New Speed Triple spied testing
Triumph hopes bigger engine will regain super-naked glory
By Jordan Gibbons
Triumph are working on an updated Speed Triple that will host a brand-new engine, bringing with it a significant boost in firepower, as well as a host of other changes. Although a popular machine, Triumph have lost ground in the super-naked stakes against horsepower-monsters such as Ducati’s Streetfighter V4 and KTM’s Super Duke R, and Hinckley will be hoping these changes redress the balance. At the heart of the new bike is a new motor, which judging by the cases appears to be a complete redesign rather than a tickle of the existing engine. To compete with the best, Triumph will have boosted capacity, up from 1050cc to around 1200cc, as well as copying the new Street Triple internals to shed some weight. Given the competition, we imagine Triumph will be aiming for around 175bhp, as well as good torque from the new triple. As this bike has to be ready for Euro 5 when it’s released, Triumph have fitted it with a new low-slung exhaust. Paired with the bigger motor is an all-new suspension set-up. The model caught in these spy shots has Öhlins, suggesting we’re seeing the RS being tested. Most interesting is the rear suspension, with the shock now directly mounted to the swingarm, presumably so they could ditch the linkage and make more space for the massive catalytic converter. As with most premium performance models today, Brembo Stylemas provide the stopping power.
Of course, super nakeds also mean super tech – we can see a quickshifter as well as a brand new dash behind the restyled lights. Expect anti-wheelie this and slide control that, plus some home comforts like Google Maps integration. There’s no comment from Triumph, but we don’t expect to see it until Spring 2021.
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