Triumph has resurrected a legendary model name from its history with the announcement of the new Speed Twin. The original 1938 Speed Twin is one of Triumph’s most iconic motorcycles, whose design and engine layout paved the way for a lot of twin-cylinder motors that followed.
With the new 1,200cc Speed Twin, Triumph has used an updated version of the 1,200cc parallel twin we’ve seen in the Thruxton. The updates include a magnesium cam cover to reduce weight, and a revised clutch assembly assisting the 6-speed transmission. You could think of the Speed Twin as an upright-seating Thruxton; but there are numerous changes underneath as well. Among these changes comes a 10kg weight reduction, as well as a revised chassis-and-suspension set-up.
The 1,200cc engine on the Speed Twin has a peak power output of 97hp at 6,750 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 4,950 rpm. Front and rear suspension are taken care of by KYB units – 41mm cartridge forks in the front and twin-shocks with adjustable preload at the rear. The bike also gets potent stopping power with a front brake set-up consisting of twin 305mm discs, and Brembo four-piston fixed calipers (similar to the set-up on the Speed Triple), and twin Nissin calipers and 220mm discs at the rear. Aiding to its sporting intentions are 17-inch wheels at both ends with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres. Triumph has equipped the bike with three riding modes – Road, Rain and Sport – and it gets switchable traction control.
The Speed Twin sits at the top of Triumph’s modern retro line, right up with the Scrambler 1200 and the Thruxton. Prices for the Speed Twin are yet to be announced, but with the brand’s plan to bring six more models to India in 2019, it is likely that the Speed Twin will make its way to the country by the middle of the year.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
