My 2023 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS comes home: 10 pros & 6 cons

Even in the rain mode, the bike pulls away like anything. I am going to save the sport and track mode till I get more adept at handling the bike.

BHPian CaptainSpeedy25 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Disclaimer: This is my first post as a (new) member of the TeamBHP and a superbike owner. Please bear with me for the long post. I wanted to provide a detailed review of my journey to (finally) become a proud owner of a my dream bike!!

Sometime in 2002

Watched Mission Impossible 2 on TV and my young and impressionable mind fell in love with the absolutely gorgeous black beauty that Tom Cruise rode in the chase scene. (I believe that was when I decided that I would also own a Speed Triple when I grew up).

Fast Forward to 2013-14

Though my dream of owning my own Speed Triple was still alive, my minimum wage income made it seem like a distant reality. It was then that I happened to see a photo of the Duke 390 (I had seen photos and reviews of Duke 200 but was not too sold on the Orange colour scheme). This was a bike that was raw performance, looked great and would not burn a hole in my pocket. So my dream took a slight detour and shifted focus to the 1st Gen Duke 390.

2014-2016

Joined the army training in Oct 2014 in OTA Chennai and the bike dream took a backseat. Till Mar 12, 2016 (my passing out parade date), it was about completing training and getting commissioned in the Army in one piece.

August 2016

I was lucky to join a unit where 2 of my seniors were into bikes (one had a Harley Street 750 - later bought a Supersport and the other had a Duke 200). Seeing this (and the pay that had increased substantially from minimum wage), my dream of owning the Duke 390 took shape again. So when I came to Delhi on leave in Aug, took my friend and sister to the KTM showroom, saw the bike, paid the money and voila! All the formalities were completed within a matter of a few hours and I was smiling from ear-to-ear on my new bike (no test ride, a complete newbie on that raw machine).

2021 - 2023

2021 - Got my release from the Army and moved to Bangalore to work in a corporate firm. During the years, there were so many times when I came so close to giving in to my original dream and booking a Speed Triple. But then something did not feel right every time I went to the dealer/called to enquire. But when I saw the 2023 new Street Triple 765 that was to be launched in India (the Cosmic Yellow looked fabulous), I was sold - The Street Triple looked amazing, made more sense as a daily commuter and the Speed Triple colours (Black, Silver and Matt Baja Orange) were not appealing to me. I started making enquiries with the Triumph dealer in Delhi about the booking, delivery dates, etc (did NOT want to go to Keerthi Triumph cause of all the reviews and the horror stories). But when the Delhi dealer confirmed that they were unsure of the delivery date (Hypothecation was pending for Street Triple) I was disheartened.

Then one day while casually surfing the Triumph website, I chanced upon the new colour scheme for the Speed Triple 1200 RS: Carnival Red (cue music and my childhood dream taking shape once more). I immediately connected with the Delhi dealer to ask whether it would be possible to book the bike with him. But when I received a less than favourable response from him (he probably got the impression I was not a serious customer) and thinking of the logistical nightmare it would be to transport and re-register the bike in Karnataka, I had no other option but to go to Keerthi Triumph for a test ride (Khivraj has not opened their store in June).

Customer Experience at Keerthi

I went to Keerthi, got in touch with Sales Associate (SA) Justin who showed me the Speed Triple 1200 RS (Silver) 2021 model, that was available in the showroom. When I told Justin that I was specifically looking for the Carnival Red, it was a surprise to see that the neither he, nor the rest of the sales team were aware of the same. I literally had to open the Triumph website and show them the proof

Next, when I asked for a test ride, I was told that the test ride bike was out of commission and in the service centre due to some issue with the rear wheel. So basically, I had the option to:

• Book the bike without taking a test ride.
• Wait for the test ride bike to be ready.
• Scrap my childhood dream and settle for the Street Triple 765 RS - with no clear date of delivery in sight.
• Book some other superbike (BMW was there on the list).

July-August 2023

Discussed the matter at length with my sis who was also in favour of going ahead with the purchase of the Carnival Red Speed Triple 1200 RS. The only thing holding me back were the aforementioned reviews and horror stories of the Dealership. But I finally bit the bullet and listened to my heart. I booked the bike on 2nd August (gave the token amount of Rs 1 lakh) and was told by Justin that it would take 3-4 months for delivery.

I was in constant communication with him regarding the delivery date, the accessories to be fitted, the customer PDI, the bill for the booking amount, the booking form (for some reason it was not generated due to a technical issue, given the migration to Bajaj universe, and the bike was not available for booking through their app). So the Sales Manager, Vishnu reached out to the manufacturer via email and confirmed that the booking was raised.

Requested Justin for a confirmation who sent me an email that my booking for the Speed Triple 1200 RS - Carnival Red with Keerthi was confirmed.

September 2023

Casually dropped in to the showroom to catch up with Justin and confirm about the status. Since he was not aware, he connected me with Vishnu who confirmed that one Speed Triple 1200 RS Carnival Red was confirmed for his showroom to be imported to India. With this verbal confirmation (still did not get the booking form cause *surprise, surprise* the migration to Bajaj was still underway and they were unable to generate it).

On 5th September, when I called Justin, he informed me that he would be taking a leave of absence (didn't tell me he quit) and Renju, would be dealing with my case. I had created a WhatsApp group and added all the SAs and the Loan person so that everyone could be updated with the status.

In the meantime, the delivery of the Speed 400 had also started, which meant all the SAs were busy with the same, which meant little/no response when called. Frustrated with this behaviour (and the fact that Khivraj had opened their showroom), I called up Khivraj to confirm whether I could move my booking to them from Keerthi. However, when they reiterated that it would take 3-4 months for them to get the delivery of the bike, I decided to stick with my original booking.

Sep 11, 2023:

After repeated chasers and calls, Tarun finally confirmed that the bike was in India, was on the way from Gurgaon to Bangalore and would be available in their Service Centre on the weekend for PDI on 16-17th Sep. Contacted the SAs over WhatsApp/Calls on Thursday and Saturday but no clear updates provided.

Sep 18, 2023:

Confirmation from Renju that the bike was available in the yard and will confirm to me about the PDI.

Sep 19, 2023:

Went to the showroom since I did not receive any confirmation about the PDI. I was informed that while pre-covid, the rules were to do unboxing and customer PDI in the service centre, now the rules had changed and everything would be done in the warehouse itself and customers were not allowed to see the same.

I was taken aback by this sudden change in the stance but still went ahead and asked them to provide the Bank A/c details so I could transfer the remaining amount and also go ahead with the loan disbursement - subject to them providing me photos and videos - which was agreed to.

Sep 20, 2023

Due to no response received the previous day, called up Tarun at 11 am who confirmed that he would send the photos and videos soon, and since they were busy with Speed 400 deliveries, they were short-staffed and occupied (again, I was purchasing their flagship bike but somehow, Speed 400 numbers took more preference than their brand image/customer experience).

4:30 pm approx. - Frustrated by the lack of response and the fact that they expected me to shell out about 24+lakhs for a bike that I had not even seen or had no "official" confirmation of, I messaged Tarun that in the absence of the photos and videos, cost of accessories and the booking form, I wanted to cancel my booking amount. He responded that the "Manager will call you in sometime."

6:30 pm approx. - Vishnu calls up to apologise and clear the issue. Told him the entire story and that being a premium customer, I was not getting treated the way a premium customer should be, and being given the excuse that "we're busy cause of the sales of Speed 400 and the unexpected footfall". Additionally, being asked to pay Rs 24+lakhs without even once seeing the bike in person/photos and videos, made no sense whatsoever. Plus I still did not get the booking form, nor the cost of accessories. Was assured by Vishnu that all my concerns would be addressed and the bike would be available for my inspection after 2-3 days. 2-3 hours later, Vishnu sent me the 3 photos and 1 video.

Sep 21, 2023 (Friday):

Confirmed with Tarun that I would be coming for PDI on Saturday around 2 pm which he acknowledged.

Sep 22, 2023 (Saturday) :

Went to see the bike in person. It was "love at first sight". Decided that whatever had happened was "water under the bridge" and hoped that going forward, I would be treated properly and like a premium customer.

September 24-25 2023 (Sunday)

Made the complete payment. Was told that registration etc. will be done within 7-10 days. Was hoping to get the delivery of the bike with the accessories by Oct 02 and requested them to do the same to which they responded they would try.

Sep 27, 2023

No updates. No calls, no OTP from RTO etc. Called and texted but no response.

Sep 30, 2023:

Went to the showroom to check the progress of the registration and was assured it would be completed. Sent message in the group to confirm

1. RTO registration;

2. Delivery date of the bike (needed to get PPF done as I had to fly to Delhi on Oct 11);

3. Confirm whether I could connect the Optimate with the DIN adapter directly into the port provided (instead of connecting it to the battery terminals).

Oct 02, 2023:

Got an OTP request. Gave the OTP to Rakshita to create my profile and went to the showroom to sign Form 20. Was told that RTO registration would be done soon. Additionally, Tarun also mentioned that Oct 6 2023 would be his last working day.

Oct 03-05 2023:

Requested Tarun to confirm Registration and delivery date.

Oct 06, 2023:

Told that bike would be available for delivery on 07 Oct (Saturday). Still no RTO update or number available (Keerthi was in receipt of the complete amount by 25 Sep).

Oct 07 2023 (Date of Delivery and the "wonderful" delivery experience by Keerthi Triumph):

1. Told Tarun that I would come to get delivery by 2 pm, which was moved to 4-4:30 pm, cause the bike was in Service Centre for ceramic coating.

2. While leaving home, got a message that the registration and Road Tax was paid and received an application and registration number. Reached the Showroom at around 3:45, hung out with my colleagues who had come to see the bike. I also got the Radiator Guard to be installed at the showroom itself.

3. Bike finally came to the showroom at around 6. However, immediately I realised that none of the accessories (scrolling LED indicators, Tank Pad, Frame Sliders, Fork Protectors, Optimate, Bike Cover) was fitted or provided with the bike. Bike was taken to the 3rd floor and covered for the final reveal. Went to the office to complete the formalities and confirm why the accessories were not fitted. The usual blame-game started. Told the SA team to arrange for whatever they could and call the the technician to fit the accessories. Was promptly told that the technician was "on leave", which is why the accessories were not fitted. Told them to get whatever accessory I had ordered which did not require any "fitting" and all I got was the bike cover (no tank pad, no fork protector) and the technician "vanished" even though I had specifically asked for them to wait and install the radiator guard.

4. At this point, I lost my cool because a "once in a lifetime" experience was completely ruined. However, my colleagues calmed me down, stating that whatever happened should not ruin the end motive - finally owning my dream bike.

So finally took delivery of the bike (asked the SAs to fit temporary plates so that I could take the bike out of the showroom). Told the SAs that i would absolutely NOT come back to the showroom to get the number plates fitted and they would have to come and install it at my place or arrange for RSA and get it sorted. (I had not received RSA confirmation, extended warranty confirmation and also told them to refund the excess amount for the accessories).

5. While I had confirmed with Ashutosh at Autotriz Bangalore that I would come by 6 pm, considering that I got the delivery at around 8 pm, I called him again, profusely apologising and requesting him to wait for my arrival (promised him I would be there by 9 pm).

6. Thinking that my troubles were finally over, I proceeded with my journey to the PPF shop. But as luck would have it, the bike threw up two errors immediately (had barely covered 3 kms - got the errors "Check Engine" and "Transmission Fault")

7. Reached Autotriz, immediately called up Tarun and Varun, told them to sort it out ASAP and gave the bike for PPF. Ashutosh explained all the nuances and also agreed to fix the radiator guard at no extra cost. However, delivery would only be on Tuesday (Oct 10, 2023).

Oct 10, 2023:

1. Reached Autotriz at the agreed upon time of 12 pm. Ashutosh explained the aftercare, took a few photos (Thank you! The bike looked even more beautiful, thanks to their magic - photos below for reference) and got the radiator guard fixed (hardly a matter of 1 min).

2. Had spoken to Renju the day before. He said it could be a quickshifter issue and to try using the quickshifter while on the way to the showroom. Reached the showroom around 1:30 pm but the error was still being displayed. Went to the office, connected with Varun, Renju and Likitha, then proceeded to the Service Centre to get the issue sorted (still no update on the number plate, RSA, extended warranty and the refund).

3. Reached the service centre, connected with Krishnamoorthy and explained the issue to him. He said they would have to take the bike for a test ride for about 20 kms where they can actually use the quickshifter through the gear range after which they would check for software issue if it wasn't resolved. Agreed to it and the technician took the bike for a test ride (after about 45 mins). In the meantime, connected with Krishnamoorthy and the Accessories and Spares associate to get my query answered on the Optimate Din Adapter being directly plugged into the bike via the available port. While I maintained that it could be plugged in directly, the staff was unsure and did not want to take a risk with my bike. Asked them to confirm with the Triumph Rep who would be aware and they finally got a confirmation that it could be plugged in directly via the Din port.

4. Bike came after the test ride with no resolution. They took it to the service bay and started running diagnostics. After a good 1 hour of trying to figure out the issue, they finally narrowed it down to a butterfly valve being loose, which caused the error!!!

5. Once the error was resolved, went back home to get ready for my early morning flight to Delhi.

Oct 11, 2023:

Got confirmation for the RSA and the refund amount.

Oct 14, 2023:

Got confirmation that the number plates had arrived (still haven't been fixed though, despite SA confirming they would go to my place and fix it).

So this has been my journey of owning my dream bike. While the customer experience was downright atrocious, the bike looks amazing (is probably the only bike in this colour in India at present), rides like a charm and is everything that I wanted/was expecting from the bike. I am really looking forward to know her better and create lasting memories and experiences!!

Thank you for being a patient audience! Cheers!

**Update** After almost 21 days' ownership (only ridden for 4 days, and covered 115 kms).

Features:

1. Cruise control: Though I have not had the opportunity to use it yet, the bike does come with cruise control and it is going to be a blessing in disguise during long highway rides.

2. Turn-by-turn navigation: The My Triumph App needs to be downloaded and the bike registered on it. Then using the app, enter the destination and the screen will provide turn-by-turn navigation. It is really accurate.

3. Bluetooth connectivity: The bike has the ability to make/accept/reject calls, read messages, change music selection and GoPro operation settings.

4. Rider Modes: 5 rider modes available: Rain, Road, Sport, Track and Rider. (first 4 come preconfigured).

5. Ohlins suspension (front and rear): While the earlier versions of the bike had a complaint that the suspension was too stiff, I believe Triumph now adjusts it from the factory itself to make it smoother. Absorbs most of the minor bumps and potholes without being too jarring.

6. Self-Cancelling indicators: The bike comes stock with LED indicators (might get scrolling indicators later) and we also get an option to leave it manual or self-cancelling (short press cancels it immediately, long press keeps it for 8 seconds). To cancel the indicators manually, we have to press the button in the centre.

7. Tyres: Came stock with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V3. Pressure to be maintained - Front 36 OSI, Rear 42 PSI.

8. Comes standard with a seat cowl and pillion seat is given separately during the time of delivery.

9. DIN port: Has a DIN port available for charging your electronics. It can also be used to connect the bike battery to the Triumph Optimate (DIN Plug to be purchased separately) to maintain the battery. No need to unplug the battery from the bike and connect Crocodile Clamp or Pigtail connector to the battery now.

10. TPMS and Heated grips: They are add-ons but I didn't feel the need to install them at this point.

11. Saree Guard: The bike DOES NOT come with a saree guard (the new Street Triple 765s do).

12. Quickshifter: Comes standard with the Triumph Shift Assist (up and down shifts). However, it should only be used for upshift from 2nd gear onwards or downshift till 2nd. For shifting between 1st and 2nd, clutch needs to be used.

13. DRLs and LED Headlights: DRL is always on. The low beam switches on the right side light +DRL and high beam switches on both the lights +DRL. The lights are bright enough and the throw is wide enough for areas with little to no street lights.

Maintenance & General Information:

1. Run-in period: 1000 kms. Have been told to keep the RPMs between 3500-4500.

2. 1st Service: 1000 kms or 6 months, whichever is earlier.

3. Chain lubrication: Every 500 kms.

4. Since I have applied PPF and Ceramic coating: Have been told to use water only (pressure/running/bucket) and good quality shampoo. No other chemicals to be used to protect the PPF.

5. Service intervals: 1 year or every 10000 kms.

6. Warranty: 2 years manufacturer plus 2 years extended warranty (fuel cap being replaced under warranty).

7. RSA: 2 years

8. Insurance: 1st party (1 year) + 3rd party (5 years).

Pros:

• The bike is Nimble: The power-to-weight ratio (weighs about 198 kgs, produces 178 HP) is just mind-boggling. Thanks to its light weight, steering and geometry, the bike can be flicked in any direction easily.
• It is FAST: Even in the rain mode, the bike pulls away like anything. I am going to save the sport and track mode till I get more adept at handling the bike.
• Road presence: The red just screams "LOOK AT ME!"
• The sound: The sweet sweet exhaust note is music to the ears (plus is not a nuisance to the public).
• Suspension comes tuned for a more softer setting now from the factory itself.
• The seat is plush and gives a lot of room to move around. Also, the material is really smooth and soft. No pain in the hips during the short city rides I've had.
• The riding posture is nice. No stress on the arms/shoulders, neck.
• Quickshifter works like a charm (can only be used to upshift from 2nd onwards, and downshift till 2nd).
• Brakes: The brakes are just wonderful and do the job really well. Waiting to use them to their true potential.
• Mirrors: FOV is really good. Have not noticed any vibrations that people in forums had raised as a concern.

Cons:

• Heat: In Bangalore traffic, the bike tends to heat up quickly (can't blame it..it is a big machine). But when there is a stretch of open road, the heat is barely noticeable.
• Electric fuel cap: For some weird reason, the fuel cap decided to die on me on 10/27/2023 (was filling up the tank the 2nd time..1st was on Oct 7th post delivery). Called up the service centre and the showroom. Renju came to visit and diagnosed the issue. Appreciate the fact that he helped out and came to visit on his day off. So thank you! Note: Replacement fuel cap under warranty has been ordered.
• Clutch: if you're stuck in traffic, the clutch starts to feel heavy after a while. Also stresses out the wrist, palm and fingers.
• Bar-end Mirrors: Filtering in traffic becomes an issue.
• Turning radius: Has a very big turning radius.
• Seat Height: The seat height is 830 mm. At 5'7, I am usually tiptoeing the bike or with one leg down in traffic/stop lights. There is no option to lower the seat height or get a lower seat height with Triumph at present.

Continue reading BHPian CaptainSpeedy25's review for more insights and information.