The engine itself is a gem with a delightfully
torquey and smooth power delivery. Frankly,
I was amazed that the more responsive new
motor (with lighter internals) is only up 10hp
from the old model. Triumph says the new
motor is making 65hp at 7500rpm, but it feels
more like 80hp. Maybe it’s the torque figure
of 80Nm at a whisker over 3000rpm that
goes some way to explaining its very willing
and happy nature. Decent low rpm torque
always gives an engine good initial thrust or
‘punch’ and the heavy, by modern standards,
crank mass just keeps all the inertia going.
What I’m saying is that the engine can happily
be revved to the limiter, but it prefers to be
short-shifted, surfing on its strong torque.
I found the best practice is to change up
gears before 4500rpm, this makes for silky
smooth forward momentum that is surprisingly
effective. Yes, revving the motor harder will be a
little quicker, but it comes at the price of some
vibration and, honestly, it’s just not in keeping
with such a gentlemanly style of machine, at all!
Strangely, the only noticeable engine
vibration was in the upper mid-range around
4600/4700rpm. Above those revs and on
until the limiter the engine’s intensity builds,
but it’s still very smooth. I only mention
“
IT’S JUST SO EASY TO USE
AND QUICK ENOUGH TO PUT
A SMILE ON YOUR FACE
58 KIWI RIDER