The Triumph Speed Triple is a series of
motorcycle
A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising ...
s produced by
Triumph Motorcycles. The 1994 Hinckley Triumph was one of the first motorcycles produced in the
streetfighter
A streetfighter, muscle bike, or super naked is a motorcycle of high displacement and horsepower. It is typically a super bike with the fairings and windscreen removed. Beyond simply removing fairings, specific changes that exemplify the stree ...
style (a modern
sport bike
A sport bike (sports motorcycle, or sports bike) is a motorcycle designed and optimized for speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering on asphalt concrete race tracks and roads. They are mainly designed for performance at the expense of comfor ...
or
race replica
A sport bike (sports motorcycle, or sports bike) is a motorcycle designed and optimized for speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering on asphalt concrete race tracks and roads. They are mainly designed for performance at the expense of comfo ...
motorcycle without an
aerodynamic
Aerodynamics, from grc, ἀήρ ''aero'' (air) + grc, δυναμική (dynamics), is the study of the motion of air, particularly when affected by a solid object, such as an airplane wing. It involves topics covered in the field of fluid dyn ...
plastic
fairing). The style originated with bikers who, having crashed their race replicas, put the bikes back on the road without fairing, and has since become popularised.
Origins
Early bikes
The initial model was first released to the public in 1994, and was called the Speed Triple as an acknowledgement to the 1938
Speed Twin. It was based on the
Triumph Triple
The Triumph Triples are a family of modern DOHC straight-3, inline three-cylinder motorcycle engines made from 1990 onwards by the Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, Triumph Motorcycle Company at their Hinckley, Leicestershire factory. The inspiration f ...
series of modular engines, which also powered the
Triumph Trident
The Triumph Trident is a three-cylinder motorcycle of either 750 cc or 900 cc capacity. These bikes were produced from 1991 to 1998 at Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, by Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, the successor business to the def ...
,
Daytona Daytona refers to the city of Daytona Beach, Florida, or things named after it.
Daytona may also refer to:
Locations
* Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
* South Daytona, Florida
* The Daytona Beach metropolitan area
* Halifax area, also known as Da ...
sport bike, and the
Thunderbird
Thunderbird, thunder bird or thunderbirds may refer to:
* Thunderbird (mythology), a legendary creature in certain North American indigenous peoples' history and culture
* Ford Thunderbird, a car
Birds
* Dromornithidae, extinct flightless birds ...
retro bike. This engine came in two displacements as a triple: 750 cc for some European markets, and 885 cc for all other markets. The Speed Triple was originally only equipped with the 885 cc engine, but just before significant changes to the bike were made in 1997, some 750 cc machines were produced using leftover Euro specification engines.
Early Speed Triples were all
carbureted
A carburetor (also spelled carburettor) is a device used by an internal combustion engine to control and mix air and fuel entering the engine. The primary method of adding fuel to the intake air is through the venturi tube in the main meteri ...
, and were designated T300 series bikes. 1994–1995 models came with the standard 885 cc water-cooled engine and a rugged five-speed transmission. Subsequent Speed Triples had the same engine with six speed transmissions, except for the brief run of 750 cc bikes. As with all the modular Triumphs, the T309 series Speed Triple had a very large single steel tube backbone frame, and used the engine as a
stressed member
A motorcycle frame is a motorcycle's core structure. It supports the engine, provides a location for the steering and rear suspension, and supports the rider and any passenger or luggage. Also attached to the frame are the fuel tank and battery. A ...
. The forks were 43mm multi-adjustable Kayaba units and the same Japanese firm's shock could be set for preload and rebound damping. Kayaba had had a special relationship with the Hinckley Triumph since its creation. At the rear was a single
monoshock
A motorcycle's suspension serves a dual purpose: contributing to the vehicle's handling and braking, and providing safety and comfort by keeping the vehicle's passengers comfortably isolated from road noise, bumps and vibrations.
The typical moto ...
with a progressive linkage, and at the front were standard hydraulic forks fitted with dual
disc brakes
A disc brake is a type of brake that uses the calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc or a "rotor" to create friction. This action slows the rotation of a shaft, such as a vehicle axle, either to reduce its rotational speed or to hol ...
.
Legacy
The final T309 Speed Triple was built in 1996. The newly introduced T595 Daytona was supplied with fuel injection and the 955 cc engine. The 1997 T509 received the frame, brakes, and design of the new Daytona 595, but came with an 885 cc injected engine for 1997 and 1998. The remainder of the range, including the Thunderbird, Legend, the Adventurer, the Thunderbird Sport, the Tiger, the Sprint and Sprint Sport, and the 900 trophy, retained the carbureted 885 cc engine.
Generations
T509
After the T309 Speed Triples, Triumph released the first of its new generation of
fuel-injected
Fuel injection is the introduction of fuel in an internal combustion engine, most commonly automotive engines, by the means of an injector. This article focuses on fuel injection in reciprocating piston and Wankel rotary engines.
All compr ...
sportbikes: the T509 Speed Triple, which was a complete redesign from its predecessor. While the all-new engine displaced 885 cc, it allegedly produced and was fitted with an engine management system by
SAGEM. The T509 had new aluminium perimeter chassis, a
single-sided swingarm
A swingarm, or "swinging arm" (UK), originally known as a swing fork or pivoted fork, is a single or double sided mechanical device which attaches the rear wheel of a motorcycle to its body, allowing it to pivot vertically. The main component of ...
, and upgraded suspension components. The bike featured a Showa three-way adjustable rear shock and 45mm three-way adjustable Showa forks similar to those on the CBR900RR. Nissin 4 pot calipers were standard up front, and a single piston rear.
John Mockett and Rod Scivyer designed the new bike. The T509 had a polished frame and low mount
clip-ons
A motorcycle handlebar is a tubular component of a motorcycle's steering mechanism. Handlebars provide a mounting place for controls such as brake, throttle, clutch, horn, light switches and rear view mirrors; and they help to support part of the ...
when it was introduced in 1997; it was switched to a regular handbar in 1998 to improve rider comfort and low speed handling.
When the T509 Speed Triple had an 885 cc fuel injected engine, the Daytona received an upgraded 955 cc engine that produced at the crank. In 1999, the new Speed Triple was officially upgraded to 955 cc status and received the bigger engine. The engine was very similar to the unit found in the Sprint ST, but the motorcycle did not feature Nikasil lined cylinders. Different
pistons
A piston is an engineering component of engines and pumps.
Piston(s) may also refer to:
Science and technology
* Piston (optics)
* Piston (subcellular structure)
* Piston valve
* Fire piston, an ancient device for kindling fire
* Gas-operated rel ...
and rods were used, and it was fitted with different camshafts than the Daytona. It did not exert as much power as the Daytona, but it had a substantially broader torque curve than its T509 predecessor.
Cosmetically, the T509 and the 1999 Speed Triples were nearly identical, and they shared many of the same components including the dual headlamps and single sided swing arm. Minor differences include the removal of the T509 decal on the rear quarter panel and the addition of a header cross-over pipe.
955i
![Triumph 955 Speed Triple](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/Triumph_955_Speed_Triple.jpg)
In 2000 and 2001, the Speed Triple did not change much beyond appearance; the engine control unit was updated to the Sagem MC2000. The 1997–99 bikes had a ground block known to fail, so the 2000 and 2001 bikes received an improved wiring harness. Both the Speed Triple and the
Daytona Daytona refers to the city of Daytona Beach, Florida, or things named after it.
Daytona may also refer to:
Locations
* Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
* South Daytona, Florida
* The Daytona Beach metropolitan area
* Halifax area, also known as Da ...
were referred to as 955i bikes, which ended some confusion from the earlier T500 series designations. Other notable differences were silver wheels instead of black ones, and the Speed Triple logo on the rear quarter panel was in print rather than cursive.
In 2002, Gareth Davies redesigned the bodywork. The was reduced by a change to the engine casings of the 955i engine that decreased weight by roughly 17 pounds. A new cylinder design slightly increased its power. The MC2000 control unit remained, but was adapted for an O2 sensor.
In late 2004, a small number of Special Edition Speed Triples (Speed Triple SE) were produced with only cosmetic differences.
From 1997 to 2004, the Nissin brakes were problematic. Although the 955i was initially praised as one of the best stopping bikes, many owners complained of brake sponginess. The caliper pistons were not adequately coated, which introduced dirt, debris, and corrosion. The pistons caught on the caliper seals and were pulled back into the caliper bore, which caused an excess amount of piston travel required to apply braking force giving a spongy feel.
1050 and beyond
![Triumph Speed Triple 1050 2011](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Triumph_Speed_Triple_1050_2011.jpg)
In 2005, Triumph released its fourth-generation Speed Triple. The engine was still the same one used since 1997, but its capacity was increased to 1,050 cc by lengthening the
stroke
A stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and hemorrhagic, due to bleeding. Both cause parts of the brain to stop functionin ...
. It was also fitted with a fuel injection and engine management system made by the
Keihin Corporation
The is a Japanese automotive and motorcycle parts company headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The company is a major supplier to Honda, who owns nearly half of Keihin's shares, but also supplies other motorcycle manufacturers, among them ...
. Other engine modifications resulted in an alleged and a broader, flatter torque curve.
The 1050 was designed by
Rodolfo Frascoli
Rodolfo Frascoli is an Italian motorcycle designer.
Career
At age 14 he won his first design competition and a few years later began his career alongside Luciano Marabese, historic name of the Italian motorcycle design, unleashing his passion ...
.
Other improvements included
inverted forks, radial
disc brake
A disc brake is a type of brake that uses the calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc or a "rotor" to create friction. This action slows the rotation of a shaft, such as a vehicle axle, either to reduce its rotational speed or to hol ...
calipers, and a redesigned electronic gauge cluster which included a trip computer.
In late 2007, a few changes appeared in the Speed Triple, consisting of an updated engine management system and a revised exhaust containing a
catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction. Catalytic converters are usually ...
in a different location. The revised electronic control unit had more memory, and provided a solution for some starting and low-speed fueling issues. A metal tank replaced the plastic unit. For the 2008 model year, several changes were made to the bodywork, and Italian-made
Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. Its head office is in Curno, Bergamo, Italy.
History
Brembo was established in Paladina, Italy on January 11, 1961 ...
front brakes were supplied as standard.
The new Speed Triple shared its engine with the new
Sprint ST and later the 2007
Triumph Tiger 1050
The Triumph Tiger 1050 is a continuation of the Triumph Tiger motorcycle model line from the Triumph Tiger 955i produced in Hinckley, England by Triumph Motorcycles. The model name is derived from Triumph's long history of sporting motorcycle ...
.
Triumph celebrated the Speed Triple's fifteenth anniversary in 2010 with a limited edition model that featured black paint with red trim and a number of optional accessories that were added as standard equipment. The bike was also the first production Triumph to feature the signature of company owner
John Bloor
John Stuart Bloor (born 16 June 1943) is a British billionaire businessman. His business, Bloor Holdings, owns both Bloor Homes and Triumph Motorcycles.
Early life
Bloor was born in a small Derbyshire village. His father was a coal miner. He ...
. According to Triumph, more than 35,000 Speed Triples have been sold since the model was introduced in 1993.
2016 model
In 2016, Triumph updated several aspects of the bike, including 104 changes to the engine.
Ride-by-wire was added for the first time with five ride modes with traction control and an
anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaini ...
that can be turned on or off. The new Speed Triple has a wet weight of and a claimed dry weight of . The new Speed Triple's power is allegedly at 9,500
rpm
Revolutions per minute (abbreviated rpm, RPM, rev/min, r/min, or with the notation min−1) is a unit of rotational speed or rotational frequency for rotating machines.
Standards
ISO 80000-3:2019 defines a unit of rotation as the dimensionl ...
, and at 7,850 rpm.
2021: 1200 RS
In 2021, Triumph redesigned the Speed Triple with a new 1160cc inline three engine, and designated it the 1200 RS. Output for the new engine was rated at 177hp (180PS) and 125Nm torque, lowering the wet weight to 198kg.
2022: 1200 RR
For 2022, Triumph introduced the Speed Triple 1200 RR. Taking design cues from café racers, the 1200 RR mounts a redesigned front end, with a new single round headlight unit and bikini half-fairing. Intended as a road-oriented large-displacement sportbike, the 1200 RR has lowered, clip-on style handlebars and raised and rearward-set foot pegs (compared to its RS sibling), bringing the riding position closer to a traditional sportbike. In addition, the Öhlins suspension has been made electronically adjustable and semi-automatic, compared to the manually adjustable setup of the RS, with a new wet weight of 438 lb (199kg).
References
External links
Triumph Web Site
{{Triumph motorcycles Hinckley
Speed Triple
The Triumph Speed Triple is a series of motorcycles produced by Triumph Motorcycles. The 1994 Hinckley Triumph was one of the first motorcycles produced in the streetfighter style (a modern sport bike or race replica motorcycle without an ae ...
Sport bikes
Motorcycles introduced in 1994