Veta Motorcycle

What has the Speed ​​Triple, except for all these years is its design - or rather, lack thereof. The attitude is a disadvantage for this naked bike from the start, because the naked motorcycle and not a lot of features stand out in nature, the Speed ​​Triple has distinguished himself as a feature easily identified: the round headlights.

Well, those lights are gone, replaced by a more angular units. But the lights are just a small part of an overall package, which is radically different, but still largely based on the same motorcycle. Let us explain.

 

A new take on an old classic

Triumph engineers left no stone unturned when redesigning the Speed ​​Triple. To keep things simple, there were three goals to stay: it would be easier, it would have more usable power (not that he lacked in that department), and the last is a bit strange: it was to feel more like his younger brother. the Street Triple

Getting the first goal, the entire platform was revised package of vital components of the wheel to one another and the injury more weight forward. The new chassis is slightly lighter than it replaces, even if great weight saving is a whole new cleaner and washer assemblies that combined, more than six pounds lighter than last year. This is despite the new rear tire model is extended to six inches (5.5 inches), to better manage the 190-series tires, and one-sided swingarm, which is 18.5 mm plus an additional 2.2 kg lighter than first.

 

This chassis was also revised the measure to be more and more weight towards the front. The engine is positioned in front of 3 mm and tilted seven degrees to move forward adds weight to the front.

Apart from prolonging measures tilting back to include the relocation of the battery in the front of the fuel tank and the tilt angle of the steering column. The win also moved the coolest parts of the puzzle and more - the corridor. But I will later. In total, the site of the 2011 Speed ​​Triple 50.9% of the weight of the vehicle in front, compared with 48.6% for the 2010 model.

Speed ​​Triple 1050cc three-cylinder engine remains the same from last year, but a couple of little changes that allow you to breathe easier by bike. Revised without the airbox is now 10% more filter surface area, the revised injection system software is claimed to improve fuel economy by 6%. A new oil pan allows for more packing of exhaust pipes, and offers more ground clearance as well.

 

Diameter of the pipe header is reduced to 38mm (42mm of) and secondary exhaust pipe is extended to 50.8 (from 44.5mm), all for "more usable power." Inside the engine, transfer roller inner holes were opened in order to reduce pumping losses in the Pistons race to the bottom. All in all, the claims of five horses Triumph increase (to 133 hp) and torque over 8% (82 ft-lb) compared to its predecessor. A new high efficiency radiator keeps engine temperatures under control.

Triumph has shown an engine dyno chart comparing this year on top of the previous version. It is interesting that in 4800 the old engine rpm is actually more power and torque. It is not until this threshold is exceeded, the new company drag out the rest of the rev range. A clear demonstration of the power used more.

I found it strange that focuses on the implementation of the new Triumph Speed ​​Triple Street Triple looks pretty. The size of the pilot or the location of the old model I was never struck me as something that can be revised, if necessary, but the machine in motion in 2011, in-store Hinckley combed every detail.

 

The steering geometry has been changed and, again focusing on the frontend. Rake has been tightened to 22.8 degrees (23.5) for a faster response, while the track is increased to 3.6 inches (against 3.3). The wheelbase has also increased slightly to 56.5 inches (against 56.1), in an effort to help the stability of the aid.

 

Beyond that, the bike feels more compact overall than before, thanks to some small changes, but noticeable. The forward of the engine and moved the battery allowed the engineers to come to the bars of the pilot. The seat height is now 32.5 inches, 0.2 inches lower than before. The axis of the front wheel to the front of the seat has been reduced over last year by about two inches (1.7 to be exact), and the bars are repositioned within an inch of the rider. Stool, also increased by more than an inch (1.14 centimeters) to complete the revised pilot triangle.

 

Time to act like a thug

Okay, maybe not. But just sitting in the new Triple-speed as soon as I have said everything was regular. I call it a region close to the Street Triple, but you can not hide the bigger engine is physically well, bigger. In addition, the inclination of the engine slightly forward, the rider is positioned on the point of view, but barely. And certainly a nice car ergonomics is a long journey.

This is convenient because it is exactly what Triumph was put on hold during the introduction in North America to both him and the new 675R (discussed in another story). Our two-day trip was to get started in Idyllwild, California, and wind through the roads less traveled, eventually led to our decision in Indio at the end of our first day. The second day will be dedicated to the art racetrack Southern California, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, where we said, and 675R with their speed.

 

Although the Speed ​​Triple is a completely new this year, there is familiarity with the race as soon as it is, there will be plenty of time I spent at home the previous model. Although the new ergonomics, I immediately felt at home.

The power has never been something I complained to the previous model, but we are very happy that more of it this time. As promised, it was not long to the tune of three cylinders to steal the show. On the street there is a power seemingly instantaneous, thanks to the wide flat torque curve throughout the rev range.

Supply, particularly at low speeds, is a bit cutting edge of hesitation. Unfortunately, our ride street was full of four-wheeled traffic, which has prevented a thorough whipping of the bike, but this was an opportunity to show the torque, 40 mph, and drag along in sixth gear, the simple condition that the accelerator had met with the leachate before unleashing the raw power that I can easily carry triple-digit mark. There was still a lot to lose, but self-preservation instinct (and the desire to preserve their own license) forced me to get out soon.

 

This does not mean they were not able to take advantage of the new chassis, however. Anyone familiar with these roads know that there are a diverse mix of slow turns and wide turns, sweeping along the road, the Speed ​​Triple has been impressive in both areas. The handlebars provide a lot of pressure to the bike at a stretch, but it was not really necessary because the sharp cutoff angular gyrus, quick and easy anyway. According to Triumph, the lighter wheels help reduce steering inertia than 5%.

 

Once on its side, the S3 is quite a pleasant stay there. Here, a longer wheelbase, and the path will participate. And dead easy to keep with the maintenance of gas, but small changes in trajectory are possible. Triumph has not hastened to speak, but the 43 mm inverted Showa fork and Showa shock absorber with damping rates this year tuned, more to the bumps and many imperfections along the way on horseback. Both units are fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound and the suspension of a good balance between shock absorption while providing the company to run.

 

The ruling also was never a problem in earlier models, but again, the new S3 sees some minor changes in the braking system. Basically, the rotors of 320 mm are now thinner than 0.5 mm, prior to dissipate heat quickly. Brembo four-piston (not piece variety) to provide the press, while a Brembo master cylinder feeds the fluid. If youve seen the videos about the stunt pilots doing maneuvers in the endo-crazy old Speed ​​Triple, understand how strong they are. This is no different. The braking power is always ridiculous, with much feeling at the lever.

The Speed ​​Triple is also available with optional ABS, which is the first time. Then I had the opportunity to ride the model equipped with such, was not aware and had no opportunity to test their functionality due to traffic conditions. We must save our thinking about the system for a future-proof.

Because of traffic we have experienced in the last stages of our trip, I was pleasantly surprised at the Speed ​​Triple is a comfortable seat when lollygagging around the city (or stuck behind a train of cars). There is padding in the right places and it is just firm enough to support without feeling like a board.

 

Although it has a minimal body, side panels and radiator shrouds are quite impressive in the channel heat away from the rider. Speaking of style, it is hard to mistake the new model as other than a Speed ​​Triple, but the iconic two round headlights give way to angular shaped candles. Why the change? Because Triumph felt the need to change over time, and that included changing the projection beam headlights style units, over the objections of traditionalists.

New lights made me think: What if Triumph wrapped them in a full fairing, the right wheel on the suspension and, above all, he collided with an engine capacity is 1100cc. Then there would be real-liter class bike ride from Hinckley. In the world of Superbike regulations that allow 1000cc and 1200cc four-legged Twins, Triple 1100cc would be a perfect fit. Who knows if it will really happen, but its a great idea, right?

What are you doing on the ground?

Taking the Speed ​​Triple for a ride on the track to show its performance to the limit. It was surprising how much fun it was fun to walk in the Chuckwalla closely monitored. With all the torque on tap, it is entirely possible to keep the bike in third gear the entire length of the track and not worry about the change. He complains that much. The six-speed transmission is smooth, both on and off the track, and fast driving, we noticed the street also transferred over.

Street-plush partial suspension of the race, and still manages to follow the task surprisingly well. But make no mistake suspension, race, certainly not. Braking was equally strong on the track, as it was in the street and showed no signs of fading. The only limitation is the ground clearance, such as footrests asphalt used to scrape the knee dragging lean angles.

During all day circling Chuckwalla mobile use my imagination, dreaming literbike Triumph. The bike is so fun to drive around the track as it is. The correct variant to handle such abuse would only be the icing on the cake.

 

 

Willing to lose your license?

For it was not clear already, the Speed ​​Triple is a success. Always has been. With a powerful engine, capable chassis, brakes firm and comfortable driving position, which is not love? The new design will make some people angry - I admit I prefer the round headlights - but even the flagship models need a makeover from time to time.

This does not mean Speed ​​Triple is not without flaws, even if the list is small, however. We did not include a ride on a little highway, but judging from past experience, the windshield is the desired object is something over 75 mph. Fortunately, this is a Triumph available as an option, in particular, Speed ​​Triple, Triumph, and that is the best-selling accessory in the list.

Other accessories include a tire pressure monitoring, Low Boy and sliding the arrow in the exhaust (which Triumph says cutting up to 50% by weight of the standard exhaust system), seat cover, keel, a bar-end mirrors, anodized aluminum tanks, a lower seat, pre-formed networks and luggage up, all of which come with a warranty of two years. (Maybe I should come with a choice of round headlights-...- Ed)

I think its safe to say, the king of hooligan bikes are back and better than ever. But again, its not like he went everywhere. Triple Speed ​​should be at dealers before the summer and will be available for $ 11,799. Add $ 800 for the ABS option.