A glimpse of the 2011 Speed Triple face
Ben Franklin may have said it best: Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead, especially if they work for Triumph. This week, Triumph Motorcycles inadvertently—or maybe advertently?—put photos of the new-for-2011 (and officially non-existent) redesigned Speed Triple on its accessories website. The details visible in the photos give lots of clues about what will be new and different about the new model, the first all-new Speed Triple for six model years. There were also photos of the new Tiger 800 and Tiger 800 XC adventure-tourers.
Tiger 800
The Speed Triple photos are of small parts of the bike, hidden or festooned with various accessories from the Triumph catalog, but they still let us know plenty about it. What appears to be a cast-aluminum frame is clearly new, as are the instruments, wheels, body work (what there is) and suspension. Gone are the bug-eyed dual round headlamps, replaced with angular cat’s-eye versions. As for the motor, a leaked California Air Resources Board filing has evidence of more power from the same 1050cc of displacement. The same document hints the bike will weigh in at around 440 pounds gassed up (more than 30 pounds lighter). I’d bet the pricing will stay within 10 percent of the 2010 model’s $11,299 —you can’t raise prices too much in a recession.
2011 Speed Triple clocks
Triumph Motorcycles has also let slip some partial detail photos and blurry action shots of two new adventure-touring models, the Tiger 800 and Tiger 800XC. The 800cc versions (using stroked 675 Daytona Triple motors) have also been revealed in a CARB filing, where the names, displacements and other details are listed. Both bikes have similar bodywork and tube-steel chassis, but the standard Tiger 800 will be road-oriented, with 17-inch wheels, and the XC will have a big 21-inch front hoop and tube-equipped dual-sport tires, and we assume, more off-road suited suspension and brakes—a clear competitor to BMW’s F800 series. In that spirit, we’d expect a little more than the BMW’s 85 hp, a little less bulk than its 397-pound dry weight, and a little (or a lot) less dough than its $11,395 MSRP. Does it have hard luggage as an option? Do you have to ask? Expect GPS and all the other adventure-touring de riguer items as well.
2011 Speed Triple optional low pipe
It’s a testament to the success of the chain-driven, liquid-cooled parallel-twin BMW F800GS’ that it’s spawned an imitator from Triumph. Triumph promised to have 23 models in its range by the end of 2012—there are 17 as of the 2010 model year, which means there will still be four all-new models to be released for the 2011 and 2012 model years in addition to the two new Tigers. Will we see a 1050-powered superbike or a Rocket-III luxury tourer? Whatever models come from Hinkley, the reborn company’s healthiness is no secret.
Tiger 800 bags
Considering what is available in the middleweight multistrada/adventure bike category (nothing, except the $13K+ OTD 800GS) I think Triumph will have a winner by default. Or two winners, I think I’d choose the roadie Tiger 800, not the XC. I might even buy a new one. I’ve occasionally owned used BMW’s (currently a BCR) but I would never never never pay new price for one.
By middleweight I mean a sub 400 pound bike with enough engine to accelerate strong and effortlessly cruise any highway at 80mph+ with grades, headwinds, two up. And then be at least OK on dirt roads. The Weestrom won’t do the highway bit (and weighs 450+) – not trying to start an argument here, the Wee is great for some folks. I so wanted the Weestrom to do this. I’ve ridden two of them a bit – that engine seems fine for the SV650 but it just doesn’t make the DL650 very exciting. No currently available single will either. Well maybe a KTM690 but then you have all the KTM madness. I owned a R1150GS – great highway but too heavy! And a F650GSPD, too wimpy (and very heavy for 40HP). I can’t even imagine how dead a 400+ pound KLR feels like. Have not ridden a Versys, maybe I should. Just seems a little low on power and looks a little chintzy.
Don’t know what you’re smoking but I’ve ridden plenty of bikes with less power than the DL650, two-up, on the highway @ 80+, with grades, headwinds, etc and never had a problem. You have to twist the throttle more on some bikes, sure.
KLR’s feel great but the suspension is on the soft side.
Do yourself a favor, spend less time out on the highway and more time along the fun windy roads that the middleweight bikes you are asking for excel at.
The Tiger 800 doesn’t have far to go to better the BMW F650GS/F800GS. Worst bike I’ve ever had. Five recalls, two cracked gas tanks, unexplained fuel injector problems, an engine that sounds like marbles in a blender, parts prices that would make a harley dealer blush and it’s too high tech to work on. Maybe I got a lemon but I don’t think so. Go Triumph!!!
Who would have thought 35 years ago that Triumph would be better quality than BMW?
It looks like they’ve done a fine job.
I hope the street version doesn’t have it’s testicles removed like the ‘650’GS.
And thanks to the British government for staying off the Euro so it should come in at a more reasonable price than the Beemers and Ducs.
You are all a bunch of whiners.
(Whining takes no talent.)
Go buy a car with your money and stop annoying motorcyclists
and motorcycle manufacturers with the, (your), incessant whining.
Whatever they build, you will whine. You don’t really know
what you want. And I am quite sure THAT extends far past just
motorcycling in your pathetic lives. 🙂
Really, just have some fun and stop being dicks.
I think allowing comments on articles is a bad idea. It allows
me to know who my fellow motorcyclists are. I THOUGHT they
were cool. Why can’t they be cool and interesting and have
more spokes and heated grips?
And u another one for WHINING about our WHINING… is a vicious circle, u can’t come out clean. LOL.
Yah, let’s just applaud every feature on every new bike made so sensitive little flower burt won’t act like a drama queen and throw a hissy fit ! Newsflash – criticisms of new motorcycles are called feedback and manufacturers WANT to hear it . And people riding to be COOL need to put the factory stock exhaust system back on their bikes . Loud pipes don’t save lives , but they do piss people off and give all motorcyclists a black eye in the process .
Bert, you’re shouting again, Bert!
Are my eyes going bad, or is this yet another “adventure” bike fitted with an “upswept” exhaust canister stealing pretty much all utility from one of the side cases?
Undertail like the Benelli Trek would be Nice…no chance of case space robbing canister there…(and no rocks hitting it if that ever was the xcuse on the first place for such location).
Yes. It is high enough to be adventure motorcycle.
Why do so many bikes come with a brake fluid reservoir that looks like a urine sample cup? How much would it cost to have something more substantial looking? IMO the reservoirs on my VFR 800 are perfectly integrated into the look of the bike. The urine cup looks like crap.
exactly. They used to be integrated into the lever perch even on old ’70’s bikes. This just looks plain cheap.
Perhaps but the triple is a naked bike (some would say the archetypal naked bike, monster notwithstanding) so I think unadorned brake fluid container is acceptable here.
Maybe it’s stratigic, for $79, you can buy a nice black metal one from them.
I love my ’10 Street Triple R! My dealer is cool, and I haven’t had this much fun since Buell was still in business!
They probably do that to sell their black anodized brake reservoirs as accessories . Wonder why they just don’t put them on to begin with ?
http://www.pure-triumph.com/products/1361?utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=Feed&utm_campaign=GoogleBase
If, the Tiger 800 will be “road-oriented, with 17-inch wheels” and targeted at the BMW F650/800 twin it is #1 on my next bike list. It needs to be a little bit better in ergonomics, handling, weight and have a flat torque curve (stroking the 675 should do that)then shift as smoothly as the F’s and it’s 90% there for me.
If Triumph is going for the BMW customer they should not cut any corners on components or options. 90+% of the BMW GS’es never see any serious off road. Their appeal is comfort, easy handling, minimum non-functional bodywork, touring capability and perceived reliability.
We all get tired of replacing seats and windscreens with costly aftermarket items when the factory could just spend a few bucks and do it even better. They could offer a muffler upgrade (or just original equipment) that would sound powerful on acceleration and reasonably quiet at cruise that would sell more bikes.
I really, really hope this is a better competitor for the BMW GS and not a “buy ours because it is cheaper and prettier). My checkbook is waiting.
They “accidentally” posted the accessories pics? I liked it better when it was called viral marketing.
Japanese bikes are the best, they always have been, they always will be. Look at the facts and not the techno gizmos coupled with high dealer cost and service fees.
Well said!
Ever seen a Triumph/BMW/Ducati scrap yard? Wonder why?
That’s because of low supply and (past) high cost, not better quality.
I take it you’ve never owned a new Triumph. I was skeptical as well, but my Speed Triple was everything I was looking for in a bike, so I took the chance. Honestly, it seems to be as well-made as any Japanese bike I’ve ever owned (including 5 Hondas and a Suzuki).
I have a 2001 Bonneville with 76K+ miles on it. Not a single mechanical failure of any kind. Just routine maintenance. This bike, is without a doubt, the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Far exceeded my expectations. I have owned every brand of UJM and none of them even came close to the reliability of my Bonnie. Triumph…well done!
In our (I’m making assumptions about your age here….) lifetime, that has generally been true. But Japan really has gone through two lost decades, and eventually, that caught up with them.
Honda’s NSX, NR750 and those Turboed F1 engines they stuffed into McLarens in the late 80s, are pretty much still as mind bogglingly spectacular as anything in motoring has ever been. But then, the government of Japan decided it was more important to focus on building bridges to nowhere while “saving the financial system”, or some such nonsense. Just like in some other country I’m aware of, the self promoting half litterates who devoted their lives to squandering other peoples money, ended up being better connected politically than those who quietly and diligently spent their time building and designing stuff that actually had some value. Who would have thought…..
So instead of being put to use driving technology forward like before, the legendary savings of the Japanese were instead invested in keeping over levered banks, bankrupt construction companies and other important political constituencies flush. Allowing European companies; reinvigorated (at least relatively) by a breath of Thatcherism, the collapse of the Iron Curtain and a credit boom amongst euro envious American upper middle and upper classes; the opportunity to catch up quite nicely.
I am inclined to agree. I think if you maintain a Japanese bike the way you would a European bike, it will last just as long.
If the Tiger doesn’t have the option for heated grips, heated seat, ABS, & most importantly CRUISE Control, it will be lunped in with the rest of the Japanese bikes that I won’t buy for the same reason. Someone PLEASE give me an option & a reson to move away from my now aging BMW K1200RS. Oh, and Triumph, please give the same treatment to the same with a few of your other bikes like the Rocket, Sprint, Thunderbird, etc., etc.!
It would be Nice if they would have all those as Options for buyers like u. Build the Main Harness with all the conectors in and offer all those things as plug ins Options.
I think Car Manufacturers do it like i mentioned.
Just a knit, but BMW manages to use sealed spoke wheels on it’s dual sports/adventure tourers so tubed tires are not necessary. There are some small suspension advantages with a tubed tire, but for ease of use, I’d far rather plug a TKC80 then dismount a tire to replace or repair a tube. Oh, and how about a 19″ front hoop on that road model so at least some gravel isn’t too punishing. Gotta start saving some dough and make some space in the garage.
Bmw uses the edges of the Rim to acomplish said tubeless application.
Unlike Guzzi on the Stelvio wich does use some “Fancy” spoke nuts wich do the sealing u mention on the regular Rims (i bet they leak more that a tubeless Rim).
The system used on the Super10 looks like a good compromise of looks and functionality.
I see tubed tires as a Minus too (on any bike unless is a show bike or an off road dirt bike)
On the Tiger…It looks like its a 19″ Hoop on Front. I was hoping for a 17″ for the road version since the XC comes with what looks like a 21″.
There are a few aftermarket tubeless options. Search for “tubliss”.
FYI, the F800GS does not use sealed spoked wheels. It runs tubes in the tires. Only the R1200GS uses the cross-spoke wheels that can run tubeless.
Also, the article is mistaken. The Tiger 800 has a 19″ front, not 17″.
Indeed, you are rigth, but since i never look at the Piwi 800 and only consider the Tank 1200 (always oogling it on bike nigth) it didn’t come to my head while i was replying to point that detail out. (O_O )’ (^_^ )
Does anyone else get offended by Triumph’s approach to introducing these models, with all the “teasers”? Its childish IMO. I suppose it plays to those potential buyers who won’t be able to delay gratification when the damn product actually get here.
Yes, they are a pain on the B@lls but when u(Triumph) have the upper hand u can do w/e u want or so life has tought me.
As an owner of both a 1050 Speed Triple and a 1200GS I’ve very interested in the new “little tiger”. However, I think I’ll keep my original “Monty Python” looking bug-eyed Trip until they build an entirely new triple engine around 1250cc.
Amen to a newer bigger Mill 1200+. (^_^ )
***although, to add to the comment below, at least Kawasaki has the balls to redo it’s ZX-10R for 2011. I hope it’s a good one, as Kawasaki seems to be the only Japanese motorcycle maker with any life left in it. Good for them, I like Kawasaki.
Kawi is trying but seems a bit lost…case in point…
Have u seen the wheel design on their new Rocket Flagship ZX-10R ? They have reverted to the “fugly, ancient, me too, outdated, u mention it” 3 Spokes Design. Ligther ? Perhaps, FUGLIER ? U betcha. I would rather have the style before these came along or some cast knock offs of some Carrozeria style or else COOLER.
They fixed the Front but screwed the Tail Section NOW.
No Fancy Big Bang, No Wierd Engine position on the frame with the crank closer to the fuel tank (center of gravity, w/e) like those patent drawings or God Forbid Direct Injection…(-_O )’
Im TRULY dissapointed but by now thats easy to see, lmao.
And looks are subjective, SOOO…lol.
But hey, something is better than nothing, rigth ?!
love the idea of both an 800 on and off road. one bike outfitted differently. BMW’s 800 on road was a stripped down cheapy “650”. the triumph might be the bike for me!
and I love the looks of that windshield, exhaust and saddlebags!
I second that thought! (or am I the millionth person to do so?)
It is a no-brainer for Triumph to do a 1075 Daytona!! Stick very close to the 675 Daytona formula (super light weight, big hp and torque), maybe add traction control and race ABS, and watch the sales roll in. And, it would likely be the final nail in the Japanese literbike coffin, as they sit on their R&D hands and do nothing while the Europeans dazzle the world with their fantastic sportbikes.
Triumph, just do it!
Dear Kawasaki –
My last new bike is my 1999 ZRX1100. In the 11 years and 43,000 miles I’ve had it no other bike by any manufacturer has grabbed my attension, heart and sole like it has. Until now. I hear rumors there may be a new 2011 ZRX coming stateside. If there is, I’ll be 1st in line. If not, this Triumph will share garage space and riding time with the ’99.
Dear Triumph –
Congradulations on your motorcycle prowness! Your line up is awesome.
Most sincerely,
JBoz
This teaser-gimmick-marketing campaign is starting to get on my nerves. I’m sure some advertising whiz is convinced he’s generating lots of exposure and generating interest, but it’s just more annoying than anything else, and I’m thinking less of Triumph, the company, because of it.
I’d like to see a Daytona 1100 in my garage. Pretty please Triumph… 🙂
I’d like to see less bikes in my garage…
I think Triumph is having the same situation as Porsche have always had with its Icon the 911.
U can shuffle around things all u want but make sure it remains true to its original legend.(Looks,Shape, etc…).
I loved the round headligths, any other bike with those will always ring the bell on my head followed by a picture of a Speed Triple before any other.
Waiting to see the whole bike to really come to terms (Love it or Hate it).
It seems even the Tiger 1200 Prototype is using the new slanted headlites combo or something similar.
Screw the Tigers, The SpeedTriple and the ARCHAIC 1050…where the 1.2L ‘Tona or Trophy ? There’s 2 more years and 4 new models still to come… Here’s hoping they are NOT Cruisers but rather street bikes (sports,standards,w/e) or dual-sports. (^_^ )
Can we Yanks update our Sprint ST’s with the ECU from the new GT’s? Can’t understand why we’re not getting the 2011 Sprint ST’s over here. While a fine bike, I think the new GT is a bit of a “porker” for those of us riding solo most of the time.
Sam, I agree that the new GT is a bit of a porker, and I don’t care for the considerably longer wheelbase. But I’ll withhold final judgement until I take one for a good test ride.
As far as the ecu is concerned, consider using Tune ecu. It’s free! All you need is a laptop and an OBD cable. There’s a lot of different tunes available for our Sprint’s.
I don’t know why they would get rid of the headlights. That’s one of the cool things about it.
I like Triumph, I really do. I would have bought a Street Triple in ’09 but for the abysmal lack of steering lock. For you newbies, I’m not referring to locking steering columns here. Anyway, a 500 cc. single would be nice. I’d alto like to see a modernized version of the Yamaha SR-500. On the other hand, it will be a long time until anyone builds a single that comes close to the output of a box stock KTM 690 LC-4. I own an example of the Duke 690 and am not surprised that MCN recorded a 0-60 time of 3.87 seconds.
Took me about 15 minutes to solve that problem on my STR! Shoulda bought it! You are missing out.
Mark, please tell us what the fix is.
It’s really great to see Triumph doing so well. I have an ’06 Sprint ST 1050 that I absolutely love. Best bike I’ve ever owned. I’d love to see a single cylinder 500cc from them. Who knows, maybe we will.
Go Triumph.
Yes, how about a REAL Tiger Cub, you know, single cylinder, 200-ish pounds. It would slot in well next to the Kawasaki KLX250S, Honda’s CRF230L (hopefully better than that) and Yamaha’s XT250 as a sweet little dual purpose or commuter. It wouldn’t hurt Triumph to have an entry level bike on their hands. Of course, I’d go and turn it into a Cub Racer…
Let’s not forget the 650 Trophy (or Tiger) Trail to upset the KLR as king of Adventure singles but not as heavy as the F (sorry, G) 650GS from BMW.
Then there’s the “Tigress” Maxi scooter…
-todd