The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin revealed: specs and images

One of the most famous names in the history of British motorcycling has returned: the Triumph Speed Twin. It first caused a stir in 1938, when Edward Turner’s parallel twin offered unprecedented levels of power for a 500 cc bike.

The original Speed Twin created a template for many other manufacturers to follow, and the lineage is still visible in Triumph’s ‘Modern Classics’ range today.

But the new Speed Twin is a very different beast. With 1200 cc and almost four times the horsepower of its predecessor, on paper it’s a cracker.

It’s recognizably a Bonneville, but with a pumped-up, muscular style and a very obvious focus on the riding experience. It’s more than a boulevard cruiser, and is likely to trouble bikes such as the established Ducati Monster and BMW R nineT, and the incoming Indian FTR 1200.

The engine is the 1200cc ‘HP’ version of the Bonneville twin, in the same tune as the Thruxton and with the same 11:1 compression ratio. There have been some updates, including a low inertia crank, so it’s not exactly the same as the Thruxton motor.

The cam cover is now magnesium, and the engine cases are ‘mass optimized.’ It’s a new emphasis on weight saving that sees the Speed Twin tips the scales at ten kilos less than the Thruxton.

The cooling system is also updated, and the first major service interval is at 10,000 miles (16,000km).

Peak outputs are the same as the Thruxton R: 97PS at 6,750 rpm, with a peak torque of 112 Nm at 4,950 rpm. We’re promised a ‘distinctive British twin sound’ from the pair of black upswept mufflers.

Those figures are close to the BMW R nineT, which must be considered the benchmark. The Triumph falls short by some 13 horsepower and 4 Nm, but delivers its peaks much lower in the rev range—suggesting that its power will be more accessible.

The German bike is 220 kg wet, compared to the Triumph’s quoted 196 kg dry. Add on around ten kilos for fuel and a bit more for oil and other fluids, and there’s probably nothing in it.

There are the three selectable riding modes—Sport, Road and Rain—and switchable traction control. ABS is obviously standard, although there’s no word on the tech involved here.

The clutch uses Triumph’s familiar ‘Torque assist’ system, which is not a full slipper clutch but instead offers a lighter lever pull for stop-start traffic.

Right now, Triumph’s engineers are at the top of the game when it comes to bikes that handle well straight out of the box. On paper the suspension specs seem pretty low key, but we’d be surprised if the Speed Twin wasn’t a sweet handler—especially since Triumph are claiming ‘class leading handling.’

The frame is new, but adapted from the Thruxton R. At the front are 41mm cartridge forks, which are apparently not adjustable. At the back, there’s a conventional twin shock setup with adjustable spring pre-load.

Braking is close to the state of the art, with Brembo 4-piston fixed calipers and twin 305 mm discs at the front, plus a 2-piston Nissin floating caliper and single disc on the rear.

The wheels are lightweight 7-spoke cast aluminium jobs, measuring 17 inches both front and back. They’ll be shod with Pirelli Rosso Corsa 3 tires, developed from WSBK technology.

It’s quite a departure for the Hinckley Bonneville, which since its rebirth in 2001 has been a rather laidback roadster. But there is a precedent with the Speed Twin: in 1938, intrepid racer Ivan Wicksteed supercharged an early model (below) and lifted the Brooklands circuit speed record with a 118 mph lap.

Despite the decidedly sporting specs of the 2019 Speed Twin, the essential qualities of the Bonneville platform are all present and correct. The riding position is upright, the pillion-friendly bench seat has a low height of 807 mm (just under 32 inches), and the twin instruments are a pleasing mix of analog and digital.

Other niceties include a Monza-style fuel cap, a USB charging socket, a built-in immobilizer for extra security, LED lighting all round and a massive catalog of accessories—including Vance & Hines exhaust systems.

The new Speed Twins will start hitting showrooms around the world in Spring 2019. There’s no word on pricing yet, but we do know that three colors will be available. There’s a stealthy Jet Black, plus ‘Silver Ice’ and ‘Korosi Red’—both of which are overlaid with Storm Grey and have hand-painted pinstripes.

The new Triumph will be made available for journalists to road test in January, and we’ll report back then with riding impressions.

Will the Speed Twin live up to the legend? We have a feeling it just might.

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Mooneyes Highlight: Heiwa’s award-winning BMW R75/6

Yesterday it felt like the entire custom world was in Yokohama, Japan, for the famous Mooneyes show. Officially called the ‘Hot Rod Custom Show,’ it’s a one-day, nine-hour spectacle that draws the best customizers from all corners of the Land of the Rising Sun—and many from other continents, too.

Most of the top builders reveal a new bike at Mooneyes, including Kengo Kimura of the acclaimed Hiroshima workshop Heiwa. This year, he unveiled this sparkling BMW R75/6, stripped to the bare bones and transformed into pure mechanical art.

The bike picked up two awards—one from guest judge Bryan Thompson, and the Art Of Malaysia award too. Wes, our man on the ground, pored over the BMW in the metal and says it’s ‘drop dead gorgeous.’

Heiwa is one of the harder Japanese builders to pigeonhole: Kimura-san does not have a distinct visual signature in the way that Brat Style does, for example.

When we asked him what style he was aiming for, he simply said: “A style that has never existed—a Heiwa original.”

The R75 boxer engine is the centerpiece of this build, polished and slung low in the heavily modified frame. Even after all these years, it’s still a striking looking motor, and Kimura’s design gives it plenty of space to breathe.

After stripping down and overhauling the 42-year-old engine and carburetors, Kimura made new trumpet air intakes and straight-shot exhaust pipes fashioned out of stainless steel.

The original airbox, now redundant, has been recreated as a battery holder. It hides a tiny lithium ion battery, with the ignition coil now living in another custom-made box underneath the seat.

Kimura then ditched the R75/6 forks and installed a vintage Kawasaki/KYB front end, complete with drum brake and a stunning re-machined hub. The triple trees are Kawasaki items too, topped with one-off machined risers and bars.

Kimura is coy about his sources and the engineering involved—and the language barrier doesn’t help either—but the effect is beautiful.

The rear shocks are adjustable IKON 7614 series aluminium-bodied units, which are basically Dutch Koni shocks manufactured under licence. (Speaking from direct experience, they’re good.)

There are many contrived concoctions at the Mooneyes show, but Kimura has kept the bodywork on his BMW simple and elegant. He’s built the new tank out of steel, and the tail unit out of aluminum.

There are one-off parts everywhere, from the bars to the seat to the lathe-machined pegs. There’s even a tiny little cowl atop the headlight, which is a vintage foglight imported from the US.

The R75/6 now rolls on equal size 18-inch wheels with classic H-pattern rims, shod with Firestone Deluxe tires—still the enduring choice of most Japanese custom builders, simply because nothing else comes close to that fine sawtooth tread pattern.

The purple candy flake paint was shot by Heiwa’s regular spray gun collaborator, Six Shooter. It’s some of the thickest flake we’ve seen; there’s so much glitter, you’d expect it to be rough to the touch.

But of course it’s as smooth as silk. And proof, perhaps, that all that glitters is sometimes gold.

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Canine Car Seats & Rolling Refrigerators: Auto Trends Around the World

• Some of the most significant trends in the automotive industry are also the most interesting. 
• Ridesharing and Artificial Intelligence rank high but consumers still want comfort and convenience. 
• In the United States, many worry about their pets when traveling; in Germany, electrification is key. 

Beyond backup cameras, consumers around the world are asking automakers to expand their offerings and add on-the-go convenience. From enhanced entertainment options to extra comfort for our four-legged family members, consumers in leading automotive nations like Germany, the United States, and Japan are seeking unique vehicle features and driving the future of automotive development.

Here is a look at some of the most popular auto trends around the world.

United States: Pets Come First

Pet seat covers. Canine car seats. Doggy steps. In the U.S., many consumers are letting their dogs determine their next ride. In fact, U.S. drivers are 36 times more likely to purchase a car based on a pet’s needs than their German counterparts, and ten times more likely than Japanese consumers.

Equally important to pet comfort is pet safety. Earlier this year, Volvo released a report called Dogs, Cars and the People Who Love Them in conjunction with a Harris Poll that found more than a third of Millennial pet owners are concerned about driving with their pets.

“Our survey showed that pet parents want to travel with their furry friends, but worry about safety,” explained Jim Nichols, Product and Technology Communications Manager, Volvo Car USA. “Overall, there is an awareness opportunity among pet parents.”

Related: The science behind keeping your pets safe in the vehicle.

United States: Connectivity & Automation

But making the biggest splash on the U.S. automotive market is connectivity. Having already infiltrated the industry through ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, connectivity is now influencing how automotive manufacturers are developing vehicles.

In fact, many manufacturers are trying to get the jump on the next evolution of this trend by tying self-driving and ridesharing together. General Motors is currently beta testing self-driving Chevy Bolts for ridesharing purposes in San Francisco with plans to fully launch the initiative in 2019. And, in the coming months, Google’s Waymo is expected to invade major cities with an armada of self-driving Chrysler Pacifica taxis.

By merging autonomous driving and ridesharing, it appears U.S. automakers and tech companies may be able to keep consumers connected while continuing to innovate.

Related: Six key consumers demands facing the auto industry today.

An Uber driver chats with his customer on a trip through Los Angeles. Photo: Uber Technologies.

Germany: Bluetooth & Electrification

Spurred by a 2010 initiative to convert all television and radio services to digital, German drivers have advanced Bluetooth capabilities on their minds. Interest in digital audio broadcasting (DAB) – the process of analog-to-digital audio conversion for AM or FM transmission – is increasing. In turn, automakers are highlighting DAB as a key feature, and have developed a Steering Board consisting of automakers, government officials, and media to discuss how they can amplify awareness and adoption of DAB nationwide.

The wish list for German drivers doesn’t stop at better Bluetooth, though. The country continues to invest in electric vehicles and anticipates the market to reach a whopping 40 billion euros (45.4 billion U.S. dollars) by 2020. The number of new electric passenger vehicle registrations rose by 178 percent in May 2017 alone. Cliff Banks, President and Founder of the Banks Report, refers to the electric vehicle trend as the “Elon Factor.”

“Automakers don’t want to be left behind in the push for global electrification,” he said. “The ‘Elon Factor’ shows that consumers will buy electric vehicles even without a service infrastructure in place.”

Related: Where are EVs most popular? The results of this study might surprise you.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC is the first in the automaker’s “EQ” or “Electric Intelligence” product line. The EQC has two electric motors at the front and rear axles, with a combined output of 402 horsepower. Total range is around 200 miles. Photo: MBUSA.

Japan: Comfort & Going The Extra Mile

The comforts of home in the car? In Japan, many consumers are converting cars into mobile living rooms. Some of the top search terms for Japanese consumers include “car cushion,” “car curtain,” “car humidifier,” and “car refrigerator.” Yes, a car refrigerator! Talk about a home-away-from-home experience. In developing future models, Japanese automakers are trying to cater to consumer interests and stay ahead of the competition.

Additionally, they’re hoping that a reputation for service at the dealership level will keep future sales brisk – a key shortcoming for American automakers looking to gain Japanese market share.

“Dealerships in Japan do offer a higher level of hospitality and service to their customers, although U.S. automakers haven’t invested in their dealer networks in Japan,” Banks said. “It’s a costly endeavor and coupled with the fact that Japanese citizens buy smaller vehicles, which are less profitable for U.S. automakers, it’s tough to make the case to invest significantly in the retail network.”

Japan: AI Comes Along For The Ride

Taking comfort to a whole new level through intelligent, friendly, helpful design, Toyota teased its Concept-i vehicle last year. Marketed as “Less of a machine. More of a pal,” Concept-i allows drivers to enjoy AI capabilities, known as “Yui.” The technology gets to know drivers by sensing their daily routines, driving patterns, and even emotions.

While it’s not expected to hit the market for a few years yet, it’s a sign Toyota is listening to consumers and thinking ahead.

“At Toyota, we recognize that the important question isn’t whether future vehicles will be equipped with automated or connected technologies,” said Bob Carter, Senior Vice President, Sales, Toyota Motor North America. “It is the experience of the people who engage with those vehicles. Thanks to Concept-i and the power of artificial intelligence, we think the future is a vehicle that can engage with people in return.”

Related: AI & auto safety: reality versus fantasy.

Toyota’s Concept-i debuted at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Future Considerations

It’s interesting to see what’s trending around the globe, and how cultural shifts outside the car impact what’s going on inside the car. While each country has their own trends, there’s one thing in common: consumers are driving these trends more and more. No matter the country or generation, this is something we’ll continue to see for years to come.

Scott McLaren is the Chief Marketing Officer of Fortegra Financial Corporation, a Tiptree Inc. company. He once flew the Saturn VUE Lightship and awarded a Saturn Sky to Travis Pastrana for the first double back flip in the history of the X Games.

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2018 VW Golf TSI SE Review: Convenient For The Commute

Urban dwellers looking for a sporty compact hatch have a number of options, but none are more agile than the Volkswagen Golf. For under $25,000 the Golf TSI SE comes with added standard features, a new infotainment system, and extra safety technology. 

Over the weekend, we drove the 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE to see if it’s a good fit for your driving needs.

What’s New For 2018

The Golf Wolfsburg Edition and SEL trim have been discontinued, but the SE trim we drove this weekend is new. The base S and SE get mildly revised styling, a few more standard features, and new infotainment systems.

For the 2018 model year, you get more standard features, including smartphone integration, LED running lights and taillights, automatic headlights and wipers, and a new eight-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Features & Options

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE ($23,655) comes standard with halogen headlights, LED daytime-running lights and taillights, automatic rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, and 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, manually adjustable seats with lumbar support and power recline, and a rearview camera.

The infotainment system is upgraded with the eight-inch touchscreen that adds a CD player and satellite radio, along with VW’s Security & Service app. It also comes with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system.

The top-trim SE upgrades to simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and keyless entry with push-button start. You also get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. 

Total MSRP including destination: $24,970. By comparison, the 2018 VW Golf S with a five-speed manual starts at $20,910. 

Related: VW Passat: fun, fuel efficient, and simple. Here is our full review.

Interior Highlights

There’s plenty of soft touch materials throughout to make it comfortable, and we would describe it as distinctly European. The SE trim adds a bit more comfort with simulated leather upholstery and heated front seats. The seats provide ample support and comfort for longer trips in the compact hatchback. There’s a handy bin ahead of the shifter, perfect for a smartphone.

The power-reclining front seats offer up the perfect driving position for a compact hatch. The rear seats offer plenty of room for average-sized adults and are comfy for longer trips. There’s ample head and shoulder room too, thanks to the higher hatch roof. There’s also a convenient folding rear armrest/cupholder with a pass-through to the back.

Behind the rear seats, this compact hatch comes with 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accessible through the rear lift gate. With the seats folded flat, it offers up 52.7 cubic feet of space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The 2018 VW Golf TSI SE comes with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder, producing an ample 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated with a five-speed manual sending power to the front wheels.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 25/34 city/highway and 29 combined with the manual gearbox. Fuel economy is a strong point of the Golf, although there are others in the segment that rank higher.  

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The TSI accelerates quickly as the turbo spools.
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Driving Dynamics

The 2018 VW Golf is fun to drive in the city. We easily moved around slower traffic and vsibility is excellent for a small hatch. We then chucked it around the tight corners on our commute from the mountains west of Denver where the TSI feels right at home. The hatch’s steering and braking are responsive enough in the curves. 

The standard five-speed manual has short shifts and works well with the turbo engine. It has plenty of power for all driving situations and is sportier than most other small hatchbacks. There was enough power to spin the front wheels when we hit the gas hard coming out of a corner. 

When pushed, the TSI accelerates quickly as the turbo spools up to utilize every bit of the available 170 horsepower. 

Conclusion

The 2018 VW Golf TSI SE is a fun hatch that’s also practical. There’s a lot to like and we would recommend it for those wanting a fuel-efficient and fun commuter. 

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

2018 VW Golf Gallery

Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

*Additional models shown.

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