2008 Triumph Speed Triple Review

Introduction

Triumph is known for producing successful Urban Sports equipped with three-cylinder engines and a lot of attitude and the 2008 Speed Triple tops it all with the help of some nice finishing touches like a new LED rear light, a redesigned radiator, black anodized front forks, and new tapered anodized aluminum handlebars. Not quite stylish just very efficient, the Brembo radial front brakes are also new on the bike, as well as the rear sub-frame.

History

1994 Triumph Speed Triple 885

Triumph first produced and marketed the Speed Triple in 1994 and the bike was fitted with a modular 885cc engine. At the time it was introduced, carburetors were the best option to feed an engine, but the three cylinders were cooled with the help of a water cooling system. The Speed Triple also made its debut featuring a five-speed transmission which was to be later replaced with a more modern and practical six-speed unit.

The Triumph Speed Triple was planed to gain popularity with the help of its reliable mechanics, sufficiently powerful engine, and extremely compact chassis which leaded to great maneuverability and an excellent road behavior. Even though it was pretty much destined to experienced rider, the impressive new Triumph was, and still is, supported by an impressive number of riders.

By 1997, Triumph had planed a great upgrade for the 855cc engine found on the Speed Triple. A fuel injection system was to increase the power from 98hp to 108hp and the aluminum perimeter chassis was ready to deal with the change. This meant faster cornering and more adrenaline. Clearly, the Speed Triple is immediately recognizable by its single sided swingarm and if you were wondering when this saw its way on the Triumph, 1997 is the answer. In fact, that important year helped individualize the Speed Triple with its unique swingarm together with the rear wheel and those nice-looking headlights.

Two years later, the triple’s displacement was increased to 955 and Triumph claimed the power of 130hp. The impressive numbers resulted in a stronger-pulling engine and greater sales.

The English manufacturer took the time and enjoyed the bike’s success for more than a few years before it made its ideas reality. The plan was to increase the cylinder capacity again, and in 2005 it ended up displacing 1050cc, as a result of longer stroke. Bulletproof built and excellent performing, the Triumph Speed Triple lives its best production days, and as of 2008, it features minor changes in comparison with the great evolutionary steps mentioned above.

Competition

Triumph really knew how to choose its cards and make a class-leader out of the Speed Triple as it fitted it with three cylinders and made sure it reached 131bhp. Keeping the retail price as low as possible was another step in front of the competition.

2007 BMW R 1200 R

An example of Speed Triple’s supremacy over other European Urban Sports is clearly given with the help of the BMW R 1200 R. The bike is best characterized by its sporty behavior and excellent maneuverability. The boxer engine develops a satisfying 109hp so it disposes of enough power and torque in order to be up against the Triumph. BMW’s disadvantage is the fact that it comes with an MSRP of $12,600.

2008 Ducati Monster S2R 1000

Another great example would be Ducati Monster S2R 1000, a motorcycle blending Ducati performance with Italian styling. It features the most powerful air-cooled Monster which delivers its 95hp linear and efficient. For those willing to go for this less powerful, but way better looking bike, the MSRP is $9995.

Exterior

2008 Triumph Speed Triple 1050

Ask any rider about a factory streetfigher and you’ll find the name of this review immediately reaching your ears. There’s nothing more iconic for this class than the Speed Triple. Over its long evolution, its manufacturer made sure to orient it towards an aggressive look and compact, stylish apparel. It was a big hit from the very beginning, but the single sided swingarm and the headlights clearly showed where this bike was heading. And the sky was the limit.

A newbie would actually tend to ask if the bike actually starts and goes on two wheels as it looks like big boy’s toy. The thing with these toys is that they go like no other.

The front end is dominated by the bike’s “eyes” and the instruments which look like hanged above(this would be the first streetfighter sign). Anodized aluminum handlebars contribute to the bike’s minimalist styling together with the new black anodized front forks.

Virtually everything that isn’t painted in the color that the buyer chooses will be black or matte black painted. The rims, engine, transmission, frame and swingarm all contribute to the mysterious looks.

The most important exterior piece is the fuel reservoir which, in this case, looks beyond any expectation. Able to store 4.7 gallons of gas and still looking smooth at the beginning and sharp where the rider’s knees reach, the gas tank gets an A plus, as well as the one-piece seat design.

At the rear, LED taillight is brand new for 2008, while chromed exhaust brings a lively feel in the entire harmony, just like the headlights covers.

You can have it painted Jet Black, Fusion White or Blazing Orange and it would look great no mater what. I mean…just take a look at it!

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