First pictures of 2002 Triumph Speed Triple

Triumph has given its Speed Triple a new motor and revised styling for 2002 as our series of pictures reveal.

Gone is the old 955cc motor, replaced by the 2001 Daytona 955i engine. The motor has been detuned for the naked bike but it still kicks out a very healthy 118bhp at the crank, up 10bhp on last year’s bike, and 74ftlb of torque, up 4ftlb.

These figures should give a rear-wheel figure of about 110bhp and 70ftlb torque. The new motor may share the same capacity as the old 955cc engine but internally it is very different. New die-cast crankcases are stronger and lighter than it’s predecessors and the double-over-head cam 12-valve engine has 1mm larger inlet valves and 1mm smaller exhaust ports. These are set at a narrower angle allowing the motor to rev harder and produce more power.

There’s a larger, reshaped air-box. The fuel injectors are smaller and more efficient than the 2001 bike and are helped by an oxygen sensor which detects the fuel/air mixture at varying engine speeds and adjusts it to optimise the delivery.

The new exhaust system will be fitted with a secondary air-injection system for the German and Californian markets.

Triumph has fitted a new cooling system with an improved radiator design, too.

The wheelbase is reduced by 11mm to 1429mm and the steering head angle reduced to 23.5 degrees, from 24, with a trail of 84mm, previously 86mm. The bike is also 7kg (15.5lb) lighter at 189kg (416lb).

The rear of the bike has been raised to give more ground clearance and the 17-inch front wheel from the TT600 saves another 450g as well as helping the bike turn in faster.

Suspension remains the same 45mm inverted forks and single rear shock as the 2001 bike uses. Fans of the single-sided swingarm will be relieved to hear that it has been kept. The brake discs now have five not six mounting points but apart from that remain identical.

Although at first glance the bike may look very similar to the old Triple, the seat unit has been restyled as have the instrument display and headlights. They have been moved close together to give the bike a compact look.

Available in three colours, blue black and the ” nuclear red ” shown in our pictures.

The Speed Triple is expected to be in dealers in mid September at around £8000 in the UK.

The firm’s supersport TT600, has also had some minor changes. The engine has been modified to reduce internal friction, although there are no power gains over last years claimed 108bhp, and the fuel injection system has revised with a new mapping.

The frame is now powder coated silver, as are the footrest hangers and swingarm. Air scoops will now be colour matched to the bike and a new colour of black is added to the existing yellow and blue.

More on this story in MCN published on September 12, 2001.

SEE THE REST OF OUR NEWS ON 2002 BIKES BY FOLLOWING THE LINK TO LATEST ON NEW BIKES, TOP LEFT.

You’ll find first pictures of the Special Edition Triumph Daytona and Bonneville, the Bonneville USA Cruiser and the naked TT600, among many others.