Triumph is celebrating its most successful year ever, after selling a record 8,128 bikes in the UK to maintain its 18.7 per cent share of the UK market. With bikes such as the £9,749 Speed Triple ABS, it’s easy to see why. It began in 1994 as an 885cc machine, dubbed the Speed Triple, in a nod to the Speed Twin from 1938. It gained a 1,050cc engine in 2005, followed by a new fuel injection and engine management system.
Much of the character comes from its three-cylinder double overhead cam engine, which produces 133bhp.
There are only two drawbacks. First, it’s really easy to tweak the throttle that little too far and end up speeding by mistake. Second, you’d ruin its looks with panniers or top box, which means it’s a backpack for all life’s essentials.
Triumph aren’t only great for bikes; they’re great for unusual, high-quality gear, too. Their latest winter offering is the retro Speed Record jacket, paying homage to the firm’s triumph at the 1956 motorcycle land -record attempt.
Made from a great-to-the-touch “Bristex” fabric, it’s inspired by Johnny Allen’s historic ride on the Triumph-powered Texas Ceegar motorcycle, campaigned on the Utah Bonneville Salt Flats.
The £255 snug-fitting jacket feels rugged but comfortable. More at triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
Follow David Williams on Twitter at @djrwilliams
