I am in the market for a new Triumph Speed Twin and I must say that I am really enjoying your videos on this particular motorcycle. I really appreciate all the various aspects that you've covered including city riding, touring, mods and so on.
Niiiicccceee !!! One more point to add - "Finding Neutral" . It's a breeze with the speedy . Much needed for City ride . So to conclude , any Motorcycle with an upright ergonomics, moderately heavy and on which you can flat foot is a better city commute . And , yes , Speed Twin is a statement filled with elegance !!!!
Started Riding my speed twin from brooklyn to midtown everyday for work during the pandemic because I didn’t want to be on the subway anymore, best decision I’ve made. Love it! Gets hot between the legs in the summer for sure but small price to pay IMO.
The glimpse of Manhattan always take the breath away, doesn’t it? Absolutely right about the Top of the Rock! Best view in town. PS: darn cat, uh? Cheers from Brazil.
Interesting review. I live in Paris and traffic is far more dense than in your video, with a lot of filtering and hopping in and out of bus lanes or complete standstill at times. I've changed bikes a load of times in the past couple of years. My current bike is a Fantic 500 which is brilliant and fun in an urban environment and only weighs 150kg fully fuelled. I just did a test on a Triumph Trident which I really loved and is very easy in traffic and fast as soon as you get a clear stretch. I am toying with the speed twin too and the insurance seems stragely lower than that of the Trident 660! I hadn't heard of the heat problem, so thanks for that. Yes, in an ideal world, we'd all have at least 5 bikes😂
Hah yeah this was deep in 2020 and probably the lightest traffic Manhattan has seen in 30 years. Insurance companies know nothing about bikes or riding and just see the word "sports bike" and apply the highest rate. If I'm not mistaken, the motorcycle with the highest insurance premiums in the USA is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX. Go figure!
Loving your videos I'm in New Zealand and looking at touring here on my Hayabusa you've given me great info.... Your travels look amazing and I'm always looking forward to your next.... Well produced to I might say.... I'm encouraged to just.... "get out and do it". Cheers
I agree with you regarding the seat - fine for short journeys, but far less comfy on longer rides. Hoping to find a solution before a 10-day ride i am planning for October 2021.
I've only had one bike water cooled, my VMAX. And that made me realize that all that heat from the rad, blows right back to meld with engine updraft, to keep you nice and toasty, even when it's 90 degree s, like we here in FLA get,,,,a lot. Face it. An engine between your legs is no fun unless its cold out. And then from the waist up, you're a popsicle. I agree with you. In the city any 250 would be fine. Then u still have something to get on the highway if you want. These guy's riding these higher powered moped's on the streets are just itchen to be hood ornament s. Be safe.
Totally agree with your opinions and recommendations and appreciate your critical review of this beautiful bike. Exception being the removal of the catalytic converter. Why pollute the air ten times more if you don't have to? Realistically speaking, an electric bicycle is the best mode of transportation in Manhattan and adjacent neighborhoods, but obviously not as cool as a motorcycle...
I love electric bicycles. That is truly the greenest option for quick personal transport. I intend to get one as soon as I move back to an urban area, whenever that may be. I was amazed at how quickly they've taken over NYC! I barely saw any the last time I was there in December of 2019
nice vid. I'm in Thailand on a Speed Twin where it's 33 deg C. and my legs, thighs and chestnuts get cooked! Rode many bikes and this is the hottest bike I've ridden. Have you had any stalling issues. I got on a freeway today and my ST stalled at 120 km/h, not cool! Then stalled again a couple km later
Hmm, I actually just started having stalling issues the other day, but only when idling or coming to a stop with the clutch pulled. It's also having a wheel sensor malfunction, though I'm not sure if the two are related.
@@VanBlamm I wonder if the ecu needs to be updated. This is what my friend who owns a Triumph dealership recommended. There was a Thruxton recall for a stalling issue that sounds similar. www.asphaltandrubber.com/recall/triumph-thruxton-recall-engine-stalls/
De-cat!!! It'll reduce heat and reduce weight, makes the standard exhaust a little louder too. Add a 'Booster Plug' to help with the fueling , helps take the snatchy throttling out.
Any chance you could do a video about your experiences between the street and speed twin? I'm thinking about upgrading from the street twin and would love your thoughts as you've had both and your channel is excellent!
Good idea, thanks! I touched on a lot of the differences in my first video with the Speed Twin back in April, but I could definitely go into more detail.
Cool video, but I agree that riding there is something fun to do once, so you could say you did it, but definitely not the ideal location for that bike. It's much more at home in the mountain twisties of Colorado. I, frankly, could not taking riding in a city like NY for more than about 10 minutes LOL. Being surrounded by a bunch of cars and trucks is not my idea of fun riding he he. Bikes need lots of open car-free roads with flowing curves to be enjoyed properly.
Hey man - great vids - and love seeing another DC motorcyclist on here - I can confirm that the Interceptor 650 is a great commuter - tho being air cooled it does get warm in the DC summer. I’ve actually been curious about your Bluetooth setup - is that a pac talk slim? Does it fit well on the RF1200?
Thanks! I use a Sena 10R. I picked it for the low profile and I love it. I do not see the need for the great big click wheel models unless you're bouncing between intercom channels and phone calls constantly.
Hello Van Blamm! Happy New Year! I enjoy yuor videos, congrats!! I used to have a Triumph Street Cup, than in Last december I change for a Speed Twin. I'm still getting used to it, but I would like a tip from you if you may..which is the speed that you are when you change the gear? I don't know if am changing at the correct time, it's a different engine with a different timing. I would appreciate your comments. Thank you! Best regards!
Hi, thanks for asking! With the Speed Twin, the correct time to shift is whenever you want. The bike has so much torque, it doesn't care. If I am riding slowly, I shift up at about 3.5 to 4K.
I haven't ridden the Triumph Scramblers, but I hear nothing but good things. The 1200 has the exact same motor as the Speed Twin. My only qualms are the higher seat height since I'm not very tall, and the sidelong exhaust which would get very hot.
Yes it would be an expensive repair, I skidded my Speed Twin last June.. still waiting for it to be fully fix by the dealer... hoping they get it done by Mid February... missed my ride. The bill for the fix is about USD16,000.00. Luckily it's paid by the insurance.
yu making this even more difficcult... I have my eyes on a yamaha tricity 300 (scooter) as main commuter, but just love this motorcycle... SO reason tells me to go to the scooter but heart skips a beat when I isee this one... damn wish I could buy both.
I feel that. I think a great compromise between the two would be a Suzuki TU250X; I used to commute in the city on one, and people would often ask me if it was a Triumph, or would be surprised when they learned it was just a 250. I wish I'd never sold mine, even after getting my first Triumph.
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@@VanBlamm yeah...love those suki's but they are scarce nowadays... I have myself a w650 with some cafe on it, it is already kind of the middle term, but sometimes a guy has to buy himself a new thing, after trying, testing, learning and fiddling around... :)
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By the way... great video... Loved my staying in NYC (8 days, completely alone)...was not on a motorcycle, but seeing your video took me back!
I did not know it was legal to filter in DC. I’m in the MD suburbs and pop down into the city all the time on my Speed Twin. I believe filtering is illegal in MD, although I see people do it all the time anyway.
It's legal in DC in the sense that there is no law saying whether you can or cannot do it. I have no problem filtering within clear sight of cop cars. But I'm less willing to filter directly alongside a cop car, which might really get their attention and make them say "hmm, he cut in front of me, there's probably a law against that. Get em! 🚨"
Thanks for this video. I am really interested in trading my nc750x for a speed twin. I love the looks, the simplicity, and the engine. However, where I live the temperatures are always above 90 degrees, and humidity is constantly above 90%, and heat in general is something I hate, and I do all my riding in the city... so maybe the speed twin is not the right bike for me now. BTW, the way the heat from the engine was cooking my legs was the reason why I didn't buy a super cheap HD XR1200X a few months ago
You may have better luck with a Street Twin then. The one I used to have never got overly hot, at least not more so than other motorcycles. I've heard that eliminating the catalytic converter on any motorcycle can help reduce heat too; I'm about to put a Motone X-pipe in my Speed Twin and find out if it's true.
In the UK there is no way that a single disc lock would keep your bike safe; it’d be cut off or the bike loaded into a van in no time. You’d need $$$$ of security.
Even here in the US I was pushing my luck a bit, but things could be a lot worse. I'm very grateful not to have the "two dudes on a scooter" bike thieves operating with impunity where I live.
I like that it's unique without being too obnoxious, and I think it pairs well with a wide variety of bike colors. Not many helmet makers have a canary yellow like this; neon yellow, sure, but not Homer Simpson yellow like Shoei does. Not into patterned or dark-colored helmets.
With Triumphs, I always feel like they are slightly overpriced, with the exception of maybe the street triple. The Speed Twin is a good value when compared to other Triumphs but I feel like the brakes should be better at that price point. I may still get one but it bothers me you can get an FTR 1200 base model for $8900 right now but this bike is over $12000. I lean toward the adage that it is better to buy with your heart but i don’t love either bike.
That's an interesting take, I think the brakes are excellent but it's the suspension that's a bit uninspiring. Either way, I do agree that Triumphs should be cheaper. I was lucky enough to snag my Speedy for a little over $10K right at the beginning of the pandemic, when dealers thought sales were about to grind to a halt (ha!). If I hadn't come across that deal, I would have strongly considered a Z900RS or XSR900 instead.
That’s a great deal! I didn’t ride the speed twin long enough to really know for sure but bikes in that price range tend to have radially mounted brakes versus axially mounted. I actually had the xsr900 before my current bike but didn’t like it for two-up riding, so i traded it in. It is a great bike, especially for the price. Now, i love my bike but i’d like a bit more power for more spirited riding. Ideally, i would have multiple bikes but that aint gonna happen.
Oh well, we know you love nature, so the birds are making up for man putting concrete on every piece of earth so we can ride on something smooth and flat. So either get a cover, or be greatful it wasn't a pelican.
Happy New Year! What are your two-wheeled resolutions for 2021?
Gonna try to do at least 5000 miles this year. Last year, i did 4000, my highest to date
"if something is worth doing, its worth doing it in style" 🤟
So glad I live in the UK, Imagine not being able to filter, that is one of the joys of a bike. Also sitting in traffic you could get rear-ended
I am in the market for a new Triumph Speed Twin and I must say that I am really enjoying your videos on this particular motorcycle.
I really appreciate all the various aspects that you've covered including city riding, touring, mods and so on.
Thanks! I'm worried I'll run out of things to say about it soon haha. If I do, I'll just have to add another bike to the stable....
Man.... That low rumble during idle....... gotta love it !!!!!
Triumph speed twin is so classic🖤
Niiiicccceee !!! One more point to add - "Finding Neutral" . It's a breeze with the speedy . Much needed for City ride . So to conclude , any Motorcycle with an upright ergonomics, moderately heavy and on which you can flat foot is a better city commute . And , yes , Speed Twin is a statement filled with elegance !!!!
Decat is definitely worth it, not too difficult to do yourself as well. Happy riding
Fun to see my commute route! Hope you and your Speed Twin visit us again soon. Cheers!
I will certainly be back, thank you!
agree with the heat on long stops
Started Riding my speed twin from brooklyn to midtown everyday for work during the pandemic because I didn’t want to be on the subway anymore, best decision I’ve made. Love it!
Gets hot between the legs in the summer for sure but small price to pay IMO.
The glimpse of Manhattan always take the breath away, doesn’t it?
Absolutely right about the Top of the Rock! Best view in town.
PS: darn cat, uh?
Cheers from Brazil.
Great video! I ride a Grom in London, UK and it's perfect for getting around quickly and cheaply :)
Interesting review. I live in Paris and traffic is far more dense than in your video, with a lot of filtering and hopping in and out of bus lanes or complete standstill at times. I've changed bikes a load of times in the past couple of years. My current bike is a Fantic 500 which is brilliant and fun in an urban environment and only weighs 150kg fully fuelled. I just did a test on a Triumph Trident which I really loved and is very easy in traffic and fast as soon as you get a clear stretch. I am toying with the speed twin too and the insurance seems stragely lower than that of the Trident 660! I hadn't heard of the heat problem, so thanks for that. Yes, in an ideal world, we'd all have at least 5 bikes😂
Hah yeah this was deep in 2020 and probably the lightest traffic Manhattan has seen in 30 years. Insurance companies know nothing about bikes or riding and just see the word "sports bike" and apply the highest rate. If I'm not mistaken, the motorcycle with the highest insurance premiums in the USA is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX. Go figure!
@@VanBlamm very true! Ride safe 😃
As usual, your vids are fantastic. I agree 100% with everything you said on this vid.
Cheers from a fellow DC rider and happy new year!
Very good review. I appreciate the honesty and 'real talk' about what people should look for.
Excellent video.
Loving your videos I'm in New Zealand and looking at touring here on my Hayabusa you've given me great info.... Your travels look amazing and I'm always looking forward to your next.... Well produced to I might say.... I'm encouraged to just.... "get out and do it". Cheers
Thank you! If my videos inspire even one person to get out and ride, then I've done my job. Cheers
Cool video, beautiful bike in a beautiful city
I agree with you regarding the seat - fine for short journeys, but far less comfy on longer rides. Hoping to find a solution before a 10-day ride i am planning for October 2021.
I'm considering getting the new Tamarit Mugello seat, which looks comfy and is much more attractive than the one from Corbin
I've only had one bike water cooled, my VMAX. And that made me realize that all that heat from the rad, blows right back to meld with engine updraft, to keep you nice and toasty, even when it's 90 degree s, like we here in FLA get,,,,a lot. Face it. An engine between your legs is no fun unless its cold out. And then from the waist up, you're a popsicle.
I agree with you. In the city any 250 would be fine. Then u still have something to get on the highway if you want. These guy's riding these higher powered moped's on the streets are just itchen to be hood ornament s.
Be safe.
Totally agree with your opinions and recommendations and appreciate your critical review of this beautiful bike. Exception being the removal of the catalytic converter. Why pollute the air ten times more if you don't have to?
Realistically speaking, an electric bicycle is the best mode of transportation in Manhattan and adjacent neighborhoods, but obviously not as cool as a motorcycle...
I love electric bicycles. That is truly the greenest option for quick personal transport. I intend to get one as soon as I move back to an urban area, whenever that may be. I was amazed at how quickly they've taken over NYC! I barely saw any the last time I was there in December of 2019
Just subscribed to your channel. Great content! thx for sharing.
Love the comment, As I always say." For the first time. Thats something goofy I would say. I enjoy your videos.
nice vid. I'm in Thailand on a Speed Twin where it's 33 deg C. and my legs, thighs and chestnuts get cooked! Rode many bikes and this is the hottest bike I've ridden.
Have you had any stalling issues. I got on a freeway today and my ST stalled at 120 km/h, not cool! Then stalled again a couple km later
Hmm, I actually just started having stalling issues the other day, but only when idling or coming to a stop with the clutch pulled. It's also having a wheel sensor malfunction, though I'm not sure if the two are related.
@@VanBlamm I wonder if the ecu needs to be updated. This is what my friend who owns a Triumph dealership recommended.
There was a Thruxton recall for a stalling issue that sounds similar.
www.asphaltandrubber.com/recall/triumph-thruxton-recall-engine-stalls/
De-cat!!! It'll reduce heat and reduce weight, makes the standard exhaust a little louder too. Add a 'Booster Plug' to help with the fueling , helps take the snatchy throttling out.
Motone x-pipe just got here ;)
Any chance you could do a video about your experiences between the street and speed twin? I'm thinking about upgrading from the street twin and would love your thoughts as you've had both and your channel is excellent!
Good idea, thanks! I touched on a lot of the differences in my first video with the Speed Twin back in April, but I could definitely go into more detail.
@@VanBlamm I'll have to check that one out, but I'd never turn down extra info either! Thanks!
Have a safe New Year 👍
Cool video, but I agree that riding there is something fun to do once, so you could say you did it, but definitely not the ideal location for that bike. It's much more at home in the mountain twisties of Colorado. I, frankly, could not taking riding in a city like NY for more than about 10 minutes LOL. Being surrounded by a bunch of cars and trucks is not my idea of fun riding he he. Bikes need lots of open car-free roads with flowing curves to be enjoyed properly.
Hey man - great vids - and love seeing another DC motorcyclist on here - I can confirm that the Interceptor 650 is a great commuter - tho being air cooled it does get warm in the DC summer. I’ve actually been curious about your Bluetooth setup - is that a pac talk slim? Does it fit well on the RF1200?
Thanks! I use a Sena 10R. I picked it for the low profile and I love it. I do not see the need for the great big click wheel models unless you're bouncing between intercom channels and phone calls constantly.
I have a pac talk slim on my RF1200 and it works well; just take your time tucking the wires.
@@noonrock4 thanks - sounds like some small bracket mods may be necessary too?
I did mod the bracket but it wasn’t a big deal, in my view.
Good video, beautiful bike! For city riding, I would go for Sv650.
That's a great choice too
Hello Van Blamm! Happy New Year! I enjoy yuor videos, congrats!! I used to have a Triumph Street Cup, than in Last december I change for a Speed Twin. I'm still getting used to it, but I would like a tip from you if you may..which is the speed that you are when you change the gear? I don't know if am changing at the correct time, it's a different engine with a different timing. I would appreciate your comments.
Thank you! Best regards!
Hi, thanks for asking! With the Speed Twin, the correct time to shift is whenever you want. The bike has so much torque, it doesn't care. If I am riding slowly, I shift up at about 3.5 to 4K.
@@VanBlamm Ok, ok, Thanks ! Ride safe and take care! ;-)
How does it fair in slow ride maneuvering? Great video. I have the speed twin as a new rider taking it one step at a time.
Pretty well, thanks mostly to the low seat. You do need to feather the clutch a lot due to the snatchy throttle, even with the spacer kit installed.
How does the Speedy compares to the Triumph Scrambler lineup?
I haven't ridden the Triumph Scramblers, but I hear nothing but good things. The 1200 has the exact same motor as the Speed Twin. My only qualms are the higher seat height since I'm not very tall, and the sidelong exhaust which would get very hot.
@@VanBlamm thanks for the insight as I'm split between the Speedy and the Scrambler.
Enjoy my Speed Twin wherever it takes me. 🤘
Yes it would be an expensive repair, I skidded my Speed Twin last June.. still waiting for it to be fully fix by the dealer... hoping they get it done by Mid February... missed my ride. The bill for the fix is about USD16,000.00. Luckily it's paid by the insurance.
That's rough! I hope you're back on it soon
yu making this even more difficcult... I have my eyes on a yamaha tricity 300 (scooter) as main commuter, but just love this motorcycle... SO reason tells me to go to the scooter but heart skips a beat when I isee this one... damn wish I could buy both.
I feel that. I think a great compromise between the two would be a Suzuki TU250X; I used to commute in the city on one, and people would often ask me if it was a Triumph, or would be surprised when they learned it was just a 250. I wish I'd never sold mine, even after getting my first Triumph.
@@VanBlamm yeah...love those suki's but they are scarce nowadays... I have myself a w650 with some cafe on it, it is already kind of the middle term, but sometimes a guy has to buy himself a new thing, after trying, testing, learning and fiddling around... :)
By the way... great video... Loved my staying in NYC (8 days, completely alone)...was not on a motorcycle, but seeing your video took me back!
Thanks!
What bar end mirrors are those?
Those are stock
@@VanBlamm thanks was thinking about putting that style on my t120
Nice vid
I did not know it was legal to filter in DC. I’m in the MD suburbs and pop down into the city all the time on my Speed Twin. I believe filtering is illegal in MD, although I see people do it all the time anyway.
It's legal in DC in the sense that there is no law saying whether you can or cannot do it. I have no problem filtering within clear sight of cop cars. But I'm less willing to filter directly alongside a cop car, which might really get their attention and make them say "hmm, he cut in front of me, there's probably a law against that. Get em! 🚨"
What was the netting bag you use for the back of the seat for longer rides and how does it hook to the seat?
That's an Oxford cargo net. I affix the front two hooks underneath the seat, and the rear two hooks underneath the fender.
Thanks for this video. I am really interested in trading my nc750x for a speed twin. I love the looks, the simplicity, and the engine. However, where I live the temperatures are always above 90 degrees, and humidity is constantly above 90%, and heat in general is something I hate, and I do all my riding in the city... so maybe the speed twin is not the right bike for me now. BTW, the way the heat from the engine was cooking my legs was the reason why I didn't buy a super cheap HD XR1200X a few months ago
You may have better luck with a Street Twin then. The one I used to have never got overly hot, at least not more so than other motorcycles. I've heard that eliminating the catalytic converter on any motorcycle can help reduce heat too; I'm about to put a Motone X-pipe in my Speed Twin and find out if it's true.
@@VanBlamm did the x-pipe help? or did anything help? ;p
Your bike is cool 😎 that’s important! and get the loud exhaust on it 👍it safer when other road users hear you 🙏
In the UK there is no way that a single disc lock would keep your bike safe; it’d be cut off or the bike loaded into a van in no time. You’d need $$$$ of security.
Even here in the US I was pushing my luck a bit, but things could be a lot worse. I'm very grateful not to have the "two dudes on a scooter" bike thieves operating with impunity where I live.
Nice helmet, why yellow, out of interest? I like it, don’t get me wrong but still thought to ask
I like that it's unique without being too obnoxious, and I think it pairs well with a wide variety of bike colors. Not many helmet makers have a canary yellow like this; neon yellow, sure, but not Homer Simpson yellow like Shoei does. Not into patterned or dark-colored helmets.
How do you compare it to a thruxton?
They're essentially the same bike with different ergonomics. I personally prefer the Speed Twin's more upright posture.
With Triumphs, I always feel like they are slightly overpriced, with the exception of maybe the street triple. The Speed Twin is a good value when compared to other Triumphs but I feel like the brakes should be better at that price point. I may still get one but it bothers me you can get an FTR 1200 base model for $8900 right now but this bike is over $12000. I lean toward the adage that it is better to buy with your heart but i don’t love either bike.
That's an interesting take, I think the brakes are excellent but it's the suspension that's a bit uninspiring. Either way, I do agree that Triumphs should be cheaper. I was lucky enough to snag my Speedy for a little over $10K right at the beginning of the pandemic, when dealers thought sales were about to grind to a halt (ha!). If I hadn't come across that deal, I would have strongly considered a Z900RS or XSR900 instead.
That’s a great deal! I didn’t ride the speed twin long enough to really know for sure but bikes in that price range tend to have radially mounted brakes versus axially mounted. I actually had the xsr900 before my current bike but didn’t like it for two-up riding, so i traded it in. It is a great bike, especially for the price. Now, i love my bike but i’d like a bit more power for more spirited riding. Ideally, i would have multiple bikes but that aint gonna happen.
XT250 is the perfect city bike that there is.
I like that opinion. I've wanted an XT250 for a long time.
@@VanBlamm I wanted one since I was a teenager. Now that I'm in my 60's I finally got one. I love it. I wish I hadn't waited so long.
I also hate that 200% humidity
Im from toronto. Can you seriously ride in New York this time of year? They don't use salt on the roads?
This was filmed in November, so it hadn't even gotten below freezing yet. I'm sure it's all salted over by now.
Moved out of ny 2008 to Denver never seen nyc so empty
Hah, bet you've never seen Denver so crowded. Or has it emptied out too?
always whith style
UJM? Certainly not, UBM, for sure.
I love my Speed twin, even more since I took the cat out.
Oh well, we know you love nature, so the birds are making up for man putting concrete on every piece of earth so we can ride on something smooth and flat. So either get a cover, or be greatful it wasn't a pelican.