2022 Triumph Speed Twin | First Look Review

2022 Triumph Speed Twin review Red Hopper
2022 Triumph Speed Twin in Red Hopper

Triumph’s entire lineup of Bonneville-based models has been updated for 2022, including the T120, T120 Black, T100, Street Twin, Streetmaster, Bobber, Street Scrambler, and Scrambler 1200. Last but not least, the Speed Twin has also gotten some useful upgrades.

Introduced for 2019, the Speed Twin offers engine performance and handling comparable to the Thruxton café racer but with an upright riding position, less weight, and a lower price. For 2022, the Speed Twin’s updated “High Power” version of Triumph’s liquid-cooled, 1,200cc parallel-twin makes 98.6 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm (claimed, at the crank). Wet weight is 476 pounds, and pricing starts at $12,500.

2022 Triumph Speed Twin review Red Hopper
2022 Triumph Speed Twin in Red Hopper

Compared to the previous Speed Twin’s engine, the updated powerplant now meets Euro 5 emissions standards and offers more peak horsepower, more midrange horsepower and torque, a lower torque peak, and 17% less inertia for better response. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission, a torque-assist clutch, and chain final drive.

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To improve handling, the Speed Twin gets a higher-spec Marzocchi USD cartridge fork, Brembo M50 monoblock calipers, lighter cast aluminum 12-spoke wheels, and Metzeler Racetec RR tires.

2022 Triumph Speed Twin review Matt Storm Grey
2022 Triumph Speed Twin in Matte Storm Grey

Three riding modes — Sport, Road, and Rain — have been revised, and they adjust throttle response and intervention from the switchable traction control. Other standard equipment includes ABS, LED lighting with a DRL, an underseat USB charging port, and an ignition immobilizer. Sorry folks, still no cruise control.

The Speed Twin’s styling has been refreshed with new brushed stainless-steel upswept silencers, new anodized headlight and mudguard mounts, and new tank graphics.

2022 Triumph Speed Twin review Jet Black
2022 Triumph Speed Twin in Jet Black

The 2022 Triumph Speed Twin is available in Red Hopper, Matte Storm Grey, and Jet Black, and it will be in dealerships in August.

2022 Triumph Speed Twin Specs

Base Price: $12,500
Website: triumphmotorcycles.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel twin, SOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 1,200cc
Bore x Stroke: 97.6 x 80mm
Horsepower: 98.6 @ 7,250 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Torque: 83 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection & throttle-by-wire
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated torque-assist wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Frame: Tubular steel w/ aluminum cradles, cast aluminum swingarm
Wheelbase: 55.6 in.
Rake/Trail: 22.3 degrees/3.6 in.
Seat Height: 31.9 in.
Suspension, Front: 43mm USD fork, no adj., 4.7 in. travel
Rear: Dual shocks, adj. for spring preload, 4.7 in. travel
Brakes, Front: Dual 320mm discs w/ radial-mount opposed 4-piston monoblock calipers & ABS
Rear: Single 220mm disc w/ 2-piston floating caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Cast aluminum, 3.5 x 17 in.
Rear: Cast aluminum, 5.0 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear: 160/60-ZR17
Wet Weight: 476 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 3.8 gals.
Fuel Consumption: 41.8 mpg (EPA)

15 COMMENTS

  1. “Sorry folks, still no cruise control.”

    Thanks for that note. I found it right after landing on this page from a Rider Enews link, by first searching the page for “cruise,” because I really like that feature when I tour. The bike is probably worth its asking price, but without cruise I’ll pass, and — really — I might not have otherwise.

    With all the electronic modes already built-in to the bike, it seems a shame that Triumph elected not to add one more function and a couple of switches.

  2. I just bought a Tuono 660 and for fun I thought I would check the specs of this bike out, since it is also a parallel twin. 1200 c.c. and makes the same HP as the 660, weighs 72 pounds more, and costs $2,000 more. Why would anyone buy one of these other than for the look of it?

  3. I’ve had three Aprilia’s and loved them all, except for one thing, their disappearing dealer network. My closest Aprilia dealer is 86 miles away. That’s not going to happen. My Triumph dealer is 40 miles away. Guess who gets my business?

  4. I just rented a 22 speed twin to ride around Oahu. I like almost everything about it. I own a Multistrada 1200, my 15th bike so I’m not an armchair rider. The bike really isn’t for 6 footers like me but it makes up for it in performance. That motor has a very strong out of a curve acceleration that doesn’t require many downshifts or none at all above 1800 rpms. Kickstand placement leaves a lot to be desired. Two weak negatives doesn’t deserve the criticism leveled by these commenters. Go ride one or go home. For pure riding pleasure it is up there.

  5. Bought this after my Kawasaki Z900 and it’s like a breath of fresh air! You can’t help but RELAX on this bike.
    Happy +++++
    PS…. My husband bought the Bonneville 1200 after riding mine! 😉

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