Triumph Speed Triple S 2013 — Specifications

They call it the "S," but don't be fooled, this Speed Triple is anything but a watered-down version. In 2013, Triumph brought out the big guns with this special edition, a nod to purists who appreciate raw mechanics without renouncing a certain refinement. It’s a bit of a thunder aristocrat, one who wears a bespoke suit before going to box in the corners. Beneath its refined attire, it still hides the same fiery temperament.

The large 1050 cm3 triple is a living legend, a mechanical heart that breathes character more than brute power. With 135 horsepower at 9250 rpm and a torque of 108 Nm that arrives frankly from 7500 rpm, it doesn’t play in the same category as surviving Japanese four-cylinder engines. Its strength is an elastic propulsion wave, an inimitable rumble that pushes you through the middle of your back rather than the neck. On a winding road, it’s an absolute weapon, more intuitive and less sharp than a supersport, but terribly effective. This engine is the beating heart of the Speed Triple identity, a sufficient reason to choose this motorcycle.

The chassis, a two-tube aluminum frame, interacts with a 43 mm Showa inverted fork and a single mono-shock absorber from the same brand. The ensemble, proven over the years, offers a perfect compromise for sporty road use. It forgives imperfections in the road surface while remaining precise and firm when the pace accelerates. With a weight of 219 kg fully fueled, it is not the lightest in its category, but its agility in the city and its stability in curves make you forget these few superfluous kilos. The braking, ensured by two radial four-piston calipers at the front, is up to the rest: powerful, progressive and equipped with ABS.

So, who is this 2013 Triumph Speed Triple S for? Not for a beginner, clearly. It’s the ideal mount for the demanding sporty touring rider, one who seeks thrills without the disadvantages of a racing position, and who places the character of an engine above all else. It faces competitors such as the Ducati Streetfighter or the MV Agusta Brutale, but it distinguishes itself through its unique trio of cylinders and more everyday ergonomics. Its price, 12,590 euros at the time, placed it in the high end, justified by its equipment and its status as a limited series.

In summary, this Speed Triple S is a motorcycle that perfectly assumes its double game. It can play elegant with its refined finish, blue-rimmed wheels and carbon elements, before revealing its true face as soon as you twist the throttle. It’s a machine with character, perhaps imperfect on paper compared to more powerful or lighter competitors, but terribly addictive once in the saddle. For those seeking a sporty motorcycle with a unique temperament, capable of shining in road tests as well as devouring kilometers without weakening, it remains a reference, even years later. The technical specifications of the 2016 to 2020 models have evolved, but the spirit, it, was born here.