TRIUMPH SPEED III 1050
Cape via the Gentle Annie, done multiple day
rides and, of course, the ubiquitous SH25
Coromadel GP Loop. In fact, I did it one day
anti-clockwise, then, as I wasn’t ready to go
home, fuelled up and did it in reverse! If you
haven’t tried it I highly recommend it for a
day of top riding fun.
MAKING MODS
As I got to know the bike, I found the front
suspension was quite firm on decent-size bumps
so a bit of minor adjustment cured that. The
suspension still amazes me every time I go out,
and the tyre wear is incredible – by that I mean
the lack of wear. I got almost 5000km out of
the first set of Pirelli Super Corsas!
Once I’d made the adjustment, I again was
amazed just how much feedback the bike
provided, it feels like there’s nothing it can’t do. If
mid-corner you realise (as I have done a few
times...) that you’ve got it a bit wrong and need
to adjust your line to prevent getting to know
the ditch a bit better, it’s very easy to just
change your line – thanks to the precision of
the steering. You make an input and the bike
responds and even seems to say ‘I was waiting
for you to do that’, then giggles as you lean
even more into the corner, change body
position and get on the gas, launching you
towards the next smile-inducing corner.
TRACK SMACK TALK
So I hear you ask, ‘what’s it like on the track?’
Smooth, grunty torque, rather powerful Brembo
brakes with immensely confidence-inspiring
suspension. Switch to track mode and it gets
even better. Not that the traction control was
intrusive but hard on the gas coming out of
turn six at Hampton Downs I could definitely
feel it. Track mode sorts that and the extra
power it can put down is really noticeable. The
super-smooth Ohlins don’t destroy the tyres
either – despite my best efforts.
KIWI RIDER 101