The Triumph Speed Triple SE gets more than just a cool paint job with
uprated suspension, flyscreen and seat cowl and retains the 128bhp
three-cylinder 1050 motor common to all Speed Triples. The suspension
changes will be introduced on all Speed Triples in 2010 as the bike enters what
is thought to be the final year before a new model is scheduled to replace it.
It may be heading into its fifth year of production but it remains a
great-looking bike with the performance to match. The suspension changes include
modified internals in the forks and shock to improve the damping. Combined with
a five per cent softer rear spring, Triumph claim a better ride and reduced fork
dive under braking.
Triumph is celebrating 15 years of the Speed Triple,
the most
successful motorcycle of the company’s modern Hinckley era, with a distinctive
limited edition model.
Triumph pioneered the now-famous “streetfighter” style in the early 1990s by
pulling inspiration
from a growing group of enthusiasts that were modifying their track-based
motorcycles for a more
menacing look on the street. The “streetfighter” or “naked” category of
motorcycles was born and the
Speed Triple has maintained a strong hold on the category ever since.
The limited edition 15th Anniversary Speed Triple stays true to the bike’s
original inspiration by
featuring unique Phantom Black metallic paint, hand-finished red pinstriped
wheels and ‘15th Anniversary Special Edition’ decals on the flyscreen and rear
bodywork. A number of Genuine Triumph accessories available as options for the
regular Speed Triple come as standard equipment to complete the custom look of
the 15th Anniversary model, including a gel seat and a color-matched flyscreen
and bellypan.
This anniversary has prompted John Bloor, the British entrepreneur who rescued
Triumph and
rebuilt the marque to become one of the fastest growing motorcycle manufacturers
in the world, to
authorize the use of his signature on a production model for the very first
time.
“There are very few motorcycles that truly break through and shift design for
the entire sport. The
Speed Triple is one of those motorcycles,” said Jim Callahan, North American
Marketing Manager for Triumph Motorcycles. “The Speed Triple has been refined
over the years for even better styling and performance, but the bike has always
remained true to the original concept and has always been one of the most
recognized streetfighter style motorcycles. It is one of Triumph’s greatest
success stories.”
More than 35,000 Speed Triples have been sold since the model was introduced.
First hitting the
showrooms in February 1994, the three-cylinder Speed Triple embodies Triumph’s
British bulldog spirit.
Drawing heavily on the influence of the stripped down café racers of the 1960s,
the first models were
powered by a 97hp version of Triumph’s modular engine and were a regular sight
on British race tracks in the thrilling Speed Triple Challenge racing series.
Over the years, the Speed Triple evolved to become the definitive factory
streetfighter. The arrival
of the fuel-injected T509 Speed Triple in 1996 saw the introduction of the
radical twin bug-eyed
headlights, single-sided swing arm and oval section frame that have since become
Speed Triple
trademarks. In 1998 the streetfighter look was completed with the switch from
low-slung clip-on
handlebars to the classic tall and wide handlebars. The Speed Triple also hit
Hollywood, first in the Matrix and then alongside Tom Cruise in Mission
Impossible 2. With each generation, the Speed Triple has become lighter, more
powerful and brimming with even more attitude.
Weighing in at 416 lbs. and developing 130hp and 77 ft. lbs. of torque, the 2009
Speed Triple is
the lightest and most powerful version to date. The bike’s distinctive triple
sound is accompanied by a
smooth and muscular power curve that pulls strongly from idle to red line.
Handling is agile and precise
and is augmented by powerful Brembo radial front caliper brakes.
Features and Specifications:
Engine: Weighing in at 189kg and developing 132PS and 105Nm of torque, the 2009
Speed Triple is the lightest and most powerful version to date. With its
distinctive triple sound accompanying a muscular linear power delivery that
pulls strongly from tickover to red line, combined with precise and agile
handling.
Bodywork: The Speed Triple’s rear-end has sharp, minimalist styling. It features
a new rear sub-frame, polished stainless steel heat shields and repositioned
aluminium pillion footrests to give passengers more leg room. It also sports a
clear-lens LED rear light.
Accessories: The Speed Triple 15th Anniversary Special Edition is based on the
2009 Speed Triple and comes equipped with a number of additional items as
standard, including a colour matched bellypan and flyscreen. Also included is a
stylish and comfortable Gel Seat from the Genuine Triumph Accessories range.
NOTE:
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