Transport Canada announced two separate transmission-related recalls for the 2012 and 2013 Triumph Speed Triple. At this time, the recall only affects Speed Triples in Canada though a separate recall should be expected for the U.S. market. The recall also only affects the base model Triumph Speed Triple but it’s not clear if the R version is also affected.

According to Transport Canada, the transmission on some units may have been installed with an incorrect detent spring. As a result, the transmission may inadvertently shift out of gear while the Speed Triple is moving. This recall affects 24 units.

The second recall is for an incorrect washer installed under the neutral switch. The washer may cause the neutral indicator light to remain lit even when a gear is selected. A rider may thus mistakenly believe the motorcycle is in neutral when it in fact is not. If the rider releases the clutch in such a situation, the motorcycle could surge forward unexpectedly. This recall affects 33 units. Continue Reading »

A recall initially announced in Canada for turn signal stems on certain 2012-2013 Triumph motorcycles has now been announced for the U.S., affecting 3,799 units. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects the Triumph Tiger 800, Tiger 800XC, Tiger 1050, Speed Triple, Street Triple and Daytona 675,  as well as their various R versions.

As described in the Transport Canada recall, the supports for the front and rear turn signals may be prone to fracturing. In the case of a brake, the turn signals will remain attached to the motorcycle, but instead of staying in position, they would dangle by their electrical wiring. This not only puts a strain on the wires, it may also prevent other motorists from seeing the turn signals, creating a safety risk.

Triumph attributes the problem to a manufacturing error. According to documents released by NHTSA, Italian lighting supplier ECIE used an incorrect raw material that contains an excessive amount of ethanol. The material is prone to fracture after short periods of time.

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Transport Canada has announced a recall for the 2012 and 2013 Triumph Daytona 675, Speed Triple, Street Triple and Tiger 800 because of a flaw in their turn signals. Several members of the Motorcycle.com forum network’s TriumphRat.net community have reported issues with turn signals breaking off, and this recall appears to address the issue.

According to Transport Canada, the supports for the front and rear turn signals were incorrectly manufactured and may break. In such a case, the light assemblies would dangle from their mounts by their electrical wiring. This may damage the wires but perhaps more importantly, the turn signals may not be clearly visible to other motorists, increasing the risk of an accident.

The recall notice only lists the non-R versions of the Daytona 675, Speed Triple and Street Triple, but we suspect the recall will include the R versions as they likely use the same turn signal components. The same applies for the Tiger 800XC which was not specifically listed by Transport Canada but is likely also included. Continue Reading »

Triumph has revealed Special Edition versions of the Bonneville and Speed Triple for 2013, proving once again that nothing delivers a bang for the buck like cosmetic enhancements to popular models.

Most appealing to our eyes is the subtle but sexy Triumph Speed Triple SE (pictured above.) Its Matte Graphite color is beautifully set off by soft blue accents of the frame, swingarm, subframe and wheel pinstriping. Included on the SE are a color-matched fly screen, belly pan and seat cowl.

Carbon fiber jewelry abounds, including the front fender, side pods and fuel tank cover. Other detail refinements consist of racing stripes on the fly screen and tank, with the stripe line continuing over the seat, new mirrors and a rubber tank pad. Restyled clutch, alternator and sprocket covers enhance the distinctive makeover. In addition, exhaust heat shields, handlebars and clamps are now black to complete the stealth appearance. Continue Reading »

Triumph announced a number of new paint schemes for several of its models. While the new options are for the most part merely cosmetic, the lone exception is the new sulfur yellow 2012 Triumph Daytona 675.

We’re not quite sure it’s good marketing for a color scheme that reminds you of the smell of rotten eggs, but the sulfur yellow Daytona 675 also sports a number of upgrades. In addition to the new paint and matching pin-striped wheels, the sulfur yellow D675 gets new carbon fiber exhaust heat shield, cockpit infills and front fender like those on the Daytona 675R. The sulfur yellow model gets a quickshifter and billet levers.

The best news is the price, at least in the U.K. While the base 2012 Triumph Daytona 675 is priced at 8,599 British pounds (US$13,750), the sulfur yellow version with these upgrades is priced at 8,875 British pounds (US$14,200). A slight increase, but still less than buying those components separately. U.S. pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the MSRP is expected to remain close, if not level, at $10,999. Continue Reading »

Triumph’s legendary Speed Triple receives the ‘R’ treatment for 2012, which means it comes equipped with top-shelf parts like Öhlins suspension and Pirelli Supercorsa SP rubber. Judging from its looks alone, it’s plain to see that this is no ordinary Speed Triple.

Triumph worked in close collaboration with Öhlins, to fine tune the NIX30 43mm fork and TTX36 shock to work specifically for the Speed Triple R. To minimize unsprung weight as much as possible, the lightweight five-spoke forged aluminium wheels from PVM are over 3.7 lbs. lighter than those on the standard machine, which equates to better handling, acceleration and braking. Stopping the Speed Triple R are top-spec, four-piston radial monoblock calipers from Brembo, with Triumph’s electronic anti-lock system available as a switchable option. Together, the brakes and wheels offer a 5% increase in braking performance over the standard Speed Triple. Continue Reading »

Triumph is celebrating the 500,000th motorcycle produced in the John Bloor era with a tour across the United Kingdom with English stand-up comedian Ross Noble.

The landmark motorcycle, a one-off Triumph Speed Triple, is the 500,000th unit produced by the modern Triumph Motorcycles company since Bloor revived the brand in 1990.

Carrying VIN number 500,000, the milestone Speed Triple features a special red, white and blue color scheme with the triple-cross of the Union Jack on the fuel tank. The paint was applied with a new production technique Triumph says it will begin adopting for other production models in the autumn. The special edition Speed Triple is also equipped with a matching fly screen, belly pan and seat cowl.

Noble, a popular British comic, will ride the 500,000th Triumph across the United Kingdom as part of his Sit Down Tour May 24-30. Noble will document the tour on his Twitter page, @realrossnoble. Following the tour, Noble will take the Speed Triple to the July 1 Goodwood Festival of Speed where it will be auctioned to benefit Riders for Health to help provide motorcycle transport to medics in rural Africa.

“Reaching the 500,000th bike in just twenty years is a terrific achievement and a credit to the hard work of everyone at Triumph and our dealer partners globally,” says Guy Masters, general manager of Triumph U.K. “To mark the occasion and also to celebrate our British roots, we wanted to do something that gave our customers a chance to get involved. We were delighted when Ross agreed to help us mark the milestone with his Sit Down Tour, which will involve dealers, riders and fans across the UK.”

More pictures and the official press release after the jump. Continue Reading »

It’s moments like these that remind me how awesome my job is. These past two days I’ve had the pleasure of riding Triumph’s new Speed Triple and Daytona 675R through some of Southern California’s greatest roads and the region’s newest racetrack, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. Get a taste for my first ride impressions after the jump.

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