Review | Triumph Speed Triple: Madness Beyond 4000 RPM
Triumph Speed Triple is a litre class bike, with a commuter class twist.
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Key Highlights: Triumph Speed Triple
- Price: Rs 11,48,990 (Ex-showroom Delhi)
- Top Speed: 230 Km/h
- Engine Displacement: Liquid-cooled 1050cc, 12-valve, DOHC, In-line three cylinder engine
- Power: 133 BHP @ 9400 RPM
- Torque: 111Nm @ 7750 RPM
- Transmission: Manual, 6 Speed
- Braking: Four piston, radially mounted Brembo front callipers, with optional electronic ABS
Indian two-wheeler giants like Hero, Honda, Yamaha and Bajaj are foraying into performance bikes in India. But companies like Triumph, who have a long standing British heritage, really know how to make a performance superbike.
Meet the Triumph Speed Triple.
What We Liked
This is a naked bike that has it all – performance, handling and a superb build quality.
The Speed Triple looks like a bug from the front thanks to its twin headlamps.
The power of the Speed Triple comes from a three-cylinder, 1050 cc engine. The motor churns out 133 BHP of power that is backed up by 111 Nm of peak torque. The liquid-cooling, double overhead cams of the Speed Triple operate 12 valves and rev out beyond 10,000 rpm.
This basically means that if you are not fit enough, you might not enjoy the ride on the Speed Triple.
The bike can be ridden everyday, as it can handle traffic easily and does not displace much engine heat. We didn’t experience burnt hairs on our legs with the Triumph Speed triple which is a big thumbs up for this bike.
The bike has an in-line 3-cylinder design and the three-into-two exhaust snarl aggressively as the revs build and that usually makes all heads turn when you are on the road.
The design on this bike is that of a naked street bike, imparting it with an aggressive look, and a great presence on road.
The bike also has a single-sided swingarm that is well balanced and makes the bike look smart and chic.
The overall riding position on the Speed Triple is upright and the rider is not committed to a position while riding this bike. That makes the Speed Triple quite a practical bike as well to ride everyday.
The four piston, radially mounted Brembo front callipers, electronic ABS make 100 calculations per second to prevent wheel lock up at either end.
And that’s the only safety feature that the Speed triple has, post 4000 rpm it totally depends what kind of rider skills you possess to tame this bike on the road.
Between 1000 – 3000 RPM the Speed Triple is very calm and composed and can be easily ridden in traffic.
The instrument cluster is also part digital part analogue. It has programmable gear change lights, service interval reminder, lap timer, trip computer and fuel gauge. This kind of information is only relevant when you are riding at cruise speeds in the city.
The Triumph Speed Triple ABS is available in three colour schemes – crystal white, matt caspian blue.
What We Didn’t Like
Triumph Speed Triple comes at a price tag of Rs 11,48,990 (Ex-showroom Delhi), that makes it one of the cheapest litre class superbike in India, but not the best looking one.
The design is of a naked street bike that might not appeal to many in India as the general notion about a superbike is usually garish. Also the turning radius of this bike is like a car. So, it can be a problem while taking u-turns on Indian roads.
Triumph is fairly new to India, so the dealer network and after sales is not that strong right now. So, that might be a little off-putting for some.
Why Buy it?
The Triumph Speed Triple is the flagship naked performance offering from the British motorcycle manufacturer. It’s a beast that is tamed at low speeds but can get really wild at high speeds.
The Triumph speed triple has the right amount of firepower to give riders an adrenaline rush. The Speed Triple carries a 10,000km service interval so maintenance is not so worrisome.
So, if you have about Rs 12 Lakh to spare and are looking for a street naked powerful superbike that is just mad beyond 4000 RPM the Triumph Speed Triple is worth a look.
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