
Triumph Speed Triple 1050 Review
"The best-sounding naked middleweight you can buy used today."
Used Buyer Review
The Speed Triple 1050 is one of those bikes that rewards experienced riders who know what they're getting into. That triple-cylinder motor is genuinely special — it pulls hard from 3,000rpm, screams past 9,000, and sounds like nothing else on the road. The 2011-2015 generation especially hit a sweet spot before the R variants added electronic complexity. Used examples from this era are plentiful and relatively affordable now. Before buying, check the steering head bearings — they wear prematurely and previous owners often ignore them. Early models had fuel pump issues, so ask for service records and listen for hesitation at low throttle openings. Corrosion around the exhaust headers is cosmetic but worth negotiating on. The suspension is firm for a naked bike, but that's by design rather than neglect on most examples. This isn't a beginner machine and a worn-out example will bite you. Buy a good one with documented service history and you'll have a motorcycle that genuinely excites every single ride.
Pros
Cons
You're new to high-powered naked bikes.
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