2019 Triumph Speed Twin

Big Ben, fish and chips, the Beatles, Windsor Castle, and…the Triumph Speed Twin. For motorcyclists—Brit-bike fans, in particular—the original Speed Twin is a two-wheel icon. Following its debut in 1938, the 500cc OHV powerplant became the first commercially successful British parallel twin and went on to set the bar for countless engines of that type to come. For 2019, Triumph has reintroduced the model name to its Modern Classics lineup with a new 1,200cc engine, updated electronics, and a chassis from the Thruxton. The attractively finned eight-valver benefits from the same state of tune as that of the Thruxton (low-inertia crankshaft, 11.0:1-compression pistons), but it features a new clutch assembly with reduced rotating mass, magnesium camshaft covers, and lighter side covers that shed more than 5 pounds from the engine alone.

In fact, Triumph claims the Speed Twin weighs 22 pounds less than a Thruxton. What’s more, the Speed Twin has three ride modes (Sport, Road, and Rain), each of which have different maps and levels of traction-control intervention; TC can also be turned off. All of the aforementioned is controlled by a single handlebar-mounted button.

Likes: Classic looks, analog gauges (inset LCD screens), three ride modes

Dislikes: Smallish fuel tank; traction control can be turned off, ABS can't

Verdict: A handsome, strong-performing, twin-cylinder tribute to a British legend

“Triumph didn’t simply pluck a landmark name from its history in the hopes that some of its luster would wear off on the modern incarnation. Instead, it followed Edward Turner’s original formula, reinterpreting it for the modern rider, who is won over by performance, timeless design, and ease of use.”

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Motorcycling’s classic-bike craze continues to gain steam, with manufacturers pulling from their respective scrapbooks to create new models. BMW’s R nineT boxer-twin platform, for example, has birthed several hot sellers, as has Ducati’s air-cooled V-twin. At the other end of the price spectrum, Royal Enfield offers the Continental GT and INT650.

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The 2019 Speed Twin is available in three colors: Jet Black, Korosi Red, or Silver Ice. Triumph’s 1,200cc Modern Classics lineup also includes the Bonneville T120, Bobber, Speedmaster, Thruxton, and Scrambler 1200. Brembo front and Nissin rear brakes are standard, as is ABS and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III rubber.

Manufacturer Claimed Specifications

Cycle World Tested Specifications