Action all the way

The Triumph Speed Triple, the star of a popular Hollywood action film, is in India. Ride it at your risk

The first time I laid my eyes on the Triumph Speed Triple was in 2000 when I saw Tom Cruise and Dougray Scott joust on motorcycles in Mission Impossible 2. I wasn't too sure what the bike used in that scene was, so after the movie ended I cycled back home, switched on my dial-up Internet connection and after a couple of stalls, I was finally face to face with the bug-eyed Triumph Speed Triple. If I still recall the scenes from the movie, it is not because of Cruise and his blazing action stunts. For me, the bike was the real star of the blockbuster. I dare say, it was the Triumph that made the final scene of the movie memorable. It was beyond my wildest dreams to even think that some day I would ride this gorgeous machine. But here I am standing in front of an electric-blue Speed Triple, and all I can think is "Damn, this is a lot taller than it looks in the movie or in the magazines".

Once I insert the key into the ignition, my heart starts pounding because I know this beauty packs a wallop - a mighty 125 bhp punch that will make me see stars in broad daylight. Though I have ridden more powerful and even bigger bikes than this Triumph, its intimidating looks make me a tad anxious. After mustering some courage, I sit on the saddle and almost tip- toe the bike out of the gates before I press the start button.

My first reaction is that the seat is comfortable and supportive. The raised pillion seat provides more than adequate lower back support. Also, the riding stance is more on the aggressive side, so you tend to lean forward and put more weight on the handle bars. Just when I start to assume a cocky attitude, I notice the huge sari guard and the machine and I come crashing down. Oh well, Indian laws require all bikes to have these sari guards, but I wonder how many women would be riding pillion on this monster in a sari.

Twist the throttle and the 1050 cc, fuel-injected and liquid-cooled, in-line, three-cylinder engine comes alive with a distinctive growl that will bring a smile on your face. It will also make people turn around to see what machine is making such a din. Don't get me wrong, the sporty body, alien-looking twin headlamps, bikini faring and the twin exhausts neatly tucked underneath the seat make the Speed Triple a treat to watch. As a plus, it evokes the image of the ultimate bad boy bike.

The Speed Triple, at least on paper, has an average power output, but if you don't ride it, it will be a big mistake to write off this motorbike. It has a very strong, low-end power output that makes it a practical bike to live with. The power is palpable even when the needle is at 2,000 rpm-2,500 rpm. It goes all out at the 10,000-rpm mark. The secret to being in total control is to have a relaxed grip on the throttle and accelerate gently. I would strictly recommend that you not yank the accelerator without wearing proper protective riding gear, or, even more importantly, let go freely on an open stretch: be warned, the Speed Triple can give you a nasty shove.

When you are on the move, you barely feel the 214-kg weight of the bike. It is extremely agile, especially when taking on sweeping turns. Though you can weave your way through traffic, make sure there is enough space to take a turn as its turning radius is horribly wide. But the weight is so balanced that the bike remains steady and the Metzeler tyres provide such phenomenal grip that it makes you wonder whether the tyres are glued to the tarmac. The ABS-equipped brake system provides excellent bite, though the suspensions are slightly on the firm side. It does cushion the odd ditch, but if you are riding on bad roads, your body will take a lot of punishment.

The Speed Triple is one bike that does not look like any other, and that is its USP. It makes a statement and ups the style quotient. It is distinctive and has more than enough power, especially at the low end. The build quality is fabulous, the chassis can be compared favourably with that of any top-notch Japanese street bike, and you feel no annoying vibrations. It has a smart instrument cluster - an analogue tachometer and a digital speedometer, fuel gauge and trip meter. It even has a service due indicator. The six-speed gear box shifts smoothly and has no false neutrals. At almost Rs 11 lakh, it is one of the most affordable, one-litre engine bikes in the market and possibly the most stylish. Above all, keep in mind that this is the bike that made Tom Cruise look pedestrian in comparison in MI2.

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE
Engine: 1050 cc
Torque: 105 Nm @ 7800rpm
Power: 125bhp @ 9300rpm
Transmission: 6-speed gear
Price: Rs 10.70 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Arup Das is Features Editor at Auto X