2022 Triumph Speed Twin First Look

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Triumph has updated the Speed Twin for 2022, giving it more power, upgraded components, and styling tweaks. (Triumph Motorcycles/)

Even though it runs with basically the same 1,200cc parallel-twin engine as some of its other Modern Classics brethren, Triumph’s Speed Twin always felt like an outlier in the lineup—a sensible but sharp roadster with more of an edge than the less powerful T120, but not as sporty than the cafe-ed out, rip-snorting Thruxton RS. So when Euro 5 emissions standards reared their head last year, the Brits knew it was a good time for other updates as well; after all, the brand had been methodically updating its Modern Classics models over the last few months anyway, having gone through the other 1,200cc parallel twins already.

RELATED: The 2019 Triumph Speed Twin Is A Revelation Of Right Thinking

So Triumph gave the Speed Twin more than just an emissions tweak, hitting the brakes, suspension, and wheels, as well as imparting a few styling revisions along the way. Taken individually, the updates don’t seem like much, but together, the changes are fairly impactful—especially when you consider the new bike’s price tag went up by only several hundred bucks over the outgoing model.

Hitting new Euro 5 emissions standards was the key goal, but the new model also gets suspension, brake, and exhaust revisions. (Triumph Motorcycles/)

The headline trumpets lower emissions as the key improvement for 2022, but that’s pretty boring, so let’s start with the fact that the latest Speed Twin gets a power boost. Sure, it’s a mere 3 hp increase—for a new peak of 99 hp—but it’s still noteworthy. The height of the new power comes a bit later in the revs than the previous bike’s, with the peak arriving at 7,250 rpm, versus the previous 96 hp at 6,750 rpm. (For what it’s worth, when we dynoed the previous iteration of the Speed Twin, it yielded 91.4 hp at 6,700 rpm.) On the other hand, peak torque remains basically unchanged on the new model, rated at 83 pound-feet, but that hit does also come earlier on in the revs—at 4,250 rpm—making for a wider torque curve that’s more accessible.

Triumph says changes to the engine’s air injection and combustion resulted in a new tune to meet the lower emissions goal, but the power gains on the 2022 model come courtesy of new high-compression pistons, revised ports, and tweaks to the cam profile.

Magnifying that boost is the fact that inertia is also reduced by 17 percent thanks to a new lightweight crankshaft and alternator, which allows for a snappier engine response as well. If those revisions sound familiar, it’s because many of the same changes were made to the updated 2022 Scrambler models earlier this year.

New higher-spec inverted 43mm Marzocchi fork appears on the new Speed Twin. (Triumph Motorcycles/)

Suspension didn’t get overlooked on the 2022 Speed Twin either, thanks to the addition of a higher-spec upside-down fork. Although the beefier 43mm Marzocchi unit is nonadjustable and offers the same 4.7 inches of travel as the previous 41mm right-side-up KYB fork, it will likely sharpen handling even more on what’s already a nimble bike. Fork settings are matched to the twin rear suspension units, which are adjustable for spring preload, and offer the same 4.7-inch rear wheel travel.

To go along with the improved suspenders are braking and wheel upgrades. New Brembo four-piston M50 radial Monoblock front calipers will be clamping larger 320mm discs on the Twin this year, up from the 305mm spec on the previous bike. Even though the Nissin two-piston floating caliper and 220mm disc arrangement out back remains unchanged, the new components are sure to yield a substantial increase in stopping power.

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The aforementioned fork has also been appropriately tuned to match that improved braking performance, and Triumph says the M50 calipers offer better initial bite and feel while still hitting the needed price point for the class. Sweetening the pot are new Metzeler Racetec RR tires spooned onto a pair of fresh 17-inch cast aluminum wheels with a lighter 12-spoke design to further sharpen the roadster’s handling prowess.

Changes trickle down from the new fork to new brakes (up front), new aluminum wheels, and new Metzeler tires as well. (Triumph Motorcycles/)

Given the emissions-minded theme of the new upgrades, it was inevitable that Triumph would also fiddle with the Speed Twin’s exhaust, both to enhance the distinctive sound of the p-twin as well as to bring in a new aesthetic. New brushed stainless steel megaphone twin upswept mufflers with black tips punctuate the end of an uninterrupted header run, which somehow also manages to tuck the cat box out of sight. The beautiful sweep of the 2-into-2 unit only confirms that Triumph is still on point with its fit and finish game.

Super-clean, all-stainless exhaust ends in twin upswept mufflers. (Triumph Motorcycles/)

Onboard electronics rarely get passed over for updates these days, and for 2022 Triumph has enhanced the Speed Twin’s three riding modes via an adjustment in both throttle response and traction control settings, which can now be changed to suit rider preferences while on the move (riders can now switch the traction control off independently through the instrument menu). New LED elements also make the scene, with a new rear light and turn signal upgrades, plus another LED incorporated into the headlight. Other rider technology includes an underseat USB charging socket, an accessory tire pressure monitoring system, and an immobilizer with transponder integrated into the Triumph branded key.

New styling revisions include fresh badging and tank graphics. (Triumph Motorcycles/)

While the overall upright and neutral T120-ish ergos remain basically unchanged on the 2022 Speed Twin, Triumph did jump in with some minor adjustments to the footpegs, moving them slightly forward. Styling wasn’t overlooked either, though the tweaks can be best described as minor, with new tank graphics, headlight mounts, aluminum badges, and new fender mounts being the most obvious additions. As you might expect, Triumph is also pushing its new catalog of accessories for the new Speed Twin, which covers the usual suspects, like premium side and engine covers, quilted seats, heated grips, luggage, and more.

New LEDs appear in both the headlight as well as rear unit. (Triumph Motorcycles/)

The 2022 Speed Twin will be hitting dealers in August 2021, and you can get it in one of three paint schemes: the new Red Hopper, Matte Storm Grey (with yellow accents), or in classic Jet Black. Starting price is $12,500—a $300 bump over the outgoing model, but you’ll have to add another $300 for color options.

Accessories—like this tank bag—are readily available. Shown is the new Red Hopper colorway for 2022. (Triumph Motorcycles/)
Along with the Speed Twin updates, Triumph also announced a new collaboration with Beeline navigation brand. Triumph-branded units will be made available this year for $279. (Triumph Motorcycles/)

2022 Triumph Speed Twin Specifications

Price:	$12,500
Engine:	1,200cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke:	97.6 x 80.0mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	99 hp @ 7,250 rpm
Claimed Torque:	82.0 lb.-ft. @ 4,250 rpm
Fuel System:	Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, assist
Frame:	Tubular mild steel, aluminum double cradle
Front Suspension:	43mm inverted Marzocchi fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Twin coilover shocks, preload adjustable; 4.7 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo M50 4-piston monoblock calipers, dual 320mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum alloy; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	120/70-17 / 160/60-17
Rake/Trail:	22.3°/3.5 in.
Wheelbase:	55.5 in.
Seat Height:	31.5 in.
Fuel capacity:	3.8 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	476 lb.
Available:	August 2021
Contact:	triumphmotorcycles.com

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