2008 Triumph Speed Triple
The 2008 Triumph Speed Triple, with its mix of a monstrously powerful three-cylinder core, a top quality chassis and an aggressive, stripped down stance, enters its 14th year with a host of refinements.
2008 TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE
The Speed Triple, with its mix of a monstrously powerful three-cylinder core, a top quality chassis and an aggressive, stripped down stance, enters its 14th year as part of Triumph’s Urban Sports range with a host of refinements
Starting from the front of the bike, redesigned radiator shrouds give the bike a more integrated appearance, while the brakes have been upgraded to high-spec Brembo four-pad, four-piston radial callipers with a radial master cylinder for outstanding braking performance. The new alloy multi-spoke wheels have been completely restyled too. Visually distinctive, the new wheels have been designed to minimise inertia, which, together with the new tapered aluminium handlebars and sports rubber, give the rider even sharper steering and even more precise control.
The rear end of the Speed Triple takes on a completely new design, with a new sub-frame, polished stainless steel heat shields and repositioned, ball-burnished aluminium pillion footrests to give the pillion rider more leg room. A new clear-lensed rear light and neater number plate bracket completes the rear end redesign, which fellow riders can admire as you leave them behind…
The Speed Triple’s engine remains the same 1050cc, DOHC, three-cylinder, fuel injected powerhouse, tuned to pump out a great surge of bottom end torque, linked to massive mid-range punch and an impressive level of overall power. Peak power is a heady 132PS (131bhp) at 9250rpm while peak torque of 105Nm (77ft.lbf) arrives at 7550rpm.
The focus of this engine though is not a stratospheric peak power output, but the delivery of incredible levels of torque and usability from zero rpm. A quick action throttle all that torque is always just a flick of the wrist away, while a crank-driven balance shaft keeps things smooth. Twin-level oval section exhaust pipes enhance the engine’s distinctive and addictive induction roar, and are sheathed by polished stainless steel heat shields.
A rigid aluminium frame contains the engine and provides massive strength while the steering geometry – 1429mm wheelbase with steering geometry of 23.5 degrees rake and 84mm trail – gives a lightning fast steering reaction but with the trademark Speed Triple unflappability. The dry weight is 189kg. Fully adjustable 45mm upside down forks are gripped by a three-pinch bolt lower yoke for extra rigidity. Rear suspension is also fully adjustable, while the single-sided swingarm is both massively strong, adding to the bike’s sure-footed handling, and contributes to the Speed Triple’s unique look.
The brand new Brembo front brake calipers, radial master cylinder and twin 320mm fully floating discs provide exceptional stopping power and plenty of feel. The rear 220mm disc is gripped by a two-piston caliper. The trademark twin headlight setup remains, with a slight tweak to shape of the headlamp bowl, with both spotlights working together on both dip and main beam. The instrument cluster is equipped with an easy to read analogue tachometer, digital speedo and trip computer. Surrounding the tacho is a sequence of green/red gear change shift lights, programmable to suit each rider’s individual preferences. Also included are an engine temperature gauge and trip functions of maximum and average speed, journey time, average fuel economy and a clock.
Four colour options are available for 2008: Jet Black, Fusion White, Blazing Orange and Matt Black.
There are many things that can account for a motorcycle’s success, but facts and figures only ever tell so much. For a motorcycle to hold such a consistent appeal, in an ever-changing world, it has to have something a little special that separates it from the others.
Delivering undiluted attitude and a unique presence on the road, the Speed Triple has always has always been such a bike and the refinements for 2008 will ensure it remains the ultimate factory street fighter.
The 2008 Speed Triple will go on sale in Australia in late March, at the same price as the 2007 model – $15,990 (plus ORC).
Evolution of the Speed Triple
1994
The 885cc three cylinder engine (retuned for midrange torque and putting out 97bhp) chassis, wheels, suspension and brakes were all taken from the Daytona 900, but by removing the fairing – yet retaining the clip-on handlebars – Triumph created an instant classic. With its high-performance heart and raw, stripped down appeal it was perhaps the first modern-day café racer, and a UK based race series, The Speed Triple Challenge, inspired many with stunning and extremely close racing action.
1997
Known as the T509, the second-generation Speed Triple is the model that cemented the bike as a true icon. Based on the groundbreaking T595 Daytona, the 1996 Speed Triple used a 108bhp 885cc fuel injected engine, tubular aluminium frame, high quality (and adjustable) suspension and evocative single sided swingarm. The bike had a style all its own and the move from a large, round single headlight to two spotlights was the master stroke that established the Speed Triple’s identity.
1999
Almost indistinguishable from the previous model, but mirroring development of the Daytona, in 1999 the Speed Triple was given a 955cc engine. Peak power remained at 108bhp but featured improved midrange torque. Dry weight was also unchanged at 196kg, but the first of the really adventurous paint schemes was unleashed on the world.
2002
In 2002 Triumph pumped up the Speed Triple’s engine to 955i specification, giving it 118bhp at peak. The trademark bug-eyed Speed Triple look remained, though a revised seat unit added comfort and pillion practicality. Some even more adventurous paint options – including hot pink – are available and while this incarnation is a smooth and polished performer, in the tuning shops and back streets of southern Europe many were cut down, shorn of any unnecessary equipment and given a brutal, raw edge.
2005
Redesigned from the ground up with an all-new 1050cc engine and completely revised chassis. Peak power increased to 128bhp with a toque curve that delivered kick in the pants from 2,000rpm, with peak torque 105Nm at 5,100 rpm. While the twin headlights remain the bike has a more radical, short and stubby look. New brakes, suspension, wheels and instruments add to the performance, as did the lighter dry weight of 189kg.
Accessories
To coincide with the launch of the new Speed Triple for 2008, Triumph has developed a number of exciting new additions to the Accessories range. Back in 2005, Triumph Accessories first collaborated with renowned race component supplier Arrow Special Parts to develop a full titanium race system for the Daytona 675. Next up came stunning three into one race systems for Speed Triple, and Triumph’s most recent addition, the Street Triple.
Spring 2008, sees the release of new “street legal” silencers for both the Speed Triple and Street Triple. These sleek, high-level titanium silencers complement the aggressive look of the Speed Triple.
2008 Speed Triple Technical Notes
1.Front Brakes: Nissin radial master cylinder with 19mm piston (as per Daytona 675) Brembo radial calipers, 4 pistons, 4 pads. Sintered pads with 2 grooves in each. Pistons are 34mm diameter. New 320mm discs have lower unswept area and a new hole pattern to improve heat dissipation. Compared to old Speed Triple system, braking power has been increased by 14%, with initial bite increased by 12%.
2.Handlebars: Magura tapered aluminium bars, 4mm wall thickness, shaped specifically for the Speed Triple. Riding position is exactly the same as the 2007 model Speed Triple. Bars are shot peened for strength, shot blasted then silver anodised. New risers are burnished and clear anodised.
3.Forks: New black anodised finish, with new lower castings for the new brake calipers.
4.New radiator shrouds, moulded from ASA, tidy up the appearance of the bike and give it a neater finish.
5.Engine area in front of sprocket cover has been tidied up with the addition of a “cable guide” to conceal fuel tank breather/drain hoses and some electrical cables
6.New shape headlamp bowls.
7.Completely re-designed rear end: Revised rear bodywork panels New rear subframe and battery box New rider heel guards New silencer heat shields and end caps, no change to silencer body or internals. New passenger footrest hangers giving 50mm more leg room. High pressure die-cast aluminium with a burnished finish. New seat giving rider and passenger more room to move about. Shape of rider’s section is flatter, making movement forward and backwards easier. Shape of pillion section also flatter and slightly longer to give the passenger more seated area. Rear light as per Daytona but with clear lens as standard. New undertray/number plate support – neater and cleaner previous unit. New accessory seat cowl, also available in carbon fibre
8.New, seven-spoke alloy wheels – unique to the Speed Triple and with a very distinctive look. 5% reduced inertia of front wheel helps the bike’s agility.
9.The Dunlop Qualifier (French made) and Metzeler Sportec M3 tyres exhibit less carcass deformation than the Michelins previously fitted to the Speed Triple, especially on hard acceleration out of corners or on bumpy corners, giving a more “planted”, confidence-inspiring feel. There’s also a slight improvement in neutrality (steering effort required mid-corner) and precision (steering accuracy in the corner) and more stability at high speeds.
10.New style instrument casing as per Street Triple. Internals remain the same as the 2007 model Speed Triple.
11.“Arrowhead” indicator units as per Street Triple.
12.Revised gearchange mechanism for smoother shifting.
2008 Triumph Speed Triple Specifications
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ENGINE: |
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Type |
Liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, in-line three cylinder |
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Capacity |
1050cc |
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Bore/Stroke |
79 x 71.4mm |
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Compression Ratio |
12.0:1 |
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Fuel System |
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection, with secondary air injection (except NZ, South Africa & Australia) |
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Exhaust |
Three into one into two stainless steel, twin high level silencers, catalyst in secondaries |
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Ignition |
Digital-inductive type via electronic engine management system |
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TRANSMISSION: |
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Primary Drive |
Gear |
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Final Drive |
X ring chain |
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Clutch |
Wet, multi-plate |
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Gearbox |
Six-speed |
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Throttle body diameter |
46.0mm |
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Gear Ratios |
1st 2.733:1 (15/41) 4th 1.292:1 (24/31) |
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Final drive ratio |
2.333:1 (18/42) |
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Oil Capacity |
3.5L (0.9 US gals) |
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CYCLE PARTS: |
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Frame |
Aluminium beam perimeter |
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Swingarm |
Single-sided, aluminium alloy with eccentric chain adjuster |
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Wheels |
Front |
Aluminium Alloy multi-spoke 17 x 3.5in |
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Rear |
Aluminium Alloy multi-spoke 17 x 5.5in | |
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Tyres |
Front |
120/70 ZR 17, Dunlop Qualifier or Metzeler Sportec M3 C |
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Rear |
180/55 ZR 17, Dunlop Qualifier or Metzeler Sportec M3 |
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Suspension |
Front |
Showa 45mm upside down forks with dual rate springs and adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping. 120mm travel |
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Rear |
Showa Monoshock with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping. 141mm travel |
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Brakes |
Front |
Twin 320mm floating discs, |
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Rear |
Single 220mm disc, |
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DIMENSIONS: |
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Length |
2115mm (83.3in) |
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Width (Handlebars) |
780mm (30.7in) |
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Height |
1250mm (49.2in) |
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Seat Height |
815mm (32.1in) |
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Wheelbase |
1429mm (56.2in) |
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Rake/Trail |
23.5º / 84mm |
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Weight (Dry) |
189kg (416lbs) |
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Fuel Tank Capacity |
18 litres (4.7 gal US) |
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PERFORMANCE: |
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(MEASURED AT CRANKSHAFT TO DIN 70020) |
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Maximum Power |
132PS (131bhp) at 9250rpm | |
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Maximum Torque |
105Nm (77ft.lbf) at 7500rpm | |
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Colours |
Jet Black, Fusion White, Blazing Orange |
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Warranty |
2 years, unlimited mileage |
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Instrument display/ Functions |
Analogue tacho, Digital LCD Speedo and Digital trip computer "Display" trip computer functions |
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