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Triumph has taken the wraps off of the 2021 Speed Twin and it’s more than just a model year update. For 2021, Triumph has done a lot more than make the bike comply with the latest emissions norms. For starters, the bike gets higher-spec brakes, suspension, aluminum wheels, new tires and updated electronics. The bike also gets a few aesthetic changes.
The 2021 Speed Twin doesn’t look all that different from the previous model but there are a few standout design changes. It gets new 12 spoke cast aluminum wheels, anodised headlamp mounts, brushed aluminum mudguards on both ends, brushed aluminum side panels and heel guards. The Speed Twin also gets new stainless-steel exhaust pipes which are slightly upswept. The 2021 Speed Twin will come in three new colourways — Jet Black, Red Hopper and Matte Storm Grey with yellow accents.
The 2021 Speed Twin engine has been updated to meet Euro5 emissions regulations but has also gained some performance along the way. 2.6bhp more to be precise. The engine now outputs 98.6bhp at 7250rpm and 112Nm at 4250. The power delivery has been altered to provide a more potent mid-range as well as a punchy top-end. The torque curve has also been made more linear with a wider operational band and with peak torque being made 500revs lower than earlier. All of this has been accomplished courtesy a lighter crankshaft and alternator that allow the engine to rev more freely. Other changes to the engine include a 500rpm higher redline, new high compression pistons, updated ports and cam profile. And like with all new Triumphs, the Speed Twin boasts of a first major service interval of 16,000kms
The Triumph Speed Twin is marketed as the sporty Bonneville that blends the comfort and appeal of a Street Twin with the committed, sporty nature of the Thruxton and to that end, Triumph has updated the bike with some serious kit to further its handling abilities. Starting with the suspension setup, the old telescopic setup has given way to higher-spec 43mm USD Marzocchi forks with cartridge damping. Rear suspension duties are handled by twin-shocks which are spring preload adjustable. The next big change is the addition of Brembo M50 monobloc calipers mounted on 320mm discs upfront, replacing the axially-mounted Brembo setup on the previous model. The rear 220mm disc is held onto by a two-pot Nissin caliper. The new 12-spoke cast aluminum 17-inch wheels are now shod in Metzeler Racetec RR rubber. The addition of said equipment and the conversion to Euro5 has meant that the bike has put on 2kg bringing the wet weight up to 216kg but the additional 2.6bhp and higher spec componentry should more than make up for that. Other noteworthy dimensions include a 809mm seat height and a 14.5-litre fuel tank.
The electronics suite on the bike have been updated and tuned to better match the updated engine. So the three ride modes: rain, road and sport have been updated to provide smoother delivery and also feature updated ABS and traction control settings. The new Speed Twin also gets LED DRLs, and LED indicators front and back.
Like with every other Triumph, the company is offering a plethora of bespoke accessories to spec your Speed Twin to make it better suit your needs. The accessory list includes multi-function indicators, quilted seats, heated grips, engine and chassis protectors and a lot more.
The 2021 Speed Twin is expected to launch in international markets sometime in August and we expect Triumph to bring the bike to India soon after that. In terms of rivals, the Speed Twin could be compared to the likes of the BMW R nineT or the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro but the Beemer will be significantly more expensive. The previous Speed Twin was priced at Rs 9.46 lakh and we can expect the new one to cost roughly a lakh more when it launches in India. It will be really interesting to see what the new components have amounted to in terms of riding experience, so stay tuned for that.
