Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple test

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Relevant update !

Faced with the overbidding of its rivals, the Triumph Speed ​​Triple had to evolve to stay in the game. Re-examined in depth, it gains in technicality and power to 140 horses, while conforming to Euro 4. We were able to test it in Spain, on road and circuit ….

Launched in 1994 on the basis of the sporty 900cc Daytona T357, the Speed ​​Triple roadster is one of the iconic models of the English brand Triumph, presented at the time as the original, muscular and characterful “Hooligan”.. For 21 years, it has been able to evolve regularly in 2002 and 2006 to maintain its rank, both in terms of engine and in terms of its chassis, until in 2011 it resulted in the current Speed ​​94 of 1050 cm3 and 133 horses (full), followed by a lighter and better equipped “R” version in 2012.

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple on the tarmac

Discovery

But the competition has also equipped its weapons in recent years, now offering roadsters of 1000 cm3 and more developing up to 180 horsepower in free version, all managed and controlled by state-of-the-art electronics whose absence was beginning to appear. feel on the Speed ​​Triple. The Hinckley firm has therefore thoroughly revised its copy to bring the Speed ​​Triple up to standard, while making it compliant with the Euro 4 standard applicable from January 2016. This new opus in fact benefits from no less than 104 modifications (chambers of combustion, pistons, crankshaft, airbox, ECU, ignition, injectors, 3-1-2 exhaust system, clutch, gearbox, etc.).

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple headlight

In particular, it adopts a latest-generation ride-by-wire electronic accelerator, which finally allows the Speed ​​Triple to have an adjustable engine map in 5 modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Track or Rider). Each of these modes offers a response to acceleration, sensitivity of the ABS and specific traction control, the Rider mode for its part allowing to customize each of the parameters as desired, as well as to disengage the ABS and traction control if one wish. Aside from Rider mode, which needs to be stopped to be configured, all other modes can be activated with a simple press of the left thumb while riding. Regardless of the mode adopted, the engine continues to deliver all of its 140 horsepower.

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple engine

Unlike others, Triumph engineers do not take advantage of this development to increase the displacement of the Speed. This remains confined to 1050 cm3, but the maximum power on the other hand goes from 135 to 140 horsepower. Torque is also improving, with a gain of around 5% between 3,500 and 7,500 rpm. Most of the work accomplished is in fact aimed at improving the overall efficiency of the English three-cylinder and its ease of use, in particular its response to acceleration and its fuel consumption, while depolluting it as much as possible in order to meet the standards in force. The powerful aluminum chassis is retained, as are the superb single-sided swingarm and the beautiful 5-Y-spoke alloy wheels..

Single-sided arm Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple

In the saddle

As we walk out of the hotel, a horde of brand new Speed ​​Triple 1050 Rs hand us their bars, but the base “S” model we were hoping to find here is missing. Never mind, we are therefore postponing the direct comparison of the two versions offered by the brand. This is all the more easily because they are finally differentiated only by the quality of their suspensions (fully adjustable), fork and shock absorber Showa on the Speed ​​Triple S, Ohlins on the version R. Both fortunately benefit from the same brakes, Brembo M4.34 with 4-piston monobloc calipers with radial front mounting, rear Nissin 2-piston caliper brakes, as well as the same Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires.

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple Preparation

Unsurprisingly, the 2016 vintage Speed ​​Triple R does not radically change its look. However, it gains in aggressiveness and perceived quality thanks to many more qualitative and aesthetic elements: thinner steel fuel tank (-2 liters) and redesigned, with hinged cap stamped with the Triumph logo, new double optic headlight with internal DRL lights , lower windshield and better profiled with integrated forced air intake, narrower radiator enhanced with aluminum protections, side scoops and engine spoiler…. The new Speed ​​Triple R is more qualitative and attractive than ever !

Under the saddle

For this purpose, it receives new mirrors positioned at the end of the handlebars, new manifolds and exhaust mufflers with thermal protection in black adonized shot-peened aluminum, a new two-seater seat in two parts decorated with red stitching and an embossed Triumph logo. at the rear, pretty thin LED indicators, a carbon mudguard, stylized aluminum single-arm pivot covers and rear wheel nut, a flat handlebar with machined saddles, as well as a quality of paint and beautifully crafted “crinkle black” finish ….

Mirrors Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple

The on-board instrumentation remains close to the previous one, but gains in style at the level of the analog tachometer and in wealth of information at that of the digital dial. Finally, there is a gear indicator engaged, in addition to the display of the driving mode chosen and a multitude of information (odometer, stopwatch, service indicator, instantaneous and average consumption, driving mode settings and response to the desired throttle, level of traction control and ABS….), which can be chosen to display from dedicated buttons, perfectly integrated into the left stalk. An optional TPMS system even allows the tire pressure to be displayed.

Speedometer Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple

On the right hand, we also note the appearance of a warning command.

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple on the road

In the city

The magic of the Triumph three-cylinder kicks in from the start, thanks to a husky, manly exhaust sound that gives you a go with every throttle. Phew, the essentials still seem there and the beauty has a priori lost none of its vigor. When you get on board, you immediately notice a slight difference in driving position compared to the previous model, with the handlebars seemingly closer and slightly lower than before. The position of the footrests remains the same, which induces a slightly more inclined attitude to the front. The saddle height of 825 mm and the increased narrowness of the rider seat to the crotch, on the other hand, makes it easier to grip and put both feet on the ground when stationary.

Speed ​​Triple 1050

From the first turns of the wheels we quickly find the characteristics of the Speed ​​Triple, namely a firm but nevertheless decent saddle comfort, good control of the front axle, facilitated by the wide flat handlebars, excellent stability in line, but also a large turning radius which does not facilitate maneuvers or U-turns in urban cycles. As before, entering a curve is done with roundness and progressiveness at low speed, but you have to use the handlebars and footrests a little more to negotiate a sequence of turns at a faster pace..

Positioned in “Road” mapping by default, the three-cylinder Triumph purrs quietly and shows exceptional flexibility in this context, accepting to cruiser at very low revs in the last gear, but responding with increased vigor to the slightest demand from the engine. ‘accelerator. Already very progressive over the previous vintage, the arrival of power seems to have gained even more linearity. The six-speed gearbox is precise and quick enough to handle, combined with a clutch control that is not too firm. It is easy to change gears on the fly by slightly offloading the accelerator between each gear, unless you are equipped with the optional quick shifter which makes the operation even easier.

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple on departmental

Unless you accelerate or brake frankly on a white strip of pedestrian crossing or a smooth speed bump, it is rather difficult to feel the benevolent intervention of traction control or ABS. These two systems are indeed very discreet in the dry and do not visibly activate unexpectedly. In Sport mode, the traction control accepts even without flinching a small wheeling and a slight drift of the rear wheel on the corner. Powerful and perfectly dosable, the front Brembo braking is effective in all circumstances, the Nissin rear brake being more difficult to dose with the pedal..

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple on national

On the road

Out of the urban context, we are now driving on a wide and well-paved road towards the Calafat circuit. The Triumph forerunners have visibly adapted the course to the characteristics of the Speed ​​Triple R, preferring to make us evolve on a clean and fast track rather than on the small tortuous roads and less well paved of the neighboring reliefs. Suddenly, it is difficult to pinpoint the limits of the Ohlins suspension on degraded surfaces or during sharp angle changes and late braking. The pace is on the other hand sustained and the freshness of the morning still visible in places, in the form of large wet patches..

Passed into Sport mapping, the Speed ​​Triple R has no trouble keeping up with the opener’s, yet swift, Street Triple 675 R. In fact, an additional rotation of the handle is enough to quickly catch up any delay and re-stick to its rear wheel. At this pace, the (good) work of the Ohlins suspensions (tuned for the road) and the rigor of the Triumph chassis are obvious and easy to pinpoint. However, it is better to avoid entering too hard on a curve on the brakes because the steering then tends to lock, forcing the pilot to give up his hand and correct his trajectory. The few shocks received on the angle are for their part suffered without any parasitic reaction from the chassis, the 43mm NIX30 fork also reacting rather well to the heavy braking that the Brembo 4-piston calipers allow..

Coming back to more reasonable gaits, it is clear that the Speed ​​Triple R is just as fun to use in sport driving as it is in Sunday ride mode with friends. Engine approval is excellent throughout the operating range, with no noticeable jerks or unexpected shutdown on go-around. The rider’s wind protection, however, is not his strong suit, although the legs are a little more sheltered than before against the tank. The readability of the mirrors is correct but not excellent, small vibrations sometimes disturbing its reading.

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple on motorway

On circuit

Arrived at the Calafat circuit, after some 150 kilometers of road interspersed with a coffee break and a photoshoot, we quickly eat a little snack before tackling the 3 driving sessions planned for a track combination. The route is not very long (3250 meters), but it should allow us to better understand the sporting potential of the new Speed ​​Triple R. tires warm between sessions. While we were away they even adjusted the suspensions for track use, significantly tightening the hydraulic adjustments of the fork and shock absorber..

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple on track

After a first session under the control of the opener, which automatically switched us to "Track" driving mode, the track is totally ours. I take the opportunity to pull fifth gear on the short straight line of barely 600 meters and hang a small 230 km / h counter, before hopping on the brakes in a fast left, then falling several gears to negotiate as well as possible the next right turn. The Speed ​​Triple R manages the sequence with disconcerting ease, without stiffening too much during the braking on the angle in the left, or when rocking everything to the other side, again on the brakes..

Second, third, fourth, the gears change quickly, sometimes without clutching and with a slight reduction in throttle between each gear. The same goes downhill, where the intervention of the anti-dribble system prevents the rear wheel from “sweeping” the track by locking up. The circuit is short and the driving becomes more physical as the speed of passage increases from one landmark to the next. Heckled, the Speed ​​Triple takes the treatment without flinching, complying with all my instructions with remarkable ease and precision of heading. Practical, the shiftlight integrated into the dashboard warns when it is time to upshift before the switch intervenes after 10,000 rpm.

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple on the track

The grip of the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP is definitely excellent, its two-compound structure and the very good ground clearance of the Speed ​​allowing good angles on the circuit. At my level of driving, it’s hard to find anything to reproach it with, not even its relatively decent weight of 212 kilos fully loaded, since the Speed ​​will certainly be used more on the road than on the track..

Electronic assistance

As on the road and despite reduced sensitivity in Track configuration, the electronic assistance intervention threshold remains perfectly transparent. We know they are there to keep things going, so it is easier to open the throttle wide when exiting a corner or to hit the brakes hard. Some will no doubt regret the smoother character of this engine development and its lack of expressiveness in the second part of the tachometer, but we have to admit that it still does the job well. All the better as this 2016 vintage will not be limited to 106 horsepower like its predecessor.

Brakes

Powerful and perfectly dosable, the front Brembo braking is effective in all circumstances, the Nissin rear brake being more difficult to dose with the pedal..

Consumption

On the fuel consumption side, the on-board computer showed an average of 5.5 l / 100 km at the end of our test, i.e. a range of around 280 km including reserve.

Triumph 1050 Speed ​​Triple rear light

Conclusion

Although improved in many ways, the 2016 Speed ​​Triple will not see its price skyrocket when it goes on sale, scheduled for early March. The “S” model will be offered at € 12,100 (€ 11,790 in 2015, or € 310 more) and the “R” model at € 13,800 (instead of € 12,990, or € 810 more). A consistent price level, which should allow it to perform well against more affluent and powerful rivals, but also more expensive. The “S” model will be available in red or black and the “R” model in white or matt graphite.

Strong points

  • Engine approval
  • Efficient braking
  • Rigorous frame
  • Quality / price ratio

Weak points

  • Turning radius
  • Wind protection
  • Firm seat with use

The technical sheet of the Triumph Speed ​​Triple

Guarantee and price

  • 2 years, parts and labor
  • € 11,200 (S) and € 13,800 (R)

Competetion

  • Suzuki GSX-S1000
  • Aprilia Tuono V4RR 1100
  • Ducati Monster 1200
  • BMW S1000R
  • Kawasaki Z1000
  • Yamaha FZ10 (coming soon)
  • Honda CB1000R

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