Triumph has unveiled the 2021 Speed Twin, which features significant updates over the motorcycle that was launched in 2018.
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1,200cc engine makes 100hp at 7,250rpm
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Has sharper steering and Metzeler Racetec tyres
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Gets new Brembo M50 monobloc calipers
2021 Triumph Speed Twin: engine
The 1,200cc, Euro 5/BS6 compliant, parallel-twin engine gets new high-compression pistons, revised ports and cam profiles. There's a new lightweight crankshaft, as well as a new alternator that reduces inertia by 17 percent. All of these changes have resulted in an engine that spins faster, is more responsive and performs better.
Peak power has gone up by 3hp, to 100hp at 7,250rpm, about 500rpm higher than its predecessor. On the other hand, peak torque is the same, at 112Nm, but it's developed 500rpm lower, at 4,250rpm.
Triumph has also worked on improving the low- and mid-range grunt, for better rideability.
As before, the engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a torque assist clutch for reduced lever effort.
The exhaust system also gets minor tweaks in the form of new brushed-stainless steel end cans. Triumph promises a similar, throaty note as on the BS4 motorcycle.
2021 Triumph Speed Twin: chassis and electronics
The 2018 Triumph Speed Twin was widely acclaimed for its intuitive handling. For 2021, the company claims to have made further improvements to the chassis to enhance handling.
Firstly, the steering rake angle is reduced by half a degree while the trail has also gone down by 2mm, to 91.5mm. This should result in slightly sharper steering. Secondly, the front suspension has been changed to a fatter, 43mm USD cartridge fork by Marzocchi.
Triumph has also added new 12-spoke cast-aluminium wheels at both ends, shod with grippier, Metzeler Racetec RR tyres. These changes sure look promising, and we wait to see if the bike handles as advertised, when we ride it.
Triumph has also taken off the axially mounted Brembo brakes and fitted new radially mounted Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers. These bite on to bigger 320mm discs and should significantly improve the braking performance of the motorcycle.
In terms of electronics, you get three ride modes – Rain, Road and Sport, which have been upgraded for 2021. Each mode gets dedicated throttle control settings and new throttle maps.
However, an IMU-based electronics system is still missing, and Triumph says it has deliberately done so to keep costs in check.
2021 Triumph Speed Twin: design
There are a few cosmetic enhancements to the Speed Twin. These include the new 17-inch wheels, new anodised headlamp mounting brackets, and new brushed-aluminium mounts for the fenders. The rest of the bodywork, be it the 14.5-litre fuel tank or the side panels, remains the same.
The 2021 model is available in three new colours – Jet Black, Matt Storm Grey and Red Hopper.
2021 Triumph Speed Twin: price and availability
Prices for the 2021 Speed Twin begin from £11,000 (around Rs 11.3 lakh) on road in the UK, for the black bike. The grey and the red Speed Twins cost £200 (around Rs 20,000) more.
Going by this yardstick, expect to spend a little more for the 2021 Speed Twin in India than the Rs 9.46 lakh price tag of the 2018 model.
Expect the motorcycle to go on sale in our market around August-September 2021.
Rishaad Mody
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
