You're not alone in thinking that the pinnacle of the Speed Triple's design was the first gen 1050. And while I think you're being a bit hard on the 11 to 15 models, my 13 SPR is rocking the Motodemic duallies so what's that say about me. I think the big reason for the change, and this is just conjecture coming from someone who spent a year selling Triumphs at a dealership, is Triumph's big push through the 2010's to become (In their own words) "The Apple of motorcycles". Notice how they shied away from the name 'Street fighter' in lieu of 'Roadster' going through the 2010's and that the 1050 was marketed more as simply a 'naked sportbike', even going so far as to build the R model which is decidedly track focused. The bike has become incrementally better over the years, with the 2021 easily being the best they've ever built, but the bike's become sanitized for the iPad generation, and I don't think we'll see a return to the so called bare knuckle brawler the bike was from the T509/955i bikes to the first gen 1050's. But this isn't the first time the bike has changed it's 'category' though either; the first generation was marketed as a modern day cafe racer in early Triumph dealer brochures. Maybe someday Triumph will give the Speedy the Capcom treatment, and we'll get the Ultra Speed Triple II Turbo Championship Edition HD Remaster 15 years from now complete with dual round headlights. Signed, some guy who owns a first, second and fifth gen Speed Triple. (I love these fuckin bikes)

Who after the video Went on cycle trader and looked up used 05 to 2010 Speed Triple with the round headlights.

tis simple. I see illestrator, I click

Staring at my 2008 in my garage now nodding in agreement. Fell in love with it in 2008, and waited 13 years to buy... Dream bike attained.

I've owned 2005 since 2007. The nice thing about those lights are that you can see your reflection from the chrome buckets. You see your self riding the bike. I've always loved that.

I like my street triple with round lights. Call me old school.

As the owner of a 2006 Speed Triple, I like to think you're addressing me directly with this video.

Round Dual headlights for life!! Early 90's styling has a cool factor that's hard to beat.

Boss I live and breathe speed triples. My gearbox set some of its teeth free on the dual carriage way once and the dealership wanted me to give them the value of another bike just to repair my speedy. So me and my bros spent 2020 may-august rebuilding the whole bike ourselves! I am so hyped you made a video just for the new speed triple - we agree and disagree on some bits but the overall - I definitely think a speed triple is more speed triple-ly(?) With rounder headlights and less tech. I have more to base my opinion on than just bias and first glance - you see when my 2015 model went into the dealership for diagnosis, they offered to take it off my hands entirely bcos of the absurd repair cost and they happened to have an ex-demo speed RS 2020 for sale. I had a test day with it and liked the power so I agreed. I legally owned that speed RS for 10 days bcos after a week, I was missing my baby. The newer model had ride by wire, cruiscontrol, riding modes, automatically turning off indicators, keyless everything, LEDs and TFT cockpit view, smoother quickshifter than Ducati. And all that made me miss what it was to ride a bike. To feel the throttle bodies open, to wrestle with the gear shift, to manage revs and clutch to spin up revs for that burst acceleration in a corner and to get off your bike, look at it and go "that is a bad ass bike". The 2020 had elements of all that too but was just easie-no not easier.. assisted (that's the word!) on all accounts of the above joys I value. And so I am glad that triumph is still running with the speed triple and always refer to their heritage, but I'll never get a new one again.

I must own a triple one day. One. Day. "I woulda Triumphed" - Premium Content

Great points! I agree with you, for sure. Id like my motorcycle to look like a motorcycle, and less like a Transformer or some kind of alien insect... I definitely love the fox eye headlights on any bike. It harkens back to the endurance racers of old. Glad you got a new rig to edit with, top notch content as always.

Another gem from you! After all whether you like something is totally subjective and personal if you are honest with yourself. Perhaps the world went wrong when they started asking the designer to explain the motorbike to the rider, not the engineer, not the test rider, but the man who works with pens, pencil and water colour washes...... Always love your editing by the way....

" ..would have Triumphed" BAZINGA! 😏

Damn... now I want a Speed Triple. Specifically that yellow one. Well played (and put together as always) sir. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Awesome video I love your channel I just bought my 2007 speed triple 1050 for $950 can't wait to bring her back to life.

Spot on again. So many manufacturers seem to try too hard with fashion innovation. Like a model on a cat walk wearing a lampshade. Why ??

Couldn't agree more, I've had two 08 triples (one got totalled) and I'm pretty sure it's my bike for life. Gorgeous from any angle and still an absolute weapon.

Agreed!

Got to agree - I own a 2006 speed triple - a great raw bike with no electronics at all .I think the first gen 1050 speed triple looks brilliant and weirdly is now kinda retro .

I've wanted a 1050 for 15 years this year my dream has came true I've acquired a 2007 beautiful triple American Works shorty GP can and I am in love funny thing about love it's a Many-Splendored things but mostly wheelies💪😂 Great vid man !!

Really like how your videos are edited. I also can't say I disagree with your point, those older Speeds have that raw charm, and you gotta love those classic headlights. They also wheelie like crazy. I definitely recommend a testride on one

Finally! Someone who gets it. Bring back the twin round bug-eye headlights. They arent dated, they are timeless

Without a doubt!! I own an 06 and it’s possibly my favorite bike I’ve owned out of 15 bikes

Awesome video as always, man you have a way of making me miss the ride

I bought a 2005 Speed Triple in February... First bike. Got insurance, took a riding course, got my M1... I've now gone through the bike; New tires, brakes, oil, coolant, clutch, and this baby is solid. A big bike for a beginner, but I've been loving every moment.

Everything about this video is spot on. Love it. Ex-Speedy 1050 (2005) owner - before it was stolen!

I've owned a 05 1050 ST and man, what a machine. No riding modes, no abs, just raw power, great sound, and beautiful to look at.

I agree. Have a similar opinion about older ducati monsters vs the newer ones. I prefer round headlights in general. All these new angled ones remind me of bugs or transformers.

Your video deserves way more views than the 17k you have right now. I agree 100%. Also, you are genuinely funny 🤣. Thank you for this.

Your story about how you almost got a Speed Triple sounds so familiar to me. A long time ago as an 18 yr old I went to the local dealer and put a deposit down on a 1984 Magna ... I needed a couple of days to get the rest of the cash pulled together and go back which I did. When I arrived they had the Magna in the back of a pickup out front and I thought "Oh, they are going to deliver it.... Then the truck drove off and I was like wait you don't know where I live!" Then of course it dawned on me that they sold it to some other buyer.... Anyway... I ended up with a 1981 GPZ 750 with like 55K miles on it and loved that bike for years so I guess it turned out for the best after all.

I dig how you express yourself regarding why you think one is more attractive over the other.

Bought my 05' used back in February... After doing some maintenance and replacing the starter, upgrading the exhaust and adding LED lights (integrated taillight included) I can tell you that I couldn't be happier. I love this bike and don't think I'll ever get rid of it! I do possibly see a Thruxton RS in my future though... Someday... But my Speedy will still kick it's ass!

The first Speed Triple I believe had a single headlight. It was an 885. They were modular and other models came off the same frame and engine but the S3 was souped up a bit. In 98 I liked the Thunderbird Sport looks more so I bought one and then had my dealer send out the engine to Cal. to have it ported and modded and it dynoed at 108 rwhp about the same as the Speed Triple. So it was essentially a Speed Triple. So I feel I have had every model. I then bought a 955i S3 in Nuclear Red. Kind of heavy and bulky but normal for the times. I then bought the first 05 Scorched Yellow 1050 in the area, a true gen change with not only the engine but also the rear end became cut off in appearance many likened to a Norton Manx. Many did not like the new look at all. I then bought the new gen 1050 in 2011 where it was claimed the engine was moved forward for better handling and there was no question it did handle better. Triumph did not change for a while so I tried a Buell Lightning 1200. I totaled that and was hurt pretty badly so told the wife I was gonna slow down a bit and bought a new Bonneville Bobber. It was too boring so I bought a 15 Speedy that was leftover and a new bike I bought in 2019.Then this new true gen change in 2021 and I decided to wait a bit to get a leftover 2022 a few weeks ago at a decent discount in matt silver and I adore it. Probably will ride this one to the grave at now 74 years old.

Just subscribed after watching some more of your content and then this. I own an '07 speed triple that I got for free with a blown motor that I'll be rebuilding soon from a friend. I love the honest, humble content, brother!

I own the original 95' T309 Speed Triple (Diablo Black) and it my favorite and most desirable for the hardcore classic Speed Triple fans? Rare, Over-engineered, and the best looking. As far as performance goes, they were too top heavy and weighty to really compete with the lighter more agile contemporaries , but these bikes were about the pure experience of just enjoying the ride and composing a bold statement of old world- new world engineering. The inline 3, Carberated tank 🎉 speaks volume when it came to the return of Triumph motorcycles back in USA from the previous departure and dismantlement of Triumph- Meriden? John Bloor rebirthed the brand in the late 80's preparing for the 90's As far as the "Bug-eyed" S3's go, the '05's are the ones that peaked and are the best example of a "Streetfighter" . Long live the The Speed Triples.

I have an '08 street triple and I 100% agree. Those dual round headlights look mean as hell, far better than the fox-eye or whatever it's called. Hope to see more of the CB550 soon man!

Completely agree with you that the 2005 was a much more beautiful bike, they couldve literally copy pasted that bike with the updated electronics and it wouldve sold like hot cakes

I have an '06 in the garage. I could afford a newer one. I do like the 08... but I would not ever trade it for some transformer looking, can't tell it from a MT-whatever, new naked, My baby is a CLASSIC and her shape is smooth and sexy. The upgraded mass array of LEDs in her two round headlights can blind on coming trucks, and they remain as round and fair as ever. BEAUTIFUL

My speed triple 1050 concurs. Went to buy a 2015 model a couple of years back, and ended up buying a matte black 2007. The sound it makes with a low mount mivv exhaust never gets old. I will buy other bikes, but I am never getting rid of the 1050. Will pass it on to the grandkids.

The jab at Yammie lmao

As a 2012 speed triple owner, I agree. As a kid, my family computer's login icon was of a round headlight speed triple. Got old enough and I bought a bug eye speed triple. Whoops.

Triumph just makes some good looking bikes. I really enjoy these kind of vids from you. Thanks!

Definitely not a controversial take. The original 1050’s will always hold a special place for me.

Will you please make a video on the speed triple vs speed triple. There’s literally not a single solid video on the topic that thoroughly explains the differences between them

Could of traded the 2020 STR for the 2021 SPEED but went with the 2020 SPEED instead because of its muscular, roadster look. The 2021 looks like the STR so... meh

I just got the 2011 Speed Triple 1050 Special Edition (Race red w/ white stripe, same round retro headlights) back in September. Loving it thus far! And I agree, they look better than the new ones.

Got the 2006 Speedy, and have had it for 10 years now. I absolutely agree with everything you say and will never sell the bike. The new ones have been technically better but aesthetically worse since 2010. Great review!

855 is the og. I’ve been through a myriad of triumph triples and the 855 has been the most enjoyable to ride... for me.

helll yeah, the 2005 roulette green is my favourite speed triple. I especialy love the fluid rear bodywork!

I've got a 2005 Speed triple with a Zard pipe. And I agree with you. I rode my friend's S3 and went out to buy one myself. It's a super cool bike. However, I have no interest in any of the later models. I dont care what the new specs are, they dont look like a streetfighter to me. Just another ho-hum sport bike.

Agree 100%. I've had my '05 for about a decade now, and while it hasn't gotten many miles recently (*sniffle*) I haven't regretted the purchase for an instant.

I completely agree with you regarding the aesthetics of the original. There is nothing more beautiful than my 2010 street triple R black with gold rims low slow arrow exhaust pipe!

I couldn't agree with you more. Nodding in agreement the entire time. The 05-10 is my dream bike. I was fortunate enough to pick up an 06 (in 08) and racked up 70k miles on it. I'll never sell it and when it dies I'll revive it. As a matter of fact, my speed triple parts hoarding has gotten so bad that I've recently decided to build another one from the parts + salvage frame and engine. It stirs the soul for sure 😁👌

Great video. Totally agree. Still have my 2006 1050. Never seen a bike as awesome looking, due mostly to those twin round lights. I feel Triumph followed the fashion of modern bikes having "too much" style. I prefer the simple minimilist styling. Also there's too much tech. I've learnt how to ride in all conditions but these days i have to pay for tech I don't want Keep up the good work ✊

I have a 2007 Speed Triple and I get more compliments from random people than I have on any other bike I have owned which includes bikes like a CBR 1000rr, R6 and a ZX6r. It's also probably the best sounding bike I have owned as well.

Great video, very well done. And I absolutely agree that the first-gen 1050s are the best-looking. The over-styled insect/Transformer look just isn’t for me, particularly when it comes to a Triumph. (Disclaimer: I own a 2008 in Burnt Orange, which is also the best color 😂.)

Tou don't need any excuses when you are right. I'm with you on the first Gen 1050's headlights and total ethos: the only safety is your own wrist discipline. I like the changes and the '21 is a SPIII, just not THE SPIII. You owe it to yourself to find and own one. One of the best purchases of my life.

Looks EVEN better with a single headlight.

The 2005-2010 generation of Speed Triples are far superior and always will be. Can't change my mind. I have a 2010 Special Edition 1050 and it's an absolute mad dog. The King of naked bikes!

Prett god damn happy I just snatched myself a beautiful S3 from 2010! Jet Black with an Arrow 3-1 full exhaust!

Totally agree… throw the new engine abd suspension in the old chassis design and it would be my ideal hike

I always wanted one of these since seeing it on Mission Impossible. I almost bought a high mileage 2010 in San Diego, but went for a 2010 Z1000 instead. But if I was in the market to buy another naked I would decide between this Triumph and the BMW S1000R for sure.

The best looking Speed triple is definitely from 2008-2010 in my honest opinion. It has that perfect blend of classic & little modern. Bit better than 2005-2007 and a lot better than 2016+ models

Agree 100%. I have a 2009 Street Triple R, the orange one, same kinda styling. Beautiful bike. I got lucky when it went up for sale Speed Triples from that production range are hard to find in good shape.

The most beautiful speed twin!! I owned a black one with gold wheels and low arrow to exhaust !! Sold it because the fueling was terrible with big flat spots, and the suspension was like riding in rocks !!! Great looking bike with some performance issues

As the owner of an 06 1050, I’d stoked to see this. I couldn’t have agreed more even before I got it. Caution to anyone thinking of getting one though: after about 20k miles, which most will easily have now, the r/r system goes to shit. There is an easy upgrade you can do for a few hundred dollars that completely solves the problem, but it is a mf getting to the point where you realize exactly what the problem is. Regardless, I love this bike. It is totally worth picking one up when the previous owner is trying to dump their r/r woes on someone else.

I ride a 2008 Street Triple, still an awesome bike to ride everyday.

Love this video dude - cuts right to it. Proud 2009 owner 🙂 my forever bike

08-10 was THE pinnacle!

I agree the 2005-2010 is the definitive speed triple and one of the best looking bikes ever produced

Agreed on the dual pipes man. They arent undertain, but I love that about my sv1k. Bikes just don't have that anymore, they kinda stand out. Even though I know it's not the best way of routing exhaust in terms of weight savings or whatever.

100% agree with everything you said. That’s why I won’t sell my 2010 street triple. It’s no 1050 but it’s close enough

I really enjoy how you express yourself in the video through memes

YESSSSS a vid on my bike!!! Love me the owl look on my bike 2005 Speed Triple definitely what I think of when I think "Triumph". Mine gave me some buyers remorse when I first got it when it pissed coolant out the first week I got it and had to replace the alternator and regulator within the first month, but after that it's been great! Only other thing I have to look out for is the weak sprag clutch they outfitted on these bikes so on hot days starting the bike sounds like grindy mechanical hell which is embarrassing on group rides lol. Other than that this bike has been great to me, it's super practical too since the rear seat is so fat, I have a whole bunch of pics of me carrying really large items on the back with a cargo net.

Would have to agree. I am thinking of putting those lights on a k1000 naked trike with springer forks? I know some things just don’t go together. But sometimes saracha is good with a jolly-rancher.

I really love your vids. It is refreshing and hilarious to hear the....heck I do not know what to call it. Keep, whatever it is up.✊🏾

You hit it! Love your style of opinion output. I really like the new 2021 SP1200RS but I do plan to swap out the headlights to a pair of modern round 4 or 5" LED headlights.

It's because it has the classic cafe look with the shape of the tank with the headlights. Very classic with a modern touch.

Always loved the round headlight model triumphs, used to see one every day when I was in HS and always took a good look as I walked by it. They just look sooo goood

The round lights are great, but I like all the styles I have the 2013 .

In 1992 Triumph unleashed the Speed Triple. Fantastic! 93 seen the Il Monstro, even better! I could not afford either at the time. Both have issues but when I could finally afford a new bike the TL1000 line was gone. I love my SV1000S. No crazy electronic bullshit but a really well made machine. I like many newer bikes but they have cell phone reliability. Software? Not on my bike, assholes!

Looks are 100% subjective but IMO you're right about the older Speed triple looking better, the 2020 model is also a much better road bike than the new model.

i got a 2007 one and its looks are my favorite speed triple looks

In person, the new one looks really good. I owned a 2009 street triple so I still prefer the round headlights but the new speed triple looks bad ass.

Some.one get this man a bike to review. Would love that.

Fit a street triple headlight bracket to the bug eye headlight fixes that issue. Lowers them and looks much more aggressive.

I think im ready to finally trade in my 07 for a new 2021. Its now worth it imo. Ill probably get this season out of it then put her on the market.

I'm totally agree with you thank god I'm not the only one who is pissed because of they destroyed the look of the bike.

How dare you!

Gonna rock my '09 Sp III forever . No tech just the best looks and performance balance in its class- all the power a reasonably insane person should want. Let's face it there really is something special about these two big round headlights looking at you so eagerly. I'm not sure it has anything to do with '99's sport bikes. I'm feeling it's more primal, life giving than that. I agree on paper and in the saddle there many improvements and many reasons to see Triumph has made real updates, and from a very high starting point, but who will not always love a beautiful set of big round headlights out front? Yeah, you know what I'm talking about.

Triumph went from building a street fighter to building a naked sport. There's a difference.

I wholeheartedly agree. Thanks for saying so!

What interrests me first and foremost is the performance and it seems like the 1200 shits all over the previous models to the point id feel kinda pissed if i bought a 2019 one. The fact it even looks better is a nice bonus. Yeah those old ones look pretty cool as well, giving the hooligan reputation some visual backup but the specs were never really that impressive. Heavy and rather underpowered for a 1000cc bike.

The ‘05-‘07 ST’s are classics. There was a 10 row oil cooler, which got reduced to 5 row, now there’s no oil cooler😥. The early frames had the look of a Spondon or Gia custom frame. Over time it’s become more Asian looking🙈, especially those headlights😩! Now there’s too much gadgetry; traction/wheelie control, speed shifter, etc. Heck, a slipper clutch would’ve been a better choice. Too bad a TTS supercharged version was never considered😳. Gone is the analog tach, with the new TFT display😝. What sense does the new split lower tree clamp offer, having less clamping area?🤔. Sure the 1200 model has 50hp more, but the styling got lost. My ‘05 w/80K still runs perfect daily. My next move would be to their TE-1, if it gets produced. They got 670hp out of the electric motor ungoverned! Still, for the past 17yrs, I still get compliments about my bike from strangers👍🏆😎.

Nothin wrong with liking the older model. I owned the 05 in yellow-gold. It was thick, stubby and BA. I've got a 13 R now. I don't know if I'd love it as much in a lighter color but mines black with red and I think I like the way it looks (overall) a lil better than the 05. I love the new one in black but it needs the red sub frame and the sexier 5 spokes like the last gen. Edit: I had an 03 also. It might'a been my fave to ride bc it had a lil Mad Max attitude to it, complete with a literal flame throwing low can 🔥

Awesome vid bro 💪

The 2005 Speed Triple and Sprint ST where the best looking in their lineages among all model years

Dude you had me laughing hard talking about all the electronics. I’m with you on the older Speed Triples. They are true classics and will stand the test of time. I’m looking at a low mile 08 this weekend.

The "atomic insect" design doesn't hold a candle to the classic stuff, I agree. Although the Super Duke looks the part IMO.

Man, I couldn’t agree more. I would love to upgrade my 2008 Speedy but, I just can’t do those bug eye headlights. In fact this podcast said everything I personally feel about the later models...However the latest 180bhp Speedy might have to be acquired despite the headlights as this is clearly a much better bike, lighter and 50 bhp faster with plenty of new technical features! Love the podcast bro - Subb’d