2011 Triumph Speed Triple first ride: 'beautifully tractable'

MCN’s Chief Road Tester, Trevor Franklin has just had his first ride of Triumph’s new 2011 Speed Triple at it’s world launch at Ascari in Southern Spain, here’s what he has to say:

“Triumph states its new Speed Triple was not built as a track bike but to continue the famed road riding of last year’s version – but the fact that only a few suspension tweaks can make the new version such a joy to ride on circuit is a testament to Triumph’s suspension and chassis development.

“By moving the weight bias towards the front the bike is much more agile than the outgoing model. It doesn’t have that long length wheelbase sensation anymore.

“As you would expect from a Triumph the 1050cc engine is beautifully tractable with no sign of any faltering in the drive at any rpm.

“Instead, where the new Speed Triple feels different, in terms of performance, is it hangs onto it’s power and torque a lot further up the rev range. Add to this the stupendous Brembo front brake system and Metzeler Racetec K3 tyres as standard and you’ve a bike that’s capable of giving anybody a smile at a track day.

“We are out on the road in the Rhonda area this afternoon and I for one can’t wait.”

See Trevor’s full report in next week’s Motorcycle News

• Read more about this bike at the Speed Triple launch centre