2018 Triumph Speed Triple

Details have finally emerged for the latest generation of Triumph’s legendary Speed Triple, which will be available in two different versions: the S and higher-spec RS.

Australian availability or price are yet to be announced.

Both models share an updated 1050cc three-cylinder powerplant, which Triumph says has 105 new parts. Claimed peak power is now 150hp, a seven per cent hike, while torque is 117Nm – a four per cent hike over the old model. Redline is now 1000rpm higher, while the new engine also spins up faster.

Riding modes are Road, Rain, Sport and Rider, while the RS also has an extra Track mode, offering advanced ABS and traction control settings.

Other changes to the engine include lighter pistons, a new cylinder head, lighter cylinder liners, smaller starter motor and a re-routed oil system that now runs the oil internally through the head gasket to the cylinder head, allowing for the removal of external oil pipes.

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There’s also a free-flowing exhaust, restyled silencers, and improvements to the gearbox and slip-assist clutch. The RS has an Arrow silencer fitted as standard, as well as lighter carbon fibre bodywork and a matt aluminium subframe.

Electronics
The “smartest and most technologically advanced Speed Triple ever” brings with it a five-inch full-colour TFT instruments, LED illuminated switch cubes, cruise control, daytime running headlights, and IMU-controlled cornering ABS and traction control on the RS. The RS also has a keyless ignition.

Core technology includes switchable ABS, switchable traction control, and a USB charging point.

Chassis
The new models retain the single-sided swingarm and twin-spar aluminium frame of the previous generation, and they are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres and Brembo M4.34 radial monobloc calipers.

The S has 43mm upside-down Showa forks and Showa monoshock, and the RS 43mm Öhlins NIX30 upside-down forks and Öhlins TTX36 twin-tube rear monoshock. Both bikes are fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.

Dry weight of the S is 192kg, and the RS 189kg.

Colours
Both models are available in two different colour combinations:

Speed Triple S: Jet Black or Crystal White, both with a titanium rear subframe, graphite wheel pinstripes, silver seat stitching and graphite decals
Speed Triple RS: Crystal White or Matt Jet Black, both with a matt aluminium rear subframe, red wheel pinstripes, red seat stitching, and more premium RS decals.

Accessories
Over 50 accessories are available through Triumph’s online configurator, including black anodised CNC-machined brake reservoirs, machined wheel finishers, slim LED indicators, and lightweight carbon fibre fuel tank infills. For more practicality, there’s also a low seat, frame and fork protectors, radiator guard, fly screen visor, passenger grab rail, luggage options and heated grips.