Drool.
Honestly, that's all I could do after seeing the first images of Triumph's new Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition, as it's just one of those retro-modern designs that elicits a biological reaction. No, not that one. Get your mind out of the gutter. But I mean, just look at it. It's sumptuous, as it's got the right amount of nostalgia baked into its modern design, and I yearn to take it along some British B-road jamming to some new punk rock. Maybe something from Eagles of Death Metal?
Yet, it also makes me sad, as you can see, as the name implies, it's going to be a limited edition, with only 800 examples being built. That's just not enough, Triumph! Make more, dammit! Please, for my sake, and the sake of my garage.
Before we storm Triumph's factory, however, let's talk about what makes this motorcycle one that starts a Bastille-esque moment, and why the company should absolutely make this a regular production model. At least in my opinion.
Based around Triumph's Bonneville 1,200cc twin-cylinder, the Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer doles out 103 horsepower and 82 pounds-feet of torque. That peak horsepower number comes in at 8,000 rpm, and Triumph ensured that the Cafe Racer has "immediate throttle response," thanks to a low-inertia crank, and the motor's 270-degree firing order.
In terms of handling, you get fully adjustable Marzocchi forks at the front (duh), while Öhlins handles the rear. And Brembo's Stylemas halt the progress of the Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tires. But that's all the same with the standard Speed Twin 1200. What exactly are you paying for with the Cafe Racer Edition?
The looks, baby.
According to Triumph, the new Cafe Racer Edition is "art in motion," and I'll point you back to my first reaction, r.e., drooling, along with just looking at the pictures within. Gained are super-low clip‑on handlebars, a new, tapered rear end cowl that hides the pillion seat, and a more streamlined body. There are also bar-end mirrors, a model-only Competition Green and Aluminium Silver livery, brushed aluminum flourishes throughout, a "Number 12" graphic along the side panels, and Empire Gold coachline that runs across the bike, splitting its paint schemes in twine.
For those looking to still ride two-up, Triumph says it'll ship the bike with them in the crate so owners can swap out the streamlined design when they want to ride with a passenger.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Paul Stroud, Triumph's Chief Commercial Officer, stated, "The latest Speed Twin 1200 has already struck a chord with riders across Europe and the US who value performance, style and everyday usability," adding, "Building on that success, the Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition will sit at the top of the Speed Twin range, taking inspiration from the British cafe racer scene of the 1960s. With a global production of just 800 motorcycles, the Cafe Racer Edition will appeal to collectors and regular riders alike, offering more distinction and exclusivity, as well as combining heritage influence with premium specification and engaging performance."
As for price, though it's a limited model, with only 800 slated to be built, it isn't the most expensive out there, ala the likes of Ducati's limited editions. According to Triumph, riders will have to fork over around $17,000 for the Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition, the bigger hurdle getting your order in before they're all spoken for compared to affording one. But, hot damn, do I want one.
I wonder if I asked real nicely if Triumph would just put one off to the side for me as a long-term tester? One could hope and dream, right?
