2019 Triumph Speed Twin Review

Talk about modern classics and the first motorcycle manufacturer that pops into one's mind is Triumph. The company's modern classic game is quite strong and the Triumph Speed Twin is one of the newer additions to the company's modern classic range in India. It is a Bonnie alright! But it is so, so much more than just being an elder sibling to the Street Twin! Yes, it is as easy-going and accessible as the Street Twin but that's where the similarities end. The Speed Twin's focus is on performance. There is oodles of charm as well but that is a given with any current Triumph modern classic but this one, it is all about effortless performance.

Also Read: Triumph Speed Twin Launched In India; Priced at Rs. 9.46 Lakh

Looks & design

b9jip588

(Elegant and dapper, the Speed Twin is a handsome looking motorcycle)

Handsome is the word! The Speed Twin is akin to Daniel Craig-like James Bond, showing up at a party wearing a well-fitted suit. Elegant and dapper! And, the tuxedo doesn't quite hide the muscle beneath. The retro-look is unmistakeable of course but what is even more apparent is the fact that this motorcycle is in fact quite ripped. The big, rounded fuel tank with knee recesses, Monza-style filler cap and the fat Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres scream 'performance' out loud! The sophistication comes out by way of the brushed Aluminium parts, round LED headlamp and the twin-pod instrument console, all of which is old-school but definitely cool. Plus, we are big fans of those lovely bar-end mirrors too. Not only do they look good but offer decent visibility as well. Like other Triumph models, fit and finish is impeccable.

Features & cycle parts

r3o7ald4

(The Speed Twin gets twin 305 mm discs with Brembo 4-pot callipers, offering solid stopping power)

Like other modern classic Triumphs, the Speed Twin uses a double-cradle steel frame but the rear sub-frame is new and lighter. Along with the lighter engine, lightweight Aluminium bits and the new alloys, the Speed Twin is about 7 kg lighter than the Thruxton R. As far as features are concerned, the Speed Twin gets ride-by-wire throttle along with three riding modes - Road, Rain and Sport. ABS and traction control are standard as well. In a bid to keep costs down, the Speed Twin comes fitted with 41 mm KYB forks up front and twin KYB springs at the rear unlike the Ohlins units on the Thruxton R. There are 305 discs up front, gripped by Brembo 4-spot callipers and at the rear, a 220 mm disc takes of braking duties and has a Nissin 2-pot calliper.

Also Read: Triumph Speed Twin: All You Need To Know

Engine & performance

4gg79iq4

(The Speed Twin borrows the 1,200 cc 'high power' engine from the Thruxton R, but is about 2.5 kg lighter)

The idea was to have a motorcycle that scores high on performance and thrill and still stays accessible enough so that new buyers do not get scared off. And, Triumph did manage to accomplish that kind of balance quite nicely. Since performance is key, the 1200 cc motor is the "high power" unit from the Thruxton R. Overall, the engine is about 2.5 kg lighter than that of the Thruxton R. The motor pumps out 96 bhp at 6,750 rpm and the peak torque output is rated at 112 Nm at 4,950 rpm.The cam covers are made of magnesium and the clutch assembly is revised as well.

8otmusj4

(Bottom-end and mid-range is solid, making for lightning quick acceleration)

Now, the interesting part here is the fact that almost 100 Nm of torque comes in as the needle hits 2,000-2,200 rpm, offering a delicious pull of torque, which in turn leads to seriously quick acceleration. The kinds where you need to hang on to the handlebars for dear life! Plus, the strong bottom-end and mid-range means you need to shift gears less frequently, which will be a boon riding in the city. While we did not get a chance to sample the Rain mode, the Road mode works best in regular riding conditions. The Sport mode renders the throttle a little choppy, so the smooth experience that the bike otherwise offers, is lost.

kaphaqjc

(The Speed Twin gets three riding modes - Road, Rain & Sport. The throttle response is a little choppy in the Sport mode)

As far as top-end performance is concerned, well, the Speed Twin has so much to offer, even when you run out of skills and courage. The performance is no less than any middle-weight or litre-class naked roadster. It will not leave seasoned riders wanting for more! Sure, the engine isn't high-strung but way it delivers performance, it feels relaxed and effortless.

Ride & handling

bpnebr5s

(Grip levels from the sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres is really good. High speed corners are an enjoyable experience)

We told you how the parallel-twin motor puts the 'speed' in the Speed Twin but complimenting the engine are the grippy Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres and the sure-footed way in which the motorcycle reacts to handling inputs. The bike handles well and is easy to filter through the traffic as well. In case you are in the mood, the Speed Twin can handle high speed corners with aplomb as well. But what kind of stands out is the fact that the ride quality is pliant. It can take on bumps and potholes easily and won't leave you with a sore back. Plus, the ergonomics are quite comfortable too. The riding stance is upright and while the footpegs may be slightly rear-set, they just add that tiny bit of sportiness to the overall experience. With its capabilities, the Speed Twin can actually work as a daily riding machine and we believe will be a capable touring motorcycle as well.

Our take

f8gi7uuc

(The Speed Twin is perhaps one of the best modern classic motorcycles that you can buy in India today)

The Triumph Speed Twin is priced at Rs. 9.46 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi) and at that price it is a lot of motorcycle. The motorcycle offers solid performance, built very well and at that price, it makes a lot of sense. In fact, it makes so much sense that you can actually ride one to work regularly and the bike is more than game for long distance rides as well. If you are in the market to buy a modern classic, then the Speed Twin should definitely feature on your list.

Photography: Azam Siddiqui



from NDTV CarAndBike - Reviews

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Harley-Davidson Streetfighter Spotted In Flesh For The First Time

Image
Harley-Davidson unveiled a range of new motorcycles last year that included an adventure tourer, streetfighter and Custom range. This, along with the LiveWire electric motorcycle defines the new-age 21st century offerings from the manufacturer as it taps into newer markets and caters to an evolving customer base. Now, giving a glimpse of the new models out in the open, the new Harley-Davidson Streetfighter was spotted in the prototype version at what seems to be a trade show in the US, giving a good glimpse at motorcycle looks like in flesh. While board says 'Styling Prototype', the production-spec version of the Streetfighter is likely to stay identical to the model showcased here. In addition to the Streetfighter, the Pan America was also showcased at the same event. The production spec versions of both bikes could be unveiled at EICMA this year. Also Read: Harley-Davidson Livewire To Be Unveiled In India In August The Harley-Davidson Streetfighter is a completely new mot...
Read more

Brixton 1200 To Rival Triumph Bonneville T120

Image
A 1200 cc modern classic with similar design lines as Triumph's iconic Bonneville series, has reportedly been cleared for production. The bike was showcased as a concept at last year's EICMA motorcycle show, and from the looks of it, this is a model developed in China with the Triumph Bonneville T120 in its sights. The Brixton brand though is part of Austria's KSR Group, which imports bikes from several Chinese manufacturers, including CF Moto. And while the new Bonneville rival will be manufactured in China, the design and engineering has been created at KSR's design centre in Krups, Austria. Also Read: Triumph Bonnville T120 First Ride Review The Brixton 1200 cc motorcycle has not been named yet, or a launch timeline announced So far, the company has not committed to a launch date yet, but says that it will eventually make it to production. And from the looks of it, that may well be sometime later this year, maybe even at the EICMA 2020 show in Milan, Italy, in...
Read more

Zongshen Cyclone RX6 Based On Norton 650 Nearing Completion

Image
While there still doesn't seem to be a buyer for iconic British brand Norton Motorcycles which went into administration in January this year, the firm's 650 cc parallel-twin seems to be finding life in China. While Norton apparently sold off the engine rights of its 961 engine to China's Jinglang just before the brand went into administration, the deal for the 650 cc engine was finalized way back in 2017 with Chinese giant Zongshen. The 650 cc parallel-twin engine was due to be used in Norton's Atlas and Superlight models, but now it looks like that engine platform will make its debut in a Zongshen motorcycle, called the Cyclone R6. Also Read: How Much Is Norton Motorcycles Worth Now? One of the patent designs shows the Cyclone RX6 with full touring accessories and luggage Two prototypes fitted with the 650 cc parallel-twin engine were shown in China late last year, on the Zongshen Cyclone RX6 adventure bike and the RX6 sport tourer. Both bikes used Zongshen-made...
Read more