Triumph Speed Twin (2019-2020) Maintenance Schedule
This is the maintenance schedule with associated service intervals for the Triumph Speed Twin motorcycle, launched in 2019.
The Triumph Speed Twin is a high-performance version of the classic Bonneville-inspired Street Twin. These motorcycles are modern classics — great to look at, wonderful to ride, and with usable power. The Speed Twin is a big upgrade over the 900cc Street Twin though — with 300cc more displacement and a big bump of power to 96hp, a 40% increase.
Of course, the Speed Twin isn’t about high-end power — it’s also about low-end torque. In this way, it sits somewhere between the Bonneville T120, a ye-olde styled bike, and the Thruxton RS, the sport bike of the Big Twins.
The maintenance schedule for the Triumph Speed Twin is very similar to those for other motorcycles with similar engines in the Triumph Modern Classics, especially those with the 1200cc engine, like the T120.
The 2021 Triumph Speed Twin was updated with higher-spec brakes, suspension, and power output from the engine.
This was originally published on 31 May, 2020, but has been significantly updated.
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Triumph Speed Twin Service Intervals
Overall, the Triumph Speed Twin has 10000 mile / 16000 km minor service intervals between oil changes. It also has an annual service — i.e. you do an oil change every year, even if you didn’t do the full distance.
At every minor service, also change the oil filter, check or replace the spark plugs, and do a series of other checks.
The major valve service interval for the Speed Twin is every 20000 miles or 32000 km.
Since the Speed Twin has a liquid-cooled engine, make sure you keep the coolant up to date. And replace the brake fluid per the schedule.
Tools you may need to maintain your motorcycle
To maintain your motorcycle, you need to make sure you have the best oil and other consumables, motorcycle-specific tools, and other tools for your workshop.
Below we’ve listed:
- The most essential motorcycle tools for everyday maintenance
- General workshop tools (sockets, pliers, wrenches etc.) for motorcycles and other use
What you need to service a Triumph Speed Twin
Even though the majority of people who own such a new motorcycle as the Speed Twin will get it serviced at a dealer, a number of people out there will be doing their own service. This guide is for you!
Here’s a list of the things you need to service your Triumph Speed Twin. It’s the same parts list as for the Thruxton 1200 and Triumph Scrambler 1200 (2019).
| Triumph | Part spec (Speed Twin 2019-2020) |
|---|---|
| Oil | Triumph recommends 10W/40 or 10W/50 semi or fully synthetic motorcycle engine oil that meets specification API SH (or higher) and JASO MA, such as Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 10W-40, or Mobil 1 10W-40. |
| Oil filter | Replace the oil filter every time you change the oil. Use Triumph part number T1218001. You can also use Hiflofiltro’s HF204RC (better than K&N these days). |
| Brake fluid | Triumph motorcycles need DOT 4 brake fluid (they have a clutch cable, so you don’t need fluid for the clutch). |
| Coolant | Triumph uses Hybrid Organic Acid Technology coolant with a 50% ethylene glycol mix. Zerex G05 is a HOAT coolant that meets this spec. |
| Front brake pads | A popular upgrade is EBC brake pads for better bite, less fade, and longer life. The part code is FA604/4HH. See this image from the EBC brakes catalogue if you’re not sure. 
|
| Rear brake pads | Use FA214/2HH (same for many Triumph motorcycles) |
| Spark plugs | NGK code LMAR8A-9. Note they’re sold individually. Make sure they’re gapped to 0.9mm with an appropriate spark plug gap tool. |
| Air filter | The part number for the air filter is T2201122. You can also use K&N part TB-1216. |
| Cable maintenance | Protect All Cable Life is a good-quality cable maintenance product. You can also use engine oil (but it’s a bit messy) |
| Chain maintenance | A good kit to have on hand is the Motul chain care kit — including lubricant, cleaners, a brush, and so on. |
Maintenance Schedule for Triumph Speed Twin
The following is the list of maintenance operations and to be done on this motorcycle with a distance or time interval — whichever comes earlier.
We’ve broken the schedule into three parts:
- Pre-ride checks
- Standard annual service, and
- Scheduled / Periodic service, which includes major things like oil changes and valve service.
Daily / Pre-ride checks
Here’s the list of daily / pre-ride checks to do on your Triumph Speed Twin. Do these as part of your regular annual service, too.
| Pre-ride checks — Triumph Speed Twin |
|---|
| Engine – check for leaks |
| Cooling system – check for leaks |
| Coolant level – check/adjust |
| Clutch cable – check function and adjust as necessary |
| Tire wear/tire damage – check |
| Tire pressures – check/adjust |
| Wheels – inspect for damage |
| Wheels – check wheels for broken or damaged spokes and check spoke tightness |
| Steering – check for free operation |
| Front and rear suspension – check for damage/ leaks /smooth operation |
| Brake pads – check wear levels |
| Brake fluid levels – check / top up (Castrol DOT 4) |
| Fasteners – inspect visually for security |
| Bank angle indicators – check for wear |
| All lights, instruments and electrical systems – check/adjust |
| Side stand/center stand (if fitted) – lubricate/check operation |
Standard Annual Service Checklist
This is the standard annual checklist for your Triumph Speed Twin. Do these as per the full service schedule.
| Triumph Speed Twin standard annual service checklist |
|---|
| [T] Autoscan – Carry out a full Autoscan using the Triumph Diagnostic Tool |
| [T] Instruments, chassis ECM (if equipped) and engine ECM – check for latest calibration |
| Fuel system – check for chafing, leaks, kinks in routing |
| Cooling system – check for leaks, chafing, kinks in routing |
| Wheel bearings – check for wear/smooth operation |
| Steering head bearings – check/adjust |
| Brake master cylinders – check for fluid leaks |
| Brake calipers – check for fluid leaks and seized pistons |
| Drive chain slack – check / adjust (see guidance below) |
| Drive chain rubbing strips – check |
| Side stand pivot pin – clean/grease |
| [T] Carry out all outstanding Service Bulletin and warranty work |
| Carry out road test |
| [T] Complete the service record book and reset the service indicator |
Scheduled service
Below is the full service schedule for the Triumph Speed Twin of major
Notes
- We’ve removed the break-in schedule as the time would already have passed (the next model is already available)
- Keep repeating this maintenance schedule beyond the end of the indicated time/distance.
| Mi x 1000 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Km x 1000 | 16 | 32 | 48 | 64 | Every |
| Conduct all pre-ride checks (See list above) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Conduct all annual service inspection checklist items (See list above) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Engine oil – replace (Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 10W-40) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Engine oil filter – replace (HF204RC) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Throttle body plate (butterfly) – check/clean | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Throttle bodies – balance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Air cleaner – replace (TB-1216) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Spark plugs – check | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Spark plugs – replace (LMAR8A-9) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Fuel filter – replace | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Valve clearances – check | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Camshaft timing – check / adjust | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Steering head bearings – lubricate | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Fork oil – replace | ✓ | ||||
| Brake fluid – replace (Castrol DOT 4) | 2 years | ||||
| Coolant – replace (Triumph HD4X or an alternative) | 3 years | ||||
| Fuel hoses – replace | 4 years | ||||
| Evaporative loss hoses (if fitted) – replace | 4 years |
Triumph Speed Twin — Chain Maintenance
Triumph recommends you lubricate your chain and check the wear periodically according to the following schedule.
| Item | Every |
|---|---|
| Drive chain – lubricate (Motul chain paste) | 200 miles (300 km), or after riding in rain / washing motorcycle |
| Drive chain – check wear of chain and sprockets | 500 miles (800 km) |
You also need to regularly check the slack of the chain per the schedule. See below for notes on the process.
How to check chain slack on a Triumph Speed Twin
Every brand of motorcycle measures chain slack differently. For Triumph, slack is the free vertical movement of the center part of the bottom chain segment.
- You need a ruler (or tape measure) and nitrile gloves or a rag (to avoid getting grease on your hands)
- Put the motorcycle in neutral, on a level service, and elevate the rear wheel with a stand or center stand if you have one fitted.
- Rotate the wheel and find the tightest part of the chain, in the middle.
- Use a finger to lightly push the chain up and down. Measure the deflection, which is the chain slack.
Target chain slack (Speed Twin): 20-30 mm (0.8 – 1.2 in)
How to adjust chain slack on a Speed Twin
The procedure is similar to on many motorcycles, but of course specifics vary between brands.
You need wrenches and torque wrenches to re-tighten the rear wheel. You need a large torque wrench for the rear axle.
- Keep the motorcycle’s rear wheel elevated.
- Loosen the rear axle nut.
- Loosen the lock nuts on the left and hand side.
- Turn the adjuster bolts, usually counter-clockwise, extending the bolt “outward” to lengthen the chain and make it tighter. (Sometimes you’ll want to make it looser — in those cases, turn it clockwise / inward)
- Make sure to adjust the bolts the same amount on each side — check the markings.
- Tighten both adjuster nuts to 15 lb-ft / 20 Nm, and the rear axle nut to 81 lb-ft / 110 Nm (“very tight”).
Wheels and tires for the Triumph Speed Twin
The Triumph Speed Twin is a sport bike and runs on cast wheels, unlike the wire-spoke wheels of the Thruxton. It ships with radial tubeless tires.
Here are the tire sizes and recommended tire pressures.
| Wheel | Tire size | Tire pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70 R17 | 36 psi / 250 kPa / 2.5 bar |
| Rear | 160/60 R17 | 42 psi / 290 kPa / 2.9 bar |
About the Triumph Speed Twin (2019-2020)
The 1200cc Triumph Speed Twin is a modern classic custom roadster that handles well, has oodles of mid-range power and torque, and has a beautiful modern classic style.
It’s based on the same 1200cc motor as in the Thruxton and Thruxton R — a 1200cc 8-valve SOHC liquid-cooled parallel twin that operates through a 270-degree crank.
Like many recent Triumph parallel twins, it has a lot of character — “V-twin” like, is what people like to say. But what’s more important is that it has its own personality — a purr, and a bark. The standard exhausts sound great, but a custom set (Vance and Hines is a popular choice, because you can get them dealer fitted) sounds even better.
There’s plenty of power from down low in the rev range with a progressive build to peak power output of 72 kW (96 hp) at 6,750 rpm and peak torque of 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) at only 4,950 rpm.
The front suspension is basic — 41mm cartridge forks with no adjustability. The rear suspension comprises twin shocks with adjustable preload only.
Braking at the front is via 305mm twin discs and Brembo 4-piston calipers. The Speed Twin (2019-2020) has ABS and switchable traction control for its electronics, and comes with twin gauges so you can see what RPM you’re at.
The Speed twin feels nimble and light on its feet and the chassis remained rock solid up to its top speed of around 130 mph. Despite being a big-engined bike it’s not too heavy with wet weight of 220 kg (around 480 lb) — around 25 kg (60 lb) lighter than the T120, which is tuned for more low-down power.
The Triumph Speed Twin comes in three color options: Silver Ice / Storm Grey, Korosi Red / Storm Grey, and Jet Black. Personally, I prefer the Korosi Red, but they all look fantastic!
Reference — Manual for the Triumph Speed Twin
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Triumph Speed Twin (2020), which is available on the Triumph website.
