2005 was the last time Triumph updated the Speed Triple by giving it the new 1050cc engine. Five years on and Triumph saw fit to update, overhaul and completely transform its biggest selling bike – 65,000 models sold since 1994. For 2011 the Speed Triple has an all-new chassis package, frame and swingarm included, to turn MCN’s favourite big-bore naked bike into a thoroughly modern big-bore naked bike. Changing the round ‘bug-eyed’ glass and chrome twin headlights for modern plastic items could have gone so badly wrong for Triumph. After all, changing something so iconic can be likened to downgrading the M1 to 45mph maximum speed limit. Thankfully Triumph got the new version spot on and the new Speed Triple is the best yet and arguably the best super naked out there.
Engine
| rating |  |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
The only part of the 2011 Speed Triple to receive the least amount of attention. But who cares? When you’ve got a triple-cylinder 1050cc engine that can pull a castle down with sheer torque alone and yet still run with the sports bike boys, you know this engine just has to be pretty special. The claimed 5bhp increase in peak power doesn’t mean diddly as such. It is the extra 8-10bhp and greater spread of torque from 6-9000rpm that makes a big difference. Overtakes are completed quicker and with a greater safety margin, and the Speed triple will wheelie for ever. A revised ECU, exhaust and airbox are responsible for the power step and also the wonderful, low rpm manners – we like tractable. New gearbox components make shifting more positive.
Ride and Handling
| rating |  |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
The new frame allowed Triumph to shift the engine further forward and angled downward to shift the bike’s front weight bias in order to speed up the steering and make the Speed Triple as agile as the glorious 675 street Triple. Triumph also shifted the battery to behind the headstock, moved the rider closer to the steering head and changed the steering geometry. The upshot is a bike that is so easy to ride in any situation. Fast road riding, town work and track days are now all within the Speed Triple’s remit. The seat is narrower and ride height lower, making the bike accessible to short-legged riders – the slightly smaller turning circle makes life a lot easier,too.
Equipment
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating | |
The new dash layout features a service schedule indicator, programmable shift light and a pre-wired Tyre Pressure Monitor System that only needs the £120 accessory sensors fitted to the wheels. The ignition key now has an immobiliser as per the Japanese competition. Special star rating goes to the Brembo radial brakes that have been retained from the old model – these beauties work and work better still now a Brembo front master cylinder is used. An ABS version will be available early 2011.
Quality and Reliability
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating | |
It doesn’t take much of a look to see the new frame, swingarm and chassis components are finished perfectly. Triumph has placed greater emphasis on detail finish, which should allay previous comments on water ingress to switchgear. Even though the engine has been tweaked, Triumph claims the engine isn’t stressed even pushed to the max.
Value
| rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating | |
A new bike with three years of development behind it, which also includes upgraded components, would ordinarily worry our wallets. But Triumph has managed to peg the new Speed Triple to £8599, just £400 more than the outgoing model. But while the new Speed Triple’s price tops Honda’s CB1000R and Kawasaki Z1000 by around £100, it’s the Triumph that floats MCN’s boat.
Insurance
Insurance group: 14
Model History
1994: UK introduction of 885cc steel framed café racer Speed Triple
1997: Streetfighter-styled (twin headlight) 885cc Speed Triple Speed Triples) with aluminium frame and fuel injection
1999: UK introduction of 955cc Speed Triple
2005: UK introduction of 1050cc Speed Triple
2011: UK introduction of all new Speed Triple
1997: Streetfighter-styled (twin headlight) 885cc Speed Triple Speed Triples) with aluminium frame and fuel injection
1999: UK introduction of 955cc Speed Triple
2005: UK introduction of 1050cc Speed Triple
2011: UK introduction of all new Speed Triple
Other Versions
2004: Triumph Speed Triple Special Edition – all-black paintwork
2009: Triumph Speed Triple Special Edition 15th Anniversary – black paint with red detailing and John Bloor monicker on the fuel tank
2010: Triumph Speed Triple SE – first Speed Triple with two-tone (red/white) paint and uprated suspension.
2009: Triumph Speed Triple Special Edition 15th Anniversary – black paint with red detailing and John Bloor monicker on the fuel tank
2010: Triumph Speed Triple SE – first Speed Triple with two-tone (red/white) paint and uprated suspension.
Specifications
| Top speed | mph |
|---|---|
| 1/4-mile acceleration | secs |
| Power | 133bhp |
| Torque | 82ftlb |
| Weight | 214kg |
| Seat height | 825mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17.5 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | mpg |
| Tank range | miles |
| Insurance group | 14 |
| Engine size | 1050cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | liquid-cooled 12v DOHC four-stroke in-line triple. Six speed. Fuel injection |
| Frame | Aluminium twin spar |
| Front suspension adjustment | Fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension adjustment | Fully adjustable |
| Front brakes | 2 x 320mm discs with four-piston radial calipers |
| Rear brake | 255mm disc with two-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
No comments:
Post a Comment