IF IT AINT BROKE

I am a huge fan of Triumph Motorcycles.  It may be because of my family connection to England, my Mom is from England, or it may be that I like the exclusivity factor, or it could be the universal reception you get when riding a Triumph.  I recently rode up the Blue Ridge Parkway with my brother.  I was riding a BMW which generally takes all of the attention, however, my Brother's Triumph Thunderbird Sport stole all of the attention and comments.
Fellow Traveler "What kind of bike is that?"
Me "A BMW R. . . "
Traveler "No that one."
Brother "ATriumph" (trying not to laugh uncontrollably).
Here is a picture of what he refers to as a pure "Cafe Racer"

In addition to liking Triumphs, I like the Streetfighter look, therefore it should be no suprise that the Speed Triple gets me excited.  I am not alone in this, since its creation in 1994 the Speed Triple has been Triumph's best seller, and since its introduction in 1996 the most recognizable feature has been the round bug eye lights, followed by the complete absence of any fairing of any sort.  It is so popular and well liked that the bug eye lights is now an optional extra on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  Imitation really is the highest form of flattery.  The picture below might as well be considered porn in my world, and well as one of my friends, you know who you are.

Now however, Triumph has decided to alter the appearance of the Speed Triple.

Gone are the trademark bugeye lights, which have been replaced by some oddly shaped molded plastic which connects the lights to the instrument pod, and there is now a small piece of something, dare I say fairing like material (plastic) below the frame rails. 
Do not get me wrong I enjoy progress, as I have already been called out by suggesting that bikes like the Speed Triple are Cafe Racers, because they lack the vintage styling.  I like that companies are forever trying to better their bikes.  The Speed Triple's upgrade to Brembo brakes was greated with open arms, I am always interested in increases to horsepower as well, although it is not likely that I would know the difference between 125 and 129 horsepower, but buying a motorcycle is not rational, it is not driven by technical numbers and specifications, it is all about desire, and I for one will not be buying a 2011.  Give me back my round bug eye lights and completely bare engine. 
This same thing happened when Suzuki changed from the SV650 to the Gladius, although the new Gladius was technically superior, the bike lost its soul as a machine.
It is bad enough that you can no longer see the mechanical elements of most cars, plastics cover everything, especially engines, and manufactuers seem to make odd shapes just because they can, but for the quintessential Street Fighter and Cafe Racer of our time to fall victim to the forward march of plastic coverings is heartbreaking. 

So if you have a 2009 or 2010 Speed Triple hang on to it for a year or so, because I am going to need one.