Key points
- The Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Super Duke R are two of the most iconic and celebrated motorcycles in the world.
- Ultimately, the styling of the Speed Triple and the Super Duke R is a matter of personal preference.
- The Super Duke R is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is powerful, track-oriented, and visually striking.
The Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Super Duke R are two of the most iconic and celebrated motorcycles in the world. Both bikes are known for their blistering performance, aggressive styling, and exceptional handling. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Triumph Speed Triple against the KTM Super Duke R to determine which bike reigns supreme.
Performance
The Triumph Speed Triple is powered by a 1,050cc inline-three engine that produces 148 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque. The KTM Super Duke R, on the other hand, is propelled by a 1,301cc V-twin engine that generates 177 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Super Duke R has a clear advantage in terms of power. However, the Speed Triple’s inline-three engine is known for its smooth power delivery and exceptional throttle response. In real-world riding conditions, the Speed Triple feels just as fast as the Super Duke R, if not faster.
Handling
Both the Speed Triple and the Super Duke R are renowned for their exceptional handling. The Speed Triple’s chassis is agile and responsive, while the Super Duke R’s chassis is more stable and confidence-inspiring.
The Speed Triple is better suited for tight, twisty roads, while the Super Duke R is better suited for long, sweeping corners. However, both bikes are capable of handling any type of road with ease.
Braking
The Speed Triple and the Super Duke R both come equipped with Brembo brakes. The Speed Triple’s brakes are slightly more powerful than the Super Duke R’s brakes, but the Super Duke R’s brakes provide better feedback and feel.
Overall, the braking performance of both bikes is excellent. They both offer plenty of stopping power and control, even under hard braking.
Suspension
The Speed Triple’s suspension is more comfortable than the Super Duke R’s suspension. The Speed Triple’s suspension is able to soak up bumps and imperfections in the road without sacrificing handling. The Super Duke R’s suspension is stiffer and more track-oriented, but it can be uncomfortable on rough roads.
If you plan on doing a lot of riding on rough roads, the Speed Triple is the better choice. If you plan on doing a lot of track riding, the Super Duke R is the better choice.
Electronics
The Speed Triple and the Super Duke R both come equipped with a variety of electronic rider aids. The Speed Triple’s electronics package is more comprehensive than the Super Duke R’s electronics package.
The Speed Triple comes with traction control, wheelie control, ABS, and cruise control. The Super Duke R comes with traction control, ABS, and a quickshifter.
The Speed Triple‘s electronics package is more user-friendly and offers more customization options than the Super Duke R’s electronics package. If you’re looking for a bike with a comprehensive electronics package, the Speed Triple is the better choice.
Styling
The Speed Triple and the Super Duke R are both visually striking motorcycles. The Speed Triple has a more classic, retro-inspired design, while the Super Duke R has a more aggressive, modern design.
Ultimately, the styling of the Speed Triple and the Super Duke R is a matter of personal preference. However, there’s no denying that both bikes are head-turners.
Verdict
The Triumph Speed Triple and the KTM Super Duke R are both excellent motorcycles. The Speed Triple is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is comfortable, agile, and easy to ride. The Super Duke R is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is powerful, track-oriented, and visually striking.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can experience firsthand the differences between the two bikes and make an informed decision.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which bike is faster, the Speed Triple or the Super Duke R?
A: On paper, the Super Duke R is faster. However, in real-world riding conditions, the Speed Triple feels just as fast, if not faster.
Q: Which bike handles better, the Speed Triple or the Super Duke R?
A: Both bikes handle exceptionally well. The Speed Triple is better suited for tight, twisty roads, while the Super Duke R is better suited for long, sweeping corners.
Q: Which bike has better brakes, the Speed Triple or the Super Duke R?
A: The Speed Triple‘s brakes are slightly more powerful than the Super Duke R’s brakes, but the Super Duke R’s brakes provide better feedback and feel.
Q: Which bike has better suspension, the Speed Triple or the Super Duke R?
A: The Speed Triple’s suspension is more comfortable than the Super Duke R’s suspension. The Speed Triple’s suspension is able to soak up bumps and imperfections in the road without sacrificing handling. The Super Duke R’s suspension is stiffer and more track-oriented, but it can be uncomfortable on rough roads.
Q: Which bike has better electronics, the Speed Triple or the Super Duke R?
A: The Speed Triple‘s electronics package is more comprehensive than the Super Duke R’s electronics package. The Speed Triple comes with traction control, wheelie control, ABS, and cruise control. The Super Duke R comes with traction control, ABS, and a quickshifter.
Q: Which bike is better looking, the Speed Triple or the Super Duke R?
A: The styling of the Speed Triple and the Super Duke R is a matter of personal preference. However, there’s no denying that both bikes are head-turners.
