Whoop-out-loud fun
Everyone seems to love Triumph’s latest Speed Twin. And with good reason…
MY CHILDREN THINK my Yamaha TDR250 is the best bike they’ve been on. They’re lucky enough to ride pillion on all manner of machinery, yet it’s the 30-year-old Yamaha they rate highest. It’s only got 40-odd horses, however the zinging two-stroke power delivery feels (and sounds) genuinely exciting at sensible speed.
Our new Speed Twin is the modern grown-up equivalent. It may have chuff-all in common with my stinkwheel other than the quantity of wheels and pistons, but it also feels thrilling at legal(ish) velocities. The 1200cc twin leaps from junctions, strides out of corners and delivers scorching overtakes without stratospheric revs or, crucially, anti-social pace. Thumping touchyfeely torque is easier to access than the soaring power of any sporty bike you care to mention, and is dished out through super-snappy gearing – pulling away in second still gives whoop-in-myshoei acceleration, and roll-on punch at 60mph in sixth feels like you’re in fourth. It’s wondrously engaging. Looks and sounds like a proper motorbike too – the deep rumble and muscular tipped-forward stance are cock-on. My terrible timekeeping is being made worse by an overwhelming desire to stop during my early-morning commute and snap the Speed in atmospheric locations.
Our bike’s Silver Ice and Storm Grey paint adds £300 to the £10,500 list. It’s also got a brown seat, stainless silencers, LED winkers, bash plate, heated grips and other adornments, taking the total to £12,613 (plus three and a half hours dealer fitting time). I’m not usually one for accessories, though fully understand anyone who gets the urge to lavish their Speed Twin with embellishment. It’s such an easy bike to fall in lust with.