[Kenny Sagawa: Webike News Editor in Chief]
I had an opportunity to test drive Triumph's latest model "Speed Twin" at the circuit on so I report urgently.
"Speed Twin" is positioned as "Custom Roadster" upgraded based on the engine and body of Thruxton R, which boasts the strongest Bonneville system, the riding performance is said to be very high despite the retro-modern appearance. So, I can not help but check the true point on the circuit course.
"Drive" is transmitted just by straddling
The well-balanced muscular body line looked a bit more compact than the traditional line T120. Water-cooled parallel two-cylinder 270-degree crank 1200cc. I was shocked by the heavy-duty exhaust notes played by the latest British vertical twins.
The riding position is lower and closer to the steering wheel compared to the same Bonneville T120, and the step position is a sporty setting with a high back. The seat height is 807mm and 2cm higher than Bonneville, and the sitting comfort is also quite different. The feeling of "Oh, this runs well" is intuitively transmitted from the bike just by straddling.
Fun acceleration in the circuit
The "Speed Twin" has a high-power output characteristic of Thraxton, not the high-torque type of T120. I thought that the low RPM area is mot enough torque? However, it accelerates with the thick torque that defeats prejudice. And, because it is tuned to a high-rotation type, you can enjoy a more flexible acceleration than I imagine even a long straight.
It was enough to think that it was built on the premise of circuit riding. The connection of the gear was also smooth because the mission crosses a little bit. The shift work also had a sense of moderation with the light clutch operation. This was pleasant as the last stretch was related to top speed at the circuit.
It has great reflexes.
The front suspension was tenacious, and that led to a sense of stability was the unique handling of the Bonneville series. There was a sense of stability at the front, so I could dive into the corner. and It showed me a completely uneasy ride at the high-speed corner with a stiff body rigidity and suspension.
Also, the standard installation Pirelli Diablo Rosso III has a good feeling of grounding and works very well. The ride is generally mild, but the car is not heavy and will move more quickly if given proper input. The ride is generally mild, but the car is not heavy and will move more quickly if given proper input. Although it is a traditional atmosphere, it has great reflexes. This is clearly a "Thraxton" pedigree. I feel comfortable with the appropriate sporty response to the rider's request.
3-cylinder triples can be matched with each other
I didn't think this motorcycle had a good performance on the circuit course so far. However, I was convinced when I checked at the specs in detail. That was supported by numbers. Weight 196kg, Wheelbase 1430mm, and Caster angle are 22.8-degree. If you look only at the numbers, you will misunderstand that it is the latest sports naked model. Especially the weight is 10kg lighter than the Thruxton R.
It seems that the maximum output is modest as 97ps, but the torque exhaled from the displacement of 1200cc is strong. For example, the acceleration from the hairpin corner at the circuit is very fast. I think that it had completely different characteristics of engine and handling, but it had the ability to match even the 3 cylinders triple series if conditions were matched.
And it has the electronic control system that trains the overflowing torque safely. The three riding modes (ROAD, RAIN, SPORT) can be selected while riding, so you can warm up the tires with a gentle "RAIN" mode at the beginning of the run and enjoy the original performance with a direct "SPORT" mode. And it is encouraging that traction control and ABS, which are now common function, secure security.
There is a sense of premium that can be used widely
As mentioned above, "Speed Twin" is a model with great sports performance, but of course, the stage of activity will be a mainly public road. I think that it is a model that can be used widely from city riding to touring normally, and also feel a sense of premium at the same time, because it is not as radical riding position and style as Thruxton R that is the base model of it. If you want to embody this view of the world in orthodox British sports, it is a model that you definitely want to recommend.
See TRIUMPH Moto Index Page
See Accessories for TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN
See Accessories for TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK
See Accessories for TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120V
