Triumph Speed Four 2004 — Specifications

Here's a motorcycle description of the Triumph Speed Four (2004) translated from French to English:

This is a motorcycle that, for many, marked its era without truly conquering it. The 2004 Triumph Speed Four, and by extension the 2002 to 2006 models, is this bold proposition that emerges in an already well-established market. This is a naked bike that, in reality, is a TT600 stripped of its fairing, but not only that. Seeing the success of the Speed Triple and the Daytona, Triumph wanted to apply the same formula to its 600 model, creating a unique roadster. With its twin round headlights, its forced air intakes on the sides, and often very visible color schemes, it doesn’t go unnoticed. It's a machine that wants to stand out in a category then dominated by the Honda Hornet 600, the Yamaha Fazer, or the Suzuki SV650.

Its heart is a 599 cm3 inline four-cylinder engine, derived from the TT600 but reworked. Electronic management has been modified to fill the infamous low-end dip of the first generation. The result is a much more usable and enjoyable engine, with 98 horsepower at 11,750 rpm and a torque of 68 Nm at 10,500 rpm. It retains a supersportive top-end, allowing a maximum speed of around 230 km/h, but it is much fuller and more demonstrative in the mid-range. This is its main mechanical advantage, a compromise between the character of a sportbike and the accessibility of a roadster. For those considering restricting a Triumph Speed Four for an A2 license, the mechanical base is solid and suitable.

The chassis is directly based on that of the TT600. An aluminum twin-spar frame, a 43 mm telescopic fork, and a single shock absorber ensure very stable and safe road handling. With a dry weight of 170 kg and a fully fueled weight of 194 kg, it is agile. The riding position, however, leans towards the sporty. The footpegs are quite high, and the clip-on handlebars recall those of a sportbike, which can be fatiguing on long journeys. A flat handlebar was available as an option to improve this. The braking system, with its twin front discs, is powerful but sometimes lacks a bit of progressiveness in its feel.

Upon its release, with a price of 7990 euros, the Triumph Speed Four positioned itself as a premium and distinctive option compared to its often more affordable Japanese competitors. Its unique design, lively engine, and efficient chassis have forged a small community of enthusiasts. Today, it is an interesting opportunity for a rider seeking a 600 roadster with a distinctive English character, a touch of nostalgia, and still very current performance. Some will even transform it into a Triumph Speed Four café racer, exploiting its clean lines. It was a motorcycle that did not achieve consensus, but which, for those who adopted it, offered an experience far from the beaten path.