Triumph Speed Twin vs Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom: Competition Check

The Speed Twin is the newest offering from Triumph Motorcycles that has been launched today. The motorcycle is a reincarnation of the original 1938 model which according to the company, had the world’s first successful parallel-twin engine packed in a game-changing chassis. Categorised into the company’s modern classic Bonneville series, the modern Speed Twin faces the closest competition in terms of displacement and pricing from the Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom. Here’s how the two motorcycles stack up against each other.

Design

The Speed Twin is basically a larger and beefier version of the Street Twin that is already on sale in India. It is built around a new frame developed from the Thruxton R for a more dynamic platform. Besides that, the motorcycle features a circular full-LED headlamp held by brushed aluminium brackets and LED turn indicators. The motorcycle has a sporty yet comfortable riding stance thanks to the rear set footpegs and a flat handlebar. On the other hand, the 1200 Custom is a typical Harley-Davidson with a laid-back and comfortable riding stance. It comes with pullback handlebars, low-seat and a minimalistic design reminiscent of an American cruiser motorcycle. Like most H-D’s, the 1200 Custom gets a healthy dose of chrome further accentuating its character. 

Features

Over here, the Speed Twin clearly leads the competition for the features it offers. To begin with, the motorcycle packs a twin-pod instrument console with small displays in each pod for additional information. It comes with three riding modes Rain, Road and Sport which can be selected on the go. Besides that, the tech package consists of ABS and a switchable traction control system.

In the case of the 1200 Custom, the cruiser features a single-pod instrument cluster with an integrated screen that displays the shows the time, dual trip meter, gear position indicator and rpm meter. Unlike the Speed Twin, the 1200 Custom doesn’t get any riding modes or traction control. However, it only gets ABS in the tech department.

Engine

Both motorcycles share the same engine displacement but feature different configurations. The Speed Twin, the motorcycle gets the updated 1200cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled mill from the Thruxton R. The engine features a low inertia crank and high compression head apart from the use of light-weight magnesium cam covers, revised clutch assembly and lighter engine covers. The motor is tuned to deliver 96bhp and 112Nm.

Coming to the 1200 Custom, the motorcycle packs a 1202cc air-cooled Evolution V-twin motor that is rated to deliver 97Nm of peak torque. Like all Harley-Davidson’s, the American bike maker doesn’t share the power output of its motorcycles.

In the transmission department, while the Speed Twin gets a slick 6-speed gearbox, the 1200 Custom has to do with a 5-speed unit. This gives the Speed Twin an upper hand in keeping the rev low when it comes to cruising on highways.

Cycle Parts

The Speed Twin is suspended by 41mm non-adjustable cartridge telescopic forks and a twin-shock setup with pre-load adjustment at the rear. For shedding speed, the modern retro motorcycle comes with 305mm dual discs up with 4-piston Brembo calipers and a 220mm single disc at the rear. It rides on 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels shod with Pirelli Rosso Corsa III tyres.

For the 1200 Custom, the motorcycle comes with telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorber at the rear. For braking, the American cruiser employs a 292mm single disc with a dual-piston caliper at both ends. In order to retain the bikes macho stance, it rides on 16-inch chromed 5-spoke alloy wheels shod with chunky Michelin Scorcher tyres.

Pricing

Triumph Motorcycles has launched the Speed Twin at Rs 9.46 Lakhs which is very competitive pricing for the features and equipment it offers. Meanwhile, the Harley-Davidson 1200 carries a sticker price of Rs 10.65 Lakhs. It’s an authentic American cruiser with the bare necessary tech but plenty of chrome and character. (All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi)