2022 Triumph Speed Twin Review | Motorcyclist

Triumph Motorcycles specializes in manufacturing new motorcycles that ride pleasingly like old ones. The company has mastered the art of preserving the sound, feel, and overall character that make old-school streetbikes so neat, without the need for riders to add engine oil every few weeks. Its 2022 Speed Twin ($12,500) is the latest modern classic to roll off its Hinckley assembly line, and it rides as well as it looks.
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Obviously, we’re big fans of the Speed Twin’s looks. From its oversized and cooling-fin-shod 1,200cc parallel twin to its old-school shaped 3.8-gallon metal fuel tank and dual swept exhaust, it’s a classic standard that’s sure to turn heads. Aside from a couple of cheap fasteners, for example the clutch tension barrel adjuster, the bike’s fit and finish is top-notch. We deeply appreciate Triumph’s attention to detail.
Flip the ignition key and thumb the starter button and the Speed Twin settles into a lumpy idle. With its offset engine firing order, the twin’s healthy growl builds excitement but isn’t enough to annoy the neighbors. Throttle response is measured, and we love the bike’s rowdy bark at full song. The last time we dyno tested it (MY2020), the engine was good for nearly 80 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm and 91.4 hp at 6,700 rpm; not bad for a retro-themed standard. Power gets to the 160-series Metzeler Racetec rear tire through a responsive, well-weighted cable-actuated clutch and right-hand-side chain final drive.
Lifting the 476-pound Trumpet off its kickstand requires some muscle, but from behind the bars its heft is easier to manage. We appreciate its slim seating position, well-proportioned ergonomics, and low seat height.
Dipping through turns, the Speed Twin impresses with lively handling. Suspension action is nice and plush over rough pavement, but for a bike with this combination of price and handling capability, the suspension should have damping adjustment. Its absence limits how hard the bike can go along low-to-medium-speed backroads.
A stout pair of Brembo Monoblocks shed speed quickly, and deliver a nice sharp bite for a streetbike, aided and abetted by the notably precise feel of the rear brake. Fixed, always-on ABS mitigates instability during braking. Our only gripe is that the front brake outmatches the capability of the suspension when ridden in a sporting manner.
A pair of round-face gauges evoke the past, but included rectangular LCD components inside them display gear position, fuel level, and range metrics. It’s a tasteful setup, but an all-digital dash akin to the Trident 660′s might be better. Round LED turn signals are functional and a nice styling touch, as is the LED taillight. Curiously, however, the Speed Twin still employs a halogen headlamp, which is nowhere near as bright as a modern LED unit.
Attractive styling, a functional and charismatic parallel-twin engine, agile handling; the 2022 Speed Twin has a lot going for it. However, for the price it should have fully adjustable suspension and LED lighting. Add these features to an already handsome and enjoyable motorcycle and Triumph would have a truly stunning modern classic on its hands.
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Photography/video/edit: Joseph Agustin
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[@pookiewookie7679]

Great review Adam 👍👍 Beautiful bike. I can't decide between this and an r nine t

[@crooby5077]

I had to make this choice aswell, I went with the Speed Twin in the Gorgeous Jet Black. It’s arriving in 4 days!!

[@pookiewookie7679]

@@crooby5077 very nice and congratulations. Definitely my favorite of all the Triumph bikes. Start a KZbin channel 😎 Just curious what was it that made you choose it over the r9t?

[@crooby5077]

@@pookiewookie7679 The triumph looks better to my eyes and also there’s a massive price difference between these two, the bmw is 8000$ more.

[@xorbe2]

Get the Speed Twin if you like classic twins, get the r9t or z900rs if you prefer a revvy nature. I got the Speed Twin in Storm Gray.

[@AdamWaheed]

Thanks man. I would go with this vehicle over the R Nine T.

[@robkober9139]

Playback speed 1.25x…you’ll thank me.

[@wongpantai9710]

Nope, the triumph turns into moto gp kind of speed 😆

[@sethch]

LoL... it does work! 🤣🤣🤣

[@HW-kf7hi]

Wow, it is better! Thank you. Why does he speak so slowly on normal ?

[@YeahMate07]

Wow 😂

[@KickTwo]

Lol

[@Cruiser203]

This man talks like his father was a typewriter

[@Dansk55]

I sat on this, a R9T, and zx900rs. This was by far the most comfortable for my height and inseam at 5'7. Shorter handle bar, felt so much lighter riding it and the torque down low was marvelous. The z900rs would be a close second just because of Kawasaki reliability but coming from a zx10r, revy 4 engines aren't my thing any more.

[@demgoodchai5278]

Make. Every. Word. Sound. Like. The. Last. You'll. Ever. Say.

[@viperq]

Like to see a MC commute version of this. IMO this is the best looking new motorcycle.

[@Porsche996driver]

That sums it up Adam! For me this bike is about the in-town presence. People are going to stare at you like your Steve McQueen - keep those Aviators handy. And that flat pillion lets you make new friends! 👌🏼

[@williamwintemberg]

Certainly a blast from the past! I love "Standard Motorcycles" because I have owned and ridden so many. I love the dual clocks. Everything looks good but the rear fender. If Triumph did it they shouldn't have stopped at the rear fender, You are correct on the suspension. IMO Great Review Adam!

[@jaredmotopnw]

First thing I did was get a tail tidy.

[@maximus9401]

quick correction: this has the Brembo M50 brakes, not the newer Stylema

[@vdubs17]

This! Guy! Is! The! Will! Iam! Shat! Ner! Of motorcycle reviews!

[@timh8490]

i cant even listen to him lol drives me crazy

[@SanderJanssens]

@@timh8490 bye

[@nickn7939]

@@timh8490 yeah i just come for the comments roasting him, but skip to zack's videos

[@mathieuconstantin3356]

Love the bike but no adjustable suspension for that price it’s a little let down for me for almost the same price you can get the Z900rs with basic suspension adjustments. Great video It’ll be good if you can do a MC commute with it

[@jroberthadden]

You, obviously, have earned your spot as a Motorcyclist Journalist, but there is one area that you could certainly improve. When you are speaking, please stop chopping up your cadence. It is very annoying. Speak fluidly and with a sense that you know where you are going with your thoughts. Speaking in very choppy and uncertain cadence does not make you sound like the professional that you are. Otherwise, you did fine.

[@lasserasmussen5522]

For 12.5k it should also have heated grips and cruise control as standard

[@alexpryce555]

Love my speed twin, Just a great all round standard bike. Throw some money at the suspension and it's almost perfect. Can cruise comfortably and can move like scalded cat if you want. Gets great mileage, sounds awesome and it's easy to work on yourself. It's in such a low state of tune the engine will go on forever. But most importantly it looks like a motorcycle should!

[@saschamaj]

Isn't the term "speedy" reserved for the Speed Triple? Maybe you should call her "twinny". 😋

[@nickn7939]

@@saschamaj speedy sounds so dorky, hey ladies I ride a speedy, it's super duper neato-riffic

[@UncleWally3]

Believe me, the ‘22 Speed Twin is what bikes of the ‘60s and ‘70’s wanted to be when they grew up.

[@lilsharky2163]

Dude I love your videos Adam. I can’t wait to watch you MC Commute the new 2023 Indian FTR Sport, and the new Triumph Street Triple range. Especially the Moto2 edition. Cheers and thanks for these

[@khakimzhanmiras]

Adam is back with that Malcolm in the Middle impression 😂

[@phillipbatho3213]

I like Adam and his reviews. But there's definitely a distinctive cadence to his way of talking!

[@maximusmax4557]

It's heavy?! Man, pushing my wife's 2019 Speed Twin around the garage after pushing my 1290 R is a treat!

[@musamusa2961]

Yes, Thank God I will buy one for myself

[@Mindamasta]

Best sounding engine, love my 19 ST, torque for days.

[@jonnybegood4848]

Great economy by Adam in getting the essentials across and I believe very helpful info for a prospective buyer. I've been surprised and sometimes reactive to seeing Adam's changing hairstyles but never really thought that his vocal cadence was anything but just Adam being Adam. I'm glad we all don't look and sound alike and I've seen Adam grow as a presenter for which I admire him for his intellect as well as his apparent riding skills. I really enjoy other presenters of motorcycling Vlogs as well. Adam is right there in the game as a substantial player. I am considering Triumph, especially the Speed Triple RR but the Speed Twin was in my sights as well, even though a different ballgame. This budged me away from the twin w/o loss of admiration for what it is and does.

[@jasonp1177]

I think Triumph skimped on all the bikes that don't have adjustable suspension (Bobber, Speedmaster, street/speed twins etc) for the price they should have way better setups.

[@donaldcox6090]

I like the shots of the East Grade / Palomar Mtn!

[@elmoomle4565]

Stunningly gorgeous street bike with outstanding 'real world' street riding performance. Sure, it's expensive but...you're worth it !! lol.

[@duanedragon2]

What every motorcycle rag fails to mention is this bike replaced the Thruxton base model. It used the same chassis and engine and it is very clever in that it doesn't steal sales away from the Thruxton R as it is going after riders who want a practical Thruxton, not a cheap R. I bought my 2019 new and love it. It has wire wheels, a cat delete, GP shorty mufflers and a tune. What a great bike. Sounds good, looks gorgeous and is a hoot to ride.

[@SkyDomeVIZE]

Very good looking bike, but you are right nowadays $12k for a bike and no adjustable suspension, NO BUENO. With $10k one can get much much more. They need more than just the "Triumph" name.

[@surferdude642]

Name some, I'd like to know.

[@nickn7939]

@@surferdude642 you probably won't get an answer, since we all did our own research using google and no one wants to hold your hand

[@surferdude642]

@@nickn7939 You're wrong, my wife wants to hold my hand.

[@sampheltenzin8727]

U prolly got a shitty ass harley like i do...lol

[@muradbyunus]

Great job Adam. You’ve really come into your own with doing these reviews. Keep up the excellent work!

[@TheSweetasanut]

The main man reviewing my bike awesome

[@Stevel_]

Article says "from the Hinckley factory". All their "British" bikes are now made in Thailand which was done to "keep costs down" yet the bikes are more and more expensive each year. Triumph is working hard to become the next HD, and I don't mean that as a compliment.

[@tg8150]

Made in Thailand. Priced like it was built in England. 🕺🏼

[@Bbbuddy]

Good competitor for the R9-T.

[@Lemmingadventures]

I.... really.... Like.... This..... Bike.

[@GingerPiston]

Honestly, as much as I want to watch the full review, I really can't sit through more than 5 seconds with 2nd rate Shatner here, inserting punctuation between each word.

[@pookiewookie7679]

Be nice. He's doing a good job. He probably has a good reason for doing it.

[@anonjohnnyG]

dont blame him because your step father molested you.

[@GingerPiston]

@@anonjohnnyG And the award for the most nonsensical reply goes to...

[@SanderJanssens]

K, bye

[@antoniocarlosacsjr7128]

Great bro. Love your videos. If not yet (and if yes, I really don't know), you should have a web site with all your work (at least all your videos in different channels) listed in, for easier access. Just one point: I guess this engine isn't liquid cooled, but mixed air-oil cooled, with an oil radiator. Best.

[@surferdude642]

it's liquid cooled, that is a radiator.

[@susanbarker2570]

Olins, every one here in the uk up grades , depends if you just want , American bikes or Soul? The sound and vibe , handling, but mostly the feel , . You get it ,,,, or you don’t .

[@maximusmax4557]

Most street riders who complain about a lack of suspension adjustability, don't know how to tune/adjust their suspension anyway!

[@Parker53151]

Thank. You. Ver. Rey. Muuch.

[@nickn7939]

woah slow down there, you went wayyyy too fast for my brain.

[@rolan2dr]

Adam Waheed?

[@AdamWaheed]

What's up?

[@Porsche996driver]

@@AdamWaheed Wasssuuuuuppppp!! Look forward to the review! We’ve got nothing but days of sunshine in the SoCal forecast brother!

[@verkpunk]

I'm going to a dealer tomorrow that carries Triumph, BMW, and Indian with a loan in hand. I have no idea which way to go. I like the Triumph ST, BMW R9T, and Indian FTR. My wife likes the bonnes. Anyone have some negatives on any of these.

[@awaisyousaf]

why does it say 1200hp instead of cc?

[@thecappy]

HP here stands for High Performance version of the 1200cc triumph engine. The other version of the engine is HT or High Torque.

[@awaisyousaf]

@@thecappy right right. Thanks for clarification sir. Really appreciate it

[@xorbe2]

@@thecappy High Power, technically ... (vs High Torque)

[@viperq]

That would be hilarious if there really was a 1200hp bike.

[@xorbe2]

97.6x80.0 is 1197 cc. C'mon 465 lbs ± half tank of gas is not that heavy. Just got my 22 Speed Twin a couple days ago!!

[@knovelty79]

I just passed the 1 year mark of riding on my 2020 iron 1200. The seed twin is pretty much what I'm about to spend a bunch of money to turn my harley into. Does anyone have any thoughts on spending a bunch of money to make the changes, or just trading to a speed twin? Thanks in advance.

[@saschamaj]

You can throw a lot of money at your Harley, it will still be over 100 lbs heavier, have less torque and much less horsepower, have worse suspension, ridiculously worse brakes (brake technology from the 80s vs high-end sports bike brakes from today), be air cooled vs liquid, have thinner tires, smaller fuel tank, worse fuel consumption, etc. There's really no contest between the two when comparing the spec sheets, unless you really have to have a Harley for the prestige, sound and ancient engine design, or prefer the foot forward position. The Speed Twin is a bit small if you're over 6 feet. The Harley is much more expensive with worse specs, so it doesn't really make sense to throw more money at it.

[@knovelty79]

@@saschamaj I appreciate you taking the time for the input. Objectively looking at it, I came to the same conclusion. Being new to riding, I was curious if there was something my gap in knowledgeabilty didnt see. I'm the only person I know that rides, so prestige doesn't do much for me. If anything, prestige hampers growth in all the fields I am familiar with. Looks like it's time to book a test ride next weekend.

[@thomasmarsh3752]

Have had both the Harley and Triumph. Trade it, for sure. No way you get close to the ST through mods on an Iron.

[@jaredmotopnw]

I love my 2020 Speed Twin! I would absolutely agree on the suspension. I wish it was adjustable and had some Ohlins.

[@troyross6959]

I assume there is aftermarket premium suspension options for this model triumph?

[@flesz_]

@@troyross6959 I would like to know too

[@Timmicillo]

Hey Adam, what size do you wear in the Rev’it crossroad jacket from the video?

[@quacker998]

Can’t get past the weird drug induced cadence and the Simoncelli hair do

[@jjnewman65]

I own a 2019 model. Fabulous bike. Part ex’d it with a RnineT scrambler. Best part ex I’ve ever made

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I would rather have the BMW.

[@jjnewman65]

@@user-sw2lv3zp6o fair enough. I wouldn’t go for the scrambler model if I was you.

[@tres311]

Interesting, r9t would have been on my list for next bikes. Maybe I’ll consider this

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@jjnewman65 Why not? Actually I like the Urban G/S.

[@jjnewman65]

@@user-sw2lv3zp6o mainly the stock knobbly tyres. They look good but are twitchy in corners. I wasn’t a fan of the boxer engine either. Quite industrial. Not as smooth as the 1200HP twin Triumph parallel twin engine.

[@joeblow5037]

Good lookin scoot '72 Triumph T100R Daytona rider

[@dry509]

What would you get instead?

[@CCitis]

Dang, that hair though

[@joeblow5037]

I'm kinda jealous

[@tigerbalm666]

I weight 160lbs...is it worth upgrading the rear shocks?

[@bradwoodward4221]

You the man, Adam! Get your own channel 👍👍

[@santanury]

2:14 adjustable suspension? this motorcycle doesn't even have removal passenger pegs. The Speed Triples don't come with hydraulic clutches and the Moto2 Daytona is just an extra 110cc standard 675 with different paint job. Now the question here is am I nitpicking? answer is if you consider the price tag they are sticking, definitely not.

[@saschamaj]

No, you're not. Plus, they're manufactured in Thailand.

[@nickn7939]

​@@saschamaj they make good ice tea and sticky rice

[@Enjoytheinbetween]

Love it but feel like I might look to big on it? 6”1 240

[@rolan2dr]

Halogen lights really?

[@HenryJaerger]

This is my dream to have one of these and I never will👎

[@bishalbhattarailifejourany]

is this speed twin is good for beginners or Ducati nightshift?

[@motocomconteudo497]

front forks are too stiff from manufacturer.... check as there is plenty of travel left after hard breaking... 2:57 I ve put a zip tie in my bike, did not reach bottom even when passing over potholes and speed bumps.. a bit less compression or stiffness on the spring should improve cornering

[@toradog5719]

Adjustable rear shocks would be nice.

[@donkeytronkilla]

Adam please, please review the 2022 Honda CB500X this year! 🙏

[@paulsumpter9573]

Good narrative and review but please try to not pause between each word when talking..kind of irritating.

[@tedcity5861]

100% agree the suspension should be adjustable for the price tag. It should have been from the 2019 start.

[@raoulkoopman9408]

love the bike, the info is on point, but please give the script a read through before you start recording.

[@flesz_]

Could you put led light in it

[@carlogigante5239]

13.600€ seems a bit steep... What is happening to the bike industry? Edit: Plus basic suspension, welded on frame passenger pegs, simple steel frame. Sorry but this is a cash grab.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Its more niche than ever

[@tamar5261]

Get yourself an interceptor, no need to pay this much.

[@carlogigante5239]

@@tamar5261 I don't like the interceptor, too heavy, not enough power (twice the weight with the same power of my bike). Plus I don't trust the Indian manufacturing.

[@travelinben1966]

I’m on the fence between this and the T120.

[@thejonathanrath]

From what I’ve gathered the ST is a lot more fun to ride…and also more rare. My choice for sure.

[@rj9617]

Waheed always gets a thumbs up!

[@williamfischer3990]

This truly is the only motorcycle you need. Thank you Triumph, this is a masterpiece.

[@DelaCroix94]

Hey Adam! I hope you’re doing well. I look forward to all of your reviews. You are the best at this stuff! Have you ever been to Virginia International Raceway? Thanks!

[@grexrr1434]

That's my dream fucking bike!

[@robbysipahutar944]

you could just replace the H4 lamp inside with an LED H4...

[@gtx332]

I…..really…..enjoyed……….. this……review….

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Top tier brakes combined with basic suspension . More triumph mismatch nonsense.

[@Adventure_blac]

@HahrtDood I could see that. But it should be included. And what’s up with the racy tires on a street bike but no quick shifter. Strange. It should have sport touring rubber

[@surferdude642]

True enough, but being short this bike fits me very well. I'm also fairly light so I think the suspension would be ok. The rear shocks look cheap and since they are so prominent as opposed to the common mono shock design, they would have to go. A nice pair of YSS's or Ohlins would do wonders for the suspension and looks.

[@daveplem]

I just pretends he has Tourette’s, and he is trying to avoid throwing out the C-word each time he paused. I can COMPLETELY relate.

[@marceloecalves]

As always love your videos! The hair is a bit out of control though…

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review, nice looking motorcycle!

[@anthonybluhm4724]

Thank... You... For... The... ... Review

[@jasonlawrence8302]

have another joint bud!!

[@SuperTap007]

Awesome 😎

[@CatylisticRevo62]

Why. Does, this. Guy. Talk like. This?

[@polinese7938]

I like it more the first model

[@tusharpun3833]

My fav bike

[@unkindguy88]

$11,099 MT09 SP just saying

[@saschamaj]

Yes, if it weren't so ugly.

[@unkindguy88]

@@saschamaj you got ugly the other way around, MT09 is not for you

[@tg8150]

Or $9399 for non SP model which is what 99% of riders really need. Plus, it will run this overpriced Thailand built bike into the weeds.

[@surferdude642]

It's too tall for short riders and the headlight is hideous.

[@hezrimustapha6906]

Too pricey Triumph! Same goes for most of your other bikes...

[@Adventure_blac]

I agree. They are a premium brand now though so they do strange things like non adjustable suspension, brembos, with super sticky rubber( that’s wear out fast) but don’t include a quick shifter or cruise control

[@FxRiderST]

Would you take this over the kawi 900rs? If so, why?

[@Adventure_blac]

I would take the the 900rs. I feel like with combined hp and torque, inline 4 power plant it’s more versatile. Still good in the city but has more top end than the triumph. Also adjustable suspension which I don’t person care too much but at this price point the speed twin should have it. Also Kawasaki reliability. The yellow ball has upgraded suspension and brembos although it’s 1k more. Base model is les than the speed.

[@xorbe2]

If you already have a mean machine, and you just want a 1200 twin and the looks, for bopping around.

[@saschamaj]

Z900RS has a torquey 4-cylinder engine, but it's still a 4 cylinder engine that sounds different and has a higher revving engine characteristic, you gotta like it. If you come from sports bikes or are a fast rider, you'll love it, if you're more into cruising, you'll like the Speed Twin better. I would take the Speed Twin over the Kawi for the engine sound (even though the Kawi also sounds fantastic, just different), and if I really needed the old school looking engine and double shock suspension for style and looks. The Kawi is a truly modern performance bike that looks like a classic. The Speed Twin is a classic roadster bike with a few modern parts thrown at it. And also much smaller than the Kawi.

[@FxRiderST]

I came from the sportbikes so I'd take the 900rs. Smaller front sprocket or a bigger rear and 4 cyl behave as torquey as 2 yet has lots of power and top end

[@Jagknorr]

The bike says it has 1200hp on the side…That thing must be able to launch to the moon!!! 🌝💥🏍 (i kid, but why “hp”?)

[@sohankonar9744]

"high powered" there's a ht version in the speedmaster and bobber "high torque"

[@jay999tv]

Can a beginner ride this bike?

[@farleymusclewhite411]

no

[@khun401]

My favorite ❤❤

[@mowtown75]

Speaking style; He is likely buffering his thoughts, for the next topic, (buying time), as it happens toward the end of each topic. You will notice he is however fast and fluent when midway. This can be overcome with a whiteboard behind the camera with key topics. Its a big lesson on keeping your audience engaged, ie don't provide distractions or behaviours that distract. Good review though, and very likeable bloke.

[@TrustyZ900]

I'll definetly keep my Z900 RS...

[@Alexander661]

Fucking Christ. His delivery is killing me…

[@gordmaher8160]

She’s gorgeous. But I’m 6’4”. Not sure if I’d fit.

[@farleymusclewhite411]

Go sit on one at the dealer. At 6-1 it is a bit of a scrunch for me.

[@toradog5719]

I have one and it's a great bike BUT I have 4 dislikes: (1) Turn sigs are not self-cancelling (2) You have to remove the sprocket cover, 5 bolts, to add coolant (3) Kickstand rests between the peg and the shifter. Hard to find (4) That front brake fluid reservoir looks like an afterthought. Stands out like a sore thumb. C'mon Triumph, you can do better than that.

[@yayayison9461]

#1 I hate on speed twin the black exhaust pipe why not all chrome just like thruxton

[@andyhutch8262]

You are getting it a lot of motorcycle for very little $'s It would be cheaper to buy one over the pond, ship it back to the UK and you would still be on the winning side.

[@OGCaptCrunch]

Waheed speed is 1.75x Slow. Talking. To… day.

[@shreyasrd2034]

My gut was high doing the voice

[@fallinginthed33p]

12k and a halogen headlight? Come on, LED assemblies are cheap nowadays.

[@darrylredmill4376]

Why......do......you.....speak.....with...big....gaps...between....your....words?

[@precisionbay6899]

Hes picking his words carefully, unlike yourself

[@richdubbya]

Great review but why is Adam talking kinda funny like he's fighting hiccups?

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

besides talking like a 60s robot, great video!