You've seen the spy shots, you've heard the gossip, it's pretty much official that Triumph are going to be releasing more new models towards the end of this year - replacing some well loved workhorses as well as expanding existing offerings.
Ok, so maybe you haven't paid a lot of attention, but there are some things to get excited about... and some things that may offer a different look without having to get your hands dirty... unless you really want to.
First off there is going to be a few more models using the 900cc lump currently nestled in the Street Twin. It was always a bit unusual for Triumph to have only a single model utilise a particular engine, and you just knew they were going to put it to other uses. Well they are going to produce a brand new Bonneville T100 with it. The new Bonneville T100 will have the styling of the T120 including wire wheels, but use a lot of the Street Twin cycle parts including the brakes and (of course) engine. The new EURO4 specifications have largely dictated the way Triumph have gone so it's unlikely to set the world alight with its power, but the delivery should be more than sufficient to feel like a Rocker returning to a Cafe before the jukebox has stopped playing.
Secondly, well you didn't think that only two models would be enougfor the 900cc lump. Well neither do Triumph so they're also producing a Cafe Racer (currently called the Street Cup but I wouldn't be surprised if that's changed as it's just a bit... well... naff). This will again be a Street Twin but with styling and bolt-ons from the Thruxton. Don't you just love modular assembly. Expect these models to be the subject of 'Customer Clinics' very soon. To be fair this has been prompted by some of the accessories already in the catalogue, but of course it's much better to have it sitting there all ready for you straight from the factory rather than knowing that your dealer has had his backroom staff bolt the extras on.
Lastly, there has been much talk of dropping the 675cc engine that has powered the Daytona to race success and the hearts of many, and indeed the Street Triple - which some may say is Triumphs best handling and most versatile bike ever. There has already been 'customer clinics' held to gauge the reaction to the new machine, so we know it's coming, and indeed it's been named so far as the Street Twin 765. However whereas the 675 engine was a detuned race-bred machine taken from the Daytona 675, this 765cc lump is a new beast with no race pedigree. It will be interesting to see what this will feel like in comparison. Overall it won't look a lot different to the current Street Triple but expect styling from the Speed Triple to be in evidence. Yes, that means the headlights as well, those old round ones aren't coming back anytime soon so get used to it. There will be four models, the standard Street Triple, a Street Triple R, and an RT and RS. The latter two obviously will be Touring and Sports oriented, but maybe this is too much to ask from a single model. You just know you will need to road test them to find out!
