Why does the Triumph Speed Triple have Different Rear Tire Sizes?
Since 1994, increased power and torque from Speed Triple engines have prompted rear tire size changes to accommodate improvements in sport tire technology. Sportbike tire brands have played a key role in the Speed Triple’s evolution into a true hypernaked with genuine track prowess.
So, what are the tire sizes and stock rubber brands for the Triumph Speed Triple’s many incarnations since 1994?
The first generation (1994-1996) 900 Triumph Speed Triple weighed 461lbs and housed a 98hp/60lb-ft 885cc engine.
- The stock rim sizes were 180/55-17 rear and 120/70-17 front.
- Stock rubber included sportbike tires from Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Metzeler, and Dunlop.
A Europe-only 750cc Triumph Speed Triple was released in 1996/1997, pushing out 84hp and 49lb-ft of torque. The short-lived iteration weighed 476lbs.
- The stock rims were 160/60-18 rear and 120/70-17 front.
- The OE rubber came from Michelin and Pirelli.
In 1997/’98, Triumph released the legendary T509 Speed Triple with an 885cc mill generating 108hp and 62lb-ft. The bug-eyed, single-sided swingarm rarity weighed 432lbs.
- Stock rear rim size was 190/50-17 and 120/70-17 on the front.
- Triumph sourced the tires from Bridgestone, Michelin, and Metzeler.
The 1998-2005 Triumph 955i Speed Triple boasted greater cubic capacity than its predecessors and delivered 118hp and 72lb-ft of torque, weighing in at 492lbs.
- The stock rims are a 190/50-17 rear and a 120/70-17 front.
- Stock tires came from Bridgestone, Pirelli, and Metzeler.
From 2005 to 2010, Triumph released the 1050cc Speed Triple, cranking out 131hp and 77lb-ft of torque, a considerable leap in grunt on the earlier models. The bike weighed a slender 416lbs.
- The rear rim size is 180/55-17 with a 120/70-17 front.
- OEM tires came from Michelin, Bridgestone, Metzeler, and Dunlop.
The 2011-2016 Triumph 1050cc Speed Triple and Speed Triple R saw a better power-to-weight ratio, handling improvements, and sleeker looks. The bike pushed out 135hp and 82lb-ft of torque, weighing in at 471lbs.
- The rear rims size is 190/55-17 with a 120/70-17 front.
- Triumph’s tires of choice came from Metzeler, Pirelli, Bridgestone, and Michelin.
Triumph’s 2017-2020 Speed Triple R, S, and RS models saw an impressive leap in power output with 150hp and 86lb-ft of torque from a bike weighing 423lbs.
- The rear rim size at 190/55-17 with the front at 120/70-17.
- Stock tires came from Pirelli, Metzeler, and Michelin.
The 2021/2022 Triumph 1200 Speed Triple RS and Speed Triple RR have a 1160cc powerplant that delivers 177.5hp and 92lb-ft of torque. Both bikes tip the scales at around 438lbs.
- Rear rim size is 190/55-17 with a front rim at 120/70-17.
- Stock tires on the Speed Triple RS are the Metzeler Racetec RR K3s.
- Stock tires on the Speed Triple RR are the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3s.
The Triumph Speed Triple has been touted from the get-go as a sportbike with track racing chops. Accordingly, the spectrum of applications for the Speed Triple is broad and includes all riding styles on paved surfaces, from urban streets and country roads to racing circuit asphalt.
- The most common tires bought by Speed Triple owners are sportbike tires and sport touring tires that cater to riders who do most of their miles on regular roads.
- Speed Triple owners with a need for hard braking and cornering grip favor hypersport tires, sportbike tires with a bias towards track application.
Ultimately, the best tires for your Triumph Speed Triple will satisfy your specific riding circumstances, be that town (sportbike tires), track (hypersport tires), or twisties (sport touring tires).
The Top Tires for the Triumph Speed Triple
The best tires for the Triumph Speed Triple use multi-compound recipes, incorporating silica and carbon black for superior cornering grip and wet weather traction. Reinforced carcasses and high silica content extend tire life in street sport and sport touring tires for the Speed Triple.
The Triumph Speed Triple is, at root, a high-performance street-racing bike. Its stock rubber has always provided optimum traction for high-speed riding on asphalt road and track surfaces.
Today, tires for the Triumph Speed Triple offer a balance between grip and longevity that best serves the riding application.
- Hypersport tires lean heavily towards stickiness and high-temperature application but don’t last long.
- Sportbike tires offer ample traction for road racing in diverse conditions and respectable durability.
- Sport touring tires deliver all-weather performance and impressive longevity.
Let’s break the list down by application and model years:
The Best 12 Tires for the Triumph Speed Triple
- Metzeler Racetec RR K3 | Hypersport Tire | 2011 - 2022
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 | Hypersport Tire | 2011 – 2022
- Avon AV 3D Ultra | Hypersport Tire | 2011 – 2022
- Bridgestone Battlax S22 | Hypersport Tire | 2011 – 2022
- Michelin Road 6 | Sportbike Tire | 2011 - 2022
- Dunlop Roadsport 2 | Sportbike Tire | 2011 – 2022
- Bridgestone Battlax T32 | Sport Touring Tire | 2011 – 2022
- Metzeler Roadtec 1 | Sport Touring Tire | 2011 – 2022
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II | Hypersport Tire | 2005 – 2011
- Avon Storm 3D | Sportbike Tire | 1997 – 2005
- Metzeler Sportec M9 RR | Sportbike Tire | 1994 – 1996
- Pirelli Angel GT | Sportbike Tire | 1996/’97 750cc
Best Hypersport Tires for the Triumph Speed Triple
The best hypersport tires for the Speed Triple will heat up quickly, offering good rider feedback through corners at extreme lean angles and retaining traction under harsh acceleration and braking. Multicompound rubber configurations with minimal tread create optimal slick contact patches.
1. Metzeler Racetec RR K3 | Hypersport Tire | 2011 - 2022
Metzeler is a dedicated motorcycle tire manufacturer and a leading developer of racing tires for the Isle of Man TT. The Racetec RR K3 is the stock rubber on the latest Triumph Speed Triple RS 1200, and yes, it’s a proper road race tire.
With long straights at high speeds in mind, the Racetec RR K3s have a microfiber radial carcass to give additional rigidity, shock absorption, and strength while limiting high-speed deformity from centrifugal forces.
A dual-compound rubber composite using resins, polymers, and carbon black delivers racing-spec stickiness, giving the Racetec RR K3 excellent performance through the twisties and chicanes on varied asphalt surfaces.
The rubber compound heats up quickly and can reach optimum racing stickiness in cold conditions.
The tread grooves on the Racetec RR K3 front and rear tires maximize the contact patch area for peak performance in dry conditions.
The shoulders of the tires are bereft of grooves/sipes, ensuring optimal adhesion at extreme lean angles on dry surfaces.
Riding on asphalt roads in wet conditions using the Racetec RR K3 set is safe but cornering should be executed at moderate speeds.
The tread pattern is designed to minimize creasing of the rubber resulting in prolonged tire life.
Metzeler Racetec RR K3 Rear Tire | 190/55ZR-17 | $254,08
Metzeler Racetec RR K3 Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 | $181,37
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- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 75W: 853lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: A wise purchase for all liter-plus Triumph Speed Triple riders who enjoy sporadic track excursions and regular road blasts in dry weather.
2. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 | Hypersport Tire | 2011 – 2022
The SP V3 is the stock tire on the beautifully beastly 2022 Triumph Speed Triple RR – a tire developed along the lines of Pirelli’s World Superbike Championship rubber. Quick to reach operating temperatures, the SP V3s are for experienced track jockeys and spirited canyon-carvers.
The Supercorsa SP V3 is DOT-approved, so while they may look like demon slicks when rolling, these hoops will do the business legally on public blacktops.
A single-compound front and a dual-compound rear rubber formulation give the Supercorsa SP V3s the necessary track-ready properties for high-performance acceleration and braking straight out the gate in dry weather.
The multi-layer radial carcass distributes force evenly across the tire profile for improved rider feedback and straight-line handling.
The arched profile on the Supercorsa SP V3s, coupled with the sticky shoulder rubber, ensures optimum traction through the corners at extreme lean angles.
The revised tread pattern is minimal but aggressive for a super-racy 4% void on the contact patch.
Pirelli Supercorsa SP V3 Rear Tire| 190/55ZR-17 | $351,88
Pirelli Supercorsa SP V3 Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 | $227,61
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- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 75W: 853lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: The V3 isn’t cheap, but you’re getting cutting-edge sportbike rubber technology that will slice seconds off your lap times. You’ll also be legally compliant to tackle the canyons any time, as long as it’s dry out there.
3. Avon AV 3D Ultra | Hypersport Tire | 2011 – 2022
If you prefer British gloves on your British streetfighter, the Avon AV 3D Ultra is the hypersport tire for you – aggressive profiles for sharp drop-ins and ace flickability, plus a minimal groove pattern for optimum slick performance on a street-legal tire.
The Avon AV 3D Ultra’s three-dimensional grooving and siping technology create interlocking sipes that offer superior stability and traction in dry weather conditions, and quick warm-up times.
The super-sticky rubber compound on both front and rear tires enable extreme lean angles and optimal traction at full throttle and under hard braking.
Avon designed he AV 3D Ultra for passionate sports riders who don’t spare pennies on their rubber, and bikers who take their Speed Triples to the limit on the track and the open road.
Avon 3D Ultra Rear Tire| 190/55R-17 | $305,74
Avon 3D Ultra Front Tire | 120/70R-17 | $223,38
Click these links and SAVE 10-13%.
- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 75W: 853lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: A premium track-racing tire with unique grip-enhancing technologies for speed freaks. Best used on dry surfaces, on the circuit, in the city, or the country.
4. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 | Hypersport Tire | 2011 – 2022
Bridgestone has been a partner with Triumph since the development of the Speed Triple in the early 1990s, and the Battlax range of sportbike tires has become a stalwart for high-performance naked riders.
The Battlax Hypersport S22 is a well-respected set of tires for hypernaked bikes, the later Speed triple iterations being no exception.
A dual-compound front tire rubber formulation and a triple-compound rear blend create a set of rubbers that can handle diverse high-speed challenges, from 150mph straights to 60-degree lean angles.
The tread design digs more extensively into the contact patches (middle and shoulder) than rival hypersport tires, offering a confidence-inspiring wet-weather ride without compromising the effectiveness of the center contact patch.
While competing in the hypersport tire category, the Battleax Hypersport S22 offers more scope than most competitors, thanks to the prudent use of extra siping on the shoulders of the front and rear tires.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 Rear Tire | 190/55R-17 | $208,74
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 Front Tire | 120/70R-17 | $153,39
Click these links and SAVE up to 28%.
- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 75W: 853lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: The S22 is a proven winner on the track, and the new hypersport groove/sipe design allows riders to belt it in wet weather at a reasonable price.
Best Sportbike Tires for the Triumph Speed Triple
The best sportbike tires for the Triumph Speed Triple combine silica and sticky rubber compounds that deliver exceptional sports handling, improved traction in wet conditions, and better longevity than hypersport tires. Advanced tread designs enhance stability and traction on slippery surfaces.
5. Michelin Road 6 | Sportbike Tire | 2011 - 2022
No other motorcycle tire looks remotely similar to the Michelin Road range of sportbike tires. The Road 6 takes Michelin’s patented tread design and compound formulations a step further with impressive advances in grip and longevity.
Looking more like a sport touring tire, the Michelin Road 6 is in fact, a sportbike tire, despite its well-grooved skin. The unique tread pattern on the Michelin Road 6 enables superior sports riding in wet conditions and on slippery surfaces, making it a perfect streetnaked tire.
The blending of silica into the dual-compound rubber in both front and rear Road 6 tires improves wet weather handling by 15% over the Michelin Road 5.
Tire longevity is improved by 10% compared with earlier Michelin Road iterations, thanks to the patented rubber and silica formulation.
The Road 6 presents a trustworthy all-weather set of tires with proven high-speed technology backing them up – perfect for day trips through the mountain passes and blacktop byways.
Michelin Road 6 Rear Tire | 190/55ZR-17 | $299,07
Michelin Road 6 Front | 120/70ZR-17 | $218,07
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- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 75W: 853lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: Michelin is a pioneering tire manufacturer, and the Road 6 inspires confidence in all riding conditions. The premium price is offset by the Road 6’s proven tire longevity, which will exceed 15 000 miles.
6. Dunlop Roadsport 2 | Sportbike Tire | 2011 – 2022
For a sportbike tire offering street prowess and track chops, look at the Dunlop Roadsport 2. The elegant tread work on dual-compound rubber performs admirably, even when it rains.
The high-arch profile on the Roadsport 2 delivers nimble cornering characteristics, while the reinforced carcass provides structural integrity under aggressive throttle and brake action.
Sparing but strategic grooves and sipes express water effectively for optimum wet weather traction, making track and street riding in inclement weather a breeze.
The Roadsport 2 rubber compound heats up quickly, ensuring safe handling and excellent feedback from the get-go.
Dunlop Roadsport 2 Rear Tire | 190/55ZR-17 | $126,97
Dunlop Roadsport 2 Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 | $80,60
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- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 75W: 853lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: If you’re riding your Speed Triple on the track occasionally, you’ll have the agility and grip with a set of Dunlop Roadsport 2s to slice seconds off your lap record without breaking the bank - a budget sportbike tire that punches well above its fighting weight.
Best Sport Touring Tires for the Triumph Speed Triple
The best sport touring tires for the Triumph Speed Triple include silica-rich rubber compounds for enhanced wet weather traction and improved longevity. Premium sport touring tires have grooves and sipes that evacuate water without compromising traction on the center and shoulder contact patches.
7. Bridgestone Battlax T32 | Sport Touring Tire | 2011 – 2022
Bridgestone has some interesting tire technologies, and the Battlax T32 sports more than one innovation that boosts overall performance and value, notably, Pulse Groove Technology, Bridgestone’s patented groove design that drains water more effectively than any rival brand.
Each groove is widened at intervals to accommodate deflectors that divert water from a linear path, thereby assisting displacement and drainage.
Bridgestone uses nanotechnology to distribute silica throughout the compound at a molecular level for optimum performance as a water repellant and rubber wear resistor.
Bridgestone’s Cap & Base shoulder construction improves cornering grip, due to the tires’ upper shoulder portion comprising sticky rubber. The lower half of the shoulder is made from firm, anti-abrasive rubber.
Bridgestone reports significant improvements in contact patch area, stopping distances, and tire longevity in the Battlax T32s compared with the earlier T31 derivative.
Bridgestone Battlax T32 Rear Tire| 190/55ZR-17 | $215,06
Bridgestone Battlax T32 Front Tire| 120/70ZR-17 | $148,65
Click these links and SAVE UP TO 32%.
- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 75W: 853lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: Here’s a tire that gives the Speed Triple scope beyond its typical applications. A Sport touring tire with class-leading stopping power and longevity, plus exceptional handling characteristics, make a sensible fitment for riders who want epic all-weather trips.
8. Metzeler Roadtec 1 | Sport Touring Tire | 2011 – 2022
If you’re riding in cold and wet weather on city roads with poor pavement conditions, Metzeler has the answer for your Speed Triple in its Roadtec 1 Sport touring tire. An unusual radial groove pattern on the front and lashings of sipe and tread action on the rear hoop create a surefooted platform for hypernaked riding.
A reinforced and rebalanced carcass provides structural integrity, stability, and safety under hard braking, while silica-rich rubber delivers extended tire life.
The Metzeler Roadtec 1 will keep you alive and well, rain or shine in post-apocalyptic riding conditions.
Metzeler Roadtec 1 Rear Tire| 190/55ZR-17 | $244,52
Metzeler Roadtec 1 Front Tire| 120/70R-17 | $161,99
Click these links and SAVE 24%.
- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 75W: 853lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: Roadtec 1s are durable, dependable, and not short on performance prowess – a sensible package for seasoned riders who take their rides in unfriendly terrain.
Best Tires for Pre-2011 Triumph Speed Triples
The best tires for legacy Triumph Speed Triples released from 1994 to 2010 include sportbike, sport touring, and hypersport tires. Current tire technology makes most sportbike tires ideal for multi-application use on the Speed Triple, from track to twisties to street sport riding.
9. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II | Hypersport Tire | 2005 – 2011
The Street Triple of this generation weighed just 416lbs, the lightest iteration of the series. The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II hypersport tires will transform the 131hp ‘super-model on speed’ into a super-model on steroids.
A 100% silica and carbon black blend in a multi-compound formulation gives the Diablo Rosso Corsa IIs unsurpassed stickiness, water repulsion abilities, and durability in a race-ready tire.
The conservative yet effective grooves leave the shoulders free for optimum cornering traction in dry conditions. The primary contact patch delivera impressive traction and feedback.
For track days and spirited road riding, the Diablo Rosso Corsa II offers premier World Superbike Championship technology in an affordable package.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II Rear Tire| 180/55ZR-17 | $203,13
Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 | $160,13
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- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 34psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 73W: 805lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: An exciting tire for adrenalin-fuelled riding on track and street. Ride in the rain but take it easy through the twisties.
10. Avon Storm 3D XM | Sport Touring Tire | 1997 – 2005
The inspiring Triumph Speed Triple 995i and T509 have an ultra-modern set of hoops to elevate their innate road racing characteristics – the Avon Storm 3D XM sport touring tire - exceptional grip, all-weather prowess, and durability.
Avon’s patented 3D tread design limits tread flex and allows rapid tire heating for ready-to-go performance on the road or track.
Silica-rich compounds provide a versatile platform for optimum contact patch traction, agility when cornering, and water expulsion.
The Avon Storm 3D XM gives adventurous riders the confidence to get their kicks in all kinds of weather and asphalt conditions with the added advantage of high mileage potential.
Avon Storm 3D XM Rear Tire | 190/50ZR-17 | $200,07
Avon Storm 3D XM Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 | $141,00
Click these links and SAVE 22%.
- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 42psi / Front: 32psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 73W: 805lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: Avon’s British high-performance street tires suit a legendary British motorcycle perfectly - reasonably priced prowess with aggressive styling.
11. Metzeler Sportec M9 RR | Hypersport Tire | 1994 – 1996
A heritage bike needs a classic tire, and the Sportec M9 RR is Metzeler’s first 100% silica-compound sportbike tire – spirited soles for all pavement and weather conditions.
The full-silica blend delivers durability and wet weather performance, as well as the ability to reach optimum temperature rapidly in cold conditions.
The striking grooves leave sufficient slick contact patches on the shoulders and the center of the front and rear tires for highly capable cornering.
Metzeler Sportec M9 RR Rear Tire | 180/55ZR-17 | $194,30
Metzeler Sportec M9 RR Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 | $153,81
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- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 38psi / Front: 32psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 73W: 805lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: A versatile hypersport tire with all the racing pedigree a streetfighter needs for under $400 a set – a savvy choice for maverick riders.
12. Avon Spirit ST | Sportbike Tire | 1996/’97 750cc
The only Triumph Speed Triple with an 18-inch rear rim has a fitting cohort in the Avon Spirit ST, a sport touring tire with all the attributes to offer a thrilling ride on the track or the road.
Silica-rich rubber, deep grooves, expressive sipes, and classic styling combine to deliver a spirited ride with confidence-inspiring traction from high-tech tire technologies.
Avon Spirit ST Rear Tire | 160/60ZR-18 | $197,34
Avon Spirit ST Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 | $139,00
Click these links and SAVE 26%.
- Triumph’s Recommended Tire Pressures | Rear: 38psi / Front: 32psi
- Rear Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 70W: 739lbs. / 168+mph
- Front Tire Load/Speed Rating @ 58W: 520lbs. / 168+mph
The Upshot: The Spirit ST is a unique and highly capable sport tire for a rare motorcycle – a true British conversation starter.
Do New Triumph Speed Triple Tires Need Scrubbing?
It is wise to ‘scrub’ or ‘wear in’ new tires to remove traces of chemicals used in the manufacturing process to prevent the rubber from sticking to the mold and to smoothen the rubber surface. Scrubbing requires mild riding for around 150 miles after fitment until the tires lose their glossy finish.
Another important consideration before hopping aboard your Speed Triple immediately after you’ve fitted new rubber is tire temperature.
All auto sport tires have optimal operating temperatures when the rubber reaches its maximum potential for traction.
To avoid dropping your bike and injuring yourself, ride conservatively for several miles when the tires are cold.
Twist the throttle and drag that knee only when your tires are hot enough to keep you moving safely!
Now, get shopping!
