I bought my Speed Triple (1999 model) in December 1998 -- believe it or not, my first bike ever -- and it's been fantastic. The current model is not much different -- still the 955 cc injected engine, superb balance, very light (the lightest of the 955 range, I think).
My experiences with the 'old' bike have been very positive. It's a superbly muscular-looking bike, stripped away to show its innards, but not too much chrome. I've done about 11,000 miles in 2 nearly 2 years, of which about 2,500 miles was a single three day trip through 6 countries in western Europe, and I have had not one single problem with anything on the bike -- except the alarm, which is a Veto and was fitted by the garage (not a Triumph accessory).
Performance? It leaves most 900s behind at the lights. I've had it up to 145 mph two-up and with a tank bag and I don't think it'll do much more than that. But that's probably enough. Cornering is superb and it's really easy to pull up through a corner because it's quite light. Stopping is very good too. My fiancee loves the bike because the pillion seat is almost as low as the rider's, so no wind problems, and the footrests aren't too high.
This bike doesn't come with gimmicks -- so no fuel guage (just a low fuel light that comes on just after you pass the last service station for 50 miles), no clock, no hard luggage -- just basic, brutally beautiful styling and blistering performance.
Obviously, with no fairing, windshield, etc, this is not a bike for long distance touring (although as stated above, I've done it), but it's a great bike for having a play in the city streets.
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