Inline Triple

An inline triple is an engine with three cylinders side by side. With a 120-degree crankshaft it fires evenly every 240 degrees of crank rotation, giving a characteristic growling sound.

Triples are often described as a middle ground: narrower and lighter than an inline four, with stronger low and midrange torque, yet smoother and higher-revving than most twins. Triumph made the layout its trademark, and Yamaha's MT-09 and Tracer 9 family and MV Agusta also use triples.

A balance shaft is usually fitted to control the rocking couple that a triple produces. Maintenance is similar to other multi-cylinder engines, including throttle body synchronisation and valve clearance checks.