2013 Triumph Trophy SE Preview - Motorcycle.com
Since the demise of the Trophy in 2004, Triumph’s Sprint ST and GT have been tasked with representing the touring category for the Brits. That changes later this year with the re-introduction of the 2013 Triumph Trophy SE.
Awash with electronic gadgetry and boasting a relatively low wet weight (662 lbs sans luggage), the new Trophy’s spec sheet resembles that of a BMW. And its look? Well, that’s borderline plagiarism of the R1200RT. After last year’s shootout between the Tiger 800XC and the BMW F800GS – where the visually similar Tiger narrowly defeated the GS – maybe Triumph figures it can do it again in the sport-touring division.
Powered by the same 1215cc three-cylinder introduced in the adventure-touring Explorer model, Triumph claims the liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC inline triple produces 132 crank horsepower at 8,900 rpm and 89 ft-lb of torque at 6,450 rpm. Not exactly K1600 territory, but more than the RT’s claimed 110 hp and an exact match for torque (89 ft-lb at 6,000 rpm claimed for the RT).
Triumph has replaced the oft-complained-about chain drive of the old Trophy with a shaft final drive on the new version. Like BMW’s Paralever design, Triumph employs a torsional damping system via a sprung bevel gear in order to maintain the bike’s designed geometric arrangement. To further reduce the adverse effects brought about by a shaft-driven rear wheel, Triumph explains that a “metalastic shaft drive is used which allows a certain amount of compliance in the shaft assembly.”
Probably most impressive about the new Trophy is its laundry list of hard-wired components. A standard Trophy will be available in other markets, but only the higher-end Trophy SE will arrive on North American shores.
All Trophys come standard with ride-by-wire throttles, traction control, cruise control, linked ABS (front brakes partially activated by rear), and an electrically adjustable windscreen. According to Triumph, with the push of a button, the windscreen is positionable within a range of 6.5 inches. When restarting the Trophy the system utilizes a memory function to automatically reposition the windscreen to its last pre-set position.
Separating the SE from its common counterpart is an integrated audio system with Bluetooth functionality as well as USB input and iPod/MP3 player compatibility, plus an electronically adjustable suspension package from WP and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Operated via a left handlebar-mounted “switch cube” and displayed on the Trophy SE’s LCD screen, the Triumph Electronic Suspension (TES) adjusts the rebound damping for the 43mm inverted fork and monoshock to three pre-set positions (sport/normal/ comfort), while the preload of the monoshock can also be stiffened to three different settings depending on load (1up, 1up+luggage, 2up).
The Trophy’s multi-function LCD screen with dual trip computers compensates for ambient light level brightness and displays information including: TPMS and cruise control status, gear position, audio system information, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, clock, air temperature, frost warning, headlight position adjustment as well as settings for optional equipment including heated seats/grips.
The Triumph Dynamic Luggage System (TDLS), also introduced on the Explorer, is said to help maintain chassis balance by allowing each 31-liter saddlebag to move through a damped five-degree arc. The optional 55-liter top box, featuring wireless connectability when installing or removing for the 12-volt internal socket, attaches to a sliding carriage which also allows a limited amount of lateral travel. We have yet to thoroughly test this new approach to luggage fitment, but look for a comprehensive evaluation soon.
Seat height for both Trophy models can set to either 30.3 inches or a taller 31.1 inches, while heated front and rear seats are optional additions. Triumph is touting 10,000-mile service intervals, with major services needed every 20,000 miles, and a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Available in either Pacific Blue or Lunar Silver color schemes, the Trophy SE scheduled isn’t to hit American dealerships until January 2013. Prices will be announced in September. We expect the new Trophy will shake up the pecking order in the sport-touring category.
| 2013 Triumph Trophy Specs | |
| Engine and Transmission | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder |
| Capacity | 1215cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 85 x 71.4mm |
| Fuel System | Ride by wire, fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Stainless steel 3 into 1, side mounted stainless steel silencer |
| Final Drive | Shaft Drive |
| Clutch | Wet Multi-Plate |
| Gearbox | 6 Speed Constant Mesh |
| Oil Capacity | 4.0 litres (1.1 US gals) |
| Chassis, Running Gear and Dislays | |
| Frame | Aluminum beam twin-spar |
| Swingarm | Single-sided, cast aluminum alloy with shaft drive |
| Front Wheel | Cast aluminum 5-spoke 17 x 3.5in |
| Rear Wheel | Cast aluminum 5-spoke 17 x 6.0in |
| Tires | Front - 120/70 ZR17, Rear - 190/55 ZR17 |
| Front Suspension | Base - WP 43mm upside down forks, manually adjustable rebound damping, with 130mm travel. |
| SE Model - WP 43mm upside down forks, electronically adjustable rebound damping (sport/normal/ comfort) with 127mm travel | |
| Rear Suspension | Base - WP monoshock with remote oil reservoir, manually adjustable hydraulic preload, manually adjustable rebound damping, 120mm rear wheel travel. |
| SE Model - WP monoshock with remote oil reservoir, electronically adjustable hydraulic preload (1up, 1up+luggage, 2up), electronically adjustable rebound damping (sport, normal, comfort), 120mm rear wheel travel | |
| Front Brake | Twin 320mm floating discs, Nissin 4-piston calipers, linked brakes (front brakes partially activated by rear), ABS (non-switchable) |
| Rear Brake | Single 282mm disc, Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper, ABS (nonswitchable) |
| Front Brake Master Cylinder | Nissin integrated reservoir master cylinder 14mm diameter |
| Instrument Display | Dual analogue gauges (speedometer and tachometer) with multifunction dot matrix LCD to display trip information with ambient light level brightness compensation, dual trip computers (1 with adjustable automatic reset), fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, gear position indication, clock, air temperature, frost warning and accessory heated seats/grips status display, hazard warning light button, cruise control status, headlight position adjustment and scroll button on handlebars SE Model - audio system information, TES status, TPMS status |
| Dimensions and Capacities | |
| Length | 2235mm (87.9in) |
| Width (handlebars) | 975mm (38.4in) |
| Height (without mirrors) | 1435mm (56.5in) - 1555mm (61.2in) |
| Seat Height | 770mm (30.3in) - 790mm (31.1in) |
| Wheelbase | 1542mm (60.7in) |
| Rake/Trail | 27.0º / 119.0mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 litres (6.9 US gals) |
| Wet Weight (without panniers) | 301kg (662lbs) |
| Pannier Capacity (per side) | 31 litres (8.2 US gals) |
| Pannier Max Load (per side) | 10kg (22lbs) |
| Performance (Measured at crankshaft to 95/1/EC) | |
| Maximum Power | 134PS / 132bhp / 99kW @ 8900rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 120Nm / 89ft.lbs @ 6450rpm |
Related Reading
2011 Triumph Sprint GT Review
2012 BMW K1600GT vs. 2011 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS [Video]
2009 Triumph Sprint ST Review
2010 BMW K1300S vs. Honda VFR1200F
2012 BMW K1600GTL vs. 2012 Honda Gold Wing Shootout [Video]
2009 Sport-Touring Shootout
All Things Sport-Touring
All Things Touring
Triumph Motorcycle History
All Things Triumph
More by Tom Roderick
Comments
Join the conversation