As Triumph’s big bruiser of a naked sports bike, the Triumph Speed Triple 1050 has reached the end of its engineering development cycle. The latest iteration of the Speed Triple, the 1050 R and RS, now produces 150 PS and 117 Nm of torque, outstanding numbers for an engine that came out in 1994 when 120 PS was race bike territory.
But time marches on, and it is about time the Speed Triple is replaced, but with what? The super naked field is crowded, all the mainstream manufacturers having a litre-class sports naked in the stable. KTM has the all-conquering Super Duke R with 171 hp, BMW has the S1000R, Suzuki has the GSX-S1000, Aprilia has the Tuono 1100, Yamaha has the MT-10 and Ducati now has the Streetfighter V4.
So, where does that leave Triumph with the Speed Triple? Logic dictates the inline-triple layout will be preserved, being a Hinckley trademark more than anything else, with the balance between power delivery and weight of a triple giving it an advantage over a V-twin or inline-four.
But with Euro 5 emissions controls coming to the fore, a bump in displacement will be necessary, perhaps to between 1,200 and 1,300 cc. This isn’t out of the question as the Super Duke R comes in at 1,301 cc and Ducati’s Monsters are above 1,200 cc.
Technology will probably feature prominently in the new Speed Triple, which we think, based on previous experience with Triumph model cycles, will come out in 2021 as a 2022 model. Look for electronic semi-active suspension, something that is already available in the Streetfighter V4, long with updated riding aids and ride modes.
Connectivity to the rider’s smartphone is a must, something which Triumph has been lagging behind despite announcing it with the Street Triple 765 RS and both Ducati and KTM have taken to new levels in terms of rider convenience. Expect to see the new Speed Triple going on a weight loss regime, the previous generation model being somewhat slightly heavy in the sling it around the corner arena.
But more of the same relentless rush of torque of the triple will be there, along with a bump in horsepower to… 180 hp? We are rather hesitant to make this guess, but based on our experience with Triumph Triples and motorcycle engineering in general, this number would not be out of the question, considering the Kawasaki Z2 H2 makes close to 200 hp with forced induction.
While the world continues to suffer the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, many are hunkering down, deferring major purchase decisions till things regain a semblance of normality. In the meantime, we wait and see what the future holds in terms of new motorcycle models.
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What exactly is the gain of a motorcycle with 180PS and no fairing?
Sweet bike!! This bike sure turns head when jalan jalan berkonvoi!
Even the old speed triple with 140-ish hp feels like it keeps on pulling forever, i wonder how this new engine would feel like.
Its not that you NEED more than 100whp for the streets, but power and excess is addictive, and people want more and more of it each time.
With the anticipated Streetfighter V2, refreshed 2nd gen MT10 and S1000R, its turning into a glorious arms race for nakeds aiming for 200hp…but..
There’s still a place for actual litre bikes with mid 150hp..and here’s hoping manufacturers offer more street-oriented options and not just the >1000cc track nakeds…
And incase HLYM are listening, yes; bring in the MT10.
The way the current Speed Triple delivers its power to the rider is what makes this bike so intoxicating both on the road and the track. My Speed triple is like the bigger brother version of my MV Agusta F3 800 same BHP but tons more torque. I’d like to see Triumph make a 1200 so they can up the stakes and increase that incredible torque curve and also add 20-25 more ponies. Definitely No replacement for displacement as it allow one to ride the Torque as a road bike and still have the extra ponies for the track!
No fairing doesn’t mean cannot have higher horsepower,You can always opt for aftermarket front fairing with windscreen..This 1050 triple naked sports and not any commuter street bike steadily can reach 275kmh without any fuss..In fact Triumph should consider bringing the old Daytona 1050R