Triumph Speed Triple
Discussion
I'm looking at buying one (2016 facelift onwards) in the coming weeks/months. Wasn't struck on the looks initially but they've really grown on me and I've heard great things. I'm moving up from a 2000 ZX6R which will be used purely for the track so it will be a decent jump. My normal riding is sunny weekend blasts with the odd bit of touring thrown in and as my eldest gets older some pillion carrying.
Before I set out looking at these, is there anything in particular to be aware of? I'm only a diddy guy at 5'8" and the seating seems absolutely perfect for my undersized frame and they feel very light too. I tested one at the NEC in November but it was pissing down so rain mode was on and I never really felt the full potential of the engine. I've heard they're a lot of fun without risking Superbike inducing big speeds.
Before I set out looking at these, is there anything in particular to be aware of? I'm only a diddy guy at 5'8" and the seating seems absolutely perfect for my undersized frame and they feel very light too. I tested one at the NEC in November but it was pissing down so rain mode was on and I never really felt the full potential of the engine. I've heard they're a lot of fun without risking Superbike inducing big speeds.
7w7 said:
I had one for a month, nothing bad to say about it at all, other than MPG being pretty poor.
The stock suspension was excellent.
I would consider buying one but the pillion seat is basically pointless.
MPG not a problem really, I'm not a mile eater. Pillion seat could be a concern though although I'll only be taking on my son who will be 9/10 by the time I let him on it. I think in 22 years of riding I've only taken an adult on the back maybe 7 times, I hate it!The stock suspension was excellent.
I would consider buying one but the pillion seat is basically pointless.
MrGman said:
Have you considered/ridden a street?
I’ve ridden most streets/speeds and the street is always at the top of my list in the triumph range.
The speed is a little more grown up but in terms of fun I think the streets are way ahead.
I think it depends on what you think of as fun - I've got (and love) a Street and had a Speed out for a day and absolutely loved it! The Street is fun in a way that you can throw it about, rev to the red line and not get into too naughty speeds too quickly whereas the Speed is a more lumbering beast, but there's just something about that torque in any gear at any speed that made me chuckle every time I opened the throttle and got to naughty speeds a bit quicker than expected...I’ve ridden most streets/speeds and the street is always at the top of my list in the triumph range.
The speed is a little more grown up but in terms of fun I think the streets are way ahead.
Back when I was thinking of swapping my Street (2013 R if that makes a difference) the Speed was top of the list, but I needed some practicality and I think the Speed loses 50 miles range. I'm 6'4 and the Speed was a better fit too.
MrGman said:
Have you considered/ridden a street?
I’ve ridden most streets/speeds and the street is always at the top of my list in the triumph range.
The speed is a little more grown up but in terms of fun I think the streets are way ahead.
Not really to be honest. I'm hankering for a bit more power after being on a scremy 600 for 5 years I just want something with a bit more torque and muscle. As silly as it sounds the 600 gets me into trouble as I can't resist ringing it's neck. I’ve ridden most streets/speeds and the street is always at the top of my list in the triumph range.
The speed is a little more grown up but in terms of fun I think the streets are way ahead.
8IKERDAVE said:
Not really to be honest. I'm hankering for a bit more power after being on a scremy 600 for 5 years I just want something with a bit more torque and muscle. As silly as it sounds the 600 gets me into trouble as I can't resist ringing it's neck.
You should still try a Street though, they have a ton more grunt than the blender 600 class. I stepped off a 1050 onto one many moons ago and was very surprised. They suit shorter riders, otherwise I would have bought one.8IKERDAVE said:
MrGman said:
Have you considered/ridden a street?
I’ve ridden most streets/speeds and the street is always at the top of my list in the triumph range.
The speed is a little more grown up but in terms of fun I think the streets are way ahead.
Not really to be honest. I'm hankering for a bit more power after being on a scremy 600 for 5 years I just want something with a bit more torque and muscle. As silly as it sounds the 600 gets me into trouble as I can't resist ringing it's neck. I’ve ridden most streets/speeds and the street is always at the top of my list in the triumph range.
The speed is a little more grown up but in terms of fun I think the streets are way ahead.
Street RS is great as well, just does not have that feeling of a meaty torque punch.
I rode them both back-to-back and I have D675. The street engines are strong, nothing like, say R6 engine.
Personally now I would go for Street RS (in 2018 I still wanted the Speed RS) it pulls more than adequate and it is 30kg lighter.
Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Friday 31st January 15:40
I'm on my third Speed triple. Bikes I've had so far;
1999 T509 triple black 885cc Speed triple - the same type in Mission impossible 2 ridden by tom Cruise.
2016 1050cc 94R in triple black - Run out bike before it was revised with the 2016 model.
2018 1050cc Speed triple R - Leagues better than the 94R. Same chassis, brakes, wheels and suspension-Ohlins front and rears. Soon to be chopped in for the 2019 model in May.
The 2016-2018 models are ace, First of the ride by wire on the speed triples. They ride soo much better than the analogue 1050's and rev much freely. Some will argue the refinements have softened the bike from the classic hooligan it once was. But there's plenty of hooligan in the new ones. They are a little lighter as well as they have a smaller tank. I love mine.
1999 T509 triple black 885cc Speed triple - the same type in Mission impossible 2 ridden by tom Cruise.
2016 1050cc 94R in triple black - Run out bike before it was revised with the 2016 model.
2018 1050cc Speed triple R - Leagues better than the 94R. Same chassis, brakes, wheels and suspension-Ohlins front and rears. Soon to be chopped in for the 2019 model in May.
The 2016-2018 models are ace, First of the ride by wire on the speed triples. They ride soo much better than the analogue 1050's and rev much freely. Some will argue the refinements have softened the bike from the classic hooligan it once was. But there's plenty of hooligan in the new ones. They are a little lighter as well as they have a smaller tank. I love mine.
I have a 2016 Speed S. Unfortunately in the time I’ve had it it’s not seen much action (leg fracture buggered my year) but all the riding I did do on it I really enjoyed. It has a “grown up” feel to it, it doesn’t egg me on to be a loon. The build quality appears excellent and they certainly look the part. Not a huge bike physically so at 5’8 I think you’ll have no problems. The engine is great, makes a fine noise (even on standard cans), the torque is ever present. I’m tempted to let mine go as it doesn’t get used so much, OP pm me if you’d like more info.
Edited by andySC on Friday 31st January 16:48
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I test rode one last year with the full intention of chopping my S1000R in for one. And my views on it were pretty much exactly the same as what you mention there.I loved the test ride despite the shortfalls mentioned, but as soon as I came back from the half day test ride and jumped back on my bike, I just knew the Speed Triple couldn't replace it.
BUT .......
Of all the bikes I have ridden over the past couple of years, That Speed Triple is the 1 bike that I just can not get out of my head.
I think with more time riding it I could grow to like it very much.
Put the current crop of Hypernakeds to 1 side for a moment and the Speed Triple is a very very good bike.
I would definitely have one over a Superduke R as well.
Chops reviewed the 2020 Speed Triple RS today, he really rates it.
It's a bike I have been looking at for a while, but heard some have suffered gearbox problems when the quick shift was used, anyone know more about this?
It's a bike I have been looking at for a while, but heard some have suffered gearbox problems when the quick shift was used, anyone know more about this?
Edited by LimSlip on Monday 3rd February 23:07
[quote=Krikkit]44T's review as well, they love it
This is the speed triple review
https://youtu.be/ESLhgTTLMr8
This is the speed triple review
https://youtu.be/ESLhgTTLMr8
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