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1050 vs 1200

8.5K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  frankiedahat  
#1 ·
Hi All - I need some advice on the new 1200 Speed Triple vs the latest version of the 1050. I had a '17 Speed Triple S and traded it in for something else. I loved the bike but wanted to ride with my wife again. Long story short, I have a Speed Twin 1200 currently and it's a blast, but I miss the go-fast factor. I am looking at a used '20 1050 RS and a new '23 1200 RS. I won't be doing any track days and am leaning towards the 1050 for price (and it's sorted out with aftermarket parts). Is the 1200 worth it? I know this is all subjective, but I am looking for some sort of confirmation that I really don't need the 1200 for commuting and weekend ripping around. Thanks!
 
#2 ·
The 1200 RS is a great bike, but I have heard nothing but problems since it came out. So if you want one, I would opt for a '24.

The 1050 is also a great bike, but might be down on power a bit compared to the 1200. And if you want a 1050 and you're trying to save money, you might want to get an older one like a '10 or '12 for a lot less money, since they haven't changed that much.

Now watch all the 1200 guys show up and tell me it's a great bike and I'm full of it! 😄

Of course there's also the Tiger, and the Rocket if you want to mix it up a bit...
 
#3 ·
The 1200 RS is a great bike, but I have heard nothing but problems since it came out. So if you want one, I would opt for a '24.

The 1050 is also a great bike, but might be down on power a bit compared to the 1200. And if you want a 1050 and you're trying to save money, you might want to get an older one like a '10 or '12 for a lot less money, since they haven't changed that much.

Now watch all the 1200 guys show up and tell me it's a great bike and I'm full of it! 😄

Of course there's also the Tiger, and the Rocket if you want to mix it up a bit...
Ill be the first to tell you that "heard" is nice but not good enough for an answer.
as for the covid the initial bikes in 2021 did had issues that were solved later in 2022. I had a 2022 for a year - it is an amazing bike that can easily can be a commuter and in a sec become a hyper naked but not too intimidating. very high quality components, unlike the ducati there is CC and fuel gauge 😂, surprisingly it's super comfortable for long distance and really there is nothing not to love in this bike. in the period I had it, I did all kind of riding including track days and there were two recalls for fan protector and some clutch part which the dealer initiate the fix.
only reason I sold it because it gave me too much confidence riding far far away from the road limits (happens when 1st gear cuts in 135KM/H)....
now chilling on my retro ST1200....

bottom line - if you are in the market for hyper naked - I highly recommend especially Vs. the high temp complicated expensive to maintain V4 engines of Ducati & Aprilia...
 
#4 ·
Won’t comment on the Speed Triples as, while I’ve ridden both, I not owned either. But as it was mentioned above, do yourself a favour and at least test ride one of the new 1200 Tigers. Bigger and heavier than a Speed Triple and with “only” 150 hp but I think you’d find it ticks a lot of boxes. Supremely comfortable, loaded with features, great handling, better performance than most other bikes, versatile and would leave any Spd Triple for dead in terms of carrying a passenger. If nothing else you could rule it out.
 
#11 ·
Sorry to disagree, I took the latest 1200 Tiger out for a test run. It was so underwhelming I almost fell asleep. Handling was dreadful in all modes, power...what power ? I had an earlier version which was imho much better. Also when manoeuvring about parking areas it was so top heavy, ok
..ish on the move. So unless that is the type of beast you are looking for stay away. Donkeys for courses !
 
#7 ·
Triumph is good at doing that. Just look at Street Triple 675v765 or Tiger 800v900, all of which I’ve owned. They took amazing bikes, easily the best in their respective classes, and somehow made them better in every way. Totally agree with your “unbiased” opinion of the Speed Triple.
 
#9 ·
I’ve not owned a 1050 so can’t comment on that. I owned a 1200 RS for 18 months. It was an early 2021 model and in terms of quality and reliability it was absolutely fine (apart from a few minor ‘keyless’ issues).

The only reason I sold it was because it was way too stiffly sprung for UK road use. No matter how I tried adjusting the suspension it would hop, skip & jump over road imperfections and any major bumps could knock me clean out of the saddle. I’m a light weight at under 63kg so that probably didn’t help, but my choice was to either spend big money getting the springs and dampers replaced/re-valved or just swap it for something more suitable. I swapped it for a Speed Twin 1200 - very different kind of bike but far more road friendly for me. I also realised that 180hp is irrelevant on the road, I could hardly scratch the surface of that!
 
#10 ·
I can't speak for either but if you're looking for a great deal on a new Speed Triple, Marin Speed Shop in California has speed triples for $11,999 right now, out the door for about $13,700 (not including your states licensing and taxes). Shipping is probably gonna run ya another $600-$700. I believe their sales are good till late March if interested.
 
#15 ·
I hate to do this to you but the latest versions of the 1050 have an gearbox issue when using the factory fitted quickshifter. 4th to 5th can cause a loud and violent change which has been known to wreck the gearbox. Lovely bikes though, just not as good as the 1200 even with the inconvenience of the recalls. If you are going for a 1050 seriously consider one that does not have and never has had the factory fitted quickshifter. Im not sure if the issuse arose with non factory shifters. All the best.
 
#18 ·
Great points, gives me some things to think about. I do love both of these bikes and its good to hear the positive feedback. I have owned many bikes and have been lucky enough to not have many problems so I had no need to go on the forums :), but you are right, that's the first place people go when they have problems so they are more visible. Thanks again!
 
#20 ·
My '22 1200 RS had a couple of the recall issues addressed at the shop before I bought it (exhaust shield and quickshifter) and they have not been an issue since. There was a recall about putting a heat shield on the cooling fan motor...done and not a big deal at all. There is a current recall out to address the cooling fan at the ECU ( I assume it will turn on at a lower temp). I'm not going to do this one because I bought the BT Moto stage 1 tune, which already lowers the "on" temp. None of these are a big deal at all to me, and all were taken care of and have not been an issue ever. These items in no way would steer me to getting a 1050 vs. the 1200. My only real complaints about the 1200 are:
1) Silly side stand that doesn't lean over enough
2) The wheelie control and traction control are one and the same. I like to ride with TC on low and wheelie control off, but on my 1200 I have to switch TC off to wheelie freely
3) Cruise control restrictions are annoying (must be in 3rd gear and going a minimum speed that I forget right now)
They are kinda giving them away now to make room for the new upgraded models on the RS. (There's some spy photos of RS's with electronic suspension)'
I've never ridden the 1050, but I've ridden plenty of bikes over the years. The 1200 RS is a fantastic machine that I would recommend to anyone looking for a "super naked".