end that struggles to keep up on bad surfaces, the front remains incisive, stable and efficient. The gearbox is a pure wonder, quick and precise. Triumph have excelled with their progressive powerful brakes, although they are a little harsh on the rear, which makes them difficult to gauge. It's a slight shame the turning radius is so restrictive though.