First Look: Triumph 15th Anniversary Speed Triple

Triumph celebrates the factory streetfighter.

By David Edwards

April 2009

Triumph is celebrating 15 years of the Speed Triple, the most successful motorcycle of the company's modern era, with a limited-edition model. Just 255 of the 15th Anniversary Speed Triples are designated for the U.S., at a price of $12,299, a reasonable $1K more than an off-the-rack Speed T.

Triumph pioneered the production streetfighter style by pulling inspiration from a growing group of enthusiasts that were modifying their sportbikes for a more menacing look on the street. The streetfighter or "naked" category of motorcycles was born, and the Speed Triple has maintained a strong hold on the category ever since. More than 35,000 Speed Triples have been sold since first hitting showrooms in 1994.

The latest edition stays true to the bike's original inspiration by featuring unique Phantom Black metallic paint, hand-finished red-pinstriped wheels and "15th Anniversary Special Edition" decals on the flyscreen and tailsection. A number of Genuine Triumph accessories come as standard equipment to complete the custom look of the anniversary model, including a gel seat and a color-matched flyscreen and bellypan.

This anniversary has prompted John Bloor, the usually taciturn British entrepreneur who rescued Triumph and rebuilt the marque, to authorize the use of his signature on a production model for the very first time.

"There are very few motorcycles that truly break through and shift design for the entire sport. The Speed Triple is one of those motorcycles," said Jim Callahan, North American marketing manager for Triumph. "The Speed Triple has been refined over the years for even better styling and performance, but the bike has always remained true to the original concept and has always been one of the most recognized streetfighter-style motorcycles. It is one of Triumph's greatest success stories."

Each new owner also will receive an exclusive Speed Triple 15th Anniversary watch as a special gift. This high-quality, marine-grade timepiece takes its styling cues from the motorcycle itself, with stylish red and black detailing, and is only available to those who purchase the anniversary-edition motorcycle.