2005-CURRENT TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050

1050cc inline triple 130bhp 212kg

IN A WORLD where big, fast naked bikes are heading down the same development rabbit-hole that has ruined some the latest generation of sportbikes, Triumph’s Speed Triple 1050 stands proud as a wonderful road bike. With great looks, a brawny, textured character and an engine and chassis that work well at any speed, there is no wonder it is in demand.

The original 1994 café racer morphed into the bug-eyed streetfighter in 1997, and there are plenty of early 2000 Speed Trips still out there. But in 2005 it came into its own with Triumph’s new 130bhp 1050cc triple and a sawn-off tail unit, underseat exhaust cans, upside-down forks, radial brakes and a sculpted look by Italian firm Marabese. A clean one is still probably the best-looking Speedy.

But the 2011 overhaul modernised the Speed Triple riding dynamic: less weight, uprated suspension and brakes, more torque, new frame and modern Foxeye lights (changing the integral part of the Speed Triple’s iconic looks caused consternation). In 2012 the Speed Triple R added carbon parts, Öhlins suspension, Brembo monobloc calipers and forged aluminium PVM wheels (later switched back to stock wheels). The Triple and Triple R continued until 2016, when they were further uprated and split into S (standard) and R (up-spec) versions. So

that’s three distinct phases of Speed Triple between 2000 and 2016 — and all three represent excellent value for money and plenty of trouble-free riding with little potential for hassles.

What to look for

In general, Speed Triple engines are reliable and will last a long time if maintained, with only things like stators and sensors failing sporadically on 955i bikes. There were a few teething troubles at the start of

production but once the model hit its stride they’re usually trouble-free — niggles creep back in as mileage, wear and tear and owner-neglect take their toll. Running oil low is a problem, for example.

Start a cold engine and listen for harsh tapping or knocking (ignore thrashy cam-chain) — and no oil smoke when it’s warm or oil weep from the head. Cheapo exhausts fitted without dyno set-up may have flat spots and rough running — check with a test ride and ensure the gearbox is present and correct — it’s clunky though.

Avoid aftermarket quickshifters and check steering is straight (crashes will bend bars or risers, or twist forks in the yokes) and bearings aren’t notchy. Electrics can suffer from age and water corrosion – a misfire or hesitation anywhere in the rev range could be tricky to trace.

What’s it like to ride?

The Speed Trip is lovely. Stacks of smooth triple power and torque; neither screaming with an inline-four rush nor flooded with V-twin shunt, few bikes blend bottom end, midrange and top end so seamlessly. The Speed Trip instead just bulges with an accumulation of acceleration.

You never get carried away, just carried to where you want to be. Poised riding position is sporty but doesn’t stress wrists at pottering speeds, supported by wind blast off the nosecone, and ride quality from the Öhlins suspension is tough but fair; even in close to 0°C on wet roads, the Supercorsas get enough warmth to steam gently in the sunshine.

And it looks absolutely superb; this is peak Speed Triple. It is packed with better build quality and more engine and chassis performance than before, with a perfectly tuned riding position. Every garage should have a Speed Triple in it.

Thanks to fasttrackmotorcycles.co.uk — this bike is for sale at £6990.

A stunning looking bike today, a decade on

Speed Triple is lovely to ride on all roads

VALVE CHECK When buying, ask for proof of the 12,000-mile valve clearance check and haggle price accordingly. It’s important to get it done (especially the exhaust valve side) and Triumph dealer will ask for big money; a trusted local mechanic will be half the price

ACCESSORIES Cheap aftermarket items can cause problems — nasty exhausts and no dyno set-up causing flatspots and rough running for example. And they can also betray the previous owner’s mentality towards maintenance too: if they weren’t bothered to set the bike up, how did they feel about routine oil changes? LINKAGE A good tell for owner attention is the state of the bottom rear suspension linkage, between rear tyre and exhaust. It’s particularly vulnerable to gathering grime and water, and corroding solid. It should be clean and lubed Later model gets proper components