Triumph has given their flagship sports bike, the Speed Triple, a long overdue and technology laden update.
It doesn't seem like all that long ago that we mentioned in our ride review of the 2015 Triumph Speed Triple R that the bike was starting to get a little long in the tooth, especially when it came to the technology suite. Hinkley clearly knew this long before the bike found its way into the Driven garage and have definitely put in a lot of work into next year's bike.
Two models will be on offer when they arrive, the Speed Triple S and the upspecced Speed Triple R. While both now come with plenty of braking power thanks to 320mm Brembo brakes up front, the Triple R complete with extra goodies such as Öhlins suspension front and rear, while the Triple S uses fully adjustable Showa units.
Visually the most striking update is, as often is the case with Triumph Triples, to the headlights. Gone now are the oddly shaped units of the past with Triumph moving back towards smoother, more appealing shapes, with the new pair of headlights resembling more of a superhero's mask than the old headlight cluster. Superhero Green Arrow would look the part swap if he swapped his Ducati for this.
The fuel tank has been reshaped to achieve a lower profile and is now made of magnetic tank bag friendly steel, while the seat has been split into two pieces with a narrower front section offering more control at a stand still. The Triumph logo sets the combo off sitting proudly embossed on the leading edge of the pillion seat, which also doubles as extra support for the rider.
Other visuals to get hit with the update stick include the all new aluminium mirrors, which are now located on the bar ends, and a new fly screen which features the air intake scoop in the optimal position between the headlights.
The 1050cc inline three-cylinder engine has gained further refinement and with the addition of ride-by-wire throttle for the first time Triumph has been in a position to give the Speed Triple a set of riding modes and traction control - bringing the bike kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
Overall there have been 104 updates and changes to the 1050cc engine to give it improved power delivery throughout the rev range and to increase fuel efficiency. More power and less stops at the pump will surely go down well with prospective owners.
There is also now a slipper clutch on hand to prevent the rear wheel locking up while hammering downshifts through the 6-speed gearbox.
Triumph have kept the signature Speed Triple dual under-seat mounted exhausts, now with a claimed 70% improved flow rate, and single sided swing arm to show off the
Now available with five selectable riding modes, those being; Road, Rain, Sport, Track, and a custom rider-configurable mode, the Speed triple finally has the technology suite to compete on par with bikes such as the BMW S1000R and KTM Super Duke.
Pricing and arrival dates are still to be confirmed, but we can probably expect the new Speed Triples to arrive mid-way through 2016.