Meet the 2021 Triumph Speed Twin

If you feel the need for speed, read on to get an impression of the newly updated 2021 Triumph Speed Twin.

The consensus among motorcycle journalists who've had the opportunity to throw a leg over the saddle and put in some miles is that this machine is a better overall bike than the 2018 model.

Biker Kaz praised the new version.

"I found the Speed Twin easy to ride and incredibly comfortable – we were riding the bikes all day arriving back at the hotel late afternoon but it didn't feel like we had been out that long at all, it's not a tiresome bike to ride, it's responsive to your needs and delivers its power effortlessly and with ease."

The bike has received tweaks from end-to-end and top-to-bottom, including new Euro 5 emissions compliance. The 1200cc mill has a bit more horsepower and torque brought (98.6 bhp and 82.6 lbft at 4250 rpm) under control by 320mm discs out front and 220mm in back. That engine provides a lot to like, according to Visor Down.

"The best compliment I can pay is to say it's the sort of engine where you don't need a rev counter – partly because you've got a good spread of useable grunt over a wide range, but more because it's just so easy to instinctively feel what it's going to do when you open the throttle. Warning: you'll also find yourself just winding the throttle on and off just to experience that surge of grunt again and again – fun, but intensely annoying for anyone you're riding with…"

The Speed Twin has new 12-spoke wheels with 43mm Marzocchi inverted forks and twin shocks handling revised Rain, Road, and Sport riding modes along with traction control.

This all adds up to a sweet and comfortable ride, says Roadracing World and Motorcycle Technology.

"A beautifully balanced motorcycle, the Speed Twin brings an intuitive and confidence-inspiring ride. The ergonomics are perfectly proportioned with an accessible 31.5 inch seat height, a slim stand over width, tapered handlebars, and a comfortable roadster foot-peg position, which are 1.5 inches further forward and slightly lower than the Thruxton, providing the rider with a more relaxed riding position."

Other modern touches include a USB charging port, LED lighting with Daytime Running Light, pre-wiring for heated grips, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The latter two are available as accessories. Speaking of accessories, Triumph is giving riders a choice of more than 50 different items for updating their new Speed Twin.

The Red Hopper paint scheme looks the sharpest for my money, and I love the bar-end mirrors. What do you think? Is this the bike for you?