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Triumph Speed ​​Twin 1200 (2018) in the driving report

Two-cylinder power in a retro look

Triumph unveiled the new Triumph Speed ​​Twin with a 97 hp 1200 twin-cylinder in Paris. The classically designed roadster takes over the Thruxton engine. We were allowed to try the retro bike for the first time on Mallorca.

With the S.peed Twin 1200 Triumph wants to further expand its range of classic cars. In addition, the British paired the Twin known from the Thruxton and a little Bonneville T120 in a redesigned roadster outfit. Compared to the cafe racer Thruxton, 10 kilograms of weight could also be saved.

Power twin from the Thruxton R

The new Triumph Speed ​​Twin 1200 is intended to give the roadster a sporty interpretation. The two-cylinder provides a maximum torque of 112 Nm at 4,950 rpm. It is shifted by a six-speed gearbox. In order to meet every driver requirement, three driving modes – Sport, Road and Rain – can be set, plus there is ABS and traction control that can be switched off.

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Double rear silencer for a rich twin sound.

The new frame, derived from the Thruxton R, offers sporty, comfortable roadster ergonomics, paired with a 41 mm cartridge front fork with bellows and 120 mm travel and stereo spring struts (also 120 mm travel) with adjustable spring preload on the hindquarters. When it comes to the gear train, the Speed ​​Twin relies on 17-inch cast rims in a seven-spoke design, on which Pirelli Corsa III tires 120/70 and 160/60 are mounted. Brembo four-piston fixed calipers, axially bolted to the front wheel, in combination with 305 discs provide braking power. At the rear, a Nissin double-piston floating caliper bites into a 220 mm disc. The maximum speed is 217 km / h, the consumption should be 4.8 liters. There is also a USB socket under the bench to supply consumers with electricity.

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How does the new Speed ​​Twin ride??

The first moment with the new Triumph Speed ​​Twin leaves you a little perplexed: With the big Bonneville and the Thruxton, the British already have a wide selection of classic-style bikes in their range – who should the Speed ​​Twin be for ? This thought shoots through the mind. And because the truth can only be found in the saddle, your bottom swings onto the comfortably padded seat of the Speed ​​Twin. With a height of 807 millimeters, it also allows people with short legs to stand securely.

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Two round instruments in the cockpit.

One floor below, the newly designed exhaust system of the Speed ​​Twin bubbles out of the two beautifully shaped mufflers, impressing with a rich, powerful, but not loud sound. A feast for the ear. Visually, the system looks like a pure 2-in-2 design, an interference pipe directly behind the exhaust and the almost invisible catalytic converter exhaust gas cleaning factory cleverly placed under the engine show that the first glance is cleverly deceived.

Classic retro design

So much effort was not necessary with the engine. Like many parts of the Speed ​​Twin, it is based on the Thruxton. More than 100 Newton meters are available at just over 2000 rpm. However, there are also differences to the Thruxton. Triumph has designed the Speed ​​Twin classically, but not as deeply dipped into the retro pot as with Bonneville and Co. The short metal mudguards, the injection without carburetor appearance – as with many other Triumph bikes – help the Speed ​​Twin to reduce it Roadster look. Only the Monza fuel cap had to be left …

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Reduced rear with LED lights.

But what is much more important: Triumph looked carefully at the scales with the Speed ​​Twin. The bottom line is that it should be seven kilos lighter than a Thruxton R. That would be a good 218 kilograms with a full tank. That sounds a lot, so let’s go now. As if by themselves, your feet land on the notches that are further forward (38 mm) and a little deeper (4 mm) than with the Thruxton, and your hands grab the wide aluminum handlebar. This is bearable. The Speed ​​Twin willingly follows every steering command, filtering out the unevenness of the KYB filter elements, which can only be adjusted in the preload at the rear, without gauze or attracting any negative attention. At best, they should address a touch more sensitively, but the bottom line is that they are well coordinated. And then there is this engine, which starts from a good 2,500 rpm with a steady beat in every gear, driving man and machine forward with relish with the power of its many newton meters. This applies to all driving modes that differ only in response, but not in performance. If the oats bite, the twin can also be carried away at the highest speeds. Only shortly before 8,000 revolutions and thus deep in the red area on the beautiful round instrument tachometer does the limiter switch off the light.

Prices start at 12,150 euros

So now it’s time to return to the following question: Who should the Speed ​​Twin be for? After a day of driving, the answer is clear: For anyone who wants to experience significantly more driving dynamics than with a Bonneville, but who are not suited to the Thruxton with its clip-on handlebars and cafe-racer seating position. This could make the Speed ​​Twin something like the golden mean among the large classic bikes in the Triumph program. Especially when the eye is still on the price tag. The Speed ​​in black is available from 12,150 euros, the two-tone versions cost 300 euros more. That puts it below Bonneville and Thruxton. So it could be something with the new Speed ​​Twin from Triumph, the signs are good.

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