Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/958653
2018 TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE FIRST TEST P84 where from 5000 to 6000 rpm was supreme—no hesitation or uneven throttle response, just a nice smooth and positive delivery. When approach- ing a slower vehicle just grab a hand full and be done with it. With 86 lb-ft of torque available, (four percent more than the previous Speed Triple), the pick-up is instant. One of the points of interest is the deeper, throatier exhaust pitch—like eye fillet cooked by a Michelin-star chef for the ears. The RS is fitted with newly homologated Arrow exhaust, while the S also has new, redesigned mufflers but of a standard type. You wonder how they got away with aftermarket exhaust? Simple: by lowering the amount of noise emulating from the motor, Triumph could add noise elsewhere—very cool. As far as the chassis the goes, the Speed Triple RS model comes with new Ohlins 43mm NIX 30 forks and an Ohlins TTX36 rear shock, while the S model receives Showa units front and rear. Both the S and RS's suspension are fully adjustable, as you'd expect. On the freeway, the suspension was very compliant. You will find it The S model in all its glory. No Ohlins suspension, but still a heck of a bike. THE S A QUICK HISTORY LESSON Over the years, Triumph has endured several changes and hardships but it has become one of the most iconic brands in motorcycling. Of course, the test of time took its toll and Triumph called it quits by the end of the seventies after having started production in 1902. But with a name like Triumph, steeped in motorcycle history, chances are it wouldn't be gone forever. Sure enough, in 1983, a gentleman named John Bloor came to the rescue and purchased the company and put Tri- umph back in the game. It took some doing but by 1990 Triumph had developed two new three- and four-cylinder motors to power a new fleet of Triumph motorcycles. Finally, in 1991, the first unit rolled off the line. At first, the bikes were a bit dodgy, as the products they were producing were big and bulky and performance was not at the level of the already well-established European and Japanese brands. Over the years, though, Triumph managed to get a handle on what works and what doesn't. It's taken them a while but now they are a major player in the modern motorcycle industry. Having secured a spot in one of the world's premier motorcycle racing classes as sole supplier for Moto2 engines from 2019 onwards speaks volumes of the success of the company. That's a great achievement for the relatively small brand out of Hinckley in the UK.