We’ve already seen spyshots and reported of the possible updates the new Speed Triple would get, and the result is this heavily revised version for 2016. Firstly, the new models carries new Speed Triple S and Speed Triple R naming schemes for 2016.
Crucially, both versions retain the outgoing model’s chassis but does gain with an extensive update package revolving around its on board electronics and powertrain. Complementing that are a host of mild cosmetic enhancements comprised of sleeker bodywork inspired from the Daytona 675R and a new seat design as well.
For the 2016 model, the Speed Triple gains with a revised 1,050cc triple-cylinder heart that boasts 104 new development. It now offers more power and torque across its entire rev range with fuel efficiency improved by 10%. Highlights here are a new combustion chamber and cylinder head, new machined crank, redesigned pistons and the adoption of new ride-by-wire throttle bodies.
The engine and radiator has been narrowed down in size too with Triumph says grants the entire package with a 20mm narrower standover. Other new bits include a slipper clutch, a smaller new radiator, as well as a revised exhaust system that Triumph claims to have an improved flow rate of 70%.
Triumph has yet to release the official power and torque figures, but sources believe the 2016 Triumph Speed Triple’s revised heart will have at least 140hp.
Perhaps the biggest improvement incorporated in the 2016 Speed Triple is its heavily revamped electronics suite. The update primes the 2016 model with a new ECU and an adjustable ride-by-wire throttle with changeable throttle maps. As a result, the new bike now offers five selectable riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport, Track and a Custom rider-programmable mode. Next up comes the uprated ABS and Traction Control suites that grants riders with selectable levels with both being linked to the riding modes as well.
Updates with the chassis hardware are mild, but there are several notable new bits starting with Brembo monobloc calipers. Next up comes the full compliment of Öhlins suspension all round exclusively for the Speed Triple R, which is comprised of the brand’s NIX30 front forks and TTX36 rear shock.
Also exclusive to the Speed Triple R are several unique and racy exterior trims. These include a carbon-fibre front mudguard, carbon tank inserts and a bellypan. Completing its premium racy looks, the R also boasts new billet-machined bar clamps and risers, swingarm pivot covers and rear wheel finisher, plus a red radiator cowls and a red subframe.
Completing the update are a set of new colour schemes starting with the Speed Triple S model’s ‘Diablo Red’ and ‘Phantom Black’ followed by the R’s ‘Crystal White’ and ‘Matt Graphite’.
We can expect more details surrounding the revised 2016 Triumph Speed Triple range as soon as they make their public debuts at the annual EICMA show in Milan, Italy later this month.
Sources: Asphaltandrubber, Visordown and MorBikes
Japanese motorcycle powerhouse Honda is set to expand the CRF250 dirt bike model range very soon following reports of its intent at putting the Honda CRF250 Rally concept bike into production.
The news comes following patent and trademark files leaked online. No targeted release date was disclosed, but we are led to believe we will see one as soon as EICMA 2015 later this month.
Essentially, the Honda CRF 250 Rally concept underpins the red wing marque’s CRF 250 dirt bike, with the concept donning a new dressing akin to HRC’s Dakar Rally enduro. Minus the enduro-styled aesthetic enhancements, the concept still retains much of the production bike’s mechanicals.
The leaked design patents revealed that the production-bound version gains several predictable changes such as the adoption of a street-legal exhaust silencer and tail light set.
A baby HRC Rally bike replica available for purchase in showrooms worldwide? Count us in Honda!
Sources: Asphaltandrubber via Visordown
The much-awaited 2015 MotoGP finale concluded on a high note last weekend in Valencia, Spain. With the World Moto2 championship title already decided a few races earlier, the weekend saw both the World Moto3 and MotoGP titles being contested.
Firstly, the weekend’s Moto2 class saw injured outgoing champion Esteve ‘Tito’ Rabat returning to the grid for his final outing in the middle class. Though this year’s Moto2 champion’s title was already claimed by Frenchman Johann Zarco, this did little in impeding Spaniard Rabat from putting on a stellar performance in front of his home crowd.
Putting his recent injury behind him, Tito was able to clinch his final Moto2 race win after a thrilling and drama-filled race that was red-flagged in the opening laps following a multi-bike pile up in Turn 2. The race re-started and ran for 18 laps, with Rabat putting on a masterclass to clinch victory ahead of compatriot Alex Rins in second and Swiss rider Thomas Luthi in third.
Rabat ends the 2015 Moto2 season ranking in third overall after collecting 231 points before moving up into the MotoGP class next year. Ahead of him in second is Rins who collected 234 points whilst champion Zarco leads the standings with a comfortable lead after collecting a total of 352 points.
In the Moto3 class, the title would be decided down to the wire. All British rider Danny Kent needed to do was to score two points to secure the title. If Kent failed to do so, then title rival Miguel Oliveira would clinch the title if he scored the full 25 points from winning the race.
Portugal native Oliveira put on a stellar display of his race craft by winning the race, but alas, Kent’s ninth place finish was enough to see him crowned as the 2015 World Moto3 Champion. Kent has gone into the record books as the first British rider to win a world title in any of the three classes since the legendary Barry Sheene who last won the 500cc title in 1977.
Just six points separated Kent’s score 260 points against Oliveira’s haul of 254 points whilst Italian Enea Bastianini ranks third with 207 points.
Of course, all eyes were on the weekend’s much talked about premier MotoGP class finale race. Following the controversial Sepang Clash with Marc Marquez, championship leader Valentino Rossi had to start from the back of the grid with the slimmest of margins ahead of teammate and rival Jorge Lorenzo.
Nevertheless, the sold-out crowd in Valencia witnessed perhaps one of the finest moments from the living Italian riding legend as he picked off the grid one by one, lap by lap. Rossi could only settle with a fourth place finish by the day’s end, but it was clear he was the people’s champion thanks to his unrivalled race performance.
The weekend undoubtedly belonged to home hero Jorge Lorenzo. Astride the number 99 Yamaha, Lorenzo already had the advantage by starting in pole position ahead of the Honda duo of Marquez and Dani Pedrosa in second and third respectively. All Lorenzo had to do was defend himself from both his Honda-powered compatriots to claim victory and the title.
Despite a late-stage charge from both Marquez and Pedrosa, Lorenzo’s lead remained unchallenged all race long. With Rossi settling for fourth position, Lorenzo took his third MotoGP title in his career with the race win in front of his home crowd.
Just five points separated Lorenzo in first with 330 points from Rossi in second with his score of 325 points. Ousted world champion Marc Marquez, on the other hand ends the season in third with his haul of 242 points ahead of teammate Dani Pedrosa in fourth with his total haul of 206 points.
Though his tenth world title slipped away from him, Rossi remained upbeat and confident with his result. Surely, his stellar race performance has silenced both critics and doubters on whether he was deserving of the title following the incident in Sepang that has marred what has been a stellar year for the Italian.
Images: Dorna Sport / MotoGP.com
Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP announced yesterday that watchmaker Tissot will remain as the official timekeeper for the championship until 2022.
It is said that the partnership, which began in 2001, will allow Tissot to gain significant exposure at each race via trackside advertising and enhanced TV visibility across global media outlets, plus it will also benefit from a large presence in the MotoGP official social media pages and in the Hospitality area with special experiences.
François Thiébaud, Tissot President, said, “The spirit and focus on excellence that MotoGP embodies perfectly reflects Tissot’s spirit. We are therefore very proud to continue our successful partnership with MotoGPTM. These new timepieces in tribute to them, celebrate this relationship and position as Official Timekeeper. We remain committed to providing absolute accuracy.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports Chief Executive Officer, said, “These new watches speak of the high quality of their work. We can always rely on our Official Timekeeper for perfect precision. At Dorna Sports, we are extremely proud to have extended MotoGP’s long and productive relationship with Tissot until 2022. It has proven to be the perfect partnership over the last 14 years, and we look forward to continue to develop and grow together until 2022.”
Currently, there are two timepieces which have been infused with the dynamism of the MotoGP race – the Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic Limited Edition 2016 and the Tissot T-Race MotoGP Limited Edition 2016.
