Quality over quantity this week, with four rather than five new builds: two Beemers, and two Triumphs. All are surprisingly practical, finely finished, and eminently rideable?and we’d happily put any one in the EXIF garage.

A Triumph Bobber with Speed Twin style The concept of the manufacturer-sponsored dealer ?build off? is well established these days, and this year, Triumph is running a ?Bobber Build Off? in its home country. Three finalists have just been announced, out of 13 entries, and our favorite is this very classy homage to the original Speed Twin.

It comes from Triumph?s Wellingborough showroom. According to the Northamptonshire dealer, inspiration struck when they saw an enamel sign advertising the original 1938 5T Speed Twin. ?The team noticed the similarities in the lines of the original Speed Twin and the current Bobber, and decided to recreate its key features, bringing it up to date in a modern guise.?
Up front, technicians Martin Hale and Jamie Williams have grafted on a custom-made set of girder forks. They?ve also extended the fenders to ape the vintage style, added a pivot and springs to make the seat resemble an authentic Speed Twin seat, and repainted the bike in a typical Speed Twin style?but using Triumph?s modern Lava Red instead of the traditional Amaranth Red.
The winner of the Bobber Build Off will be revealed at the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in London on 29th September?and we reckon this one is the front-runner.

BMW...