1999 Triumphs Ready To Roll
1999 TRIUMPHS READY TO ROLL
ROUNDUP
TRIUMPH WILL LAUNCH several new and updated models at Germany's Munich Show in September. Topping the list is the much-anticipated Sprint ST sport-tourer, followed by a more street-oriented Tiger 900, redrawn Adventurer cruiser and Trophy tourer, plus an entry-level Legend TT. Rumors also continue to circulate regarding a fourcylinder 600 supersport entry, and a 750cc Bonneville parallel-Twin.
Already, tantalizing details about the Sprint ST are forth coming: revised version of the T595 Daytona's 95 5cc threecylinder engine-still fitted with Sagem fuel injection but re tuned and remapped for 15 per cent less horsepower and 8 percent more torque; twin-spar aluminum frame (cheaper to manufacture than the T595's more labor-intensive tubular alloy spaceframe); Showa sus pension, possibly electronically monitored to vary compression and rebound damping according to pavement conditions and road speed; and Nissin brakes. Top speed for the fully faired, 452-pound machine is said to be in excess of 150 mph. Hard saddlebags will be offered as an option. The bike will be priced competitively with Honda's VFR Interceptor, which retails for $9499.
As for the others, the updated Trophy 900 and 1200 tourers will have more aerody namic fairings for less buf feting. The Adventurer has been re-skinned, and the bike now shares sub-frames with the low-buck Legend. As for the Tiger 900, only Paris-Dakar styling likens it to the original. In related news, the aging Trident Triple, the last of the original bikes from the Hinckley \~ Factory, will be dropped from the lineup.
Triumph's middleweight sportbike, the T806 Falcon, is still a year away from production. Re portedly, the fuel-injected, 16valve, 600cc inline-Four produces 115 bhp at the crank. Chassis test ing continues with a prototype twin-spar aluminum frame fitted with a Kawasaki ZX-6R motor.
Likewise targeted for a year2000 release is the new Bon neville. Arguably Triumph's most eagerly awaited product, the twin-cylinder machine will echo its air-cooled, pushrod pre decessor's looks, but with a modern engine accompanying retro, unfaired styling. Like its threeand four-cylinder coun terparts, the carbureted, 360-de gree parallel-Twin will have overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and a gear-driven bal ance shaft. Target output is 90 bhp at the crank. Triumph also intends an entire model range based on this engine.
How will Triumph house this heightened production? With a new factory, of course.
Alan Cathcart
