Triumph gives its Speed Twin an icy update for this debut collaboration
Speak to any motorcycle or watch collector and they’ll tell you that their passion is rooted in one of a few things. An appreciation for precision engineering, an allegiance to a particular brand, or the opportunity to own a rare piece of history. Breitling’s debut partnership with Triumph ticks all three boxes.
Two years in the making, this joint release features special models of Triumph’s 1200cc Speed Twin bike and Breitling’s iconic Top Time chronograph, which dates back to the ’60s. Those looking to invest in both will have the opportunity to purchase a highly limited “owner’s edition” timepiece, detailed with an exclusive sunray dial and the unique number of their corresponding motorcycle – this is the stuff that collectors truly revel in.
One of only 270 Breitling x Triumph Speed Twins
Both the Top Time and the Speed Twin are decked out with dual branding and an ice blue colour scheme that takes inspiration from Triumph’s legendary Thunderbird 6T – the automotive star of Marlon Brando’s 1953 film, The Wild One. In fact, when the manufacturer delved into its factory paint archives, it discovered a colour chart from the era containing a pristine swatch for the Thunderbird model, meaning the team at the Hinckley HQ could use a spectrograph to perfectly match the hue for this collaboration.
Only 270 of this Speed Twin will be made, and each is equipped with the latest 2021 specification along with Öhlins piggy-back twin rear suspension for heightened comfort. Riders can also expect a fuller torque curve and a lighter crankshaft and alternator, resulting in better responsiveness and, happily, the opportunity to push the machine that much harder. The all-important Bonneville rumble is certainly present thanks to twin upswept silencers, and there are three riding modes for rain, road and sports conditions, as well as an LCD display detailing all the fancy gadgets you’d expect of a contemporary motorcycle. Yes, this bike is packed with features that Mr Brando couldn’t have even imagined, but just like most of Triumph’s “Modern Classics” line, its nods to old-time café racers are hard to miss. And neither is the influence of a watchmaker – the speedometer and rev-counter have been reimagined with a reference to the Top Time’s dial, while scriptive Breitling emblems decorate the leather seat and clutch and alternator covers. One for the history books indeed.
