Triumph Speed ​​Triple 1050 motorcycle test

Menus

• Rebel gentleman !
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion

Rebel gentleman !

Since its creation, the Speed ​​Triple has taken the classic aesthetic codes of THE virile motorcycle. In 1994, the English brand offered this cafe racer type model from the 900 Daytona. White-bottomed counters, prominent round headlight, 5-speed gearbox only, strap handlebars, stripped-down look and a big engine… Powered by an 885 cm3 developing 94 horsepower, the Speed ​​T301 already marks the spirits. This first version will also remain aesthetically unique compared to its parentage.

It was in 1997 that the Hinkley firm laid the foundations for the legendary design with the T 509: twin tube aluminum tubular chassis – single-sided oscillating arm and two round optics. The 1999 vintage adopted a new 955 i engine, which was lighter and more efficient. The block now develops 110 horsepower and more than 11 Nm of torque, delivered from 5800 rpm.
New remarkable evolution in 2005: truncated rear loop, compact look, double exhaust under the saddle, inverted fork and radial brakes, the nasty roadster is made even more aggressive. The mechanics follow the movement with a 1050 cm3 block of 130 horsepower at 9,100 rpm and 10.5 mkg from 5,100 rpm…

Apart from a few styling changes in 2008, the model had not changed significantly in 5 years. It was above all the deserved but devastating success of its sister 675 Street Triple R that necessitated a major evolution of the big bad English roadster..

A model renowned for its radical design and the size of its engine block, the 1050 vintage 2011 sets new standards up to date. Clean line, gathered and angular look, engine evolutions and all new cycle part. The Speed ​​returns in strength and style.

Discovery

Mixture of elegance and bestiality, for its roadster, the English firm knows how to handle the paradox. Factory of visual and auditory sensations, mechanical performance, this is the Speed ​​Triple concept: a large three-cylinder surrounded by a bi-tubular frame, 2 wheels and an enticing double optic.
The 2011 version retains these codes but sublimates them again. With dynamic curvy angles, flats in the round, the style matures even further. It is first of all his gaze that we notice. No more mirrored roundness. Two tapered pentagons only circled in chrome give it a sharper face. Still very compact, tilted to the front by an additional 7 °, the 1050 cm3 unit takes place in a new frame. Shorter, with an elegant design and double spar, it is adorned with a refined mat black coating. Same surface treatment for the slightly extended single-sided swingarm, dominated by the two more ovalized exhaust outlets.

We also note the unique presence of two side scoops adorning the ends of the large radiator. This detail aestheticizes the sides of the Hinkley roadster, energizes its image at a standstill and adds a real touch to the finish. It’s hard to say the same for the tank. Adding a plastic cover to the front end spoils the matte / glossy contrast of the frame / bottle elements. This one carries 17.5 liters of precious unleaded liquid.

The weight distribution is now more forward (50.9%) and the column angle is closing. There is an inverted fork with a copper-colored coating with a diameter of 43 mm. Fully adjustable, we can only regret that the upper knobs are hidden by the handlebars … Braking is entrusted to Brembo 4-piston radial calipers at the front and Nissin 2-piston calipers at the rear.

In the saddle

Rather high, the pilot’s seat is comfortable and welcoming in size. This further underlines the spartan jump seat reserved for the passenger and the absence of grab handles, apart from the regulatory saddle strap. Regrettable, especially as its footrests are well placed.
The position of the pilot is also modified: bust straighter, footrest further forward. It’s less sporty but just as efficient and less tiring.

The instrument panel, analog tachometer and LCD window, overlooks the lights. The indications are particularly legible and complete: double trip each comprising consumption and average speed, partial mileage, kilometer count before switching to reserve and total duration of the trip. A configurable shiftlight and a stopwatch are also available.
At the ends of this window, two bar graphs provide information on the engine temperature and the fuel level. Too bad, no indication of engaged gear or control on the handlebars. Variable diameter flat hanger overhangs a T superior to qualitative anodized finish and coded ignition key barrel.

Cable clutch control, radial front brake master cylinder with adjustable lever spacing, wide-field-of-view mirrors, matt treatment of the plastic supports of the commodos … The whole is rewarding but the absence of control lights distress surprises as well as the side stand without pin whose coating will quickly suffer from this oversight.

In the city

The counter is initialized by illuminating the shiftlight. Pressing the starter motor triggers a deep, slow cough that suddenly makes the Speed’s large heart thunder..

The machine sets off quickly. The short pull handle makes acceleration dynamic and powerful, but will require the driver to maintain a very British composure in order to stay in a certain legality … which is not easy. So you quickly get used to operating in 4 °, taking advantage of the smoothness and flexibility of the three cylinders to keep colors to your license while maintaining excellent dynamic comfort. The box being a bit rough, it’s also more comfortable. It is also possible to drive in 6th gear in built-up areas, at 50 km / h and less than 2,000 rpm.
Intuitive and balanced, the handling of the roadster across the Channel is quick.
However, we deplore a hereditary turning radius, so really too wide.

The light signature of the optic is well perceived by other users, who gently step aside. Unless they heard you coming … but we’ll get back to that..

Motorway and expressways

Knowing that a frank acceleration leads to 130 km / h in a few seconds before having had time to perceive a possible flash, all in a rumbling breath, one quickly understands the delightful extent of the capacities of the three legs. Still docile and civilized like an Oxford student a few moments ago, you are now in the company of a feverish hooligan, on a lost game night…

The aerodynamic pressure, all the more present in the absence of a windshield, nevertheless moderates the permicidal tendencies quite quickly. At 170 km / h and 7,000 rpm, we give up our hand quite quickly. It all depends on the aerodynamics of your helmet!

But at lower speeds, or even legal, we benefit from a good compromise between comfort and speed. Thus, at 130 km / h and 5,000 revolutions / minute, a motorway route is fully possible..

Departmental

But let’s leave nice Dr. Jekyll behind and enjoy Mr. Hyde’s exuberance. Not that hidden away, you will understand. Everything is fun on the Speed ​​Triple. But now that the horizon is greener, let’s twist the rubber of this right grip.

The quality of the soundtrack competes with dynamic approval. Up to 4000 laps, the novelty of Hinkley was sympathetic. Beyond 5,000 laps, the English block pulls continuously on the arms up to more than 8,000 laps (one hundred horsepower required …). The 106 cannons crash on the asphalt like the English heavy cavalry of yesteryear on the Scottish moors. The rumble only got louder, becoming more metallic near the top of the tachometer. And as the first corner comes really fast, pressing the brake lever immediately decelerates the crew with force. The excellent work on the chassis makes the Speed ​​lighter and more lively. Lying naturally in the first curve, resting on the corner, the treacherous Englishwoman throws herself on the next corner without downtime. Be wary, however, on bumpy roads, the lightness of the front axle in attack can cause unwelcome ripples. Like English humor, no doubt: to master to laugh about it.

Now almost as easy to handle as its sister Street, the changes to Block 1050 are also appreciable. The maximum torque (11.1 m / kg at 7,500 rpm) comes out 2,000 rpm higher than on the previous version, but the extension is now better, more ample. The traction takes full advantage of this more available torque and the Michelin Pilot Pure fitted on the new 190 mm rear rim transmits it entirely to the road without failing. Each passage below 4000 laps gratifying the friendly pilot of the airbox gurgling, you have to accelerate again to enjoy them, again and again … a real pleasure.

The only weak point actually comes from the box. Perhaps this should be seen as a homage in roughness to the T301 model, the first Speed ​​of the name. Like the ghost of mansions, the harshness of selection pursues this model. There are traditions which should be lost; but my test model seemed more tormented on this point than average, especially when it came to finding a break-even point. Who lives up to his name.

Part-cycle

The front axle is really more pleasant and efficient. Now lively and light, with only 214 kg fully loaded and with an extremely rigid frame, the star roadster of Triumph is particularly improved.

Braking

Italo-Japanese Brembo-Nissin blend, braking is up to par. The front is biting but leaves good progress when taking the lever. The Speed ​​no longer stiffens or locks up when braking on an angle. We can therefore enter a curve hard and adjust afterwards. Even more so as the rear retarder is efficient, almost too much: cold tires, it is easy to block the wheel.

Comfort / Duo

Cushioning is comfortable but firm. You instantly feel the quality of the on-board equipment. Fully adjustable, the suspension elements highlight the sportiness of the 2011 vintage.

The duo is possible from terrace to terrace … Triumph could have placed, like Kawa on the Z 1000, notches in the rear shell for the passenger’s hands..

Consumption

One does not profit with impunity from 1050 cm3 rabid without paying the expenses. Able to drink with restraint its full, like a lady’s cup of tea, the Speed ​​Triple also knows how to lower its 17-liter can in just over 150 km. Who wants to travel far will therefore spare his biture. Depending on the pace and driving, consumption ranges from 7.5 liters at constant speed, to more than 10 liters per 100 in arsouille mode and an average of 8.5 liters.

Conclusion

The 1050 Speed ​​Triple is a very English paradox. This roadster can either purr a "God Save The Queen" with regal placidity, or belch it Sex Pistols style during a muscular arsouille. Shocking? Certainly !

And that’s why we love him. Again. The angry smoothness of the three cylinder combined with a stylish brute look are able to counter the Ducati Monster 1100, Honda CB 1000 R or Kawasaki Z 1000, especially since the price of the beautiful Englishwoman remains unchanged at 11,495 €. . (future ABS version at € 12,095)
But above all, the eldest Triple can finally emerge from the shadow of her younger sister. Enhancing, efficient, efficient and finally different aesthetically, the Speed ​​imposes its legitimacy as a haute couture thug. The new optics, however much criticized, give it a real nasty face and a much more modern look than the 675.

Classy rebellious design and heavyweight puncher mechanics will they be enough to beat the pawn to the Street Triple R? The Speed ​​can be perceived at only 2,800 euros more than the 675 or the Street at all the same 2,800 € less than the 1050…

There remains a different approval. Angry and terribly easy and efficient, the "little one" had until then seduced against an older sister who was more withdrawn in the cycle part. Now at the level on this point, the new descendant of the British Cafe Racer will impose a much higher torque as well as an extremely rewarding finish and equipment..

Strong points

• motor character and flexibility
• cycle part performance
• braking
• aesthetic

Weak points

• autonomy
• perfectible gearbox

available in white, blue, yellow and black.

Competitors: Aprilia Tuono, BMW R 1200 R, Ducati 1100 Monster, Honda CB 1000 R, Kawasaki Z 1000, Suzuki
Bandit 1200, Voxan V 1000, Yamaha Fazer 1000, Yamaha XJR 1300

The "We give you the keys" folder with the history of the Triumph Speed ​​Triple

User reactions and testimonials on the
motorcycle guide

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