Triumph's naked 600 is up against some stiff competition in the shape of Honda's Hornet, Yamaha's Fazer and the new 620ie Monster from Ducati.
But while these three have budget suspension and a price to match, the Speed Four has fully adjustable suspension and an aluminium beam frame. That helps explain why it costs about a grand more than the competition - and why it would make a good track tool as well as an A-road scratcher.
Packing a fuel-injected, state-of-the-art 96bhp four-cylinder motor, tuned for maximum mid-range punch, the Speed Four takes Triumph's trademark factory streetfighter look into a whole new arena.
It shares the same chassis as the TT600, so from the outset you are assured of superb handling and agility. The lightweight aluminium frame and swingarm impart strength and stiffness while the fully adjustable front and rear suspension enables you to choose settings to suit your own riding style. Twin 310mm fully floating front discs and the single disc rear provide impressive stopping power.
Sharing the same distinctive twin headlamps, the bold styling clearly draws inspiration from its brutal bigger brother, the Speed Triple. The air intakes, which force-feed cold, dense air to the engine, are neatly tucked in; the aerodynamic headlamp fairing deflects the brunt of wind resistance away from the rider and the colour matched seat cowl finishes off the machine when riding solo. The compact instrument console features an analogue tachometer, digital speedometer and digital twin trip meters, clock and temperature gauge plus a low fuel warning light.
With its sorted TT600 engine, top suspenders and wacky looks the Speed Four has all the right ingredients for a streetfighter with attitude.
