Triumph Speed Four 2002 — Specifications

We always talk about the Speed Triple when it comes to a British roadster with character. But in the shadow of this icon, Triumph concocted a small bomb just as tasty, the Speed Four. Launched in 2002, this machine takes the mechanical base of the TT600, removes its fairing and grafts on revised electronics to make it a pure and hard roadster. The result is a motorcycle that doesn't go unnoticed, with its distinctive twin headlights, aggressive air intakes and vibrant colors. Facing the fierce competition of the time, embodied by the Suzuki SV 650 or the Honda Hornet 600, it had to stand out through character, and it succeeded.

Where the original TT600 suffered from a rather painful low-end dip, the Speed Four benefits from a reworked mapping that fills this void. The 600 cc inline four-cylinder engine is finally usable and enjoyable over a wide range. Its 98 horsepower at 11750 rpm and its torque of 67.7 Nm at 10500 rpm are not record figures, but they are perfectly served by a contained weight. With only 170 kg dry, it offers a invigorating power-to-weight ratio. This is not a motorcycle for beginners; it takes a few turns of the crankshaft to express itself, but it rewards the rider who likes to play with the revs. For those looking for a Triumph Speed Four A2, a restriction was available, transforming this sportbike into a machine accessible for a restricted license.

The chassis inherited from the TT600 is a major asset. The aluminum twin-spar frame and the 43 mm fork ensure remarkable stability and precision on the road. With a seat height of 810 mm, the position is engaged, clearly sport-oriented, which can be fatiguing on very long distances but is ideal for brisk road use. The braking system, with its two 310 mm front discs, is powerful but may lack a bit of feel and progressiveness. This is the point that purists would have liked to see more refined. For a Triumph Speed Four test today, this is a detail to check on a used machine.

Today, the 2002 to 2006 Triumph Speed Four has become a vintage roadster appreciated by connoisseurs. Its unique design, between roadster and café racer, gives it a rare personality. Its new price of €8950 at the time placed it in the high-end segment, but on the used market, it now represents an interesting and distinctive alternative to more common Japanese roadsters. This is the perfect motorcycle for those looking for a 600 roadster with character, a rich engine and a history, without being just another model. A Triumph Speed Four test reveals a machine that has aged with class, still offering that blend of British efficiency and sporty temperament that makes its charm.