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This article was first published 12 years ago

PHOTOS: Triumph's superbikes at Auto Expo 2012

Last updated on: January 9, 2012 16:24 IST

Image: Triumph Rocket III Touring
Photographs: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

The iconic Triumph showcased a stunning range of superbikes at the ongoing Auto Expo 2012. Rediff.com's Rajesh Karkera captured these monsters in their full glory. Just for your eyes only.

Triumph Rocket III Touring

Combining classic touring cruiser style with the awesome performance of the legendary 2.3 litre Rocket III engine, the Rocket III Touring has been designed specifically for riders who demand serious long haul capabilities. At the heart of the Rocket III Touring is Triumph's iconic 2,294cc triple, which has been tuned specifically for the needs of the touring rider. The engine delivers a mighty 203Nm of torque through the low maintenance shaft drive system at just 2000rpm, making overtaking in any gear safe and effortless, even when fully laden with passenger and luggage. Triumph has also endowed the Rocket III Touring with its advanced anti-lock braking system, offering additional security for riders whatever the conditions.

The Rocket III Touring's chassis has also been developed specifically for its intended purpose and helps deliver a surprisingly nimble ride, thanks to the low centre of gravity, 16" wheels and 180 section rear tyre. Rider and passenger comfort is paramount with the Rocket III Touring. The well appointed seat is constructed using two separate layers of cushioning of different densities, with the pillion also benefiting from an additional gel layer for supreme comfort and 'day long' capability. The finely tuned suspension has been developed with comfort and control in mind, while comfort and practicality are enhanced with the standard fitment of quick release screen and 36-litre panniers.

The high specification continues with the adoption of an analogue fuel gauge and LCD clock and trip computer, all mounted alongside the speedometer in the stylish tank-mounted chrome nacelle.

Teardrop shaped rider and passenger footboards are also a standard feature, while a long list of optional accessories allows riders to create the Rocket III Touring they want. Accessories include alternative touring screens, sissy bars, racks and auxiliary lamps, as well as a host of chrome and leather items to make this already distinctive motorcycle even more striking.

The Triumph Rocket III Touring comes in two classic colour options: metallic Phantom Black with hand painted silver coach lining or a two-tone Phantom Black with Crystal White infills and gold coach lining.

  • Bespoke tourer based on legendary 2.3 litre three-cylinder power plant, the world's largest capacity motorcycle engine 203Nm of torque for effortless two-up touring
  • High specification includes bespoke hard luggage as standard
  • Anti-lock brakes as standard Two year unlimited mileage warranty as standard

PHOTOS: Triumph's superbikes at Auto Expo 2012

Image: Triumph Tiger 800XC
Photographs: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Triumph Tiger 800XC

Wide range of official accessories available even more practicality Triumph's new Tiger 800XC is the British company's first truly 'go everywhere' motorcycle, a machine designed and built for adventurers looking for a strong and reliable companion to take them on a round the world trip.

The Tiger 800XC is as tough as they come and capable of coping with the demands of off-piste riding thanks to its tough steel chassis and torque 799cc three-cylinder engine.

Long travel 45mm upside down front forks and rear suspension unit combine with a 21" spoked front wheel to deliver maximum ground clearance and the ability to cope with rough trails. With a high-level front mudguard and sturdy handguards, there can be no doubt that the latest Tiger has been developed to cope with demanding conditions.

The same qualities that make the Tiger 800XC so competent off-road also lead to an excellent road bike. The rider can adjust both the handlebar position and seat height and whether it is set at 845 or 865mm the Tiger 800XC offers a commanding view above the traffic and a comfortable perch from which to devour the miles. A classleading 19 litre fuel tank ensures infrequent stops for the Tiger 800XC rider, with cavernous hard and soft luggage options available for those who need to take the 'kitchen sink' on their two-wheeled tours.

Powering the Tiger 800XC is a new long-stroke triple delivering 95PS and an extremely accessible 79Nm of torque. With its flat torque curve and gentle power delivery, the Tiger 800XC is a pleasure to ride in even the most demanding of conditions.

A sophisticated anti-lock braking system is available as an option and can be deactivated for off-road riding, while the high-specification extends to a standard coded-key immobilizer and rear rack with generous pillion grab handles. Three colour options are available for the Tiger 800XC: Intense Orange, Phantom Black and Crystal White. For 2012, the Tiger 800XC has adopted a graphite colour frame for greater aesthetic appeal.

The comprehensive instrumentation includes a fuel gauge and trip computer, while a high-specification 645w generator is fitted to allow riders to safely fit electrical accessories such as heated grips, auxiliary lights and satellite navigation equipment. A huge range of official Triumph accessories have been developed for the Tiger 800XC's launch, these include numerous hard and soft luggage solutions, adjustable touring screen, centre stand and off-road style engine protection bars and sump guard.

  • Smooth long-stroke three-cylinder engine ensures excellent on and off-road manners
  • Adjustable seat height and handlebar position
  • Switchable ABS option
  • 21" front wheel and long travel suspension endows Tiger 800XC with genuine offroad capability
  • Coded key immobiliser for added security
  • 645w generator allows fitment of multiple electrical accessories

PHOTOS: Triumph's superbikes at Auto Expo 2012

Image: Triumph Bonneville/Bonneville SE
Photographs: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Triumph Bonneville/Bonneville SE

Named after the venue where Triumph broke numerous land speed records in the 1950s, the Bonneville is, for many people, the most iconic Triumph of all time.

Originally introduced in 1959, the Bonneville was the sporting bike of the day and the bike to beat in production-based racing right through to the 1970s. Today's Bonneville takes the style and spirit of those famous bikes of the 1970s and blends in thoroughly modern engineering to create a classic British twin for the 21st century rider.

The air-cooled 865cc power plant is a modern design but styled to look like a authentic parallel-twin of the 1960s, right down to the dummy pushrods and 'carburettors' that hide the modern fuel injectors. But beneath the retro looks lies a very current and usable motorcycle that appeals to new and experienced motorcyclists alike. Thumb the electric starter and today's Bonneville comes to life instantly and with the distinctive tone that
only a parallel twin can deliver. A healthy 68PS and 68Nm of torque give the modern day Bonneville peppy performance that is at home both in the city and on the open road.

Lightweight 17" cast alloy wheels make the Bonneville agile and easy to ride, while the low 740mm seat height makes the accessible to motorcyclists of all ages and experience. Short mudguards and stylish chrome megaphone silencers complete the 1970s look. The higher specification Bonneville SE adds a tachometer, chromed tank badge and brushed alloy engine cases for added practicality and even more classic look.

Colour options reflect the traditional styling of the Bonneville. The standard model comes with metallic paint as standard for 2012, with Phantom Black and Aurum Gold options, while the Bonneville SE is available in Phantom Black or two dual colour alternatives: Intense Orange with Phantom Black or Pacific Blue with Fusion White, the two-tone options featuring hand painted coachlines.

A wide range of official Triumph accessories are also available for the Bonneville range, including alternative seats, practical screens and leather panniers.

  • Modern interpretation of classic British parallel-twin
  • Low seat height for accessible and manageable ride
  • Cast alloy wheels contribute to agile handling and authentic 70s look
  • SE version offers higher specification and two-tone paint option
  • Two year unlimited mileage warranty as standard

PHOTOS: Triumph's superbikes at Auto Expo 2012

Image: Triumph Thunderbird Storm
Photographs: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Triumph Thunderbird Storm

The Triumph Thunderbird Storm is a power cruiser for riders who expect a harder-edge to their ride. Powered by a big bore, 1700cc, version of Triumph's acclaimed T-16 parallel twin engine, the Thunderbird Storm's massive 107mm pistons pump out a muscular 98PS, with a meaty 156Nm of torque at just 2950rpm.

The Thunderbird Storm utilises the chassis of Triumph's award-winning Thunderbird, a cruiser renowned for its outstanding poise and precision, but is
wrapped up in a pared down, punked up look.

Triumph's iconic twin headlights, made famous on the Rocket III and Speed Triple models, and drag bars perfectly fit this street rod's aggressive nature and are complemented by the gloss Jet Black or classic Matt Black paint options, and the matching blacked out engine cases.

The low 700mm seat height provides a sumptuous laid back riding, while handling will provide a pleasant surprise to cruiser and non-cruiser riders alike. Triumph is renowned for its ability to make fine handling motorcycles and the Thunderbird Storm provides no exception. With 47mm forks up front and five-way adjustable twin shocks at the rear, the Triumph delivers a compliant and accurate ride in all conditions, while well appointed twin 310mm floating discs up front are grabbed by powerful four-piston brakes for progressive stopping power, with optional ABS for increased rider security.
Sporting Metzeler Marathon tyres, developed especially for the Thunderbird range, adorn five-spoke cast alloy wheels and inspire confidence while cornering.

And while the look may be minimalist, the Thunderbird Storm's specification sheet certainly isn't.

This power cruiser oozes quality, from the premium components to the neat attention to detail and a distinctive new Triumph script on the tank, this is a machine for the discerning rider looking for a distinctive alternative to the mainstream offerings.

The tank mounted speedo includes a comprehensive on-board computer which includes a clock, two trip meters and fuel gauge, in addition to a small and stylish tachometer. A range of almost 100 accessories are available for the Thunderbird Storm, giving owners the chance to personalise their bikes to meet their own needs and tastes.

  • Powerful 1700cc version of Triumph's award-winning T-16 engine developing
  • 98PS and 156Nm of torque
  • Aggressive blacked-out look with twin streetfighter headlights
  • Low, 700mm seat height for classic look and easy riding
  • Powerful four-piston brakes with optional ABS
  • Two year unlimited mileage warranty as standard

PHOTOS: Triumph's superbikes at Auto Expo 2012

Image: Triumph Daytona 675
Photographs: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Triumph Daytona 675

A winner on the road and a winner on the racetrack, Triumph's groundbreaking Daytona 675 has set a new standard in the ultra-competitive supersport class. Debuting the 675cc three-cylinder format in a sea of otherwise conformist 600cc fours, the Daytona 675 has garnered a cabinet full of awards and accolades since being first introduced for the 2006 model year, including two Masterbike titles and an undefeated three Supertest titles. The Triumph has also proved successful in supersport racing around the world, winning national championships around the world.

The latest specification Daytona 675 delivers 125PS at 12,600rpm with a classleading 72Nm torque, making the Triumph one of the most flattering sportsbikes to ride on both the road and track, and endowing it with an addictive soundtrack only a triple can provide. The engine itself is an integral part of the overall design, with the stacked gearbox allowing for a very compact powerplant that contributes to one of the lightest and most  balanced supersport bikes on the market.

As you would expect from a class-leading sportsbike, the Daytona 675 is well equipped in the chassis department too. The fully-adjustable 41mm inverted front forks and rear monoshock unit both benefit from sophisticated high and low speed damping control, allowing riders to set their Daytona 675s up for maximum accuracy while retaining a plush ride.

Radially-mounted Nissin monobloc calipers give outstanding levels of feedback and stopping power, while lightweight wheels keep unsprung mass down and
contribute to an agile motorcycle that changes direction in a heartbeat. To fully exploit the Daytona 675's outstanding chassis, the bike rolls out of the factory wearing Pirelli's race-developed SuperCorsa SP tyres for supreme levels of grip and feedback. At 162kg dry (185kg fully fuelled and ready to ride) the lightweight Triumph is a true race bike for the road.

For 2012, the Daytona 675 gets a fresh new look thanks to new graphics and finishes throughout. Available in Phantom Black or Diablo Red colour options, the Daytona 675 gains Triumph's sports script on the fuel tank, new 'Daytona' decals and a Daytona 675R-style Jet Black bellypan, all complemented with new dark finishes to the footrest hangers and brake discs. The 2012 machine also features new clutch and generator covers, embossed with the Triumph logo.

A full range of race inspired Triumph accessories are available for the Daytona 675, including carbon parts, Arrow slip on silencer, quickshifter and Ohlins rear suspension unit. A race kit is also available for competitors who wish to enter their Daytona 675 in supersport and superstock championships.

  • Class-leading, award-winning, supersport contender
  • Race track developed technology
  • Compact 125PS, 72Nm three-cylinder engine for class-leading performance
  • Fully-adjustable suspension for controllable and precise handling
  • Monobloc caliper brakes deliver outstanding power and feel
  • New graphics for 2012
  • Two year unlimited mileage warranty as standard

PHOTOS: Triumph's superbikes at Auto Expo 2012

Image: The New Triumph Street Tripple
Photographs: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Triumph Street Triple

Triumph's Street Triple has been one of the success stories of recent years, topping the sales charts and collecting numerous accolades along the way.

Fusing the style and attitude of the Speed Triple with the agility of the Daytona 675, and delivering it all for a very competitive price, it wowed the industry when it arrived in 2008 and continues to dominate the middleweight naked sports bike class.

The Street Triple gains a new look for 2012, featuring aggressive new headlights from the bigger Speed Triple and a host of detail changes to keep it ahead of middleweight competition.

Designed alongside the Daytona 675 and sharing the same engine and frame, the Street Triple packs a powerful 106PS punch at 11,700rpm and delivers a peak 68Nm of torque. The Street Triple's 675cc three-cylinder engine has been tuned for incredibly strong low-to-mid range performance and delivers an exhilarating ride that can be enjoyed by riders of all ages and experience.

The Street Triple's narrow and lightweight aluminum frame contributes to a motorcycle that weighs just 189kg fully fuelled and ready to ride. Combined with the low dual seat and wide handlebars, the Street Triple is well balanced and easy to ride.

Despite its entry level price, the Street Triple comes with a high level of equipment as standard. Dual headlamps and twin underseat silencers mirror those of the bigger Speed Triple, while the comprehensive instrumentation includes a built in lap timer, programmable gear change lights, clock and gear indicator, as well as a large tachometer and digital speedo. Cycle parts include the same lightweight alloy wheels that feature on the Daytona 675 supersports machine, 41mm upside down forks and a confidence inspiring dual 308mm disc front brake set-up with two-piston sliding calipers. Updates to the 2012 model include new brushed finishes on the silencers and control plates, high specification tapered aluminium handlebars and sporty new decals.

Three metallic colour options are available for the Street Triple in 2012: Phantom Black, Crystal White and the striking new Imperial Purple. Triumph's range of genuine accessories is hugely popular with Street Triple owners. Colour matched flyscreens, belly pans and seat cowls give the bike a more sporting and aggressive look, while Arrow Special Parts has developed both a three-into-one 'low boy' exhaust system and lightweight slip-on silencers for improved performance and a weight reduction. Other key accessories include stylish bar end mirrors, CNC machined clutch and brake levers and a 'plug and play' quickshifter that can be fitted to the Street Triple in minutes.

  • Multiple award-winning middleweight street fighter
  • 106PS 675cc three-cylinder engine. 68Nm torque.
  • Speed Triple inspired styling, updated for 2012
  • Daytona 675-derived sports chassis
  • Confidence inspiring low seat and light weight
  • Two year unlimited mileage warranty as standard