The 2008 Triumph Speed, a standard motorcycle from British manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles, arrived at a time when the nameplate had been around for fourteen years and had entered its fourth production cycle. Now bearing the ""Triple"" suffix after its three-cylinder engine, the Speed was bigger and better than ever. Triumph set the manufacturer""s suggested retail price of the 2008 Speed at $10,299.
The 2008 Triumph Speed has the benefits of Triumph""s revisions on the 2007 model. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the motorcycle has more memory than that of the pre-2007 models. Also, the bike""s ECU has the ability to take care of low speed fueling and engine ignition issues. Another advantage of the 2008 Speed over the pre-2007 models is its less flammable metal tank, which can hold up to 4.7 gallons (17.8 liters); Speed bikes prior to 2007 used plastic ones.
The 2008 Triumph Speed is officially referred to as the 2008 Triumph Speed Triple 1050. As mentioned previously, the ""Triple"" designation comes from the number of cylinders on the engine. The number ""1050"" comes from the bike""s engine displacement, which is measured at 1,050 cubic centimeters.
A four-stroke liquid-cooled horizontal inline unit, the engine on each 2008 Triumph Speed generates 131 horsepower at 9,250 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 77 pounds-feet of torque at 7,550 RPM. Four intake valves go on each cylinder for a total of 12, based on a double overhead camshaft configuration. The bore & stroke and compression ratio of the engine are 3.11 by 2.81 inches (79 by 71.4 millimeters) and 12 to 1, respectively. Each engine on the 2008 Speed is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Using a weight-reducing yet sturdy aluminum frame and providing two-occupant seating, the 2008 Triumph Speed comes with a Blazing Orange, Fusion White or Jet Black finish. For digital instrumentation, the 2008 Speed provides a tachometer, trip odometer, speedometer, and temperature and fuel level warning gauges. Also included on the 2008 Speed are side mirrors, halogen headlight, and under-seat and lockable storage.
For its stopping power, the 2008 Triumph Speed received a pair of disc brakes: a 12.6-inch (320-mm) dual disc at the front and an 8.7-inch (220-mm) single disc at the back. For its suspension, the bike has a 1.7-inch (43-mm) inverted fork at the front and an aluminum single-sided swing arm with a shock absorber at the back. Fitted on each 2008 Speed are a pair of 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in tubeless tires.
Each 2008 Triumph Speed has a length of 83.3 inches (2,115.8 mm), a width of 30.7 inches (779.8 mm) and height of 49.2 inches (1,249.7 mm), with a wheelbase of 56.2 inches (1,427.5 mm). The seat height for each bike is set at 32.1 inches (815.3 mm), and its dry weight is measured at 416 lbs. (188.7 kilograms).
Granted, the 2008 Triumph Speed had no updates over the previous model year, but it wasn""t necessary. The improvements Triumph had implemented over the years ensured that the 2008 Speed is more powerful and comfortable than its predecessors.