Triple threat vs. r-factor: triumph speed triple and ktm super duke r go head-to-head

What To Know

  • The Speed Triple has a slightly shorter wheelbase and a more upright riding position than the Super Duke R, which makes it more agile and nimble.
  • The Speed Triple has dual 320mm Brembo floating discs with four-piston calipers at the front and a single 220mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the rear.
  • The Super Duke R has dual 320mm Brembo floating discs with four-piston calipers at the front and a single 240mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the rear.

The Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Super Duke R are two of the most iconic naked motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a thrilling blend of power, agility, and style. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Triumph Speed Triple vs KTM Super Duke R in detail to help you make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance

The Triumph Speed Triple is powered by a 1,050cc inline-three engine that produces 148 horsepower and 86 lb-ft of torque. The KTM Super Duke R is powered by a 1,301cc V-twin engine that produces 180 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the KTM has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Triumph’s inline-three engine is known for its smooth power delivery and linear torque curve. This makes the Speed Triple more manageable and easier to ride at low speeds.

Handling and Suspension

The Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Super Duke R are both excellent handling motorcycles. The Speed Triple has a slightly shorter wheelbase and a more upright riding position than the Super Duke R, which makes it more agile and nimble. The Super Duke R, on the other hand, has a longer wheelbase and a more aggressive riding position, which provides more stability at high speeds.

Both bikes are equipped with high-quality suspension components. The Speed Triple has a 43mm Showa inverted fork and a Öhlins TTX36 rear shock. The Super Duke R has a 48mm WP inverted fork and a WP PDS rear shock.

Brakes

The Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Super Duke R both have excellent brakes. The Speed Triple has dual 320mm Brembo floating discs with four-piston calipers at the front and a single 220mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the rear. The Super Duke R has dual 320mm Brembo floating discs with four-piston calipers at the front and a single 240mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the rear.

Features

The Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Super Duke R both come with a variety of features. The Speed Triple has a full-color TFT display, cruise control, heated grips, and a quickshifter. The Super Duke R has a full-color TFT display, cruise control, heated grips, a quickshifter, and a launch control system.

Price

The Triumph Speed Triple has a starting price of $14,400. The KTM Super Duke R has a starting price of $16,999.

Final Thoughts

The Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Super Duke R are both excellent naked motorcycles. The Speed Triple is more agile and nimble, while the Super Duke R is more powerful and stable. The Speed Triple is also more affordable than the Super Duke R. Ultimately, the best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Which bike is faster?

The KTM Super Duke R is faster than the Triumph Speed Triple. The Super Duke R has a more powerful engine and a higher top speed.

Which bike is more comfortable?

The Triumph Speed Triple is more comfortable than the KTM Super Duke R. The Speed Triple has a more upright riding position and a more comfortable seat.

Which bike is better for commuting?

The Triumph Speed Triple is better for commuting than the KTM Super Duke R. The Speed Triple is more comfortable and easier to ride at low speeds.