New Triumph Speed Triple revealed
The original super naked gets heavily updated for 2016 with a new engine and electronics package
THERE'S a whole class of ludicrously fast bikes today that might not even exist if it wasn't for the Triumph Speed Triple, arguably the original, seminal super-naked.
For 2016, Triumph is taking a swipe back at new competition from the BMW S1000R, Aprilia Tuono V4 and KTM 1290 Super Duke R with a heavily updated Speed Triple - and this is it.
We'd already seen it in spy shots but now it's official: it's had significant revisions including a new engine and a full compliment of electronics, along with changes to its styling and bodywork, Triumph has confirmed.
The firm says the new 1050cc three-cylinder engine features 104 new developments to give it more power and torque across the whole rev range, while delivering up to 10% improved fuel efficiency. It’s got a new combustion chamber and cylinder head, a new machined crank, new piston design and new ride-by-wire throttle bodies. The engine and radiator are also ‘significantly narrower’, which Triumph says results in 20mm narrower standover.
The new Speed Triple has also been given a slipper clutch, a new smaller radiator (which Triumph says is more efficient), plus an exhaust system with a claimed 70% improved flow rate. There are no power or torque figures available yet, but Triumph sent a poll to Speed Triple owners earlier this year which suggested it would make 140hp.
That same poll also suggested the new bike would have more technology, and sure enough the 2016 Speed Triple has been treated to a host of tech updates including a new ECU and an adjustable ride-by-wire throttle with changeable throttle maps. The new bike also has five riding modes: road, rain, sport, track and a rider programmable mode. ABS is rider selectable, as is the level of traction control, which is linked to the riding modes. Brembo monobloc calipers take care of braking at the front.
Styling changes include new headlamps, the addition of daytime running lights, more sleek bodywork and an all-new seat, which Triumph says is inspired by the Daytona 675R.
The new Speed Triple R has all of the above, plus some additional trick bits over the S model, including a carbon-fibre front mudguard, carbon tank inserts and a bellypan. The R also gets a full compliment of Ohlins suspension with NIX30 front forks and a TTX36 rear shock. On top of that, it also has billet-machined bar clamps and risers, swingarm pivot covers and rear wheel finisher, plus a red radiator cowls and a red subframe.
Available colours for the Speed Triple S are ‘Diablo Red’ and ‘Phantom Black’, while the Speed Triple R will be available in ‘Crystal White’ and ‘Matt Graphite’.
There is no word on price yet.
Check out the new Speed Triple in action here.
