New Speed Twin officially revealed by Triumph

Bruno Gomes

December 6, 2018

A few days before the EICMA Milan motorcycle show, in early November, we showed you the first spy shots of the Speed Twin, a model we thought Triumph would bring to the Italian motorcycle show. But the British brand surprised everyone, and the Speed Twin was nowhere to be seen during the EICMA…

Until now!

Just yesterday, Triumph decided to finally reveal the official data and specs for its new “Classic British” Speed Twin model, that will be available in dealerships early next year.

Unveiled to a hand of special guests present at an event in Paris, the Speed Twin 1200 brings back a legendary name for the Hinckley based manufacturer, a name that can be traced back to 1939 when Triumph unleashed the original Speed Twin in the world.

Embodying the classic look of the more iconic Triumph models, the new Speed Twin features the same twin-cylinder engine we can now see powering up the racier version Thruxton R. This means the Speed Twin gets the same power and torque, 97 hp, but gives the rider a much more relaxed and comfortable riding position compared to the Thruxton R.

The engine is matched to a six-speed transmission, and the brakes are sourced from Brembo, with the Italian specialists delivering the stopping power through calipers with four pistons biting the two discs at the front wheel, which is 17’’ in diameter.

The chassis has been specifically developed to cater for the handling needs of a roadster like the Speed Twin. It’s basically the same frame that we find on the Thruxton, but tuned for the longer rides, so the geometry of the frame has been changed. Using high-spec suspension units, and being 10 kg lighter than the Thruxton R, the Speed Twin promises a fun ride all day long!

The handlebar on the Speed Twin 1200 is narrower and fixed to new supports, while the seat is fixed at a lower height, just 807 mm from the ground, which will enable all types of riders to enjoy this new “classic British” roadster.

The electronic package installed on the Speed Twin is much like the rest of the Modern Classic models we already know from the Triumph lineup. This means that this bike comes standard with ABS and traction control that can be turned off if the rider desires. With the use of electronic throttle, or ride-by-wire, Triumph is able to change the engine power delivery with the use of three riding maps: Sport, Road and Rain.

Although it’s just like a classic bike, the new Speed Twin gets LED lighting and DRL running lights, for added security while on the road no matter the conditions.

Triumph has also listed an accessories catalog of over 90 different items to customize the Speed Twin, which will be available in 2019 in three colors: Silver Ice and Storm Grey, Korosi Red and Storm Grey, and last but not least Black Jet.