Triumph Speed Triple
The Triumph Speed Triple is a naked sport motorcycle produced by the British manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles, first introduced in 1994 as a stripped-down version of the Daytona 900 supersport model, featuring a distinctive "bug-eyed" twin headlight design and a high-revving inline-three-cylinder engine that has defined the performance roadster category for over three decades.[1][2] The Speed Triple's evolution began with the original 900cc model (T309), which delivered 98 horsepower from its 885cc liquid-cooled triple engine and weighed 209 kg dry, establishing its reputation for agile handling and raw performance inspired by café racer aesthetics.[1] Subsequent generations included the 1997 T509 with 108 bhp, the 1999-2005 955i expanding to 955cc and 118 bhp, and the pivotal 2005 Speed Triple 1050—the first fully independent design—notching 131 bhp from its enlarged 1,050cc engine, while later updates in 2011, 2016, and 2018 introduced angular styling, advanced electronics like traction control and riding modes, and power outputs reaching 148 bhp.[1] The current Speed Triple 1200 RS (2025 model) represents the pinnacle of the lineage, powered by an all-new 1,160cc inline-three engine producing 180 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 94 lb-ft of torque at 8,750 rpm, enabling relentless acceleration and a top speed exceeding 150 mph, paired with a lightweight aluminum twin-spar frame, fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers with 320mm front discs, and a suite of rider aids including cornering ABS, wheelie control, and a 5-inch TFT display.[2][3] Variants like the RR and limited-edition RX offer enhanced components such as carbon fiber wheels and premium ergonomics, with the series maintaining its iconic triple-cylinder soundtrack and razor-sharp handling for both street and track use.[4][5]Origins
Historical Background
Triumph's legacy with triple-cylinder engines dates back to the late 1960s, when the company introduced the groundbreaking 750cc Trident model in 1968, designed by engineers Bert Hopwood and Doug Hele as an inline-three powerplant aimed at competing in the expanding American market and dirt-track racing. This engine configuration provided a distinctive balance of power and smoothness, setting the foundation for Triumph's triple heritage and inspiring later naked streetfighter concepts by emphasizing raw, unfaired performance over enclosed designs. Complementing the Trident were Daytona-branded sport models in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which adapted the triple-cylinder layout for higher-revving applications in racing contexts, further solidifying the engine family's versatility in both street and racing. The "Speed" branding for later models drew symbolic inspiration from Triumph's pre-war icon, the 1938 Speed Twin, a 500cc OHV vertical twin engineered by Edward Turner that revolutionized British motorcycling with its lightweight frame and efficient parallel-twin design, effectively rescuing the company from near-bankruptcy during the Great Depression. This model's success underscored Triumph's tradition of innovative engineering and performance-oriented naming, a motif revived in the modern era following the company's 1983 bankruptcy, when British entrepreneur John Bloor acquired the brand rights and invested heavily in redevelopment, culminating in a full production relaunch by the early 1990s. Under Bloor's ownership, Triumph shifted focus to contemporary manufacturing at a new Hinckley facility, preserving the marque's heritage while adapting to post-receivership realities. By the early 1990s, the motorcycle industry was witnessing a surge in popularity for naked bikes, as riders sought agile, stripped-down alternatives to the dominant fully faired sportbikes, often customizing crashed supersports into raw "streetfighters" for urban hooliganism and everyday usability. This trend positioned the forthcoming Speed Triple as a factory-built embodiment of that ethos, offering triple-cylinder torque and character as a direct, unapologetic counterpart to faired models like the Daytona. In 1994, Triumph's relaunch featured a new modular engine family, with displacements including 750cc and 885cc triples (evolving to 955cc in subsequent iterations), designed for shared components across the lineup to enable efficient production and broad model variety.[6]Initial Development and Launch
The development of the first Triumph Speed Triple in 1994 was a pragmatic effort to expand the Hinckley-based company's lineup quickly and affordably, utilizing existing components from the Daytona 900 in what became known as a "parts bin special." This approach leveraged the modular engineering philosophy at Triumph, adapting the 885cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-three engine—originally designed for the fully faired Daytona—for a naked streetfighter configuration, delivering 98 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 61 ft-lbs of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine retained its carbureted fuel system for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, paired with a five-speed transmission to differentiate it from the Daytona's six-speed setup.[7][8][9] Key design choices emphasized a raw, aggressive aesthetic inspired by café racers and early streetfighters like the Ducati Monster, including clip-on handlebars for a sporty riding position, a single round headlight for minimalist appeal, and the Daytona 900's steel perimeter frame for proven stability and handling. These elements, combined with 17-inch wheels shod in high-performance tires and Nissin four-piston calipers, prioritized quick market entry while maintaining high performance without extensive re-engineering. The name "Speed Triple" paid brief homage to Triumph's pre-war heritage, echoing the 1938 Speed Twin and the triple-cylinder legacy of the 1960s Trident. Production commenced in February 1994 at the Hinckley factory in the UK, with initial output limited to 1,400 units for the year as part of Triumph's broader goal of 8,500 total motorcycles.[8][10][9] The Speed Triple debuted publicly in 1994, positioning Triumph as a pioneer in the factory streetfighter category, marketed toward urban riders seeking thrilling, no-frills performance with a "hooligan" edge suited to street riding. Priced at £7,600 (including VAT) in the UK—equivalent to about $11,325—it quickly gained traction for its characterful triple soundtrack and agile dynamics, becoming an unexpected sales success that helped solidify Triumph's resurgence. Early demand favored the black color scheme over yellow by a 5:1 ratio, contributing to strong initial uptake despite the limited production run.[11][8][10]Generations
Carbureted Models (1994–1996)
The carbureted Triumph Speed Triple models, produced from 1994 to 1996, marked the motorcycle's debut as a naked streetfighter derived from components of the Daytona 900, emphasizing raw performance and minimalist design. These early iterations featured a liquid-cooled, 885 cc DOHC inline-three engine with three Mikuni 36 mm flat-slide carburetors, delivering 98 hp at 9,000 rpm and 83 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine's torquey mid-range characteristics provided strong low- to mid-rpm pull, making it suitable for aggressive street riding while complying with initial emissions standards through its carbureted setup.[12][8][13] The chassis utilized a high-tensile steel perimeter frame, paired with a single-sided swingarm at the rear for precise handling. Suspension consisted of 43 mm Kayaba telescopic forks up front (fully adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound) and a Kayaba monoshock rear with similar adjustability, contributing to the bike's agile and responsive road manners. Braking was handled by dual 310 mm front discs with four-piston Nissin calipers and a single 255 mm rear disc with a two-piston caliper, offering confident stopping power. The dry weight measured 209 kg, with 17-inch alloy wheels shod in 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tires, enhancing its nimble cornering prowess. A five-speed gearbox was standard for 1994 and 1995 models, shifting to a six-speed unit in late 1995 for the 1996 lineup to improve highway cruising.[14][8][12] Performance figures underscored the Speed Triple's sporty intent, with a top speed of approximately 217 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in around 3.9 seconds, though real-world tests highlighted its explosive mid-range acceleration and engaging, unfiltered handling that rewarded skilled riders. The 25-liter fuel tank supported a range suitable for extended rides, with average consumption at about 5.5 L/100 km. For 1995 and 1996, minor refinements included updated instrumentation for better readability and subtle exhaust tweaks to refine the signature triple growl, while export markets saw variants like the T300 and T309 models adapted for regional regulations. These changes addressed early feedback on ergonomics and durability without altering the core raw character.[15][16][17]T509 (1997–1999)
The Triumph Speed Triple T509, introduced in 1997, marked the model's transition to electronic fuel injection, enhancing throttle response and reliability over the preceding carbureted versions while retaining the core 885cc inline-three architecture.[18] This first fuel-injected iteration, designated T509 after its engine code, adopted advanced fueling technology derived from the Daytona T595 to deliver smoother power delivery and better cold-start performance.[19] Produced through 1999, it emphasized modern engineering for improved emissions compliance with emerging Euro standards, paving the way for stricter regulations.[7] At its heart was a liquid-cooled, DOHC 885cc inline-three-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, producing 108 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 85 Nm of torque at around 6,700 rpm.[20] The engine featured a 76 mm bore and 66 mm stroke, a 10:1 compression ratio, and twelve valves, with the fuel injection system ensuring precise metering for consistent output across operating conditions.[18] A key upgrade was the six-speed transmission, which improved highway cruising and overall gearing flexibility compared to the five-speed units in earlier models.[21] The T509 introduced an aluminum perimeter frame, a lightweight beam-style structure that enhanced rigidity and handling precision while reducing weight.[7][19] Suspension comprised 43mm upside-down forks at the front with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping, paired with a monoshock rear setup offering similar adjustability for sporty road use.[18] Braking was upgraded with twin 320mm front discs gripped by four-piston Brembo calipers and a single 220mm rear disc with a two-piston caliper, providing strong, progressive stopping power.[18] Dry weight stood at 196 kg (wet weight approximately 210 kg), contributing to agile maneuverability.[22] Performance benefited from the fuel injection's refined delivery, yielding a top speed of about 235 km/h and improved fuel economy of roughly 18 km/L, alongside compliance with Euro emissions norms through optimized combustion.[21][7] This setup offered crisp throttle response without the carburetor-related variability, though early models occasionally required ECU mapping adjustments in 1998 and 1999 to address minor fueling inconsistencies under load.[19] Available primarily in standard trim, the T509 came in color options such as Jet Black, Phoenix Red, and limited special editions like the Tornado Red accents for 1998 models, with no major mechanical variants beyond color schemes.[23] These refinements solidified the T509's reputation for balancing raw triple character with modern usability.[7]955i (2000–2004)
The Triumph Speed Triple 955i, produced from 2000 to 2004, represented a significant evolution in the model's lineup, enlarging the engine displacement to 955 cc through increased bore and stroke dimensions while retaining the fuel-injected inline-three architecture introduced in the prior T509 generation.[24] This update included a revised cylinder head design that enabled higher revving capability, boosting output to 120 hp at 9,100 rpm and 100 Nm of torque at 5,100 rpm.[24] The DOHC, liquid-cooled engine featured multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection and a 12:1 compression ratio, delivering smoother power delivery compared to its carbureted predecessors.[25] Key refinements focused on reducing vibration, achieved through primary balancer shafts that damped the inherent triple-cylinder harmonics, making the bike more suitable for extended street riding.[26] Performance metrics highlighted its streetfighter prowess, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 3.1 seconds and a top speed around 240 km/h.[27] The chassis adopted more aggressive styling, including distinctive twin circular headlights integrated into updated bodywork that emphasized the naked bike's muscular aesthetic.[28] Suspension comprised 43 mm upside-down forks at the front with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping, paired with a monoshock rear setup offering similar adjustability for enhanced handling.[25] Braking was handled by twin 320 mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a single 220 mm rear disc with a two-piston caliper, with radial-mount calipers becoming an available option from 2002 for improved modulation.[25] The aluminum perimeter frame contributed to a dry weight of 189 kg, aiding agile cornering with a 23.5° rake and 84 mm trail.[24] In 2004, a limited Special Edition variant was offered, featuring unique Jet Black paint with black-finished frame, swingarm, wheels, and engine covers for a stealthier appearance, alongside uprated suspension components for firmer damping and reduced fade during aggressive riding.[25] This model capped the 955i run, solidifying its reputation as a refined yet raw streetfighter before the displacement increase in later generations.[26]1050 (2005–2013)
The Triumph Speed Triple 1050, launched in 2005, marked a significant evolution in the model's lineup by increasing engine displacement to 1,050 cc from the previous 955 cc unit, delivering enhanced low- and mid-range torque for improved street performance while retaining the characteristic triple-cylinder character.[29] The liquid-cooled, DOHC inline-three engine featured electronic fuel injection and produced 130 hp at 9,100 rpm with 105 Nm of torque at 5,100 rpm in its initial form, drawing from the same powerplant architecture as the Sprint ST sport-tourer for refined delivery and broad usability. Over the production run through 2013, tuning refinements boosted output to 135 hp at 9,400 rpm and torque to 111 Nm at 7,750 rpm, emphasizing the bike's role as a versatile naked roadster.[30] The chassis adopted an aluminum perimeter frame with a wheelbase of 1,430 mm and a claimed dry weight of 189 kg, contributing to agile handling suited for urban and twisty road environments.[31] Suspension consisted of 43 mm inverted Showa forks at the front, fully adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound, paired with an adjustable monoshock rear unit offering 150 mm of travel.[32] Braking was handled by twin 320 mm front discs with four-piston radial Brembo calipers and a single 220 mm rear disc with a twin-piston caliper, providing strong, progressive stopping power.[33] Performance figures underscored the 1050's dynamic capabilities, with a top speed of approximately 241 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in around 3 seconds, making it a benchmark for naked bike enthusiasts seeking thrilling yet controllable power.[34] Fuel efficiency averaged about 17 km/L, supporting practical range from its 18-liter tank.[35] In 2010, Triumph released a limited 15th anniversary edition limited to 1,500 units, featuring retro-inspired Phantom Black paint with red pinstriping, unique badging, and the uprated 135 hp engine tune to celebrate the model's heritage.[36] The lineup expanded in 2012 with the introduction of the R variant, which upgraded to Öhlins suspension components—including a 43 mm NIX30 inverted fork and TTX36 rear shock—for superior damping and adjustability, alongside an optional ABS system for enhanced safety without compromising the analog riding experience.[37][38] This model positioned the Speed Triple as a handling-focused leader in the naked segment, balancing raw performance with refined engineering.Updated 1050 (2014–2020)
The Updated 1050 series of the Triumph Speed Triple, produced from 2014 to 2020, represented a significant evolution of the 1050cc platform through enhanced electronics and refined mechanical components, building on the base displacement from the prior generation. Introduced in 2014 with initial refinements including optional ABS, the lineup received a major overhaul in 2016, incorporating a ride-by-wire throttle system and advanced rider aids to modernize the hooligan naked bike for contemporary standards. The engine, a revised 1,050cc DOHC liquid-cooled inline-three, featured over 100 internal updates such as new pistons, a lighter crankshaft, and a redesigned combustion chamber, delivering 140 PS (138 bhp) at 9,500 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 7,850 rpm.[39][40] This configuration, compliant with Euro 4 emissions regulations from its 2016 iteration, emphasized smoother power delivery and a 5% increase in mid-range torque around 5,750 rpm compared to the previous model, enhancing usability for street and spirited riding.[41][42] In 2018, further refinements boosted power to 148 bhp at 10,500 rpm and torque to 86 lb-ft (117 Nm) at 7,150 rpm, with improvements in the upper rev range and standard cornering ABS and traction control across the range.[43] Electronics integration was a hallmark of this era, with the ride-by-wire system enabling five selectable riding modes—Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and a customizable Rider mode—that adjusted throttle response, traction control, and ABS settings for varied conditions. Traction control offered four levels (Rain, Road, Track, or Off), while switchable ABS provided Road, Track, or Off options, improving safety without compromising the bike's raw character; these features became standard across the range by 2015. The chassis benefited from a lighter aluminum twin-spar frame and single-sided swingarm, paired with Brembo M4.32 radial monobloc calipers gripping 320 mm front discs and a 255 mm rear disc, ensuring precise handling. Curb weight was reduced to approximately 212 kg wet, contributing to agile performance with a top speed nearing 250 km/h and strong mid-range acceleration suited to urban and highway scenarios.[39][44][41] The series offered two main variants: the base Speed Triple S and the premium Speed Triple R (later RS in some markets), differentiated primarily by suspension components while sharing the core engine and electronics. The S model utilized 43 mm Showa upside-down forks and a Showa monoshock, providing balanced road-oriented damping, whereas the R featured fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 forks and an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock for superior track capability. A 2017 refresh introduced optional flyscreen wind protection and standard LED daytime running lights (DRLs) along with an updated LCD dashboard, further refining ergonomics and visibility without altering core specs. These updates maintained Euro 4 compliance through optimized exhaust flow and fuel mapping, ensuring the model remained relevant until the 1200cc transition.[39][45]| Variant | Suspension (Front/Rear) | Key Features | Approximate Price (2016, USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Triple S | Showa 43 mm USD forks / Showa monoshock | Standard ABS/TC, ride-by-wire, 5 modes | $11,500[39] |
| Speed Triple R | Öhlins NIX30 USD forks / Öhlins TTX36 monoshock | Premium damping, billet clamps, optional quickshifter | $13,500[39][44] |