Mile Eater: 1948 Triumph Speed Twin

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1948 Triumph Speed Twin
1948 Triumph Speed Twin
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1948 Triumph Speed Twin
1948 Triumph Speed Twin
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The Smiths speedometer reads just 49 miles from new.
The Smiths speedometer reads just 49 miles from new.
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The Smiths speedometer reads just 49 miles from new.
The Smiths speedometer reads just 49 miles from new.
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The top of the fuel tank also houses the headlight switch and oil and amp gauges.
The top of the fuel tank also houses the headlight switch and oil and amp gauges.
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The 498cc parallel twin makes 28.5 horsepower at 6,000rpm. This particular Speed Twin came with the updated gearshift lever, which features a rubber cover to protect the rider's boot or shoe.
The 498cc parallel twin makes 28.5 horsepower at 6,000rpm. This particular Speed Twin came with the updated gearshift lever, which features a rubber cover to protect the rider's boot or shoe.
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The 498cc parallel twin makes 28.5 horsepower at 6,000rpm. This particular Speed Twin came with the updated gearshift lever, which features a rubber cover to protect the rider's boot or shoe.
The 498cc parallel twin makes 28.5 horsepower at 6,000rpm. This particular Speed Twin came with the updated gearshift lever, which features a rubber cover to protect the rider's boot or shoe.
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Sid's Speed Twin even came with the original tool kit and tire pump.
Sid's Speed Twin even came with the original tool kit and tire pump.

1948 Triumph Speed Twin
Claimed power: 28.5hp @ 6,000rpm
Top speed: 85mph (est.)
Engine: 498cc air-cooled OHV parallel twin, 63mm x 80mm bore and stroke, 6.5:1 compression ratio
Weight: 374lb (170kg)
Fuel capacity: 4.76gal (18ltr)
Price then/now: $450 (est.)/$7,500-$12,500

Only 49 miles show on the Smiths speedometer, but this all-original 1948 Triumph Speed Twin has traveled some hefty distances. Come again?

Before we get too far into the story, let’s chart the mileage. According to current owner and motorcycle collector Sid Chantland, this Speed Twin left Triumph’s factory in Meriden and went to Al Shirer’s Indian and British motorcycle shop in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a journey of 3,442 miles. When it left Allentown, the Speed Twin traveled to Japan, a journey of 6,710 miles. From Japan, the Triumph was shipped to Northern California, roughly 5,249 miles. Finally, it moved from California to Sid’s property near Minneapolis, Minnesota, another 2,076 miles.

The distances are approximate, of course, but that’s a grand total of 17,477 miles, all without the engine ever having been fired: The 49 miles accumulated while being rolled around during all those moves. As an essentially untouched Triumph Speed Twin, it’s an exceptional time capsule.

Beginnings of the twin

  • Published on Feb 12, 2015
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