Triumph has released a new video teasing the upcoming 2018 Speed Triple, albeit in its go-faster RS and R avatars. As goes without saying, there would be a vanilla version as well, and would sell in higher numbers than the more exotic versions showcased in the dopamine inducing video. Now, while the new Speed Triple does have an uncanny resemblance with the smaller Triumph 765 RS, there are those exotic looking under-seat exhausts to dispel any confusion. The RS version gets a duo of Arrow end-cans.
The new motorcycle gets “The Ultimate Hooligan” as its tagline, and is seen piloted suitably in the video. Seven-time SBK world champion Carl Fogarty and two-time IOM TT winner Gary “Gaz” Johnson are shown slugging it out on an airfield. While we have utmost respect for the two racers, the visual representation of the duo, fighting it out for being the first across the finish line seems rather forced and unnatural. Along the way, the two riders are seen slaloming, wheeling, taking shortcuts and generally being a lout as we’d all want to be when left loose on an open piece of tar or concrete.
The videos shows clearly the striking resemblance with the 765 RS in the form of the fly-screen fairing, the twin LED headlights, and the little intake sitting in the middle of the illumination points. One can also spot the single-sided swing-arm which has been carried over from the previous version. The Brembo brakes are new, though, and so is the more advanced Ohlins suspension unit on the RS version.
The headline news is the engine though, which has been significantly upgraded and may now deliver as much as 150hp of peak power. The engine capacity and architecture will largely remain the same, and the new Speed Triple will continue to be powered by the 1,050cc triple-cylinder motor.The 2018 Triumph Speed Twin will be launched on February 5.
As with the 2016 version, the bike will get ride-by-wire and Euro-IV compliance and a more elaborate suite of electronics for a safer, more reassuring rider experience. The instrument console will be color TFT and the switchgear, backlit.
The new Speed Triple will be launched on February 5th. Will it come to India? We can’t be sure as the new Speed Triple, especially the RS variants, would be significantly more expensive than the current model. Also, the recently introduced Street Triple RS is more than a handful for its Indian rivals.
