Performance boost for 2021 Triumph Speed Twin

Triumph has announced full details of its updated 2021 Triumph Speed Twin, with the British manufacturer claiming the 1200cc retro roadster now boasts a Euro 5 engine, better performance and handling, enhanced tech and more premium styling and detailing.

Recently unveiled in the UK via an online launch, the 2021 Triumph Speed Twin is the latest in a veritable flood of revised ‘Modern Classics’ models, and follows on from the release of the 2021 Triumph Street Scrambler, 2021 Triumph Scrambler 1200, and the 2021 Triumph Bonneville range, plus special-edition variants like the 2021 Triumph Street Twin Gold Line, 2021 Triumph Scramber 1200 Steve McQueen Edition, and 2021 Triumph Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition.

Triumph says the Speed Twin essentially represents a blend of three of the brand’s retro models, combining the accessible and easy ride of the Bonneville T120 with the performance and capability of the Thruxton and the stripped-back custom look of the Street Twin.

Like all these models, the new 2021 Triumph Speed Twin now has an engine that meets Euro 5 emissions legislation, but the updates to its 1200cc parallel-twin don’t end there.

The liquid-cooled, eight-valve, SOHC unit now delivers 100hp at 7250rpm and 112Nm at 4250rpm. That’s an extra 3hp, while peak torque is now delivered 500rpm lower.

Thanks to a new lightweight crankshaft, Triumph also says the engine is more responsive, spins up faster and revs harder for longer, with its redline now set 500rpm higher than its predecessor.

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While the tubular steel cradle chassis continues, the 2021 Triumph Speed Twin now features a new and higher-specification 43mm Marzocchi inverted fork with cartridge damping (previously a conventional 41mm fork) and Brembo M50 radial-mount front brake calipers, while lighter 12-spoke cast aluminium wheels are now shod with stickier Metzeler Racetec RR tyres (120/70ZR17 front, 160/60ZR17 rear).

Both the non-adjustable Marzocchi fork and preload-adjustable twin rear shocks have 120mm of travel.

The steering geometry is slightly more aggressive, with the updated model sporting a slightly steeper steering head angle (now just 22.3 degrees, down half a degree) and 2mm less trail, at 91.5mm.

All-up weight has increased by 2kg, from 196kg dry to 198kg dry, which Triumph says is down not only to the extra tech and specification of the bike (including the inverted front fork), but the increased emissions control gear, such as the new secondary air system and two extra catalysts.

On the tech front, the bike features upgraded riding modes (Road, Rain and Sport) with dedicated traction control settings and new throttle maps, while the model’s look has been lifted with the arrival of new brushed twin upswept megaphone pipes, new anodised headlight and mudguard mounts, and new tank graphics.

Other features include LED lighting (with LED daytime running light), a torque-assist clutch, an under-seat USB charging socket, and an immobiliser.

Over 50 genuine factory accessories are available for the 2021 Triumph Speed Twin, which is available in Jet Black, Red Hopper or Matt Storm Grey. Red Hopper and Matt Storm Grey (below) add a small price premium.

Triumph Australia says local pricing for the 2021 Triumph Speed Twin will be announced closer to its arrival in local dealerships in August. As a guide, the current model is priced from $20,350 ride away, and in the UK the new model will rise by £300 (approximately $550).

Inspired by the original Triumph Speed Twin designed by Edward Turner and introduced in 1938, over 11,000 examples of the modern Triumph Speed Twin have been built since its introduction in 2018. Now Triumph is hoping this latest, more dynamic iteration of the Speed Twin will sharpen its edge in the ultra-competitive retro market.

Here in Australia, the 2021 Triumph Speed Twin will be facing off against BMW’s R nineT Pure (from $22,034 ride away), Kawasaki’s Z900RS (from $18,236 ride away) and W800 Street ($15,146 ride away), and Yamaha’s XSR900 (from $15,449 ride away), among others.

The Triumph Speed Twin also sits alongside the brand’s Thruxton RS (from $25,390 ride away), which serves as an even higher-spec retro but in a café racer format. It too is powered by Triumph’s 1200cc parallel-twin engine.

“This [new Triumph Speed Twin] is a bike we would describe as being a performance icon, and it has an update with an evolution in every one of the key dimensions of the bike focused on delivering that perfect combination of character and style, but also of course genuine sports performance,” said Miles Perkins, Triumph UK’s Head of Brand Management.