Top 100 Motorcycles last10 year: 5 -Triumph Speed Triple 1050

Top 100 Motorcycles last10 year: 5 -Triumph Speed Triple 1050

5 - Triumph Speed Triple 1050 year 2005

Engine

Loads of stomp, real kick-sand-in-yer-face power from the 1050cc three cylinder motor, pretty much lifted straight from the Sprint ST and retuned slightly to make even more gobby amounts of torque. The Triumph Speed Triple 1050 makes serious oomph between 3000-8000rpm and you can just rocket past cars on congested A roads anytime you feel like it. Lovely even power delivery from the fuel injection too.

Handling

The Triumph Speed Triple 1050 is a motorcycle you need to test ride before you buy it. Not everyone likes the slightly lairy handling, which has a suspension set up on the firm side - you could do trackdays on the Triumph Speed Triple 1050 and acquit yourself respectably, but road riding is harder work because of that firmness and precision. It isn't that comfortable on long rides, but if hard charging cornering and braking are your thing, then the Triumph Speed Triple 1050 delivers a sporty ride that can cope.

Equipment

Hey, Triumph Speed Triple 1050 is a naked roadster - what d'you want, a teasmade and heated grips? What you can't deny is that the massive brakes, the beefy USD forks and fully adjustable monoshock do the biz on the Triumph Speed Triple 1050, but odd details like the 90s style headlights, or the little indicators, detract a little bit from the overall package. For the money, it could have a funky flyscreen, modern lights and nicer mirrors as standard.

Reliability

The Triumph Speed Triple 1050's overall build quality is good, but it could be better in places and again, odd details stick out on what is generally a brutally handsome looking motorbike. No worries over the reliability of the Trumpet in the long term, but the exhaust system looks a bit exposed, and so vulnerable to possible corrosion.

Specifications

Top speed        150mph

1/4-mile acceleration     11 secs

Power 128bhp

Torque             78ftlb

Weight             189kg

Seat height        815mm

Fuel capacity    18 litres

Average fuel consumption         40mpg

Tank range       140 miles

Engine size        1050cc

Engine specification       12v transverse triple, 6 gears

Frame Aluminium tubular

Front suspension adjustment     Preload, rebound, compression

Rear suspension adjustment      Preload, rebound, compression

Front brakes     Twin 320mm discs

Rear brake       Single 220mm disc

Front tyre size   120/70 x 17

Rear tyre size    180/55 x 17