2005–2006 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
Stripped Supersport, Built To Rev
The Speed Four is Triumph's TT600 supersport with the fairing stripped off, and that bloodline shows in everything it does. You get a 599 cc liquid-cooled inline-four making 97 hp at 11,750 rpm, a stiff aluminum twin-spar frame, and suspension that adjusts at both ends. At 445 lb (202 kg) wet, it's a light, sharp middleweight naked that puts chassis ahead of comfort. The twin headlights and long intake snorkels split opinion. That's very Triumph: a bike with its own face and real engineering underneath, built for riders who care more about dynamics than fitting in.
On a good road it drops into corners lightly, holds its line with plenty of lean clearance, and keeps you informed about what the tires are doing. The engine is the trade-off. With 51 lb-ft, it wants revs, and anyone looking for lazy midrange shove will find it thin. Age matters more now than anything else. Confirm the fuel hose connector recall was done (metallic connectors replacing the original non-metallic ones), then check the gearbox, clutch, radiator and charging system carefully. There's no ABS and no traction control. It's for a rider who values handling and accepts that a careful inspection comes first.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 97 hp (72 kW) @ 11,750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 51 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Displacement | 599 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) |
| Wet weight | 445 lb (202 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 gal (18 L) |
| Top speed | 136 mph (219 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 28 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Over the years I've heard a lot about the Speed Four, in paddock conversations, at club nights and in the messages owners send me directly. The picture barely changes. Riders praise the chassis, the brakes and the finish. Their complaints center on how the engine meters its power and how it feels at a steady cruise.
Riders consistently rate the chassis first, and owners say it's as happy on a track day as on a winding road. The brakes come up almost as often: strong stopping power with a progressive feel at the lever. Owners also say the fit and finish punch above the price, and point to details like the braided brake lines. Some enjoy the fact that the twin-headlight face keeps them away from the mainstream crowd.
The gripe owners repeat most is fueling that turns abrupt off idle and at small throttle openings. Those who had the throttle bodies balanced say it smooths things out. Others describe buzz between 5,500 and 8,000 rpm that blurs the mirrors and numbs their hands on longer rides. Passengers get a small, cramped seat and high pegs.
Gearbox jumping out of gear
The gearbox is clunky as standard and some owners report it jumping out of gear, particularly under load.
Clutch basket collapse
A few owners have experienced clutch basket failures, which can cause a loss of drive and require replacement.
Radiator leaks
Some owners have reported leaks from the radiator, which can be expensive to replace.
Regulator/rectifier or generator failure
Electrical charging components may fail over time, causing battery drain or erratic running.
Accelerated chain guide wear
Early examples may suffer from premature wear of the plastic chain guide, causing noise and requiring replacement.
Where this Triumph Speed Four pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Speed Four is actually built for.
If your weekend is LA traffic followed by a long canyon road, this light, sharp naked fits you well. Keep it on the boil, enjoy the howl, and have a pro check the gearbox and clutch first.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
For tight, repetitive curves and working on your technique, the light steering and clear feedback are exactly what you want. It rewards precise inputs. Just don't expect lazy torque out of slow bends.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
It's great on twisty Hill Country roads, but with no wind protection and an engine that loves revs, the long stretches between them get tiring. Pick it for the curves, not for the road trip.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Twisted Sisters · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
