The Triumph Speed Twin Gets Even Speedier for 2022
Besides releasing the new entry-level Trident, Triumph is updating practically every other bike it makes for 2022. That includes several motorcycles in the Bonneville family that don’t necessarily bear the Bonneville name. One of these bikes is the Triumph Speed Twin, and for 2022 it’s getting a slight speed boost.
The 2022 Triumph Speed Twin comes with more power and better suspension
The Bonneville family of bikes includes more than just the standard Bonneville. There’s also the Bonneville Bobber, the Speedmaster cruiser, and the Thruxton café racer. And for those who want Thruxton-like handling without the sporty riding position at a budget, Triumph has the Street and Speed Twin, Rider explains.
Between the two, the Triumph Speed Twin is the more performance-oriented model. Since its 2019 launch, the Speed Twin has used a lighter-weight version of the Thruxton’s 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, Cycle World reports. And while it wasn’t as fast or as sharp as the Thruxton RS or Triumph’s Triple bikes, the Speed Twin made “for a surprisingly satisfying ride,” Motorcyclist reports.
For 2022, though, the Triumph Speed Twin is getting a little bit sharper. It still has a 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, but it now makes 99 hp, up from 96 hp. And while it still makes 83 lb-ft of torque, the torque peak occurs lower in the RPM range. Speaking of RPM, the 2022 Speed Twin has a higher redline than the outgoing model and revs more eagerly, Cycle World notes. The bike’s six-speed transmission, though, is unchanged.
Triumph did update the Speed Twin’s suspension for 2022, however. It still uses preload-adjustable Kayaba rear shocks and non-adjustable cartridge forks. But the forks are now upside-down Marzocchi units that are wider than before. And with the new forks means a new geometry that should translate to sharper handling, Bennetts claims.
The rest of the retro bike has also gotten an upgrade
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Besides the upgraded suspension, the 2022 Triumph Speed Twin rides on new lighter-weight cast-aluminum wheels and Metzler Racetec RR tires. The bike also has larger front Brembo dual-disc brakes. Plus, the footpegs are positioned slightly more forward.
As before, the 2022 Triumph Speed Twin has ABS, traction control, multiple riding modes, and LED lighting, RideApart reports. However, Triumph tweaked the riding modes’ programming and added extra LED elements. And for 2022, the traction control can now be disabled independently of the riding mode, Cycle World notes.
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As standard, the 2022 Triumph Speed Twin offers an under-seat USB outlet and an immobilizer on the key. The new aluminum headlight mounts and front fender are also standard. A tire-pressure monitoring system is available as an optional accessory, as are features like heated grips, quilted seats, and luggage. Plus, Triumph is currently partnering with Beeline to make a branded version of the latter’s Moto GPS unit as another accessory.
How does the 2022 Triumph Speed Twin compare to the competition?
The 2022 Triumph Speed Twin arrives in dealerships in August 2021 with prices starting at $12,500. And if you want the Triumph-branded Beeline unit, it costs $279, RevZilla reports.
Arguably the Speed Twin’s biggest rival is the BMW R nineT. With a $15,495 starting price, it’s noticeably more expensive than the Triumph. And 109 hp and 86 lb-ft of torque from its 1170cc boxer-twin, it’s also more powerful. However, at 487 pounds, it’s 11 pounds heavier.
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Also, in a 2020 Motorcycle.com comparison test, it only barely won against the Speed Twin. In that test, reviewers noted “[t]he Triumph is actually the better sportbike most of the time.” And while the R nineT was worth the upcharge for its better suspension, Motorcycle.com reports, the 2022 Speed Twin’s upgrades might eliminate that advantage.
Another rival is the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift, which replaces the Café Racer trim from previous years. At just under $11K, it’s cheaper than the Speed Twin, and roughly 50 pounds lighter, Ultimate Motorcycling notes. However, its 803cc air-cooled L-twin ‘only’ makes 73 hp and 49 lb-ft, Motorcyclist reports.
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Plus, the Nightshift only has a single front disc, and its KYB front forks match the outgoing Speed Twin’s forks, rather than the 2022 model’s forks. And while it has cornering ABS and a slipper clutch, the Scrambler Nightshift lacks traction control.
As with any bike, go on a test ride before you buy. But the 2022 Speed Twin brings a host of refinements to a bike that was already fun and approachable. And a little bit of extra speed that certainly doesn’t hurt.
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