Triumph Speed Triple 1050

By now my main problem is that the spacious ergos of the Speed also mean relatively low foot pegs, and this is limiting my cornering speeds. The extra fork pre-load has helped some but I am touching the feelers in the long hooked turns. Another issue is that as good as the radial calipers look, they are a bit lacking in outright power and feel and this is not a very demanding track on brakes, especially considering the Speed comes with braided lines. The culprit could be in the street-oriented pads, but it's not the first time I've noticed that radial calipers don't always equal braking prowess. But they are the hot ticket, you know. Fashion rules.

"This new 1050 Speed made me smile more than usual. It's really the crisp and soulful new 1050 mill that takes the center stage and this very track session's got me wanting a proper street ride on one."

By now the tires are truly shagged and the mechanics fit "my" bike with a set of Metzler Racetecs in K2 compound, but these are real overkill. Expecting even higher cornering loads, I stiffen up front pre-load and damping at both directions, while leaving the well-behaving rear as is. Sure enough, I'm scraping the pegs even more but the extra grip lets me dial in more throttle sooner and in the esses I am lofting the front as I power on while changing lean sides. Fun, fun, fun: antics that would scare the hell out of you on a super-sport with clip-ons are just part of the game to play when you have such a commanding, wide handlebar. Just put on some higher aftermarket rearsets and stiffer fork springs, and you'll have a very nice track day bike to humiliate sport bike riders with.

Naked bikes always have a way of putting a smile on my face at track days. Be it their non-conformist approach to cornering, or the sheer fun of stuffing someone who's all crouched over his sporting tool into a turn while you are sitting bolt upright watching the scenery. But this new 1050 Speed made me smile more than usual. It's really the crisp and soulful new 1050 mill that takes the center stage and this very track session's got me wanting a proper street ride on one. That short new tailpiece will surely be a discussion item with MOridians, but whatever you think of it, this Speed is sharper and more fun than ever.