TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN 1200 (2019 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
| Power: | 96 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.8 in / 807 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (432 lbs / 196 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesTriumph’s new Speed Twin is more than just a comfier Thruxton. Taking the best bits from the raciest of their retros and laid back roadsters it’s fast, fun, all-day comfy, easy to manage and despite its modest suspension and braking hardware, has the ride quality, poise and stopping power of a Street or Speed Triple.
- Related: Triumph Speed Twin long-term test
- Related: Triumph Speed Twin (2019): the story
The throttle response isn’t as polished as many Triumphs and some may still want the ability to fine-tune their suspension, but the Speed Twin is a classy, affordable slab of retro that its rivals will struggle to keep in their sights.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineSustained hours in the saddle won't bother your joints. Pegs are 4mm lower and 38mm further forward than the Thruxton's, seat height is lower (just 807mm), despite having 10mm more padding and the tapered bars have more than a hint of ready-for-action Speed Triple about them.
Twinges of derrière discomfort eventually creep in after around six hours in the saddle - about five hours better than the torturous Thruxton's.
Aside from a new subframe, aluminium down tubes and the odd bracket, the Speed Twin’s frame is the same as the Thruxton's. Suspension is by KYB: non-adjustable forks up front and preload-adjustable twin shocks at the rear. Don't worry about the lack of twiddlers because the chassis set-up is Triumph at its glorious best.
Perfectly balanced and with sumptuous ride quality, the Speed Twin rolls through corners with a twinkle in its eye and slightly lazy steering geometry makes fast corners its party piece. Slowing down the fork dive on the brakes with a dab of compression damping would be nice (if we’re being fussy), but the suspension will be bang-on for most riders and styles.
Lightweight seven spoke wheels contribute to the Speed Twin's breezy agility and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres (the good ones, not cheap spec OEs) dig in hard once they’re up to temperature. Four piston, four-pad Brembos may not be radial, but who cares when they ooze this much power and feel?
Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent explains why they put the Thruxton on a 10kg diet to create the Speed Twin.
"We started with the engine to see what inertia we could get out of it and one of the biggest opportunities was the clutch. The Speed Twin has a different clutch basket and lighter, more heavily machined gear, which saves about a kilo," he explained.
"On the front end of the bike the combined wheel and disc assembly is about 2.9 kilos lighter and we replaced the frame’s steel cradle with aluminium – a first for any Bonneville model. We’ve taken another 1.6 kilos out of the rear wheel, as well.
"Reducing inertia benefits the handling the most. The more weight you've got in anything that's spinning fast is going to make it harder to change direction. That reduction in inertia liberated quite a lot out of the chassis, in terms of how quickly the bike turns-in and how precise it is.
"We actually ended up lengthening the wheelbase over the Thruxton and if we hadn't done that it actually starts to get a little bit too flighty. On the rake we're 0.1 degrees further out, there's more trail and a 15mm longer wheelbase [thanks to a longer chain].
"Overall, the weight bias is slightly more towards the front end of the bike now, so it's gone from a 48% front-end bias to a 50%. We've got the same suspension spring rates as the Thruxton with less rear preload and higher oil level on the front, for slightly different air damping in the forks.
"We had to make those changes to the chassis to get the stability back after reducing weight and inertia."
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityA reworked 'High Power' 1200cc parallel twin-cylinder Thruxton lump provides the Speed Twin's beating heart and darkly gruff soundtrack. The motor alone is 2.5kg lighter, thanks to its revised clutch assembly and new engine covers. It even has a magnesium cam cover, like a Ducati Superleggera.
Making 96bhp to the crank, the Speed Twin delivers supersport punch when you dial in the revs, but there's so much grunt, delivered from almost tickover, it’s more rewarding to use lazy gears in the corners and surf the Triumph’s great wave of torque on the way out.
Triumph are masters of ironing out the glitches from their ride-by-wire throttles, but the Speed Twin's fuelling is a little abrupt on and off the throttle at low speed, but once you're rolling (or in Rain mode) the throttle becomes nicely damped.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueJudging by our Triumph Speed Twin owners' reviews, there doesn't seem to be a huge amount wrong with the Speed Twin's build quality or reliablity. It scores mainly four or five stars, with no negative feedback at time of publication.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentTriumph gives you get bundles of style, performance, tech and quality parts for little money, but the Speed Twin is ever so slightly more expensive than the comparable BMW R nineT Pure and Kawasaki Z900RS.
Street Twin owners who want a bit more oomph (ok, a lot more: 49% more power and 40% more torque) will love the new Speed Twin, as will Bonneville T120 riders who just want a bit more of everything and Thruxton owners who value their wrists.
It also has enough power and joyful handling to keep all but the most speed-crazed sportsbike and super naked fans happy and relaxed on the road, too.
Equipment
As we've come to expect from Triumph’s latest generation of retros, you get a lot of tasty spec for your money, including riding modes, traction control, ABS, a torque assist clutch, new clocks, LED lights, a USB charger, bar end mirrors, a Monza fuel cap and immobiliser, as well as over 80 Speed Twin specific accessories.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1200cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 8v parallel twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel with aluminium cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 14.5 litres |
| Seat height | 807mm |
| Bike weight | 196kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm KYB forks, non adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Twin KYB shocks, preload adjustable |
| Front brake | 2 x 305mm discs with four-piston Brembo calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 220mm rear disc with single-piston Nissin caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 160/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | £320 |
| New price | £10,500 |
| Used price | £8,900 - £10,200 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 96 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 83 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 135 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2019: Speed Twin launched with a Triumph Thruxton-based engine and chassis with roadster styling and riding position.
Other versions
None.
MCN Long term test reports
MCN Fleet: Torquey Triumph Speed Twin shows mercy on its stock tyres
Looking back on those heady days of Springtime, when the tarmac was warm and the Triumph Speed Twin's odometer was only showing triple digits, I distinctly remember wondering about how much abuse the rear tyre was taking. Sure, the Triumph retro is no big-power sportsbike, but given the fact that th…
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN 1200 (2019 - on)
6 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN 1200 (2019 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN 1200 (2019 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £300
Gorgeous ride, build, incredibly versatile in use and customisation option. And a stunner look at and listen to.
Ride quality is awesome. Sadly, front brakes have warped slightly, which doesn’t affect the ride, but Triumph will replace these under warranty.
TORQUE ALL DAY IN ALL CONDITIONS.
A relatively weak battery has been my only complaint. Otherwise it is spot-on.
Haven’t serviced it yet.
Ride by wire is like having 3 different bikes in your garage. Amazing.
Buying experience: Smooth and unpushy.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £250
Superb handling, brakes, looks and sound. The sidestand is tricky to locate with your foot.
Has chronic brake squeal coming to a halt.
Superb spread of power .
Great amount of equipment for a retro, would like a thermometer
Buying experience: Easy with no stress
Year: 2019
Great bike only spoiled by loud squeeling from front brake when coming to a stop.
Would be 5 out of 5 but for front brake squeel problem, handles very well, comfortable. Stay in the saddle between fill ups.
Brilliant engine, so much torque. Bit glitchy at low speeds unless in rain mode.
As above, squeeling front brake and gear change connecting rod fell off on a ride.
Only had 1st service, included in purchase.
Everything I need
Buying experience: Bought new from Triumphworld, Chesterfield. Very good buying experience. Paid more or less asking price.
Year: 2019
As others have said the engine is a peach and I love the low weight coming as I am from serious illness my GSA was just too heavy. It's very easy to ride at a relaxed pace and deceptively fast if you want to get a move on. All the power you need in the real world. I've just completed a tour in Germany from the UK and completed 1600 miles at 64 mpg - I avoid motorways most of the time. On the last day I rode 570 miles home in heavy rain so I can attest to the fact that the slim looking saddle is comfortable and you can tour. Issues? Well the turning circle is limited as is luggage carrying capacity - fine for a couple of weeks but a GS it isn't! The standard suspension set up is very good but adjusting the rear shocks for luggage or a pillion is awkward as the access is restricted by the exhaust - oh yes they sound lovely!
The brakes are superb though I'm getting some squeal, probably just need a thorough clean. Strong and progressive. Th handling set up out if the box is really good and the Pirelli Rosso III tyres inspire confidence wet or dry.
It sounds good has lovely mid range torque and flies if you open it up. Riding it the sense is of a strong, well engineered motor. It combines a relaxed easy ride when you are just enjoying the roads with a sense of power and urgency when you want it.
Only completed 2500 miles so far as I've had the bike for less than three months - the build and finish seem excellent, we shall see.
Has used no oil and has only cost me a replacement tyre - can't blame Triumph for the nail!
Tricky as its the simplicity that appeals. I only ride in sport mode, I know how to be more subtle in the wet. Ive added a small dart screen which is of some use but looks so good it could be mistaken for an official part. Also added a Hepco Becker rack for practicality.
Buying experience: Bizarrely I bought this as a "used" bike from a dealer who had sold it to it's first owner who never rode it. It had 5.7 delivery miles and I paid £800 less than the price of a new one.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £500
The best and worst features about this bike: The best part about this bike is the solid performance. The engine is the focal point and an absolute jewel. There are more powerful bikes but this thing accelerates everywhere, all the time thanks to its large displacement twin cylinder engine. It no Hayabusa but will get to illegal speeds nearly as quickly and with much less drama. The sounds it makes are lovely. The worst part about it is there is no Speed Twin R, for now. The throttle is not as snatchy as some reviewers would have you believe. I ride mine in Sport mode daily and with a pillion Rain works a charm.
The stock suspension is just fine. I weigh 180 and flog the bike on nice Saturday mornings. Even with a pillion at ABS threshold braking it doesn't bottom out. The front brakes are an odd duck. Generally they work great but have occasional groans at low speeds and sometime seem like they need a few stops to warm up. The longer you look at the bike the more you realize it's a hodge-podge of other Bonneville's parts with a better Thruxton R motor. It is the best streetbike you can buy for any amount of money. After 4 hours I need a 10 minute break. On Sunday rides to a favorite breakfast place 2-up there are no complaints. It accommodates a passenger with ease and still has enough beans in it's pockets to lift the front wheel in 2nd.
I wanted to give the engine 5 of 5 but frankly it doesn't have the frenetic top end hit of large displacement 4 cyls. R1's at go-to-jail speeds will leave you on the freeway. 135mph is not 170mph but frankly I don't suffer from a lack of power on the street and the way the motor makes power makes it so much more usable than a 4cyl. The engine is a sweety and not many reviews have done justice to the fact that it delivers all that grunt RIGHT NOW. Any gear, any speed, if the engine is turning it is producing enough power to settle the chassis on corner exit or beat that Acura for lane choice. Not a lot of shifting required. If you can see a hole in traffic it is yours. The bike has the grunt and brakes to make it a very capable streetbike.
Don't know about the 10K service as I only have 2k miles on it but budgeting for LOF's, tires, and chains is just part of riding. I do my own maintenance and so far the bike has been a real peach to work on. When the sun is out I am riding.
This bike has the best tires you can get. So glad Triumph put a 160mm rear tire on it because it makes the bike turn so much better than a fatter rear. Modern 17 inch sportbike tires are light years better than tires from 20 years ago and the stock ones on this bike are not only VERY good but are sized appropriately.
Buying experience: I had been loitering around the store for a few weeks developing a relationship with the dealer. On the morning I bought it I showed up on my Suzuki DRZ400sm and took it for a test ride with the salesman. I never gave the keys back. I payed full-bore retail for my bike. No haggling. For this I got a Triumph T-shirt, back-pack, pen, planner, and towards the end it felt like the salesman was just grabbing stuff and giving it to me. No regrets. This is a very reasonably priced bike and truth be told if you are trying to save money through ethnic bartering at a premium brand dealer you are in the wrong place.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £249
Recommend = Yes Best: handling, handling and handling, agile, good feel from confidence inspiring brakes, tyres give lots of confidence on corners and in the wet. Comfortable riding at speed. Had a seat upgrade and Dart screen on my T120 and in my view these aren’t needed on this bike. Worst: I weigh 85kg and find the suspension brilliant on at least 95% of roads and bends, but a few poor surfaces make me want better. I’m on the softest preload already and it’s harder, thumpier, than my Street Triple, so there’s nowhere to go. Admittedly, I’m coming to it from the Bonneville side of preference, not the Thruxton. I’ve ordered softer KYB shocks through my dealer and fitted Thruxton Weslake cone cans for the greater sound :)
The bike is great around town on most roads and super on faster roads. Changing direction is soooo easy, as is leaning it over for fun. Both brakes are very good with plenty of feel front and rear. They scrape a score of 5 in my opinion, The suspension manages a 3, hence 4 average. I’ve done a couple of 100 - 150 mile trips (up to 75 mph plus:) ) and the comfort is good - seat firm but OK, riding position excellent, no buffeting, 60 year old wrists and neck have no issues. Controls are easy to use. Reports of slightly snatchy road and race modes worried me a little, but I now use race mode around town with no reason to worry.
Nice noise as standard, with some popping, but a little more volume from the aftermarket options worked for me. Power delivery is linear - determined hand gives really determined acceleration. Fast enough to be exciting and speed limits arrive too soon. Open road overtakes happen perhaps more than they should. More fun than Tiger Sport or T120...
I’ve had four previous Triumphs - Tiger Sport, T120 Black, Street Triple 675, Sprint ST - and done some winter riding on all of them. The finish on this looks to be slightly better. No problem from the last few weeks of rain and slightly salty roads!
Purchase price is at the upper end of what I felt able to pay, I’d give it 5/5 if the suspension was softer and I didn’t feel the need to upgrade it! Can’t complain about the 10,000 mile service interval. Dealer hourly rates are reasonable.
It’s a modern Bonneville - ABS, traction control. The agile handling, low weight and smallish size for a 1200 form my favourite feature. It’s a great package. Handlebar and bar end mirrors are excellent. Mode button and electrics fall easily to hand. I use rain mode in the wet. I’ve used Triumphs own heated grips and their new 2in1 goretex gloves. These have worked much bettter than my two year old ( Ride magazine) winter warmth award winning gloves. I’ve ordered midrange adjustable KYB shocks (about £350) as I prefer a more compliant ride. Weslake cones are good value at under £300 and not too loud with the baffles in or out. I prefer the baffles in. These slipons are under half the price of Vance and Hines and a bit cruder to look at.
Buying experience: My local Triumph dealer gave me a two test rides - the second to try some more rough town roads, so were very helpful. They also did a good deal on accessories, as the brand new Speed Twin launch meant discounts on the bike were hard for them to swallow. I saved a couple of hundred pounds through some small free accessories and some further free fitting of accessories I contributed to.
Name revives that of original 1937 performance twin
Twin shocks feature preload adjustment
The Speed Twin uses the same motor as the Thruxton 1200
Triumph Speed Twin in action
The bike features conventional front forks
The Speed Twin takes a right-hand bend
The lazy handling makes fast corners great fun
Retro-style twin dials are carried over from the Triumph Thruxton 1200
The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin
