Triumph has resurrected a legendary name from its history with the announcement of an all-new model in its Modern Classics lineup: the 2019 Speed Twin. Introduced in 1938, the original Speed Twin set standards for power and handling, and it was produced until the mid 1960s.
Check out the all-new 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and XE
Like its ancestor, the 2019 Triumph Speed Twin is powered by a parallel twin, though the modern version has liquid cooling, more than twice the displacement at 1,200cc and a “high power” Thruxton tune that’s good for 96 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque (claimed).
The newest member of the Bonneville family borrows its chassis from the Thruxton R, and Triumph says it weighs 432 pounds dry—22 pounds less than the Thruxton and 60 pounds less than the T120. A new magnesium cam cover, mass-optimized engine covers and a revised clutch assembly save 5.5 pounds versus the Thruxton’s engine.
Triumph announces two limited edition 2019 Bonneville T120s, the Ace and the Diamond
The Speed Twin is equipped with dual Brembo disc brakes up front, a single Nissin disc brake out back, a nonadjustable cartridge fork, preload-adjustable twin shocks and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels shod with Pirelli Rosso Corsa 3 tires. Standard electronics include ABS, switchable traction control and throttle-by-wire with three riding modes (Sport, Road and Rain), and the headlight, taillight and turn signals are LED.
An upright, tapered aluminum handlebar, midmount footpegs and a bench seat with a 31.8-inch rider’s section should offer a neutral, comfortable riding position. The 6-speed transmission has a torque-assist clutch and final drive is via chain. Styling and details are top-notch, from the analog speedometer and tachometer with digital menus to the 3.8-gallon sculpted fuel tank with Monza-style filler cap.
The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin will be available in North America in February, with pricing announced in January. Available colors are: Silver Ice and 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; and Jet Black.
Check out Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Street Motorcycles for 2019
I know it’s a matter of aesthetics, but I also know it’s not just my unique sense of aesthetics: Why does Triumph persist in stamping out tanks with exposed pinch-welds? Especially when so much thought goes into creating an almost bespoke motorcycle, why make the tank look like a vintage “made-in-China” tin toy? Seriously, I’d like to know the reasoning behind this production decision; anyone got a clue? Also, I can’t really tell by the pictures, but doesn’t the new T120 Scrambler shed the pinch-weld? I adore Triumph products, and I ride my buddy’s Thruxton R enough to know it’s a wonderful machine. But, unless someone can convince me that my tank-obsession is moot, my money is staying in my pocket.
Perhaps the decision was to make it look like a classic motorcycle.
Walter – it’s NOT just you! For some reason it’s the first thing I look at these days. The Honda CB 1100 EX makes their seamless tank a big selling point in their advertising. After seeing it the Triumph tank pales in comparison. How much extra would you pay for a non-pinch_weld tank? $100? I would! Bob
Capt. Obvious here, saying pricing will be a key but the more so given the advent of Kawasaki’s W800 — itself, probably, over-priced — and, more importantly, the Royal Enfield 650s, with other models said to follow. Not to be overlooked, the fairly large numbers now of 21st century Triumph twins on the used market.
It should be a lot more bike than either the Kawasaki W800 or the Royal Enfield 650. Those two bikes should probably perform about like the 1960’s Brit twins that inspired them whereas the Speed Twin should be considerably quicker with 1200 cc’s and liquid cooling.
Looks like a 70’s Japanese Bike, Honda 750 4. I kinda like it though
I agree with Walter. I and others have contacted Triumph to complain about the flange along the bottom of the tank. I know people who didn’t purchase a Bonnie for that single reason. And Ron, the older classic Bonnies didn’t have the exposed pinched welds.
This T120 Black owner rides the daylights out of his Dr. Frankenstein’d Monster of a Bonneville and not once have I thought about its pinch-welded tank while doing so. Lighten up and ride, man!
It’s long been a bugbear of mine too. Not a deal breaker but when rivals offer pinch less tanks and 60’s Bonnie’s didn’t have them one has to surmise that it’s a costing issue. Not sure how much it would cost to eradicate but I would pay £500 not to see it. That aside though, it’s a fine looking machine and if it rides as good as it looks my money will be on the table.
What a bunch of girley dudes here. You don’t see the pinch tank when your riding it. And my 68 and 71 have them and they still work fine. Buy the bike and then a custom tank if you have a problem bitches.
We’ll put!
Order an extra front fender for a mud guard.
Look, maybe tank pinches are offensive to some. I respect that.
But, I see tons of awesomeness here. I’ve always admired the looks of the Bonnie but none of them appealed to me performance-wise. This lightened version with tons of torque and upright bars should be perfect for the street. The looks remind me of the muscular naked seventies and eighties superbikes that I have always loved.
I will testride this, and bring my checkbook!
Throw some 1″shorter Hagons on slip the tubes up the triples and my 29″ inseam will be home! Well done. It will look nice next to my ’18 Speedmaster.
Sirs,
Or should that be Madames? I WAS unaware that Colonials were so damn awkward.
While we’re at it; make it chrome/nickel without flange welds like old BSA Lightnings, Royal Enfield Interceptors, Broughs. Those were beautiful tanks.
Triumph seems to have finally hit the nail on the head. Tubeless tires, low weight, horsepower and won’t turn like a bread truck (like my recent T120). It’s just sad when an MG Eldorado 1400 is more nimble than a late model T120. Otherwise a great bike, tank and all.
Stop reading Vanity Fair, you sound like women complaining about a hardly noticeable, flawed nail when you complain about an exposed pinch weld. I recommend reading Cycle World and get off the fashion train.
Funny l have had three (and still have one) 1975 cb400f Hondas and have always hated that iconic tank , its pintch welds and the front end of that tanks shape. l think the Speed Twins tank looks great pintch welds and all and will be buying one (the whole bike not just the tank!) The front fender with the brackets on top of the fender look stupid and l will install the fender above the brackets when l get mine and that seat needs a bit of work as well … to flat looking …other than that l want one!