|
Triumph Speed Triple 2008 review
|
21 February 2008 | |
Delivering undiluted attitude and a unique presence on the road, the Speed Triple has always been synonymous with motorcycling in its most direct, rawest form available, and all the better for it. With its mix of a monstrously powerful three-cylinder engine, a top quality chassis and an aggressive, stripped down stance, Triumph’s bad boy enters its 14th year as part of the Urban Sports range. This time it brings with it a wedge of styling refinements to ensure its status as the definitive factory streetfighter. Starting from the front of the bike, a redesigned radiator shroud gives a more integrated appearance, while the new tapered anodised alloy handlebars and the black anodised front forks enhance the aesthetics. The brakes have been upgraded to high-spec twin Brembo radial front caliper four pad, four piston units with a radial master cylinder for outstanding braking performance. The alloy multi-spoke wheels have been completely restyled too. The rear end of the Speed Triple takes on a completely new design, with a brand new sub-frame, polished stainless steel heat shields and new ball burnished aluminium pillion footrests to give the pillion rider more leg room. The clear-lens LED rear light is taken from the award-winning Daytona 675. The 1,050cc, DOHC, fuel-injected, three-cylinder engine that powers the Speed Triple remains unchanged for 2008, and for good reason - the gnarly character of the inline triple is intrinsic to the Speed Triple’s brutish charm. The engine pumps out a great surge of bottom-end torque, followed by a massive mid-range punch and an impressive level of overall power, all of which is delivered to the rear wheel via a slick shifting six-speed gearbox. Peak power is 131bhp at 9,250rpm while peak torque of 77ft.lbf arrives at 7,500rpm. Triumph’s second generation Keihin Engine Control Unit offers sophisticated mapping for quicker starting, cleaner running and fuel economic engine. A rigid aluminium frame contains the engine and provides massive strength with steering geometry that gives fast-steering neutrality plus great stability. The fully adjustable 43mm upside down forks and rear monoshock – specifically developed for the Speed Triple – add superb levels of control. The single-sided swingarm adds style and substance while the twin-level oval section exhaust pipes enhance the engine’s distinctive and addictive induction roar. Three colour options are available for 2008; Jet Black, Fusion White and Blazing Orange.
Page 1
|
||
read more bike reviews |