Triumph Motorcycles has launched the Speed Twin in India at Rs 9.46 lakh, ex-showroom, India. This makes the newest member of the Bonneville family more affordable than the Ducati Scrambler 1100 (Rs 10.91 lakh) and the BMW R nineT which starts at Rs 17.80 lakh, ex-showroom.
The Speed Twin is the new kid on the block, sharing its DNA with the Bonneville family. This is the eighth bike to be spawned from the Bonneville platform which includes the likes of the Scrambler 1200 as well. It is based on the Thruxton and has characteristics of the mature T120. And if you thought that it’s just a faster street twin, you are in for a shocker.
The Speed Twin is powered by a 1200cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin engine developing 96bhp at 6750rpm and 112Nm of torque at 4950rpm which is 40% more torque than the Street Twin. The powerhouse sits comfortably in an aluminium cradle frame, just like the street twin. However, the Speed twin gets a new rear subframe to incorporate the revised geometry. The engine is revised and features a low inertia crank and high compression head, developed from the Thruxton R’s engine. What’s also different from the Street Twin’s motor is a new magnesium cam cover, revised clutch assembly and new engine covers.
The bike’s 22.8-degree rake is much sharper than the Street Twin’s 25.1 degrees, suggesting far livelier dynamics than all the other Bonnies. The Speed Twin however has a longer wheelbase of 1430mm compared to the Thruxton’s 1415mm, requiring a longer chain run. The Speed Twin is 10kg lighter than the Thruxton, tipping the scales at 196kg without fluids.
Suspension duties are carried out by 41mm forks and twin shocks at the rear, both offering 120mm of travel. The low seat height of 807mm, coupled with tall, wide handlebars and precisely placed footpegs makes up for a comfortable riding posture. Braking duties are carried out by 4-pot Brembo callipers latched on to twin 305mm discs at the front. The rear single disc is a 220mm unit with a Nissin 2-piston floating caliper. The Speed twin gets three riding modes- Road, Rain and Sport. Of course,the bike is equipped with ABS and traction control as well.
Read our first ride review of the Triumph Speed Twin here