Triumph Speed Twin (1938-46)

The Triumph Speed Twin 500 motorcycle was produced from 1938 to 1946, with a four stroke parallel twin engine and a capacity of 498 cc. It had a single Amal carburetor and 6 V magnetic flywheel ignition, and started with a kick. The maximum power was 20.9 kW at 6000 rpm. It featured a wet 6 plate clutch and a 4 speed transmission, with a final drive by chain. The frame was a single tube type and the suspension was rigid, with a leaf spring on the front fork and a spring loaded saddle on the rear. Brakes were drum type on both the front and rear wheels. The tyres were 3.25-19 on the front and 3.50-19 on the rear. The dry weight of the bike was 182 kg and it had a fuel capacity of 18 L. Overall, the Triumph Speed Twin has been noted for its successful combination of style, affordability, and performance during a difficult period of history.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Triumph Speed Twin 500

Year: 1938 – 46

Engine: Four stroke, parallel twin, OHV

Capacity: 498 cc / 30.4 cub in.

Bore x Stroke: 63 x 80 mm

Compression Ratio: 7.1:1

Cooling System: Air cooled

Induction: Single Amal carburetor

Ignition: 6 V, magnetic flywheel

Starting: Kick

Max Power: 20.9 kW / 28 hp @ 6000 rpm

Clutch: Wet, 6 plate

Transmission: 4 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Frame: Singe tube frame

Front Suspension: Rigid fork with leaf spring

Rear Suspension: Rigid, spring loaded saddle

Front Brakes: Drum

Rear Brakes: Drum

Front Tyre: 3.25 – 19

Rear Tyre: 3.50 – 19

Dry Weight: 182 kg / 401 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 18 L / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal