2019 Triumph Speed Twin | First Ride Review

2019 Triumph Speed Twin action
The newest member of the Bonneville family, Triumph’s all-new 2019 Speed Twin offers the performance and handling of the Thruxton café racer but with a more upright riding position, less weight and a lower price. (Photos by Kingdom Creative)

In Triumph’s nomenclature, some motorcycle names result from a mix-and-match game using four simple words–Speed, Street, Triple and Twin. Models with “Speed” in their name tend to be larger than their “Street” counterparts, while “Triple” and “Twin” refer to the number of cylinders. Combinations of these four words identify three-cylinder naked sportbikes–the 1,050cc Speed Triple and the 765cc Street Triple–as well as the Street Twin, a “modern classic” Bonneville with a 900cc parallel twin.

Read our 2019 Triumph Street Twin first ride review

2019 Triumph Speed Twin
The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin blends modern and retro in a sport standard package. It’s available in two-tone Korosi Red/Storm Grey (shown) or Silver Ice/Storm Grey, or in solid Jet Black.

The newest member of the Bonneville family, the 1,200cc Speed Twin, not only adds the fourth and final piece to the name-game puzzle, the appellation holds a place of reverence in Triumph’s long history. Developed by legendary designer Edward Turner, the 1938 Speed Twin was a lightweight 500cc parallel twin that set new benchmarks for power and handling and established a template for British motorcycles that spanned decades. In the spirit of the original, Triumph developed the new Speed Twin to offer engine performance and handling comparable to the Thruxton café racer but with an upright riding position, less weight and a lower price. Claimed dry weight for the Thruxton is 454 pounds and for the Speed Twin is 432 pounds, which even undercuts the smaller-displacement Street Twin by 5 pounds. And at $12,100, the Speed Twin’s base price is $900 lower than the Thruxton’s.

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Read our 2017 Triumph Thruxton vs BMW R nineT Racer comparison review

2019 Triumph Speed Twin engine
The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin gets a lighter, updated version of the “high power” 1,200cc parallel twin with a Thruxton tune.

Though not a parts-bin special per se, the Speed Twin nonetheless shares engine and chassis features with other Bonnevilles. Like the new Scrambler 1200, the Speed Twin is powered by a “high power” version of Triumph’s liquid-cooled, 1,200cc parallel twin with a high-compression head, a low-inertia crankshaft, a lighter clutch assembly and lightweight covers, and the engine is carried in a tubular-steel frame with aluminum cradles. But the Speed Twin’s “Thruxton tune” delivers more output than the Scrambler 1200–96 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 4,950 rpm (claimed).

Read our 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE first ride review

2019 Triumph Speed Twin action
With low weight, compact dimensions and a torque-rich engine, the 2019 Triumph Speed Twin is an agile, responsive corner carver.

Greg’s Gear
Helmet: Arai Corsair-X
Jacket: Spidi Thunderbird
Pants: Spidi Furious Tex Jeans
Boots: Rev’It Mohawk 2

Like other Bonnevilles, the Speed Twin’s 270-degree crank generates a robust rumble from its 2-into-2 exhaust and power is sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission and chain final drive. In addition to the aluminum frame cradles and “mass optimized” engine, further weight savings come from a lighter battery and new cast aluminum wheels. Compared to the Thruxton, the Speed Twin’s front wheel and disc assembly save 6.4 pounds and its rear wheel saves 3.7 pounds, reducing both unsprung weight and inertia for better handling.

2019 Triumph Speed Twin POV
The view from the cockpit is uncluttered. Bar-end mirrors are out of the way, the twin analog gauges are stylish and easy to read, and the brushed-aluminum Monza-style cap is a nice touch.

To put the new Speed Twin to the test, Triumph invited us to the island of Mallorca, off the coast of Spain, for a first ride. The cold, blustery January day made me wish for some wind protection, but at least Triumph was kind enough to install accessory heated grips on our test bikes. And I was fortunate enough to grab the key for a bike with the gorgeous Korosi Red/Storm Grey paint job on the tank, which adds $500 to the price (same goes for the Silver Ice/Storm Grey paint scheme; base price is for Jet Black).

With its round headlight, sculpted tank, bench seat and dual shocks, the Speed Twin has the stance of a classic sport standard, and its bar-end mirrors, fork gaiters and analog gauges give it some café racer flair. Perched at 31.8 inches, the flat seat is supportive, and the tapered aluminum handlebar is positioned at a comfortable height and reach. The footpegs, well forward and a tad lower than those on the Thruxton, contribute to a natural riding position.

2019 Triumph Speed Twin seat
Narrow in the front, wide in the back and comfortably flat, the Speed Twin’s seat is supportive thanks to a internal 3D net and an air channel. Under the seat is a USB charging socket and a storage compartment for a smartphone.

As with other modern Bonnevilles, there’s plenty of 21st-century tech, tastefully applied so as not to interfere with the essential riding experience. Things like LEDs for the daytime running light, taillight and rear turn signals; ABS and switchable traction control; riding modes (Sport, Road and Rain, which adjust throttle response and TC); an assist-and-slipper clutch; dual multi-function LCD panels in the instruments; a USB charging socket under the seat and an ignition immobilizer. Alas, no cruise control.

2019 Triumph Speed Twin gauges
The twin analog gauges look sharp and their inset digital displays provide a lot of information (but not ambient temperature).

With cold pavement it took a while for the Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 tires to warm up, but once they did grip was spot-on and cornering response was smooth and predictable. Squeezing the tank with my knees, keeping a light grip on the bars and applying feathery pressure to the rear brake, the Speed Twin masterfully negotiated the many hairpins and first-gear corners carved into the rocky mountains of northern Mallorca. With a wheelbase of 56.3 inches, 22.8 degrees of rake and 3.7 inches of trail, the Speed Twin is slightly longer and more relaxed than the Thruxton, giving it a bit more stability through fast sweepers. Although Triumph says tuning is unique to the Speed Twin, the suspension–a 41mm non-adjustable fork and dual preload-adjustable shocks, both with 4.7 inches of travel–is essentially the same as that of the Thruxton, with well-controlled damping that’s a happy medium between tautness and comfort. Twin Brembo 4-piston, 4-pad front calipers gripping 305mm discs and a single Nissin 2-piston rear caliper provide responsive braking, backed up by ABS.

2019 Triumph Speed Twin wheel
The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin rolls on 17-inch, lightweight cast aluminum wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 tires. Brembo 4-piston, 4-pad front calipers squeeze 305mm discs and ABS is standard.

With the big parallel twin generating a fair amount of engine braking, I found the Sport riding mode to be too abrupt for my taste. Rain mode was too dull, for obvious reasons, but Road mode felt just right (all modes provide full power). The Speed Twin was well-mannered in the best English tradition thanks to excellent fueling, a linear increase in power and a wide, flat torque curve. No dips, no flat spots, just smooth, steady grunt whenever you need it and an exhaust note that’s assertive without being rude. A light pull from the clutch and a buttery transmission further add to the Speed Twin’s polished demeanor.

2019 Triumph Speed Twin action
The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin’s upright seating position is more comfortable and less committed than the Thruxton’s café racer crouch.

Filling the shoes of a legend is no small task, but Triumph’s new Speed Twin honors the original’s reputation for being light, powerful and dynamic. It also provides yet another option in Triumph’s burgeoning Bonneville family, which now includes 14 models. Bigger and more powerful than a Street Twin, lighter, more comfortable and less expensive than a Thruxton, the Speed Twin is a one sweet machine.

Check out Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Street Motorcycles for 2019

2019 Triumph Speed Twin beauty
A modern take on a legendary motorcycle.

2019 Triumph Speed Twin Specs
Base Price:
$12,100
Price as Tested: $12,880 (two-tone, heated grips)
Website: triumphmotorcycles.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel twin, SOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 1,200cc
Bore x Stroke: 97.6 x 80mm
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated assist-and-slipper wet clutch
Final Drive: X-ring chain
Wheelbase: 56.3 in.
Rake/Trail: 22.8 degrees/3.7 in.
Seat Height: 31.8 in.
Claimed Dry Weight: 432 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 3.8 gals.
MPG: NA

14 COMMENTS

  1. No cruise control? I’m puzzled – should be an easy feature to include on a fly-by-wire bike. Ditto for a gear indicator. And I’d hoped for better pricing too. Sigh.

    • Triumph wanted to keep the price as low as possible, so there is no cruise control but there is a gear indicator. What price were you expecting for a 1,200cc Bonneville? The Speed Twin is $900 less than the Thruxton but offers comparable power and less weight, and it’s only $150-$250 more than the T120 or Bobber.

  2. Really like this model. My own 2017 Thruxton wears a Speigler handle bar conversion. The quasi clipon assemblies were repurposed by turning them upside down. The handlebars were shortened to use as a place to mount a set of Clearwater LED driving lights.

  3. JUST WOW! ON THE NEW SPEED TWIN ESPECIALLY, BUT THE NEW STREET TWIN ALSO. WAY TO GO TRIUMPH. GOT ANY SINGLES IN THE WORKS? NOT REALLY ANY PLACE ELSE TO GO NOW.

  4. I got superbike license about 18yrs ago,long time not ride,is the speed twin can be my beginner back?look like need back a skill..

  5. I have just rode this bike and all I can say is wow, wow, wow. Light handling , very agile, the power band just goes on and on like a train one hell of a bike, good job Triumph.

  6. I just love the old school styling with modern amenities Triumph is doing. This new speed twin is one bike I am definitely considering. I currently ride a 99 Heritage Softail with the Evolution motor, and it’s great, but I would love to get that classic Triumph look with the new technology.

  7. I have been riding Triumphs for 50 years. I love this motorcycle. Retro, traditional Triumph. Fast. Easy to ride fast. Comfortable and great sound with the Vance and Hines Pipes. I get loooooks everywhere I go. When I stop and take off my helmet, onlookers are shocked at my gray hair on such a cool bike. It is time for you baby boomers to get back in the game on a Triumph Speed Twin.

  8. If you can use Cruise Control on this bike , especially enough to whine about it not having it , you’re riding it wrong and missing the whole point of this bike.

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