Triumph 5T Speed Twin

Key facts

Year

1948
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

498cc
Cylinders

2
Maximum speed

85mph/136.79kph
Price new

£181
Manufacturer

Triumph Engineering Co. Ltd

The original version introduced for 1938 was destined to set a worldwide trend in twin-cylinder engines of this type. Edward Turner, the designer, was outstandingly successful in evolving an engine that was smooth and quiet yet lively in performance. It began the process of breaking the near-monopoly of the single-cylinder engine for British motorcycles. The model shown is an example of the type used by the Metropolitan Police for many years and sectioned for their training purposes.