For 2022, Triumph refreshed the beloved 2022 Triumph Speed Twin Modern Classics with some delicious new features to bring this classic rocket into the present. The current contemporary retro market is dominated by Triumph. The Hinckley, southwest Leicestershire, team has been producing café racer/roadster variants of their Bonneville engine for decades, but 2019 saw the debut of the 1200cc flavor with the introduction of the Speed Twin (not Speed Twin 1200).
I have to acknowledge that I have not ridden the original version of this model; we sent Alan Cath’s cart to the global premiere in Spain in 2019, so I missed out on that experience. However, I have ridden the excellent Thruxton RS, so I am familiar with the new 1200cc engine.
I’ve spent the past month touring the country on Triumph’s roadster, and although there were a few annoyances, overall, it was a blast. Despite the 1200cc engine under the rider’s knees, this is the type of bike that even a novice rider would appreciate.
The 2019 model was released to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the company’s first parallel-twin-engine motorbike, the Bonneville. Still, in the two years since then, Triumph has given the Speed Twin a thorough makeover.
2022 Triumph Speed Twin Modern Classics – Features and Specs
Engine
Triumph claims 98 Hp at 7250 rpm from Bonneville’s twin-cylinder motor and 83 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm, 500 rpm lower than the 2019 model. The engine’s crank, pistons, cylinder head, and camshafts are all lighter.
The powertrain is paired with attractive upswept exhausts made of stainless steel, which are let down (although minor) by the black end caps. Triumph did a great job concealing the catalytic converter to give the exhaust pipes an authentic vintage appearance, and the resulting sound is superb. The Speed Twin has a pleasant, not-too-loud bark when you floor it, making it ideal for cruising down the interstate at a steady rpm without damaging your hearing.
The engine revs up swiftly for a 1200 twin, and its smooth throttle response helps to conceal the substantial amount of power at your command. Even though it has a high top gear, you may still get a good workout zipping from turn to turn in the middle and lower halves of the gear range.
Triumph claims a 17% decrease in inertia with this new motor, and you can choose between Sport, Road, and Rain riding modes, each of which modifies the throttle response and the degree to which the traction control is engaged.
In contrast to my previous test motorcycles, I kept the Speed Twin in Sport mode throughout my evaluation. The throttle response in Road mode isn’t quite as sharp as in Sport mode, but Triumph has done an outstanding job of making the latter responsive without being jerky well done!
You’ve got some nice suspenders in the shape of the now inverted Marzocchi fork and dual shocks out back, and the fact that it only needs to push a measured 480 pounds may also contribute to the brisk performance. The Speed Twin has excellent suspension, but its seat isn’t very forgiving, so you’ll feel the bumps sooner rather than later if you actively seek them out.
In the area of stopping power, Triumph has equipped you with the same Brembo M50 four-piston monobloc brakes that are found on the considerably quicker Aprilia Tuono V4, so you can be confident that you are in excellent hands.
The Metzeler Sportec RR tires that Triumph equips you with are excellent, but they’re more suited to a bike like the Streetfighter V4. The Speed Twin’s agility is remarkable, allowing for rapid directional changes and a narrow track while accelerating.
It seems OK for the time being, doesn’t it? Generally speaking, yes. However, the Speed Twin did have one major flaw: it was just too little for me. The breadth of the tank and the width of the handlebars were both too thin for me, a 6’1″ man, and the bike was intended for riders 5’10” or shorter.
Dimension
The seat height of the Speed Twin is just 31.9 inches, which is excellent for specific riders but left me feeling too claustrophobic on the bike. The performance is superb, and the motorcycle drew more curious observers than any test bike I’ve had in a long time, so that was my only complaint. One older man came up to us and flat-out refused to accept that this motorbike was indeed from 2022. That being said, I prefer the more powerful Scrambler 1200 over the Speed Twin, so Triumph’s style department is spot on.
In terms of electronics, you will be provided with LED illumination that includes an excellent Daytime Running Light, as well as a USB charging station located in the inconvenient location beneath the seat. The Speed Twin’s headlight is adequate for night riding, but the Kawasaki H2 SX SE+ has spoiled me. The Speed Twin only has one headlight and no turn signals, yet it provides enough illumination.
I had a good time riding the Speed Twin, but I’m not suited to its compact size. The Speed Twin, though, delivers zippy speed in a classic outfit that attracts many more people than your typical bikers, so riders shorter than me will still appreciate it.
2022 Triumph Speed Twin Modern Classics – Price
The new 2022 Triumph Speed Twin Modern Classics is available for $12,500 only.
2022 Triumph Speed Twin Modern Classics – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type: | 270° crank angle parallel twin, 4-stroke |
Valvetrain: | 8-valve, SOHC |
Cooling System: | Liquid |
Fueling: | EFI |
Displacement: | 1200cc |
Bore x stroke: | 97.6 x 80mm |
Compression ratio: | 12.1:1 |
Power (claimed): | 98 hp at 7250 rpm |
Torque (claimed): | 83 lb-ft at 4250 rpm |
Transmission: | 6-speed |
Clutch: | Wet multi-disc |
Chassis
Frame: | Tubular steel |
Front Suspension: | 43mm USD Marzocchi forks, 4.7 in. travel |
Rear Suspension: | Twin RSUs with adjustable preload, 4.7 in. wheel travel. |
Front-Wheel Travel: | 4.7 in. |
Rear-Wheel Travel: | 4.7 in. |
Front Brake: | Dual 320mm floating disc, Brembo M50 4-piston monobloc caliper, ABS |
Rear Brake: | Single 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
Front Tire: | 120/70 ZR17 in. |
Rear Tire: | 160/60 ZR17 in. |
Dimension
Seat Height: | 31.9 in. |
Wheelbase: | 55.6 in. |
Rake: | 22.3° |
Fuel Capacity: | 3.8 gal. |
Weight (wet, measured): | 480 lbs. |