Speed Triple
The original production streetfighter, with strippedback looks, bullish power, and now an inconsequential price tag. And by that we mean from just £1000…
SPRAG CLUTCH
If a Mk1’s engine bangs loudly or squeals instead of turning over the sprag clutch is doomed, and it’s a £2000 engine-out complete rebuild to fix. However, a new sprag clutch replaced today will last 25,000 miles if the battery’s kept in tip-top condition.
PLASTIC PETROL TANK
Ethanol in modern fuels causes the ’97-’07 Speed Triples’ plastic tanks to swell and fuel lines to corrode. Is your tank in good condition? Use ethanol-protection additives or buy high-octane from certain stations. Esso’s super is ethanol-free except in Devon, Cornwall, Teeside and Scotland. Bad condition? Used tanks: £60.
SINGLE SIDED SWINGARM
Post-t3 swingarms. Speed The Triples first thing use single-sided to check on any used single-sider is the rear hub, where the C-spanner is used to adjust the chain tension. Look at the teeth on the hub behind the rear sprocket – the hub is seized if they are chewed up. And if this is the case you can reasonably deduce the bike has not been serviced correctly, so there’ll be suspension linkage problems too. Loosening axle and linkages will cost £500.
FUEL INJECTION
The T5 uses an early Sagem fuel injection system, originally found on French cars. The system is fully electronic unlike ’80s Kawasaki GPZS. Sagem’s injection doesn’t run as lean as modern systems which means it feels similar to carbs, that is, soft on the throttle.
SERVICING
A minor service including oil and filter happens every 6000 miles, or yearly, and costs £175250. The major service which includes new plugs, valve check and single-sider suspension and axle strip happens every 12,000 miles or every two years and costs £450650.
CULT OF MK1
The Mk1 is a cult classic and, for excellent bikes, prices can reach £10,000. But they’ll need to be 100% original to warrant that kind of money. Things to look out for are the original black silencer with silver rings at each end, a rear mudguard that hasn’t been chopped and unpainted fairings. Also check the VIN number – the bike may be a modified Trident or stripped Daytona. Even the original Speed Triple vs Rottweiler poster is now a collector’s item.
2016 GEARBOX
The 2015 gearbox can trace its roots back to 1994 and feels soggy with a long throw at the lever. 2016’s upgrade speeds up the gear change thanks to smaller lighter gears and a revised selector mechanism for a cleaner and shorter change. Triumph only specified a quickshifter for 2016-on bikes.
THROTTLE BODIES
A 1050 engine with balanced throttle bodies can run at 20mph in top gear and then pull through like a steam train. But, if the bodies are out of balance there’ll be hesitations and a hunting at tickover. Balancing is a two hour job and £100.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
Late 955s and early 1050s suffer a throttle position sensor (TPS) problem. The TPS sits on the end of the throttle bodies but it’s plastic and the O-rings are attacked by the ethanol in modern fuels. The T509’s TPS causes fewer problems because it’s a better quality component. Specialist equipment is needed to set up the throttle bodies after a TPS replacement so take it to a dealer. But don’t let this put you off buying a bike if it’s the only problem.
COIL SEALS
Water can badly affect late 955 and early 1050 coils. If it gets past the seal it turns into steam which can then cause bad misfires and the spark plugs to rust and seize in place. Soak seized plugs in Wurth penetrating oil for 24 hours and use a perfectly-fitting socket to loosen. A better seal was fitted from 2008. It’s worth retro fitting. They cost £3.42.