Triumph’s Speed Triple formed a large part of the backbone that has grown the modern era of Hinckley Triumphs and for 2019 Triumph will add some more vertebrae to that spine with the introduction of a beautiful new 1200 cc Speed Twin.
Triumph Australia are expecting first stocks of the new machine to land in late January or early February, with final pricing to be set around the middle of January.
Re-introducing another legendary Triumph name, the British brand this time harks back to the 1938 Triumph Speed Twin for inspiration. This new era Speed Twin sets a new benchmark for retro roadster performance thanks to a 10 kg lighter dry weight than the highly successful Thruxton.
The 196 kg (dry) Speed Twin also promises to deliver ergonomics and comfort levels somewhere between the Thruxton and the T 120 with a new bench seat only 807 mm from the ground, a figure that will light up the faces of those with short legs.
While the Speed Twin is much lighter than the Thruxton it does share identical engine performance with its sibling, 96 hp at 6750 rpm and 112 Nm of torque peaking at a lowly 4950 rpm.
The engine is 2.5 kg ligher than the Thruxton powerplant due to a magnesium cam cover and the trimming of other engine covers, along with other measures.
While the Speed Twin’s frame is based on the Thruxton R it is unique for the new model and matched up with 41 mm cartridge forks and Brembo four-piston stoppers.
The KYB forks appear to be non-adjustable, no doubt that will come in a follow up R model at some stage.
The twin rear shocks offer adjustable preload and match the 120 mm travel of the forks.
Twin upswept mufflers are finished in a satin black wrap with stainless steel end caps.
The sculpted fuel tank, complete with locking Monza style filler, holds 14.5-litres of fuel which against the promised 4.8 litre per 100 km economy promises a touring range of almost 300 km.
As you would expect from a modern Triumph the Speed Twin is ride-by-wire and features the full gamut of electronic safety aids with riding modes, ABS and switchable traction control. A slip-assist clutch also adds some mechanical safety into the equation.
The Speed Twin rolls on 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 hoops mounted on seven-spoke alloy rims.
At first glance the twin clocks instrumentation might look old school but incorporates a digital menu system navigated by handlebar mounted buttons.
The display shows gear position, ride mode, range to empty and fuel level along with the other customary clock and tripmeters functionality. A USB charing socket is provided. The display also presents the information on the optional heated grips and tyre pressure monitoring system when fitted.
The mudguards are presented in brushed aluminium, as are the throttle body covers, side panel trims and head guards.
The headlight brackets are in an anodised forged aluminium while the bowl and bezel of the single headlight with LED daytime running light is painted.
LED indicators and stop lights along with bar-end mirrors round out the marriage of old and new in the Speed Twin.
Three colour schemes will be available on the Speed Twin at launch comprising of the following;
- Silver Ice & Storm Grey (with hand painted Graphite coach line and white stripe)
- Korosi Red and Storm Grey (with hand painted Graphite coach line and white stripe)
- Jet Black
As you would expect, a huge line of optional accessories will also accompany the release of the model and includes items such a Vance & Hines silencers, a quilted and various luggage options.
2019 Triumph Speed Twin Specifications
- Engine | 1200 cc, Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin
- Bore/Stroke | 97.6 x 80 mm
- Compression Ratio | 11.0 : 1
- Maximum Power | 97 PS / 96 BHP (71.5 kW) @ 6,750 rpm
- Maximum Torque | 112 Nm @ 4,950 rpm
- Fuel system | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
- Exhaust | Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin silencers
- Final drive | Chain
- Clutch | Wet, multi-plate assist clutch
- Gearbox | 6-speed
- Frame | Tubular steel with aluminium cradle
- Swingarm | Twin-sided, aluminium
- Front Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy 7-spoke 17 x 3.5in
- Rear Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy 7-spoke 17 x 5in
- Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17
- Rear Tyre | 160/60 ZR17
- Front Suspension | 41mm cartridge forks, 120mm travel
- Rear Suspension | Twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel
- Front Brake | Twin 305mm discs, Brembo 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS
- Rear Brake | Single 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
- Width (Handlebars) | 760 mm
- Height Without Mirrors | 1110 mm
- Seat Height | 807 mm
- Wheelbase | 1430 mm
- Rake | 22.8 º
- Trail | 93.5 mm
- Dry Weight | 196 Kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 L
- Fuel Consumption | 4.8 l/100km (59 mpg)
- CO2 Emissions | 109.0 g/km
Source: MCNews.com.au