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.

Related: 2020 Triumph Speed Twin Review

Few motorcycle manufacturers pair old-school character and modern riding dynamic like Triumph Motorcycles and its Speed Twin. (Joseph Agustin/)

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.

The 2022 Speed Twin is a looker. We love its stance, proportions, and superb fit and finish. (Joseph Agustin/)

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..

The Speed Twin’s 1,200 parallel twin not only looks clean, but it puts out a pleasing spread of torque with a fun-loving sound and character. (Joseph Agustin/)

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.

Plush suspension action and well-proportioned ergonomics make the Speed Twin a comfy bike for urban rides. (Joseph Agustin/)

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.

We like the Speed Twin’s ergonomics, which are a nice balance between sport and comfort. (Joseph Agustin/)

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.

Instrumentation is tasteful-looking and functional as well with its LCD meters inside each gauge pod. (Joseph Agustin/)

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.

The Speed Twin handles more agilely than you’d expect based on its nearly 500-pound fueled curb weight. (Joseph Agustin/)

Gear Box

Helmet: Arai Signet-X

Jacket: Rev’It Crossroads

Pant: Rev’It Jackson SK

Gloves: Racer Tour FHH

Boots: TCX Jupiter 4 Gore-Tex

Although we appreciate its shape, the halogen headlamp is a miss for this $12,500 Speed Twin. (Joseph Agustin/)

2022 Triumph Speed Twin Technical Specifications and Price

Conversely, the brake lights and turn signals are of LED design. (Joseph Agustin/)

The Speed Twin is well suited for urban and sport riders in low-to-medium-speed turns. (Joseph Agustin/)

A stout pair of Brembos keep speed in check. We appreciate their sharp feel but the brakes overpower the capability of the front suspension. (Joseph Agustin/)

The Speed Twin’s saddle is comfortable, plus there’s room for two. (Joseph Agustin/)

With a couple of fixes (suspension adjustment and an LED headlamp), Triumph would have a modern classic home run with its Speed Twin. (Joseph Agustin/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com