Triumph Speed Four
Engine size 599cc
Power 97bhp
Top speed 136mph
Insurance group 12
That engine still isn’t perfect but it ain’t half bad. A bit snatchy around town but, out in the open, it’s a dream. Alongside that handling and those brakes, you’re in for one hell of a ride on board the Speed Four. Incredibly capable and beautifully built, its distinctive looks are ideal for those who don’t want to go with the flow. And it sounds amazing…
Engine: The Triumph Speed Four runs on the same engine which fired the much-maligned TT600 but only after numerous tweaks which ironed out that bike’s early injection problems. The Triumph Speed Four is still a bit snatchy low down but other than that, it’s fabulous: loads of power in the midrange, fantastic acceleration. You have to use the gears to milk it to the max but that makes for an involved ride.
Ride And Handling: The TT600’s handling is legendary and so, therefore, is the Speed Four’s. With the same taut chassis and perfect dimensions, prepare to discover lean angles you never thought yourself capable of. The fully adjustable suspension is brilliant as are the brakes. Incredibly capable and huge fun yet wonderfully confidence-inspiring, too.
Equipment: With high pegs and a forward riding position, the Triumph Speed Four is sporty. The small cowl is good until around 80mph when the wind gets you. There’s a digital speedo and clock and analogue tacho: all very clear. Braided hoses are standard and colour-matched belly pan and radiator cowls are included. Pillions, however, will hate you.
Quality And Reliability: The Triumph Speed Four is not built to a budget and it shows. It boasts excellent components and finish and is beautifully put together (although the looks are an issue for some… ). One recall is recorded: non-metallic fuel hose connectors were replaced by metallic ones to counter the possibility of fracture. Check it’s been seen to.
Insurance: Insurance group: 12
Model History: 2002: Triumph launch the Speed Four as a naked version of the TT600. It has twin headlights straight from the Speed Triple and mad-looking air intakes. No changes since.
2006: Fazed out to make way for a 675cc version of the Daytona Triple.
This article was taken from: Motorcycle News