Triumph celebrates 15 years of the iconic Speed Triple with new special edition

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The Speed Triple is the most popular Triumph of the Hinckley era, selling over 35,000 units since being introduced for the 1994 model year. it is thanks to this success that company owner John Bloor has authorised use of his signature on the fuel tank for the very first time on the 15th Anniversary Special Edition.

This limited edition model with its unique metallic Phantom Black colour scheme has hand finished red pinstriped wheels to match the unique ‘15th Anniversary Special Edition’ decals on the rear bodywork and flyscreen cto add to the special edition’s sophisticated yet aggressive look.

Based on the 2009 Speed Triple, this awesome motorcycle comes equipped with a number of additional items as standard, including a colour matched bellypan and flyscreen along with a stylish and comfortable Gel Seat from the Genuine Triumph Accessories range.

Another addition for the discerning biker is this exclusive Speed Triple 15th Anniversary watch as a special gift only available to purchasers of the bike!

Commenting on the special edition, Tue Mantoni, CEO of Triumph Motorcycles, explained: “The Speed Triple has become one of the great success stories of the Triumph Hinckley era and epitomises the evolution that our brand has gone through in that time. A lot of things have happened in the 15 years since the first Speed Triple hit the showrooms but the purity of the concept has remained the same. The bike remains one of the most exciting models on the market today and this limited edition model is a fitting way to pay tribute to a true Triumph icon.” 

The three-cylinder Speed Triple first hit the showrooms in February 1994 and initially drew heavily on the influence of the stripped down café racers of the 1960s, the first models were powered by a 98PS version of Triumph’s modular engine and were a regular sight on British race tracks in the thrilling Speed Triple Challenge race series.

Over the years, the Speed Triple evolved to become the definitive factory streetfighter. Most recognisable by the twin bug-eyed headlights along with the single-sided swingarm and oval section frame that have become Speed Triple trademarks ever since, the streetfighter look was completed with the switch from low-slung clip-ons to the classic tall and wide handlebars in 1998.

The Speed Triple also hit Hollywood, first in the Matrix and secondly playing a starring role alongside Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 2.

Weighing in at 189kg and developing 132PS and 105Nm of torque, the 2009 Speed Triple is the lightest and most powerful version to date. With its distinctive triple sound accompanying a muscular linear power delivery that pulls strongly from tickover to red line, combined with precise and agile handling and powerful Brembo radial front caliper brakes, the Speed Triple perfectly embodies the streetfighter spirit and, like most 15 year olds, is most definitely a bike with attitude, vigour and a lust for life.

The Speed Triple 15th Anniversary Special Edition will be available from March 2009, priced at £8,499 OTR.