The Triumph TE-1 has been engineered to have the same agility and weight distribution as that of the Speed Triple which means it should be a sharp and neutral handler. Daytona 200 rider Brandon Paasch, who was a key part of the testing process of the TE-1 said “I wish I’d had this at Daytona, that acceleration in this chassis, and how it corners – wow! I think this would be a really nice motorcycle to ride on the street, just based on how nimble and agile it is, and how light it feels.” While we don’t know the exact spec of the chassis, the TE-1 uses an aluminium frame similar to that of the Speed Triple with high-spec Ohlins at the front and rear to handle suspension duties. Braking comes courtesy of monobloc callipers sourced from Brembo. The whole package tips the scales at 220kg which according to Triumph is around 25 per cent lighter than an equivalent electric vehicle.
Commenting on the completion of development of the TE-1 project, Steve Sargent, Chief Product Office, Triumph Motorcycles, said, “We have already seen an incredibly positive reaction to the TE-1 prototype from motorcyclists all around the world, where many people are telling us that for the first time, they are seeing an electric motorcycle as desirable, and something that they would genuinely want to own. Being the first step in our journey towards developing our future approach to electric powertrain technology, the TE-1 prototype and the incredible results it has achieved in its intensive testing programme has provided crucial insights and capabilities that will ultimately guide our future development. Of course, the final production motorcycle will not be exactly what you see here today, but rest assured, the models we do develop will encompass all of its learnings and its exciting dynamic spirit.”