You won’t find two harder working manufacturers than Yamaha and Triumph when it comes to maintaining an impressive tempo of new motorcycle launches, launching machines that more often than not occupy a similar portion of the market.
Only very recently have we seen the Yamaha Tracer 9 square up to the Triumph Tiger 900, not to mention the successful launch of the Triumph Trident 660, which made huge waves since its arrival to eat into sales of the MT-07.
It doesn’t end there though with the launch of the significantly updated latest generation Yamaha MT-09 and this the sporting-edged flagship Yamaha MT-09 SP. Naturally Triumph offers up the most logical rivalry in its Street Triple RS and not just because it is also powered by a triple-cylinder engine.
All but identical in price, both engineered apart from their ‘standard;’ non-SP/RS siblings to offer a more engaging, dynamic ride, as well as showcase the best in engineering without lurching into premium territory.
So they are evenly matched on paper, but we have thrown a leg over both motorcycles because, while we would happy to go home with either of these big nakeds, we had to choose one... but no spoilers, watch the video below.
If you enjoy head-to-head face-offs then the Visordown YouTube channel offers a bevy of selections in which we pitch the best against the best so you don't have to.
Suzuki Hayabusa vs Kawasaki H2 SX
Triumph Rocket 3 vs BMW R 18
KTM 390 Adventure vs Honda CB500X
