Triumph SPEED TWIN 1200 1-month OWNER'S REVIEW [Spoiler: it’s AWESOME!]
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- After a month of ownership, what I love about my new Speed Twin, and what makes me want to get on to the phone to Triumph.
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Another honest and detailed review as always. 😺🤙🏻
Thank you😊
When the Jedi pins the Padawan's comment, then that is the luckiest day for the Padawan. Thank you sir for the honour 😮❤️
Haha, thank you for your kind comment👍
I can't believe I've only stumbled upon your channel now. What a great and honest review on a bike I've been considering. Your prose certainly makes your channel stand out among the rest. Keep up the good work.
Thank you 😊
I’m in my mid sixties now. Rode a bike every day for quite a few years when I was younger but had a long break. Came back to biking 4 years ago with a Street Twin and found that was an ideal reintroduction. Have now had my Speed Twin for a few months and my opinions match yours (except I ride like a granny because my reactions are so sloooow these days). I am very jealous of the sunny days in the Algarve. Great video.
Haha, thanks Andrew. I’ve just come back from a 4-hour ride in the Algarve mountains. Lots of bends and 30 degrees. Nice but I’m shattered😂
Spot on! I have had my '22 Speed Twin for almost 2 months and concur. Only mods are a seat swap and a tail tidy for the number plate.
I agree, Martin. I can't really fault this bike, except for a couple of minor aesthetic tweaks, as you say. Enjoy yours :)
Currently I'm looking for a new modern classic but at the available new bikes that the present market has to offer none of them appeal to me, so I've decided to look on the second hand market and search for a Honda CB1100RS which is the only one that fits my liking taste. Thanks for the video it helped a lot making my final decision, safe riding cheers mate.
I loved the 1100RS. Such a shame Honda have deleted it from their catalogue. Euro 5 takes another victim😟
The cold damp British winters... Exactly the same as the cold damp British summers.
Haha, my sister who lives in Yorkshire called me regularly over the summer to moan about the weather you had this year :(
The Speed Twin is a very beautiful retro motorcycle. I really enjoyed your first review. You’re objective and honest on the points you covered. I think you’ve got a keeper! Have fun.
Thanks, Willy. I think you're right and, as I say in the video, there literally isn't another bike on the market at the moment that I'd rather have :)
I have the same bike and agree with your review, the more I ride, the more I love it. However, I would add to your list of negatives the sidestand, this is very neat, but often takes a couple of attempts to put it down. A big plus is the noise it makes as standard, and of course the engine.
I agree the side stand is a bit difficult to find with your heel.
I’ve put 12000 miles on my 2019 speed twin, yes my bike also did low 50s to the gallon when it was new, now it has loosened up it’s now doing 63 mpg regularly and sometimes more, and I’m quite a spirited rider due to the bikes character. I noticed you didn’t say anything about the side stand being difficult to put down due to the lug being too short, I’m one of the owners that drilled and tapped a 5mm bolt into it and covered it in rubber, now much easier to use.that point would have been one of the negatives for me. I’m still loving the bike and won’t be renewing when it is paid for next March, like you I don’t know what bike would be as good or better.
Great tip about the bolt, Stephen, thanks! You're right about the lug being too short. What I said about there not being a more appealing bike on the market was genuine: even if I won the lottery tomorrow, I would keep the Speed Twin. I may well buy a handful of other bikes too, but the ST is a keeper, as you say. Ride safe :)
Brilliant video. I’m going through some nasty medical stuff at the moment and your vids are always a great escape! Thank you! :)
Thank you, Chris. I hope you'll be fit again soon and that you'll be able to get out and about on your bike :)
@@RocketMan_Moto thanks. Don’t worry - I still get out on that no matter what. It really is the best medicine. How do you find the lean angle on the ST? I always thought the exhausts would hamper it a bit - and would you change the cans?
Good to hear. For a classic, I find the lean angle very acceptable. It’s no supersport, of course, but I’m not looking to change the end cans😊
@@RocketMan_Moto good to know. Love the mods by the way. 100% with u on that stupid yellow strip
Haha, thanks. Yes, I'm not quite sure who signed off on that hi-viz yellow, but it was a bold decision.
This bike is by far the most comfortable and well suited bike I have ever riden. Out of the several demo bikes I rode including the R9T, Z900RS, my own zx10r with helibars, and Bonneville. I would say only a GS might be comparable in comfort.
Even better now I’ve fitted Ohlins rear shocks. Thanks for your feedback😊
Good to find your channel. I live in England but have just bought a house outside Coimbra . Love Triumphs, Ive had a 10 year break from riding since breaking my back on a Tiger. Probably go for the 900 to start with but thanks for your video and link to Triumph Algarve . Keep it between the hedges
The Tiger 900 is a great bike. Triumph Porto or Lisbon will be closer to you😊
Excellent review; i have been waiting to hear how you are liking it!! Sounds fantastic!! Now, could you ride the 800 and 1100 Ducaii Scrambler and give some comparison!!! Great job!
Thanks, Thomas. The Ducatis are on my list!
Definitely does not need a fatter rear tyre! I always assumed 180 was the "standard", but sharper handling (and no lack of grip) from 160 is a revelation - more bikes should go down this route
You're quite right from a dynamic point of view. It's just that I like the look of wide tyres. A bit silly, but there you go :)
Thank you for another crisp and entertaining video. Looking forward to more to come on this channel. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it, Peter, and thank you for taking the time to leave a positive comment. Always appreciated:)
I got the red, and agree with your review. Coming from an fZ 09, the speed twin is a fantastic motorcycle in every way as stated in your review. On my way home from purchasing the 2022 Speed Twin I wondered how happy I would be with this motorcycle (as I did not take it for a test drive before purchase) and decided to give it some throttle..and had an enormous grin as the engine came to life and gave me a slight whiplash.. yep, I love this motorcycle
Haha, I know that feeling, Craig. Enjoy your bike, it's a fabulous bit of kit :)
I'm still content with my 900XR. And I still envy you for your weather and scenery 😀
Nice review and great filming! Looking forward to seeing more (scenery es well as bikes).
Thanks, Michael. The 900XR is a good tool and does the job, but bikes for me are all about having fun and the BMW just couldn't deliver. Pity, because it looks great and was very comfortable with the electronic suspension I had on mine. Ride safe :)
RM. Think the F900r would have been a better fit than the XR as it is a naked bike for the kind of riding (no touring) in the beautiful Algarve
Thank you for such an excellent channel, I always look forward to your new content. I totally agree that the speed twin is good looking and is an excellent choice for your dry roads. What put me off is the front mudguard riding on the not so dry and muddy roads in the UK and having to clean the bike afterwards. The front mudguard seems to me has styling over function in its design, wish some one would do a longer version in the aftermarket without ruining the looks. Enjoy your riding, hope you do not get caught out in a rain shower, would then be interested in your feedback.
Thank you, Peter. Yes, there is a fair bit of form over function going on with the Speed Twin, and the front mudguard is a case in point. I think I've only ever ridden in the rain once in my entire motorcycling career, but you never know :)
I guessed correctly a few months ago that you'd get a Speed Twin . Yay ! :-D
You have pretty much the same list of moans and positives that I have about my 2019 version Speed Twin.
Moans, mainly being a small tank and lack of QS option.
I do also have the moan that the lug on the kick stand is a nightmare to find. Even now after 2 years of having my one.
I do hit the rev limiter, especially after getting off my Speed Triple 1050. Although the 2022 twin apparently has a higher RPM redline.
Positives, pretty much all the things you say.
As for "Is it suitable for people with a new A licence ?"
Well my one was my first "big" bike after a CB125R.
I was recommended that it was too much of a jump by some youtubers.
The key bit is obviously recalibrating how much the right wrist needs to be twisted. On the 125 pinning the throttle is pretty much mandatory. Obviously not so on the Speed Twin. Treat the throttle with respect, and I found the Speed Twin to be fine as my first big bike. I guess Rain Mode can help with this.
What I would say now, it is a lot easier to ride than a 125. All the accurate gear changing I had to do on the 125, well I don't need to do that now. The Speed Twin can almost be ridden in second to third gear on most roads. It will pull away in second. (obviously 1st, 4th -> 6th are also useful !!)
I also get about 56 MPG out of my one. I haven't measured it recently.
Last year, I did get a test ride of a Rocket. For all the reasons you mention, I wouldn't swap my Speed Twin in for a Rocket.
If I won the lottery, had a big garage, and more money than I knew what to do with, yeah, a Rocket would be in the garage. Probably as bike number 4. This side of only being able to have and afford 1 to 2 bikes, a Rocket isn't on the list.
If Triumph made a Speed Twin look-a-like with a large capacity triple (1050 to 1160cc, would only need about 130 BHP ) along with QS, then I could swap my pair of bikes in for just one of them. I guess they could call it a Thunderbird !
In the meantime, I will definitely be keeping my Speed Twin. My wife will not get on the Speed Triple. Apparently the pillion seat on the Triple is "naff" !
Thanks for your feedback, Karlos. Totally agree re. Rocket. Kickstand lug is a strange design oversight, but at least it allows you to linger on the bike when you pull up, increasing coolness exponentially😂
@@RocketMan_Moto I always thought I looked like an incompetent idiot when I'm trying to find the side stand ! 😀
😂
This is one of the bikes I am looking forward to buying sometime in the future. Only issue for me is the 14 lt tank, but most of my rides are within the city limits. Thanks for the detailed review.
Glad you enjoyed it😊
@@RocketMan_Moto I really did.
Looks and sounds awesome RM!
Thanks, Perry :)
Nice review and over 750km. I took both a street triple RS and one of these on test rides and personally was underwhelmed by the speed twin: hot yes, vibey yes. Personally wouldn’t knock it for being non starter friendly as it isn’t meant to be it is 1200 after all. I ended up buying a two year old street RS and absolutely love it. Still have a 2000 thunderbird sport for the retro feel too. Keep up the good reviews 👍🏻
Thanks, Lee. I rode the 2021 Speed Triple a few months ago and loved it, but I knew I would just ride everywhere at 200mph! I had a 2017 Street Triple RS and loved it, but I'm older now and like the more accessible torque of the 1200 engine. There's a time for everything, I guess. Ride safe :)
Very nice, honest review. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
The engine fan ran nearly all of the time on my T120, too. Then I decatted the bike, and now the fan hardly runs at all. My theory is that with the catalytic converter located immediately under the oil pan, the cat quickly heat soaks the engine, and the cooling system must deal with the extra heat. It normally does this without difficulty.
I've heard that a decat will cool the bike down a lot. Just waiting for braver souls than I to test the various aftermarket options on a 2022:)
Congrats for your new bike!!! And thank you for this video.
Thanks. I’ve had it 5 months now and still loving it😊
Being a 70 yr old enthusiast with a HD Ultra Classic and BMW grand America I found the triumph to be a breath of fresh air. The only problem is choosing between the Thruxton, Speed Twin and the T120 Bonneville. It finally came down to the speed twin and the T120 mostly because of seating position. I ended up with a T120 Bonneville, but considering selling the Harley and buying the speed twin as well. The only problem I find is why a modern-day motorcycle does not have self canceling turn signals. I found myself laughing the entire time when riding the Speed Twin because it is so much fun.
Haha, I get that. The Speed Twin is the best bike I’ve ever owned (and kept the longest). I agree about the indicators🙄
Really appreciate your chart comparing all the bikes you review...fantastic
Thanks, Stephen. Glad you like it :)
What a beautiful bike, I loved my speed twin in 1969. I want one. Loved the review, thank you.
Thank you, John. I have just had the bike repainted. Not seen it yet, but going to collect on Friday and I'll probably be doing a video on it next week :)
I love my 2022 Speed Twin also and agree that the lack of range is unfortunate. However if you are careful and not parking the bike immediately you can squirt a little extra fuel into the air space top it up, let it settle and repeat. I've managed to get about 40 more k per tank this way, which my riding mates appreciate. I live in Ontario Canada and when riding north must be careful to insure gas (petrol) stations are within range.
Great tip, thanks for the heads-up. We are quite lucky here in Portugal, as fuel stations still 'litter' the country. I'm never too far from one, unlike where you are :) Ride safe.
Good review as usual. Speed Twin certainly looks like the sweet spot in the sporty retro genre. It is a shame my local dealer won’t let me test ride one (licence
Thanks, Oliver. Shame you can’t get to try one. I assume you meant 2 years, not 2 hours😀
@@RocketMan_Moto yes, 😳
Love your reviews! I’ve a 2017 T100, tuned and modified, which I love. I’ve had it for 4years and it was only 6months ago I started brimming the tank, fully expecting fuel to overflow out of the vent pipe, it never did! So I now get an extra 1.5-2lts of fuel in which equates to 23-30mls extra range. (I get about 70 mpg) Give it a whirl and see how you get on!
Interesting tip, I'll be sure to try that. Thanks :)
just have watched your Speed Twin vids, i gave my Trident away today for a Speed Twin myself, after testdriving it for a week... good to see that im not the only one who did this xD
I am seeing more and more Trident owners jumping ship and many seem to be going for the Speed Twin. The Trident was a great bike for the money, but it can't really hold a candle to the ST :)
Hi, im very interested in how you think the trident compares to the speed twin? I have a trident, had it for about a year and love most things about it but it's just not quite the bike I really want, performance wise amd visually. Is it worth an extra £50 a month is what I'm asking myself? 🤔 what do you think?
hi @@davidholman5658I'm happy with the Speed Twin! It has the extra more power and torque below, that the Trident lacked. It's also sportier than the Trident, even with the old school look, which I prefer.
The two machines do not differ in terms of consumption.
Only in the city is the Trident is a bit more agile.
I hope this helps :)
Greetings from Germany and stay safe.
Speed Twin 900 Review
I just got a Speed Twin 900 as my 1st motorcycles 🏍️. It is absolutely awesome, I am 45 years old, 5ft 8inches.
This motorcycle has
Great 👍🏽 Ergonomics to sit and drive
High Torque which makes it FUN to drive
Easy to handle
Superb Sound better than the 1200
Best Looking
Enjoy
Sold my Kawa Z900RS for a sport naked, but I miss its linear torque and endless acceleration. Owned dosens of bikes, but never sat on a Speed Twin. I'll buy one after your review suggests, that the Speed Twin feels the more muscular of these two. The Kawa was pulling very nice from really low revs for an inline four. One of the best engines imho. Great content!
Thanks, Pietro. The Speed Twin is definitely worth a test ride👍
Glad you’re enjoying it! Great looking motorcycle!
Thanks, Pistol. Positive encouragement from you, as usual :)
I also urge those who might be entertaining the idea of putting a speed twin in their garage to take one out for a rip. You might fall in love with it as I have. I get a lot of people asking me about it around town and it’s not a bike many people have so it looks unique. Great sound, very quick, more comfortable than it looks.
Couldn't agree more (including the comfort bit) - definitely the best bike I have ever owned :)
You can't imagine what you did!!During month I trying to choose my adventure bike. I stopped between Triumph Tiger 660 and BMW GS750 to be honest not because I liked them just because I love long trips.After see speed trim I changed main about trips in Europe I said I need bike for every day and I need motorbike which I REALLY LOVE!So for holiday I going to book flights and no adventure bike at the moment.(My sister lives in Spain and mother in Lithuania)
Haha, great story👍😊
Good review. I wish more reviews were articulated as well as this. I enjoyed my gorgeous 2017 T120, but too slick & techy for an older guy looking for the Triumph soul of my '66 & '68 Bonnies of yore. 'Am attracted to the current 900's - either T100 or Street Twin for next ride...
Thanks, Phillip :)
As always a nice discussion of the bike. I`m looking forward to your ride with the retro Kawa inline four.
Thank you, Andi. I don't think the Z900RS SE will be available until Jan/Feb unfortunately :(
I have a 2020 Speed Twin, just love this motorcycle. The fit and finish is second to none. The Speed Twin has a lot of punch to it. I also have gone through a lot of bike the Kawasaki RS 900 Cafe, BMW F900 and now the Speed Twin. Like you I wanted to get the BMW R9T. Owning a BMW F900XF and having the water pump go after 3000 miles and than waiting 8 weeks for parts has turned me off to the BMW brand.
I had a similar experience with ‘premium brand’ BMW🤨Agree on the Speed Twin. One of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden. So beefy😍
I appreciate the honesty of your review! For some reviewers out there saying something negative about a bike is like squeezing blood from a stone.
That irritates me too, so I vowed to ‘tell the truth’ in my videos. Nice to know it’s appreciated😊
@@RocketMan_Moto and I'm glad for it! Definitely interested in a Triumph for the future, probably a street twin as I'm a noob. They're such beautiful bikes and like you said in the video I prefer to err in the side of over critical than under.
The Street Twin is a great bike. And that cobalt blue!😍
@@RocketMan_Moto She's a beauty!
Love the Speed Twin!! I got a 2020. It’s a sweet little bike. Puts a smile on your face.
Agreed👍
It's nice having a critical owner giving updates on a motorcycle that I just put a deposit on haha. Your owners review of the F900XR along with feedback from owners on Facebook, and finally a lackluster ride on the naked F900R, influenced my decision to cancel my F900XR order. Looking forward to your Speed Twin updates and that long awaited z900rs and perhaps r nine t review. Appreciate the effort 👍
Excellent choice, Bryan. The F900XR looks fabulous, but is dull to ride; the Speed Twin looks 'ordinary', but is fantastic to ride, and I think that's what matters. How long are you going to have to wait for yours?
@@RocketMan_Moto I think the Speed Twin looks better than the F900xr. I have been told February/March by the dealer so 🤞.
Wow, that’s quite a wait, but definitely worth it. The ST is probably the best bike I’ve ever owned👍
I got mine Saturday morning and have done 375 miles so far, 100 of them with a pillion. Here are my niggles.. the chrome surrounds on the clocks pick up a glare that makes it quite hard to see so I will be looking to matte them or black them out if possible. The bike for 2 up for me is not great, partly due to the seat and partly due to the lack of a backrest option. I wish there was an option for cruise control, I have a few options coming from Amazon. The stock suspension for my weight is not setup good enough, so there will be an excuse in me changing it this winter. I got the gloss red option and am finding that the clear coat is extremely soft, so even my softest microfiber is swirling it.
My Praises: literally everything else. This machine is a work of art, and I intend to have it for a very VERY long time.
Congratulations on your new bike. I am with you on the negatives: I've only tried a pillion once, for a short trip, and it wasn't great - so much power can lead to the occasional brutal acceleration (accidentally), which the pillion does not appreciate. I have heard that the clear coat on the gloss paintwork is very soft, to the point that tank bags can leave indentations in it. I also agree the bike is a keeper. Enjoy :)
My last motorcycle was a Moto Morini Corsaro Veloce. 1200cc Vtwin. It was barking mad cantankerous in the fuelling. Good review. If I were to buy another. The speed twin would be the machine of choice.
Thanks. Yes, I’m very happy with the Speed Twin😊
You seem to go through motorcycles like I go through underwear. I remember how long my first motorcycle lasted me, a Norton dominator 600 cc on the Featherbed frame. That was in the early 1970s and motorcycles were a huge capital investment. Sure the Japanese bikes came and went but I’ll never forget the Norton and the love affair I had with it for so many years. I shall continue to be a keen subscriber to your channel because eventually I believe you’ll find that rare creature, a motorcycle you cannot part with. And I shall have to contain my curiosity until you reach that elevated state of enlightenment.
Haha, thanks... I think. Never say never, but I believe the Speed Twin might just be a keeper. I'm seriously thinking of buying a new bike in a few weeks, though (to complement the Triumph), so stay tuned for that :)
Nice video! I mentioned on the last video, a quickshifter would be nice, I still stand by that 😃 Let's see what you think about the Kawasaki Z900RS SE when you have the chance to ride one, I think it's the only contender to take down the Speed Twin from it's throne heh
Agreed, can’t wait to try the RS SE. I hope it’s not TOO good, though… I already almost prefer the looks to those of the ST😬 As for the qs, I’d definitely like to try one. Are there any aftermarket solutions?
An old friend had a Trident his dad gave him, but he quickly sold it for a Honda. I remember that I felt very sad and was in disbelief as it is a rare bike. I never asked why as I left for college on my Yamaha that I saved up. I just know that I would stil have that Triumph to this day....if it was mine.
The old Trident was a lovely bike
Great little bike, and another lovely video 👍 the engine is spot on with this machine and I think it handles better than the 9rt .I would love one as a second bike 👍keep up the great work !
Thanks, Paul😊
I have a r9t and find the engine buzzy at cruising speed and the suspension a bit harsh at times, I'm thinking of changing for the triumph but I do like the looks of the beemer.
@@waynejames1178 I’ve ridden both bikes but only for 3 to 4 hours each , they are both great bikes ! It’s a personal choice really ! You have to ride one and see if it’s worth the change ? I did find the Triumph a bit cramped compared to the bmw ( and I’m on 5.9 ? )
Very much looking forward to your review on the Z900RS SE. I keep going back and forth between it and the Speed Twin.
Not easy to get hold of a demonstrator unfortunately
@@RocketMan_Moto Yeah, the short supply is really irritating. You and I are the same size, do you have discomfort in your riding position on the Speed Twin? I'm inclined to do some touring on it. I know it's not meant for that really but I guess I have an old mentality about it. I like the purpose built ADV rides for their comfort and practicality but I also think they are ugly as hell.
The ADV, like all scooters, has a fat arse and is ugly, but honestly I don’t care, because it’s so nice for zipping around on. I don’t have a problem with the Speed Twin, but I generally prefer small bikes. I had a Grom and a Monkey until recently😬
@@RocketMan_Moto Really? A Grom and a Monkey? I get it. I really miss my old XT250. I guess I'm one of those types that wants a cool retro 70% of the time and maybe something like a Tenere 700 for the rest. Sometimes I think about splitting the difference and getting a scrambler, all while trying to shoe horn in a somewhat tight budget. Anyways, Thank you sir for taking the time to responds. I appreciate it.
New subscriber! Love your style ! I don’t like the bar ends personally
Thanks for subbing!
I'd love to do some riding in the Algarve. We have a small place in Sao Marcos da Serra but alas I don't have a bike over there as I would have nowhere to store it. Over in the UK I have a Street Twin, my first big bike and I love it. I'd quite fancy a go on an adventure bike over there but I've blessed with very shrot legs so nothing other than a 75GS with the lowered suspension would probably work for me.
There are several riding clubs/groups over here
The engine in the Speed Twin is the heart & soul of this bike. I will keep my 2019 model forever. As you said, it's so hard to find any negatives.
Absolutely agree, Mark. As you could see, I was really nit picking to find any negatives. Unless they bring out a Speed Twin R with turbos, or similar, like you I will be hanging on to this :)
@@RocketMan_Moto 13.500 € for a 1980's rear suspension and just 100 hp.....is to little for such a price. Sorry....but I still prefer my 1050 2006 speed triple.
@@michaelbakaoukas8925 It's a completely different ethos to the Speed Twin. Not as racy, but lots more low-down torque. And as I have shown, the rear suspension is very easy to change :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Anyway, you are right....the speed triple 1050 and the new speed twin are not comparable. I agree that the new speed twin is the most elegant and torquy retro bike.....nowadays!!
I've owned an 09 Street Triple and a 2012 Bonneville standard. I loved those bikes but I no longer have them. I missed my Street Triple but it was going to get me in a lot of trouble. I kept it for about 5 years and my bonneville was a lot of fun but it was getting long in the tooth. I also have a sportster Iron 1200 and a Street Glide along with an XT250. I missed the back road thrills so I just bought an MT07. I looked at the Speed Twin but I couldn't see buying another Bonneville. The MT07 scratched my itch at about half the price. I hope you enjoy your bike.
I understand all of that - Street Triple great fun, but 'dangerous'. The MT07 is a great fun bike and not stupidly powerful. Enjoy :)
“It goes like absolute stink” I love the language barrier here. I’m stealing this, hope you don’t mind 😁
Lol, no problem. Where are you?
@@RocketMan_Moto St. louis USA, Sir
Having just commented on your Speed vs Royal Enfield video, I've come back to watch this one again. I mentioned the Z900RS there (I have one) and had forgotten you had already mentioned the Z in this video. Sorry I maybe commented here last time as well.
I watched theRE video since I would like to have a second bike - a contrast perhaps, but I keep being drawn to a Speed because it probably isn't a contrast I want, so I'm looking forward to your opinion and hopefully comparison of the ZRS to the Speed. The press - two years ago anyway - were comparing them heavily, which I think is spot on.
Personally, I was torn between the two. Predominantly A BMW twin owner for 45 years plus others, but never a Triumph, I 'lost my faith' in BMW. The RNineT has no appeal for me (but I'd have my R90S back in a flash). Tried the other Triumph twins - your T120 comments are spot on then the Speed - felt totally natural to me. But the RS was a happy accident of a test ride, with an almost alien feel of the 4 cylinder, yet surprisingly...also natural. The ZRS became my final choice between the two for a number of carefully considered reasons and I don't regret it for a moment. I wouldn't change the RS for a Speed. However, so smiliar, I'd happily have a Speed Twin next to it in the garage ('senior management' permitting).
I look forward to your RS review. Bear in mind when you ride, a popular UK mod is to add a tooth to the front sprocket (15T-16T), which still leaves the Kawa with ample torque and performance, but delivered in a more more sublime way, much like the Speed rather than the frantic gearing Japanese bikes seem to come with. The Speed has an enormous grin factor for me, but given a honeymoon, so too does the Kawa - so give it that thought that it doesn't provide such instant gratification.
I am really looking forward to trying the Z900RS SE in the new year, but until then can't really comment :)
I own a Speed Twin since December 13th. I love the bike and it is by far the best I've had. I have done 950 km, and hope to take it to the first service next week.
On the plus side: the wonderful sound, aesthetics, feel of the clutch and engine, braking power and stability.
For me there are only two flaws that should be addressed :
1) The side stand, which is often difficult to find with the heel; I don't understand why Triumph did not correct this in the 2021 model.
2) Rear shock absorbers : which seem to be very cheap and cannot be adjusted (preload only) with the provided tool because exhaust pipes make it impossible.
The bike would be absolutely perfect if it equipped slightly larger LCD screens (they are difficult to read for those over 45 years old) and offered the possibility to install a center stand.
I agree, and my Speed Twin is definitely a keeper. I changed my rear shocks immediately, so I understand why you're not happy with the cheapo springs that Triumph use - they look and feel terrible.
I've had mine for a year now. Agree with your opinion on the seat. Get on at the start of a 3000Km week long tour with trepidation. It feels hard. But it doesn't get harder as the hours build up like some 'comfy' seats I've had. Remarkable how it does that. Also agree with the rather gaudy original instrument design that I might swap out. Overall though, best bike of the nine I've owned in 42 years of riding. The only automation I could use would be cruise control now that my right wrist has arthritis nowadays and needs a rest now and then. No slushbox or blippers for me (not even in my cars). Oh yes, those rear shocks do loosen up after about 5000Km.
Thanks for confirming my opinion on the seat, and I agree that a cruise control would be nice, although not vital for my kind of riding. The clock swap is a must, though, and a surprisingly easy job :)
I had the chance to ride one month ago - and I was a little dissapointed. The same day I had also the trident as a workshop spare bike. The Trident - I can agree to 99%+ of all your sayings. Its a great bike, super handling, felt powerful even with just 84 HP, etc. --- but also some small odds. The breaks not sooo great, and I was really neagtively supprised by the bars switch gears (indicator switces, etc.). That stuff felt soo much cheaper than on any other bike (price range 7k to 15k Euro) I was testriding the last 15 month. The trident is still a great Bike and I would recommend it to anybody how is looking in that price range and class (ahead of MT07, Z650 etc.).
Back to the Speed Twin. Its for sure not a bad bike. I was testriding it in Germany on a medium warm autum day (~16 degree celsius light sun - so surely not hot summer). I was riving the bike between slow and easy, medium and also pushing it. The heat dissipation from the engine - more to the right side/my right leg was very noticable and anoying. Also I felt some lack of trust into the RaceTec tires on that day (while beeing super happy with the Michelin Road 5 on the Trident). Beside heat and tire (last easy to change no buy stopper) I felt the bike was heavy and handling inert. The power was there and good - but to me a Kawa Z900 or my Street Triple R felt more powerful. Yes for sure between 3.000 and 6.000rpm the Speed Twin has more umpf, but already at 8.000+upm I dont see a lack of power anymore in the Z900 and Triple R. I am not a high-rever - I even dislike to run my bike often 10-12k rpm - as I think that feels loud and stressful, where the power above 8k rpm is already great.
Postive on the Speed Twin: Super great breaks front and back - shocks are ok to good. Build quaility excellent, overall look excellent.
Final verdict: Not the bike for me. I considered both, switch from my Triple R to the Speed Twin or having it as a parallel Bike. But for a "relax over B streets" - the Speed Twin is to pushy - while beeing less sporty than the Street R. So for such a additional / "b"-relax bike now I am considering a Royal Enfiield Interceptor 650 or even the new Classic 350 or maybe a Triumph Street Scrambler. For sportier rides I stick to my Triple R for now - and maybe upgrade to a Duc Streetfighter V2 in 2022 or 2023.
Please dont feal attacked by my opinion. I value your opinion over the last 50+ of your videos I have seen - and taste differ from person to person - your bike should be good/perfect for you. I still felt it might by okay to throw in my experience of (just one) longer testride on the 2021/22 Speed Twin.
Thanks, Karsten. I am absolutely not offended by your comment :) In fact, I agree with much of what you say. The Speed Twin certainly isn't a relaxing bike, because it's constantly pushing the rider to go faster. The RE is a more 'sensible' choice :)
As an owner of Thruxton R for over 5 years and someone who races his bike my radiator very seldom comes on. I've run tons of sprockets from the stock 16/42 to 18/37 the motor handles them all with very little performance degradation until you get up to the 17/37. Of course that will really help your fuel mileage.
A good compromise is a 17/40.
I think some of the heat and radiator coming is associated with the catalytic converter location right underneath the engine. I did away with the catalytic converter so perhaps that is the reason my runs cooler.
I also own an R9T/5 and find both bikes will run a 11.7 quarter mile. The BMW R9T/5 is slightly easier to launch and more comfortable but the Thruxton R definitely handles the turns better and is quicker when ridden well.
Interesting. Thanks for the tips :)
I found the 17/39 combination just right for road use. Rides along at 85mph @ 4000rpm in 6th,with only the slightest loss of acceleration, in any gear. SO much torque,probably aided by the 2:1 Zard etc.
Ditto all the comments below about another in a series of informative reviews and motorcycle commentary. I've not ridden any of the current crop of Triumphs but find myself drawn to the new Speedmaster (based on much UA-cam praise), more of a high torque cruiser than a sport bike. My old Magna is twitchy and difficult to corral for an easy going ride and may have to go. Thanks for another interesting and helpful video!
Thank you, Timothy. I haven't ridden the Speedmaster as yet, but it's on my list. Not a fan of feet-forward riding position in general, so we'll have to see. Ride safe :)
@@RocketMan_Moto When you get a chance to ride a Speedmaster, please report in usual thorough and engaging manner! Thanks
I wanted to ride one this morning while my Speed Twin was in for its first service, but Triumph Algarve didn’t have one available😟
Great review. I have to say my 2020 SpeedTwin is a different and reborn machine after fitting a booster plug. Damn EU!
TEC Parts? Wonder if they will be bringing a version out for the 2022?
Bravo hai un bel modo di fare le cose! L ho comprata oggi dando indietro il mio scrambler 1200xe spero tu abbia ragione! Ti farò sapere!
Thanks. Enjoy😍
Having cut my teeth on many beautiful 70s bikes, very few modern nakeds fail to capture that beauty, however at 7.38, that shot comes very close.
No denying the charm of those Hondas. I would like a 'real' classic one day, if garage space allows :)
Good review and great you are enjoying the bike.
Thanks. Your positive feedback is always appreciated, Lyn :)
Great video. Humour (so british !) and a lot of objective informations. I'm interested in this bike too. But i'm 1,86m. How tall are you ? Does this bike give enough space for legs ? Greeting from France
Thanks. I'm 187cm, but I usually prefer smaller bikes :)
I agree that E39 is beautifully styled. Not much since has bettered it. Only issue was the need for a dead body in the boot in winter and paving slabs in summer. So easy to lose the backend even when not pushing it.
Haha, yes it could be a bit of a handful :)
Frankly falling in love with this model. Really in a dilemma between this one and the bobber. I know, two different styles but both quite outstanding pieces of kit.
By the way, being a neighbor I know every road you ride on. I suggestion is to ride from Lagos to Azinheira do mar (a tad farther than Odeceixe)
Keep up the nice work.
Thanks for the tip, I’ll look that road up👍 I haven’t tried the Bobber, but the figures don’t do it for me on paper and the idea of a feet forward ride in the rough roads here would finish off my spine😬
I dit it today. I ordered a black Speedy with short backside. I will get it or her :) on February 23.
Congratulations! Best bike I’ve ever owned. Only problem for you now is the wait🤪
Great video I would have the new speed twin if I could put my tank of my speed twin on to it you can tell the difference between the two bikes when you ride them back to back but both fantastic bikes stay safe looking forward to more videos 🇬🇧👍
I agree that it's not really worth 'upgrading' if you already have the first generation bike. I prefer the old paint schemes, too, although the matte grey is nice, and of course, you have the more torquey Euro IV engine! :)
Great review, cheers!
Thanks, Peter :)
Great review. You're right. Do we need a quickshifter on that kind of bike ? You're right this bike is very close to perfection. Enjoy.
Thanks, Pierre👍😊
Great vid as always!
Thanks! Hope all is well with you :)
Hi nice bike. You mentioned about the radiator fan kicking more often. Try the Red Line Water Wetter to mix in your coolant, might help more of cooling.
Thanks. I've been told Motul Mocool is also worth a try?
Man I have never been interested in a bike like this but fml if it doesn’t look like a lovely watch or piece of jewelry
I am very happy with it
Very much appreciated analysis 🧐
Thanks, Peter. Glad you found it useful😊
Put a -10°thermastat in.10°degrees less helps tremendously.Cheap to do.No Trident for son get him a Royal Enfield twin 650.Thousands cheaper & although got some budget parts to keep cost down the thousands saved can be used for customizing.Endless after market good for young fella.The $ saved use for YSS fork upgrade,S&S Air filter, slip on's,sump guard,oil cooler guard,turn good bike into great bike.Already has Tourqie engine & smooth gear box.Air cooled no radiator problem.
A different thermostat won't make the bike any less hot, the fan is already coming on nearly all the time :)
@@RocketMan_Moto Then the fan will come on earlier cooling bike faster also adding life to engine in long run.If fan on all time thermostat might be stuffed.Or triumph designed poorly then get a aftermarket one or you ringing it out constantly,lol
The fan already comes on too much😂
@@RocketMan_Moto Better to have fan going to prevent heat soak in engine.Might have sludge in radiator or incorrect cap that is easy fix try flushing radiator.Check antifreeze might not have enough,gets low & topped up with water only no antifreeze mixed in will cause it to get hot.Check other speed twin owners to see if that's normal.Always get a high flow water pump thicker Alloy radiator (top brand)or both,electric water pump are good too.Did you buy it new or second hand,previous owner just topped off with water no antifreeze.Heat soak kill engine.😆😁😂🤣
100 BHP and loads of tourq, The perfect road bike, I would love one, can't afford one, So I ride a custom 93 900 Triple, Big jets, cone filters, reverse cone exhaust, 95 BHP and a lovely flat torque curve.
I agree they're very expensive for a 'toy'. Your bike sounds great!
Bigger tank: you need to buy another tank and split them both along the horizontal and weld one half to the other; the top of one to the bottom of the other. This is what the long distance yobs do here in Australia. Try and acquire a tank from a wrecker. Use the top half of the newly worked tank from yours, for obvious reasons, and decide how much bigger you want it to be; doesn't look to bad once they're repainted.
I agree the range is frustratingly poor.
I’ve put a Healtech QuickShifter Easy in my Speed Twin and it’s awesome for rocketing you out of the traffic lights in front of everyone
I've been thinking about one of these. Was it easy to install? Any downsides?
@@RocketMan_Moto following the instructions and with a help of a friend (you need to remove the tank) it’s easy. After installing, you shoud fine tune it through the app with the help of a rear-wheel stand. It’s a very cool upgrade to the bike!
Thanks👍😊
Great video as always👍🏻
Thank you, Mark :)
Have the same issue with tank capacity on my new 2023 Thruxton rs. However, with the same engine as yours, it’s an absolute blast to ride. Would still be interesting to see how you compare both of them.
👍😊
A ‘factory’ quick shifter on the upright bonnie range unfortunately isn’t fees-able due to heat to put it simply, it was tried on the thruxtons but the load sensors suffered due to the heat of the exhaust etc which in turn would mess up the voltage resistance causing inconsistencies.
I can believe that. There’s a huge amount of heat given off by the engine/exhaust. But thanks for the information👍😊
Brutally honest --- refreshing! ;)
Thanks :)
Five star 🌟video. From Clearwater Beach Florida Pinellas County USA 🇺🇸.
Thank you :)
I'm not impressed with the fact you've had to change the rear shocks on an expensive bike. I've gone off the Scrambler XE1200 for my Thailand because of the stiff suspension. I prefer LCDs to TFTs, too. Less likely to go wrong. Maybe I should consider a Speed Twin. I also love torque that comes in so low. When I get back to Portugal, I'm going to put my Buell Ulysses on Portuguese plates and run that around. It pulls top gear [fifth] cleanly from 1,000 rpm. Very similar performance to your bike.
Good video, and the scenery is making me homesick.
I agree re. the rear shocks - the original ones look very cheap & nasty on such a beautiful bike. It's beautiful down here at this time of the year, mainly because most of the summer tourists have gone back home, lol :)
It's a retro. It's essence is 'old school' It's a bummer that it even has 'rider modes' It should 'never' have a quick shifter. You'll be asking for an automatic one next.
Nah, I'd never want an automatic motorbike. Rider modes are useful with all the torque, though the dry roads here mean I can leave it in sport all the time :)
@@RocketMan_Moto I'd never discount an automatic out of hand as I don't know how decrepit i'll be in my dotage, but by then, i'll need everything to operate as easily as possible. We've been riding 100hp bikes without rider modes for decades, we don't need them now. They just need to set up the throttle response properly and it's not a problem. My tweaked Fazer1000 has 150 (carb fed) RWHP and it's not a problem. My last Fireblade from 2002 (still the lightest Blade) with 155 fuel injected horsepower never needed rider modes either.
I like rider modes, but never actually change from one to another: I just select my favourite when I get the bike and leave it in that. I've ridden a couple of automatic Hondas (well, DCT) and don't care for them much.
Thanks for your honest review. Yes, very good bike but…..I’d probably take a Yamaha MT-09 SP over it (although the Trumpet’s looks are nicer on the eye).
Thanks, Nigel. The Yamaha is probably the faster bike, but blue wheels at my age..? :)
Love the honesty
Thanks, Martin:)
Very interesting review, good information. May I ask how the Speed Twin is for you on long rides like 5-6 hours a day? Thanks!
Thank you, Christopher. I'm afraid I can't really advise on long-ride comfort, as I never really go for more than a couple of hours :)
Hi
Just as I looked at your comment, a vid from JayEmm popped up in my feed featuring an E39. Worth a look.
I’ll check it out. Thanks. I love the e39👍
Hello RocketMan and viewers. I am not a beginner. I rode 10+ years ago (for a couple years) and plan to get back into it. My previous bike was a 2000 Honda Shadow 1200. The 1200 in the Triumph is much more powerful and sporty. To provide forgiveness of the power, I plan to drive the Speed Twin 1200 in rain mode for the 1st few months. Does anyone know what percentage power drop this will provide. The more the better as it has been some time for me since I was on a bike. Although, I have rented recently a 650 and it came back quick.
Rain mode doesn't decrease the power, just the way it is delivered
Damned ! I hesitate beetween a Trident 660 and a Kawasaki 900 RS...and now you add one more !
I know, this bikes are different...a little three cylinders, a big Twin and a consistent 4...
For the moment, I have only test the Trident and love because he s nimble and he s soft at low revs but have a consistent throttle and enough power for twisties roads.
Is the speed twin 1200 is as nimble and easy than the Trident ?
I am plaining to test a Kawasaki 900 RS, on the paper she fill all the boxes, and what a look 🤩
Have you test one as you say in the vidéo ?
Thanks you for all vidéos and informations that you give 👍
I have seen a lot and now you have win a new suscriber 😉
And sorry for my english...😳
The Z900 RS is a fantastic bike and one step up from the Trident & Hornet
@@RocketMan_Moto, thank you 👍 Better than the speed twin 1200 too ?
Not quite… but I’m biased😉
@@RocketMan_Moto , finaly I have test a 900 RS last friday, you are right, one step up compared to the Trident.
Bigger motor, better suspensions and brakes, look awesome...and what a sound !
Well. You get me thinking to myself: Go for a Speed Twin instead of the Royal Enfield Classic 500 to get from Porto to Algarve in a blink, whenever you want it... rejecting A1 and A2. But reason doesn't allow it.😁
Nobody NEEDS a Speed Twin - especially if they already have a RE - but it sure is fun😀
I prefer the triumph speed twin over bmw r ninet too. Another bike in this class is the ducati scrambler 1100. Glad there are so many options
I'm hoping to try the Ducati very soon :)
@@RocketMan_Moto yes, it is a great bike that gets overlooked a lot because of the specs.
Agreed👍
There's a rectangle of black unmoving in the lower left corner. Otherwise great! Thanks.
Thanks. Not sure what the black rectangle is…🤔
Great review. But that aside, great voice. Reminded me of whoever read Agatha Christie's audio books of Hercule Poirot.
Great review, as always. I don't own a ST just yet (have one Tiger too many in the garage), but haven't ever ridden a bike more.. eager to be ridden! One thing I was hoping for, for the 2022 model, was a quick shifter. I find the gearbox somewhat.. harsh, if you may?! Especially when downshifting. But I do get why they don't offer it, as you point out very clearly. Perhaps it's just my dealer's demo bike that is a bit cranky (chain is properly adjusted), or would you say that this a general attribute for the Speed Twin?
I think it may be your dealer's bike, because I've found the gearbox to be very smooth. Better than the Trident's, for example. A QS would be nice to play with, but it's not a deal-breaker for me :)
Are you rev matching on downshifting? My gearbox (2020) is excellent.
@@daveo9844 Yes, as best I can. Rode them (both versions) back to back yesterday for some good four hours, and there’s a distinct difference. The older version is super smooth while the new one is.. not. I guess you have to hit the right revs more spot on, so to speak.
Great review. Greetings from Greece.
Do you think that this engine would make sense in a more all purpose motorcycle?
I mean a motorcycle on - off, like for example a Moto Guzzi V85TT.
Have a nice time with your motorcycle!
Thanks :) I am surprised that Triumph haven't used this excellent engine in other models like the Scrambler (well, they have, but with a different tune...)
Would be interesting to ride the Speed Twin next to the Speedmaster to see how the performance differs with the same engine, tuned differently.
I’m trying to arrange a test of the Speedmaster
Thank you for your review, which you prefer Z900rs (not SE) or speed twin?
I haven't ridden the Z900RS, so I can't comment, but I do like the way it looks :)