Triumph motorcycle reviews


Read Triumph Speed motorbike reviews. These have been written by owners of Triumph for the benefit of fellow bikers. Read other Triumph owners' personal opinions of Triumph motorcycle ownership. You can also submit your own Triumph Speed review.

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Triumph Speed 600cc Apr '07 (07)
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Well,bless me, so the Triumph Speed Four isn't listed any more??
Well,more's the pity, because I regard it as the best bike I've ever had ( of about 60 or so, of all types )
I tried to give up biking last November ( because at the age of 64, I thought I should - so did my wife and Ma, can't tell you how relieved they were!)so I sold my XJR1300 and bought a C90 - well, it's not really a bike is it?
However the embarassment of being seen on it - sorry, C90 owners - after all the other bikes led me to sell that as well a couple of weeks or so ago, but I'm afraid all this did was to re-awaken the old loin-stirring lust for a proper bike..... which of course is the Speed Four.
Main criteria: build quality - I looked at a lot of 600's and found virtually all wanting - some almost corroding before my very eyes.The Speed Four is delectable in this respect.Performance - OK, its not as fast as some I have owned, such as the GSXR1000 and 750, but more importantly what is there is so usable and flexible on the road, in any range from low to mid to high.Weight - getting more important now I am 65 - and after the XJR this seems like a feather weight.Handling - quite astounding and I am amazed at my own ability (sorry about the boast)with the old lean-angles, helped by the higher than usual footrests.Lots of other plusses as well.
Why did they stop making this bike?? - it can only be that it was too expensive to make to the quality attained at the money it sold for, and to make way for the Street Triple? I tried one - can you guess which I pefer?
......and by the way, it looks the dog's b......s!
Submitted by
Grae in Shanklin, Isle of Wight on 07/05/2009
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Triumph Speed 600cc Apr '03 (03)
Overall Rating:
Review
I too was persuaded by a test ride! When I bought this bike I was not looking for a 4 cylinder bike. I wanted more raw power, I test rode KTM Duke, SV1000, Cagiva Raptor, CCM R30. The only reason I tried the Triumph was the price! But after a 45 min test-ride: in town, A roads, country lanes & dull-carriageways I was hooked!
This engine is not like an average 600 4stroke 4cyl, because it is so eager to rev! The revs build like on a 2-stroke and the howl from the ram-air intakes makes it feel even better. The suspension looks boring (no usd forks here) but the handling is beautiful... neutral, flickable, yet stable. It is fully adjustable but at 8000 miles I haven't needed to adjust it yet. The brakes are very powerful without being grabby.
You know a bike handles & brakes well when you think you have overcooked it on a bend and the bike sails round without a twitch..... you could have gone faster, you could have braked later. I am no 'riding god' but this bike has helped me to stay with a ZX9R for 20-30 miles in mid Wales and lead GSX750 & R6 for 20 miles across Hampshire.
Downsides.. Firstly the gearchange is as bad as a Honda at low revs. it really is worth keeping the clutch & chain well adjusted. Secondly the riding position is very comfortable when you are going for it but gets wearing after 200miles if you relax. Thirdly the alarm drains the battery if you aren't able to ride every week (Damn!!!) Fourthly I go through BT010s in 3000 miles!
Submitted by
UKBike Archive in Hassocks, West Sussex on 21/12/2005
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Triumph Speed 600cc Sept '04 (54)
Overall Rating:
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I tested one of these along with several other machines a few months ago - and the Speed Four just took my breath away - so much so that I bought a new one and have no regrets now that it's run in. I've had faster bikes, and actually bought a Yamaha FJR 1300 around the same time, but I've sold that now 'cos the Speed Four is just more FUN. Red line at 14K, rearset pegs and fairly lowish 'bars set like clipons, probably about 90 bhp at the rear wheel, claimed 170kg dry weight, and the sweetest handling of anything I have ever ridden makes for huge enjoyment. Monster brakes are very strong indeed (and have helped me out a few times...) and you can stand it on it's ear at will. As I said, exceptional handling, possibly about the best there is, and to be fair - as much power as can reasonably be used on the road most days. If you like corners, and you like 'em quick, try one. I'm 6'2" and it's not too cramped for me for a couple of hours at least, oh, and the silly screen doesn't do much, but it does keep your b*llocks dry when it rains - very important. Downsides - no luggage capacity at all, and they lose a heap of cash in the first year or so (like everything these days), but overall, simply astonishing and a well kept secret. Oh, and 35mpg isn't that clever either. For those of you who are as old as me, it reminds me strongly of the Laverda Jota I had in the 80's - loads of attitude, bags of carisma, and very few compromises. My Jota was tuned, so performance is similar too. Basically, try one. I think you'll be surprised. One other thing - mine is fitted with BT010's as standard, and I'm easily riding to the edges of the rear one without anything going down (or any problems). I might consider stickier rubber next time.
Submitted by
UKBike Archive in Hassocks, West Sussex on 11/07/2005
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