
1996 Triumph Speed Triple T309
Miles: 18,000
Clean California Title
Listed Price: $3,900
Introduced in 1994, hot on the heels of Ducati’s equally-naked Monster, the Triumph Speed Triple T309 was based around the revitalized brand’s standard spine frame and their carbureted three-cylinder that displaced 885cc and produced a claimed 98hp, backed by a five-speed gearbox. The bike’s modular construction allowed a lean-and-mean Triumph to create a wide variety of machines from a single frame design and a pair of engines, but also meant the bikes were relatively heavy, compared to more purpose-built machines. No matter: the new Triumph roadster had bags of character, a willing, flexible engine, and handsome good looks, despite its water-cooled engine being on full display.

I’ve owned this modern classic for over 12 years. It is in immaculate condition and no expenses have been spared. The list of custom touches are too many to list, but here’s an overview:
– Keihin Flatslide FCR 39mm race carbs
– 3 into 1 header with Remus silencer
– Original Triumph carbon fenders
– Original Triumph seat cowl
– Original Triumph 6 pot calipers
– Rizoma LED turn indicators
– Rizoma mirrors and levers
– Braided stainless brake lines
– Galfer wave disc rotors
– Custom made torque arm
– Stainless bolts all aroundBike comes with all the original takeoff parts and many extras including a 1 of a kind custom full exhaust made for me by the Yoshimura factory in Chino. All maintenance records and clear CA title in hand.
This bike has been adult owned and runs flawlessly. It needs nothing other than a new owner who will enjoy it as much as I have.
Many years and iterations later, and this is still probably my favorite version of Triumph’s evergreen Speed Triple. Miles are very reasonable for a bike of this age and versatility, and the frankly bargain price buys you a modern classic with enough performance for any road rider. Collectors might bemoan the fact that the bike isn’t in stock form, but the seller has most of the original parts, and the upgrades are of good quality for the most part. The Keihin flatslides are a very desirable and pricey upgrade and, although the 3-into-1 exhaust setup isn’t really period correct, it should be much lighter and free up some additional triple growl. I’d probably prefer this one in black, but the classic “Fireball Orange” on this example does look appealing, and might help cellphone-distracted cagers see you…
-tad
Very cool bike, very cool colour, very reasonable price.
These 1990’s era T309 / T595 /955i and all the Daytona series of motorcycles that Triumph built during those years are absolutely very cool and awesome motorcycles. I lusted for a Daytona 1200 or the Super III…in that Racing Yellow livery…after seeing them at the International Motorcycle Show in NYC back around 1994 or 1995. But at that time the very high price was out of my “reasonable spend” level.
4-5 years ago I found a beautiful 1995 Daytona 1200 w/5,700 miles on it and bought it. 2 years ago I found a 1995 Super III and bought that. As of last year I had sold both and recently found another 1996 Super III w/just 6400 miles on it…and she’s in my small collection ready to be enjoyed this riding season.
The Daytona 1200 has been my favorite of those 3 and I’d love to find another. This series of bikes I’ve mentioned are now quite affordable (under-valued) and if in good running order…well worth buying.
The first gen Triumph triples are really undervalued. This one has all the right upgrades. Nothing brakes harder than a set of alcon calipers. I just rode my 900 daytona today. epic fun.
Every time I see a Super III for sale, I think “gee, I wish I could afford another bike…” It’s on a pretty short list of my achievable, practical bikes. “Practical” of course being subjective.
The modern bar-end mirrors are a bit distracting for me, but they’re high-quality parts at least, and I could see someone really liking the look. It’s a really nice bike at a very low price, and the old parts are there if you want to put it back to stock. I’m still sorta surprised how cheap they are right now. Same with the 90s Ducati 900SS, although those do seem to be harder to find now, and prices are creeping up.