Triumph has officially revealed the 2018 Speed Triple to the world after dropping a bunch of teasers. The 2018 Triumph Speed Triple is now available in the S and RS versions with the latter being the more powerful and technologically rich offering. Changes on the new Speed Triple are comprehensive and in abundance with the litre-class naked now boasting of advanced electronis, more power and a lighter weight. The design language isn't dramatically different from the current model, but gets plenty of upgrades to keep things fresh.
(The 2018 Triumph Speed Triple S retains the same iconic styling)
At the outset, the 2018 Triumph Speed Triple continues to use a 1050 cc three-cylinder engine, but the engine now gets 105 new parts. Upgrades include a new and lighter crank gear, Nikasil-plated aluminum cylinder liners that are lighter as well and new profile pistons that squeeze the fuel charge into higher compression ratio combustion chambers. Moreover, the head gets optimised exhaust ports for improved gas flow, along with new free-flowing exhaust, larger catalyst and lighter header system, all of which bumps up the performance from the engine.
The changes have resulted in the new Triumph Speed Triple S and RS gaining 7 per cent in power and now churns out 146 bhp at 10,500 (1000 rpm higher), while peak torque stands at 116 Nm at 7150 rpm. The motor is paired to a 6-speed transmission and gets a slip-assist clutch. Triumph has ensured to reduce weight in a number of ways on the new Speed with a new sump, a smaller starter motor and a lighter battery. The oil-flow through the cylinder has also been reworked for a cleaner look around the external oil pipes. The front fender and radiator cowl are made from carbon fibre to aid weight savings. The new Speed Triple now has a dry weight of 192 kg on the S and 189 kg on the RS model.
With respect to electronics, the 2018 Speed Triple now benefits from a 5-inch TFT instrument console. This opens up possibilities on the motorcycle with a host of information on display, while also offering better read-ability in both daylight and darkness. There's a new joystick too, for better access to controls and backlit buttons. The Speed Triple RS also gets keyless ignition with a special lock/unlock button on the switchgear, while both versions get cruise control as standard.
(The 2018 Triumph Speed Triple uses a TFT display, like the Street)
The RS though further gets spruced up with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that was developed in collaboration with Continental, while safety tech includes cornering ABS and traction control. The 2018 Speed Triple S comes with four riding modes, while the RS also gets an additional Track mode.
Coming to the hardware, the new Speed gets fully adjustable Showa suspension, while the RS gets high-end Ohlins units. Braking performance comes from the 320 mm discs at the front with four-piston Brembo monobloc calipers. The rear uses a 255mm disc with Nissin caliper. Triumph says that the new Speed Triple is the lightest and most powerful Speeds to be ever produced by the company.
The 2018 Triumph Speed Triple S will be available in Jet Black or Crystal White shades, with a titanium rear subframe, graphite wheel pinstripes, silver seat stitching and graphite decals. The Speed Triple RS, on the other hand, will sport Crystal White or Matte Jet Black colours with a matte aluminum rear subframe, red wheel pinstripes, red seat stitching, and RS decals. Prices haven't been announced yet for the UK market. Meanwhile, you can expect the motorcycle to come to India later this year.
