Russ' Speed Triple 2007 Home Page

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I ride pretty much 7 days a week. Outside of the commute I do a few day rides and weekenders with friends. These can be anywhere from 300-1100K day rides and 1500-3000k long weekends. All on a mix of roads - slab, sweepers, twisties and even some dirt. So I needed something with a good motor and good handling.

To date, I've always bought something different when I've changed bikes. I'm not lucky enough to own multiple steeds, but am lucky in that I change them quite frequently. Therefore I like to try different facets or styles of motorcycling when upgrading. Considering this it didn't make sense to just buy the (very) slightly upgraded Sprint, and I didn't want yet another Japanese inline-4.

I do think the Triumph 1050 motor is one of the best things to come out of any bike factory in a while. Not in outright power, R1's and ZZR1400's can easily beat this, and not just in character, Ducati twins have that in abundance, but as an overall package. It has linear power delivery from 3000-10000RPM, a lovely lean burble on deceleration. That wide spread of power available in 2nd from 35-160kph and beyond in 3rd, 4th etc is sheer riding bliss on the right roads. The flat torqure curve bringing in over 80% of all torque at very low revs and the triples characteristic blending of what is good about twins and inline fours makes for a near perfect combination.

With these criteria in mind - the motor, yet something different meant the Speed Triple had to be top of the list. So on Jan 11, I bought my second Triumph and traded my Sunset Red Sprint for a 2007 Fusion White Speed Triple.

Only 20km for the trip home, but already I can tell it's a great package.
1) The pilot powers fitted as OEM tyres are nice and sticky - even when new
2) Where'd the weight go? I can feel the lack of the 21K from the Sprint (wish I could do the same for me!). The flickability of this baby will be a joy in the twisties
3) The power. Even with 20km on the clock, The Triumph 1050 mill feels more responsive and effortless than that in the Sprint tune
4) The lack of bodywork - man are you out there on a Triple :-)
5) The style, yes it's ugly. Not in an Italian sleek/functional sort of way, but in a more in your face, brutish manner. Still it works.
6) WTF is the pillion seat .... oh there, well I don't pillion very much anyway ;-)
7) Only 1 niggle so far (and a relatively minor one at that). No fuel gauge only a reserve light and no kms to empty on the trip computer. The Sprint had both and I like to use this to judge fillups on the open road.
8) Still has that lovely single-sided swingarm - woo hoo.

As time goes on, I'll post pics of the Speed Triple, and other interesting links etc below. Whatever your choice of steed, enjoy the journey.

Russ. 11 Jan 2007 Go to Top of Page