Triumph says its TE-1 electric sportsbike project used the company’s Speed Triple 1200 as a benchmark for performance, style and ergonomics.
With Triumph’s newest counterparts sharing so many traits, it’s the perfect opportunity for an electric vs petrol head-to-head comparison.
BACKGROUND
Triumph TE-1
Two years in the making, and using some of the best brains in the UK world of electric transport, the TE-1 is a one-off “prototype demonstrator” that looks production ready. However, Triumph says it’s just an “indication” of the direction it is taking with electric motorcycles and the technology could be applied to a range of models, both road and off-road. It chose the Speed Triple 1200 RS as its benchmark for development.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
Triumph took the original brawny nakedbike and totally redesigned it to create the Speed Triple 1200 RS. It has a 26 percent improved power-to-weight ratio over the previous 1050 version, but still meets Euro 5. The 2021 Speed Triple is light, streamlined and a greyhound rather than the original bulked-up bulldog of 1994. On track the RS pulls incredibly hard, meaning it takes a huge physical effort to hold on when on it.
NUTS AND BOLTS
Triumph TE-1
Electric motorcycles are all about instant torque and the TE-1 delivers an impressive 130kW and 109Nm. This means amazing responsiveness in a smooth controlled power curve all the way up through the rev range. Perhaps the best way to describe this is a standing start acceleration official test result of 3.6 seconds 0-100km/h and 6.2 seconds 0-160km/h. It weighs 220kg, half of this the battery pack.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
Peak power is up 22kW from the previous 1050 engine to 132.4kW. Peak torque is up 8Nm to 125Nm, and the engine spins 650rpm higher. Weight is slashed by 10kg to 190kg dry, there is a new, lighter aluminium frame, more advanced electronics, improved Öhlins suspension and Brembo Stylema brake calipers. To sum up, the 1200 RS is the fastest, most powerful triple-powered motorcycle Triumph has ever produced.
ONES AND ZEROS
Triumph TE-1
The TE-1 borrows signature design cues from the Speed Triple that include an aluminium frame, distinctive twin headlights and a head-down focused styling stance and poise. The level of electronics is impressive, with riding modes for rain/sport/track/unlimited. The battery lasts 20 minutes at full power (a typical trackday session) but can also be recharged in just 20 minutes. It sports similar suspension and brakes to the Speed Triple RS.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
The RS is loaded with tech: keyless ignition and fuel cap, a new five-inch TFT dash and five riding modes that alter wheelie control, ABS and traction control. There’s an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, 43mm NIX30 front fork and Brembo’s latest brakes. With styling and outright performance similar to the TE-1, what’s the big difference? Serious power and torque are accessed after 6000rpm on the RS but are instant on the TE-1.
SPECS – Electric vs Petrol
Triumph TE-1
Engine: Battery pack comprising 900 cells shaped into 8 modules to fit frame
Power: 130kW
Torque: 109Nm
Weight: 220kg
Fuel capacity: 161km range (road conditions)
Availability: Nil
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
Engine: 1100cc, liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder
Power: 132.4kW @ 10,750rpm
Torque: 125Nm @ 9000 rpm
Weight: 198kg (wet)
Fuel capacity: 15.5L (5.6L/100km)
Availability: Now