2021 Triumph Speed Twin revealed
Triumph Motorcycles has just pulled the cover off its 2021 Speed Twin model and officially shared some details of the updated motorcycle with us. Here's a look at what's in store for when the latest model arrives in India later this year.
Now when the Speed Twin was first introduced to Triumph's Bonneville line-up here in India back in 2019, the motorcycle came to be known for its blend of high performance and ease of riding, carrying forward certain traits from its Modern Classic siblings - the Thruxton R and entry-level Bonnie, the Street Twin. Now the previous gen Speed Twin was taken off Triumph's menu for India in the recent as it didn't comply with BS VI regulations, and now the new 2021 model seen here  does. But that's not all, because Triumph has done a little more than simply make the new bike comply with stricter emissions norms it has taken an extra step and tweaked its Speed Twin formula with a stronger emphasis on performance.
Triumph has brought significant updates to the 1200cc parallel twin motor that lays nestled in the Speed Twin's tubular steel cradle chassis. The revised liquid-cooled power unit, which now adheres to Euro 5 and BS VI norms, houses new high compression pistons, revised ports, a new cam profile and even gets a new lightweight crankshaft and alternator which the company says has collectively led to a 17 per cent reduction in inertia, thus allowing the motor to spin faster and rev longer with the red line now 500rpm higher than on its predecessor. Power is now up to 100PS @ 7,250rpm which is 3PS over the older model, while the motor puts out a peak torque of 112Nm @ 4,250rpm which is delivered at 500revs lower than before. For the new Speed Twin, Triumph has crafted new upswept twin silencers to maintain a throaty exhaust note while incorporating a new exhaust header that cleverly conceals the cat-box.
Weighing in at 216kg, the 2021 Speed Twin is slightly heavier than the model it replaces, but Triumph says that as a result of all incorporated changes the latest model shows an improved sense of urgency, along with heightened mid-range power and low-end torque.
Triumph has also made improvements to the Speed Twin's handling dynamics with the inclusion of higher specification 43mm USD Marzocchi front forks that replace to the previous gen's KYB setup. This allows for 120mm of front wheel travel which bodes well with the twin rear suspension units that allow adjustable spring preload and an equal amount of rear wheel travel. When the company was asked as to why it shied away from slapping on the Showa 43mm big piston forks of the Thruxton onto the Speed Twin, Triumph responded by saying that the current setup compliments the new Speed Twins character best, while also managing to keep the overall cost of the new model in check.
Braking performance has improved with the new gen Speed Twin as well. At the front, the latest model sports 4-piston Brembo M50 radial monobloc brake calipers and twin 320mm discs, with the rear getting a 2-piston Nissin floating rear caliper with a single 220mm disc. With ABS fitted as standard, the new setup on both ends is expected to deliver a stronger initial bite, more feel and better fade characteristics.
On its new lightweight cast aluminum wheels, the 2021 Speed Twin now sports 17-inch Metzeler Racetec RR tyres in place of the Pirellis that featured on the outgoing model.
The Speed Twin still promises to provide an engaging albeit relaxed riding position that's very much in tune with the Street Twin with its 809mm seat height, a slim stand over width, tapered handlebars and a comfortable roadster foot-peg position, which is 38mm further forward and 4mm lower than on the Thruxton.
The new generation Speed Twin comes with a torque-assist clutch, which should make light work long-distance journeys as well as make stop-start urban commutes all the more easier to handle. The new bike also comes with an enhanced ride-by-wire system that enables three riding modes: Rain, Road and Sport, which adjusts the throttle response and traction control settings and can be changed on the go. Traction control can also be turned off altogether via a dedicated mode button on the handlebar mounted controls.
The Speed Twin's twin-pod instrument cluster retains the analogue speedometer and tachometer while providing digital readouts for ride mode setting, gear position indicator, two trip settings, service indicator, fuel level, distance-to-empty, average fuel consumption and traction control status on the two small LCD screens.
Other rider focused technology includes an under-seat USB charging socket, and an immobiliser with transponder integrated into the bikes' key.
On the styling front, we still wouldn't necessarily expect the latest Speed Twin to stand out in a crowd, but it sure to look every bit the part of Triumph's premium Modern classic range with its high level of fit and finish. The new bike still gets a signature DRL infused halogen headlamp unit, LED indicators, brushed stainless-steel headers, a signature-shaped 14.5L tank with new graphics knee indents, those nifty bar end mirrors, sculpted side panels and the slightly angled bench seat.
Premium details and finishes are harmonised across the motorcycle, including brushed aluminium front and rear mudguards with new mounts along with the side panel finishers and heel guards. There are also neat touches in the form of the new anodised headlamp mounts, classic Monza fuel cap and swingarm.
For 2021, the Speed Twin is available in three paint schemes options: a new vibrant Red Hopper scheme, the classy-looking Matt Storm Grey with subtle yellow accents, or the more sober Jet Black scheme option.
Triumph will also make available more than 50 custom accessories for the new Speed Twin model which range from quilted seats and sump plates to heated grips and a tyre pressure monitoring system â€" all coming with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Now there's no word on when exactly Triumph will launch the 2021 Speed Twin in India, the company has mentioned that it's trying its best to get the new bike to its dealerships across the globe in August later this year, so we expect the bike to launch in India around that time.
With all its upgrades and additions we expect the 2021 Speed Twin to cost around 11 lakh rupees which exceeds the cost of last model sold here by approximately one lakh. Now, we will only be able comment on whether this motorcycle is now a more compelling package that justifies its price tag only after getting astride it. But for now, the updates that Triumph have carried out to the motorcycle sure do look promising.