Ten Best Awards; Best Standard, 2006
Years sold: 2005-present
MSRP new: $9999 (2005 & 2006)
Blue Book retail value: $6105 (2005), $6600 (2006)
Basic specs: A naked, standard-style streetbike with a 1050cc three-cylinder engine producing a claimed 128 horsepower and 78 foot-pounds of torque. It is, in essence, a stripped-to-the-bone sportbike minus the fairing and bodywork, with a higher tubular handlebar, a sit-up, almost dirtbike-like riding position and big-time torque that hits right off of idle.
The Speed Triple dates back to 1994 as an 885cc model released in Europe; it didn’t show up in U.S. showrooms until 1995. It was bumped up to 955cc in 1999, then upsized again to 1050cc in 2005. Why it won: We often have two-time Ten Best winners, though rarely in two different categories. But this popular Triumph is so versatile that it managed to nab both Best Streetbike and Best Standard honors in successive years. As we described this streetfighter in our 2006 Buyer’s Guide, “In the Hierarchy of Thugdom, the Speed Triple is King Bad.”
From the 2006 Ten Best story: “If you have one scintilla of hooliganism in you—or an ounce of practicality—there’s a Speed Triple somewhere with your name on it.”
Useful resources: Type “Speed Triple” in any Internet search engine and you’ll be
directed to countless sources of relevant information. This motorcycle arouses great passion in its owners and admirers, so there are numerous Speed Triple forums, along with all manner of accessories, spare parts and performance equipment for this machine.
