From a press release:
Triumph to Release New Hooligan Bike
Speed Four
Already a popular class within many European markets, Triumph anticipates steady growth worldwide in the middleweight naked bike sector. Much of this growth will be driven by riders switching from purebred sports bikes to avoid the spiralling cost of insurance and the licence-losing potential associated with fully faired sports bikes. It is for this rider that the new Triumph Speed Four is designed.
Immense fun to ride, the Speed Four combines streetfighter looks with high specification components throughout to deliver genuine sports bike performance. Unlike the more budget-oriented machines currently available in this sector, generally based upon older models, the Speed Four platform is the latest 2002 specification TT600. The fuel injected, in-line four-cylinder engine features new cams, pistons and liners and is tuned for a broad spread of mid-range power and torque. (The engine’s performance has been deliberately capped at a maximum of 98 PS max power to match European insurance breaks.)
It shares the same chassis as the TT600, so from the outset the rider is assured of superb handling and agility. The lightweight aluminium frame and swingarm impart strength and stiffness while the use of the same front wheel as the TT reduces unsprung weight to allow faster directional changes. The Speed Four also has fully adjustable front and rear suspension enabling the rider to choose settings to suit differing riding styles and to match the bike load and riding conditions.
Impressive stopping power is provided by twin 310mm fully floating disc front brakes and the single disc rear.
The bold styling draws inspiration from the Speed Triple and shares the same distinctive twin headlamps. The love them or hate-them, colour coordinated air intakes, that feed cold, dense air to the engine, are neatly tucked in and an aerodynamic headlamp fairing is fitted as standard to deflect the brunt of wind resistance away from the rider. A colour co-ordinated seat cowl completes the bodywork. The compact instrument console features an analogue tachometer, digital speedometer and digital twin trip meters, clock and temperature gauge plus a low fuel warning light.
Ergonomics replicate the TT600’s; comfortable yet sporty enough to take full advantage of the Speed Four’s ample performance.
The Speed Four will be available in three colors –Roulette Green, Tangerine Orange and Jet Black.
The Speed Four will make its US debut at the Atlanta Cycle World Show in late January. In the meantime, from 2nd January the model can be viewed on Triumph’s updated website at www.triumph.co.uk