Update 7.23.2020: This bike has SOLD in just 3 days to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc
Sharing little more than the letters on the nameplate with the namesake 1938 Speed Twin, fledgling Triumph Hinkley did have the same desire for the Speed Triple – to set the sales floor on fire. The 1994 introduction did very well indeed and justified a comprehensive re-design for 1997. RSBFS reader Todd offers his very sharp example in the single-year color Lucifer Orange.
1997 Triumph T509 Speed Triple with just 4,700 miles !
Despite the obscure T509 model designation, the Speed Triple used Triumph’s new modular 885cc engine which claimed 108 hp and 62 ft.-lbs. torque. Sagem fuel injection was a significant improvement over the original carburetors, and a 6-speed helped keep the engine on the boil. The updated chassis was alloy with a single-sided swingarm, though shares the rugged good looks of its steel predecessor. Suspension and brake components were high-spec, with 45mm multi-adjustable Showa forks, with their matching adjustable monoshock, and Nissin 4-piston calipers over 320mm rotors. The riding position is in keeping with its streetfighter image, and though early T509’s were equipped with clip-on’s, Todd’s has the mid-year conventional handlebar.
Todd is the second owner and has kept his Triple in phenomenal shape. The powder-coated silver wheels look sportier, and the belly pan and binnacle fairing with its Euro parking light are nice touches. Todd’s comments from his CycleTrader listing:
Lots of factory accessories on the bike: high mount carbon fiber “race” pipe, seat cowl, fly screen, carbon fiber tank protector, Tiger RS belly pan. Tail tidy and bar-end mirrors installed also. I had the wheels powder-coated silver when I bought the bike (they were originally black). Original mirrors, low pipe, passenger seat included. The bike will also include a Triumph pit stand.
Recent maintenance (done over this past winter to prepare the bike for sale):
-New injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter
-New spark plugs
-Rebuilt front calipers (pistons and seals)
-Front forks refreshed (new seals and oil)
-Coolant change
-Oil and Filter change-Tires will need replacing soon
And here is a cold start / walk-around – video –
Todd asks $4,500 for his Speed Triple.
Triumph had a lot of competition in the muscle bike segment from the Yamaha V-Max to Ducati’s M900, but had their manufacturing ducks in a row and offered a European alternative at a sensible price. Todd picked a very good year, accessorized nicely, and cared for this eye-catching T509 beautifully.
-donn
