Photos and text courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles
The new Triumph 2005 Speed Triple features a larger capacity (1050cc) engine, a revised chassis including upside down forks, radial brakes, redesigned swingarm and high level pipes! Now available in Jet Black, Neon Blue and Scorched Yellow paint schemes.
To become a two-wheeled icon is no easy task but from its very first incarnation over a decade ago the Speed Triple assumed just that status.
Some things are just right and meant to be and, mixing as it does a primal three-cylinder core with sporting ability and an aggressive, stripped-down stance, the Speed Triple has always been one of those things. Its heart and soul has struck a chord with riders all over world while its wide-ranging ability ensures its outstanding performance in almost every situation, from urban commuting to hard-edged sports riding.
And for 2005 the icon’s been reborn. Triumph has built on the bike’s elemental essence, adding even more depth and further refinement.
Fresh off the drawing board is a 1050cc, DOHC, three-cylinder, fuel-injected engine tuned to pump out a great surge of bottom-end torque, linked to massive mid-range punch and an impressive level of overall power. And the engine’s performance is certainly impressive – peak power is a heady 130PS @ 9,100rpm while peak torque of 105Nm arrives at 5,100rpm.
Yet this is no mere steroid injection. While the focus of Triumph’s engineers has been on drivability and power delivery, the motor’s also been refined with a new slick-shifting gearbox, remote gear change linkage and clutch fitted with a backlash eliminator gear.
The gnarly character of the inline triple, however, that’s proven so addictive to legions of Speed Triple devotees remains fully intact. Crisp-edged engine cases and covers further add to the three-cylinder engine’s brutish aesthetic, as does the absence of exterior hoses.
Containing the engine is a completely revised chassis. A rigid aluminum frame provides massive strength with steering geometry that gives fast-steering neutrality plus great stability. The fully adjustable 45mm upside down forks and rear monoshock have been specifically developed for the Speed Triple and bring new levels of quality and compliance.
Likewise, the pair of radial four-piston brake calipers and 320mm floating discs provide cutting-edge stopping power and feel. The five-spoke wheels add style and substance, while the evocative single-sided swingarm has been completely redesigned. Twin high-level oval-section exhaust pipes add to the engine’s distinctive induction roar.
And while the Speed Triple’s muscular engine and chiselled chassis is impressive its sawn-off style, underscored with stainless steel and brushed aluminum parts, is impossible to ignore. Inspired by the short, cut-down look so popular on the streets of southern Europe the Speed Triple has the brutal edge and minimalist appeal of a machine built entirely around its engine.
Detail touches abound. The LED rear light unit and clear-lens indicators complement the twin headlights, themselves very much part of the Speed Triple’s unique style. New instruments feature an analogue tachometer, programmable gear change lights, trip computer and digital speedo.
Three paint options are available, Jet Black, Neon Blue and Scorched Yellow. As ever, a host of factory parts including a high-performance exhaust (for circuit use only), cosmetic additions and custom-fit luggage will also be available from the Triumph accessories catalogue.
The Speed Triple is smoother, sharper and much, much stronger. The legend continues.
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