Triumph 955 Speed Triple

It was the 1997 AMCN Phillip Island Moto Spectacular and Colleen Dooley, Triumph Australia's Promotions Manager, answered the question as she had a thousand times that day. It's the T509 Speed Triple, doesn't it look great? Truth is my first impressions of the bike were somewhat confused. The quirky bug-like headlights and the crooked smile of the mini wind deflector left me undecided whether I loved the look of it or simply loathed the look of it. So Colleen that must be the same engine that's in the Daytona T595, right? This answer was more confusing than the first. Why didnt Triumph just slip the T595's 955cc in-line three-cylinder straight in? It had more horsepower and torque on offer. But like a number of other manufacturers, Triumph went for the soft cock option.

It was still an in-line triple in the T509, but the capacity was 70cc less, measuring 885cc, with a 76mm x 65mm bore and stroke (the Daytona had a 79mm x 65mm combination). Compression was also down to 11.0:1 (11.2:1) while the claimed 108 horsepower (130ps) and 8.94kg-m torque (10.20kg-m) looked timid next to those of the T595. Honda took a similar approach with the CB1000 Big One, which runs a detuned CBR1000 powerplant. Without the full grunt of the CBR the bike just doesn't stir the emotions, and it's showed in the sales.

Suzuki took a different approach and actually increased the capacity of its ever popular GSX-R1100 to turn the Bandit into a 1200cc adrenalin tap, and judging from the sales, it's just what the people wanted. So just over a year later Triumph is back on track with its black or green Speed Triple.

The latest generation of the T509, which will simply be known as the Speed Triple, now sports the engine it should always have had. Its basically a slightly re-tuned, not de-tuned, T595 fuel-injected 955cc liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC engine which now pumps out an impressive 110ps at 9200rpm (claimed) with 9.89kg-m of torque. Compared to the original 855cc mill it's a world of difference, so comparing it to the T595 (now known as the 955i) is probably a better option.

The re-tuning has taken a fraction off the top end, but truth is it's only noticeable in the higher gears at full noise. As for the midrange, this is where the $16,500 Speed Triple shines. There is loads of it, and it pulls right from three grand onwards, but without the 5000rpm hiccup that the original T595 suffered. The difference is that strong that one can now get a little lazy with the six-speed gearbox.

The best part about the 955cc mill is that it brings out the naked musclebike character that the T509 has always had, but was too shy to show. Sure you can still ride the bike sedately, and true T509 fans will be happy to know the comfortable riding position remains. But when it's time to have a little fun it's more than willing to oblige. The throttle response is light and very precise and with the wide bars on a bumpy road this can make the Speed Triple an absolute hoot. Be warned though, it can get a little lively, which I think adds to the fun factor. Everything else is typical T509, comfortable seat, neat cockpit, good suspenders, single-sided swingarm, great dual four-piston brakes and that throaty triple roar. Mind you the genuine Triumph aftermarket exhaust just gives it that much more appeal... along with a little more in the top end.

It's amazing how just a little more bite can improve the taste... on ya Triumph.

Martin Port