I found it interesting you mentioned that you felt more engine heat on your right leg. I experienced the exact same thing on my Thruxton R. My solution was relocating the horn to under the lower triple. The engine is indeed water cooled but also partially air cooled by virtue of the substantial cylinder and head fins. This finning is more than purely cosmetic. The horn’s standard position blocks a smooth flow of cooling air past the left cylinder jug and directs some extra heat to the right side. Problem solved. Loved your review. Cheers!
Love it! That's my sleek, jet black beauty parked at Cascade at about 16:25, I believe! I traded up from my 2016 Street Twin--phantom black, thank you very much--and as much as I adored the Street Twin the Speed is just *chef's kiss* perfection. It's like the Street Twin came back for senior year after a summer of weight training, all muscled-up and ready for the varsity. ;-)
I demoed one of these for Empire here in Spokane and holy crap hang on to the bars is right. It wants to go. And at 6'2" (a small Sasquatch if you will) I found it very comfortable. Man I'll tell ya, I was a bit skeptical on these new bikes with all the new sensors, ride by wire and clutch assist. But it was so smooth, I fell in love with it. Nice to see your thoughts on it as well. Ride safe out there!✌️
Mr. Hooliganisms thanks and good to hear that you liked it as well! I’m with ya on the new tech. I love my ole clunky tiger but when I get on these new ones I’m always pleasantly surprised.
Paul Owens right on buddy! Looking to head back to Ireland someday for a tour. I spent some time in greystone when I was younger and loved it. Thanks again!
When I bought my first Speedmaster - I was told that Triumph P-Twin engine likes to be run at high revs. I was told to shift at 5000 rpm. It makes ALL the difference. I tried different counter sprockets but when I eventually went back to the 16t, I knew I was there to stay. 95% of all my miles are at or over 80 mph, and most all of that is running through downtown Houston. Traffic doesn’t stand a chance.😎
Good info, thanks for the input :) I'll give that a try if I get the chance to ride another twin engine. They just hand me the keys and I try to honestly describe the experience but always good to have further information like this for the future.
I believe TEC bike parts in the UK do camshafts and other things (decat) that do get more power out of this and the very similar Thruxton engine. They do break 100 bhp.
If I hadn’t bought my Z900RS, this is the bike I would have got. Went for a demo ride on one and was quite impressed. Still prefer my Z900RS though! I guess it boils down to if you prefer an inline four or parallel twin. I’ve owned a few Meriden Triumphs in the past.
Just started watching your channel a little while back Great reviews what part of the country from the roads are great. I’m looking for a new bike this spring Duke 890 street triple RS but I have been Looking at the Truxton RS But I think it might be too heavy I would appreciate your input thanks
Keith Appel thanks buddy! The Oregon country roads are indeed great. Much better than the Portland roads for sure 🤣. You’ll be looking at close to 500 lbs for a thruxton (wet) but the weight is pretty low, not bmw low but certainly lower cg than a sport bike. That duke 890 is a siiiick bike. The main difference will likely be refinement. Ktm is really raw and fun with power while triumph is smoother and more linear feeling. Street triple is also really smooth and easy but requires some revs to get her going. Hope that helps!
Yes this is a bike you can ride all year long. I have a street twin and I ride all year all over. I have toured cross country with it and it handles great at highway speeds and on twisty canyons. I like the street twin cuase I'm short which is the only drawback for a tall person. But it is a naked bike, and with a small wind screen that makes it acceptable to ride anywhere for hours on end. Don't realy need the top end speed of the speed win cause nce you hit 80-85 the wind on any naked bike will challenge you after a few hours of riding. I bought a cheap cruise control add on that worked miracles and added on the heated grips.
Good stuff, maybe that would be a good video. Sort of an apples to oranges comparison for the average user. I would say that the scrambler 1200 is WAAAAAAAY more tall friendly and comfortable in general. The speed twin is all grunt and handling, much lighter and more nimble. For back road blasting and townie riding, twin is great but the scrambler is far more diverse. Scrambler could light tour and off road, being able to lug more. Personally I'd go scrambler but I could see why people would prefer the twin. Thanks!
@@motodrang4287 Could make for a good vid, true. If I went scrambler, I'd likely opt for the XC over the XE, simply due to more urban use, yet with the option to hit the occasional gravel or fire road without getting in too deep. Really appreciate the thoughtful reply!
Triumph t120 rider here in Thailand. I have a similar but different 'great' relationship with my local Triumph dealer. It certainly helps me to stay interested in these great bikes when the people that I deal with seems to go a little or a lot further than other motorcycle dealers that I know of. I enjoy your reviews, nice style....Thanks
Colin Sull it sure is great to have a good relationship with a dealer. I’ve certainly had worse experiences. So many places have a typical car dealer attitude.
Great Review. I'm also 6'3" and really interested in this bike but the semi-sportbike foot controls have me doubting the ergonomics. I guess the only way to decide is to ride one but I live over 200 miles from a dealer.
David Parker it will feel a little cramped for you too it sounds like. The bike was a real hoot to ride though, more fun than a lot of sport bikes I’ve been on. I’d recommend the scrambler 1200 xe or xc for taller riders, the scrambler can really boogie as well 😀
That's a tough one right now as it's such a new bike and they don't have a "low"model like with the street triple or tiger(s) I don't generally recommend lowering links but that is an option along with bringing the forks through the triple tree. The safest option is to lower your seat height by having an upholsterer change your foam padding or finding a lower aftermarket seat. Another option to supplement is to get a set of adventure riding style boots as they seem to add an inch or so to height. Hope that helps, thanks :)
If it's helpful to know Jun, or anybody else in the same position, I'm 5'6", I own one of these with the standard seat, and I have absolutely no issues getting a foot down when stopped. The seat is quite narrow at the front which helps with reach, plus it carries it's weight low and is very nicely balanced, so my adivice would be not get too hung up on the seat height figures, and to go sit on one at a dealers and see for yourself. I absolutely love mine,
Oliver Faustino hi there :) T 120 is definitely more comfortable overall for long trips as you’re less canted forward and have less bend in the knees. The speed twin handles much much sportier so to me it’s more of a fun ride bike . Bonneville also has more touring accessory and customization options. Thanks !
I literally don't know if I should get this bike or not. On paper, it looks great. In person, it looks great. But the fact that I haven't ridden it and don't know that I can control is the only thing stopping me from getting one. It's a much larger engine than I'm used to; so I'm not sure if I can handle it. And other than the possibility that Triumph maybe making a Speed Twin R is also holding me back, cause that's possible. My instincts say to wait, but my desire to ride (especially after so long and in this weather) is eating me up inside. Any advice?
Anordin1 absolutely take one for a test. Pretty easy to ride but definitely has the power to get someone into trouble. It would be a “fun” bike for me but not a practical one. If there is an R model coming it’ll likely be brake and suspension improvements so maybe not a total game changer. Could toss on a set of fox rear shocks and respring the forks. Weirdly I’d keep the stock suspension as it really handles our bad roads quite well. I think you’d have no troubles handling it though, very easy to operate.
@@motodrang4287 So I went down today and left the shop with one. It's definitely an easy ride. I need to get used to the braking because it is very sharp. But yeah, not disappointed at all. Still need to commune with the soul of the bike and whatnot...Also I think I saw you today but you were on your way out so... I'm sure there will be another chance to actually say hi...
Anordin1 right on ! I had a great time getting lost on that bike :) . Which color did you get? Also, let me know when your there I picked up a helmet with the prize wheel today but had to rush out to do yard work. Excited to hear what you think of the bike.
Famous last words, it was comfortable at 100 mph until I tried to stop for that Redlight,he's dead now he had borrowed my K4 CB 750 Honda 45 minutes before running into the back of a car stopped at a Red light
I don’t understand the need for all the second and third-gear roll-on tests. The torque curve looks like a table top. It “likes it” around 3900-400 rpm? That’s not real-world riding. Accelerating that hard in the lower gears is a given. I haven’t ridden a Speed Twin yet, but having put lots of hard highway-speed miles on a couple of first and second gen Speedmasters, my roll-on test would be 60-80 in Top Gear. If it can’t do it as well as my little 790cc hot rod does I’ll be riding my little hot rod a lot longer. But this Speed Twin just might be the real deal. My 865cc FI Speedmaster is a pretty good point-and-shoot rocket in itself, but that 790’s cam is just way too much fun.
So not quite the fun factor of the 1200 XE ?!? I live in a canyon community with pretty well maintained fire roads. Thinking the XE might be the ticket
karlosh, I disagree. For the firing order to be 270 degrees, the crank would HAVE to be 90 degrees. The simple math is: 90+270=360. A 180 crank has a 180 degree firing order.
@@motorradmike thanks. Yes you are correct. I remember writing this and then finding out I got it wrong. I could not remember what UA-cam video I wrote it on :)
I found it interesting you mentioned that you felt more engine heat on your right leg. I experienced the exact same thing on my Thruxton R. My solution was relocating the horn to under the lower triple. The engine is indeed water cooled but also partially air cooled by virtue of the substantial cylinder and head fins. This finning is more than purely cosmetic. The horn’s standard position blocks a smooth flow of cooling air past the left cylinder jug and directs some extra heat to the right side. Problem solved. Loved your review. Cheers!
Michael Schroeder excellent point! And thanks! I’ll mention this point if I review a similar bike power plant :)
Love it! That's my sleek, jet black beauty parked at Cascade at about 16:25, I believe! I traded up from my 2016 Street Twin--phantom black, thank you very much--and as much as I adored the Street Twin the Speed is just *chef's kiss* perfection. It's like the Street Twin came back for senior year after a summer of weight training, all muscled-up and ready for the varsity. ;-)
M G thanks and well put! Love showing off other people’s bikes 😀the jet black looks great 👍🏻
I demoed one of these for Empire here in Spokane and holy crap hang on to the bars is right. It wants to go. And at 6'2" (a small Sasquatch if you will) I found it very comfortable. Man I'll tell ya, I was a bit skeptical on these new bikes with all the new sensors, ride by wire and clutch assist. But it was so smooth, I fell in love with it. Nice to see your thoughts on it as well. Ride safe out there!✌️
Mr. Hooliganisms thanks and good to hear that you liked it as well! I’m with ya on the new tech. I love my ole clunky tiger but when I get on these new ones I’m always pleasantly surprised.
Nice to hear someone say ft lbs of torque for a change instead of newton bloody metres !. Excellent video, best wishes from the UK.
Enjoyed the video. Jealous of the sunny weather. Paul. Bangor N. Ireland😁🏍️
Paul Owens right on buddy! Looking to head back to Ireland someday for a tour. I spent some time in greystone when I was younger and loved it. Thanks again!
When I bought my first Speedmaster - I was told that Triumph P-Twin engine likes to be run at high revs. I was told to shift at 5000 rpm. It makes ALL the difference. I tried different counter sprockets but when I eventually went back to the 16t, I knew I was there to stay. 95% of all my miles are at or over 80 mph, and most all of that is running through downtown Houston. Traffic doesn’t stand a chance.😎
Good info, thanks for the input :) I'll give that a try if I get the chance to ride another twin engine. They just hand me the keys and I try to honestly describe the experience but always good to have further information like this for the future.
I believe TEC bike parts in the UK do camshafts and other things (decat) that do get more power out of this and the very similar Thruxton engine. They do break 100 bhp.
If I hadn’t bought my Z900RS, this is the bike I would have got. Went for a demo ride on one and was quite impressed. Still prefer my Z900RS though! I guess it boils down to if you prefer an inline four or parallel twin. I’ve owned a few Meriden Triumphs in the past.
Just started watching your channel a little while back Great reviews what part of the country from the roads are great. I’m looking for a new bike this spring Duke 890 street triple RS but I have been Looking at the Truxton RS But I think it might be too heavy I would appreciate your input thanks
Keith Appel thanks buddy! The Oregon country roads are indeed great. Much better than the Portland roads for sure 🤣. You’ll be looking at close to 500 lbs for a thruxton (wet) but the weight is pretty low, not bmw low but certainly lower cg than a sport bike. That duke 890 is a siiiick bike. The main difference will likely be refinement. Ktm is really raw and fun with power while triumph is smoother and more linear feeling. Street triple is also really smooth and easy but requires some revs to get her going. Hope that helps!
I'm 5"11'. I find the position fine, but I can see how it might be a bit cramped for taller riders.
Yes this is a bike you can ride all year long. I have a street twin and I ride all year all over. I have toured cross country with it and it handles great at highway speeds and on twisty canyons. I like the street twin cuase I'm short which is the only drawback for a tall person. But it is a naked bike, and with a small wind screen that makes it acceptable to ride anywhere for hours on end. Don't realy need the top end speed of the speed win cause nce you hit 80-85 the wind on any naked bike will challenge you after a few hours of riding. I bought a cheap cruise control add on that worked miracles and added on the heated grips.
Great video fantastic bike 🇬🇧👍
Richard Pearson thanks buddy! It was definitely one of my favorite rides that year :)
Great review
Hey, you went by my house! I love my Speed Twin. I'm 6'2" and it fits me fine.
Jason Taylor right on! Glad to hear it, I had no issues during the whole ride. Maybe after an all day’er I might be achin.
Would be curious to hear how you would compare the 1200 Scrambler to the Speed Twin for general use. Enjoy your reviews and enthusiasm.
Good stuff, maybe that would be a good video. Sort of an apples to oranges comparison for the average user. I would say that the scrambler 1200 is WAAAAAAAY more tall friendly and comfortable in general. The speed twin is all grunt and handling, much lighter and more nimble. For back road blasting and townie riding, twin is great but the scrambler is far more diverse. Scrambler could light tour and off road, being able to lug more. Personally I'd go scrambler but I could see why people would prefer the twin. Thanks!
@@motodrang4287 Could make for a good vid, true. If I went scrambler, I'd likely opt for the XC over the XE, simply due to more urban use, yet with the option to hit the occasional gravel or fire road without getting in too deep. Really appreciate the thoughtful reply!
Still my second favorite bike even though it just came out this year (Redesign from 1937) but that ktm 950 SM will be my weapon of choice always 😈😈😈
SuperSport that ktm looks super fun. Although I like most ktm models myself 😜
Moto Drang wheelies all day lmao and ktm’s are basically Austrian ducatis
Triumph t120 rider here in Thailand. I have a similar but different 'great' relationship with my local Triumph dealer. It certainly helps me to stay interested in these great bikes when the people that I deal with seems to go a little or a lot further than other motorcycle dealers that I know of. I enjoy your reviews, nice style....Thanks
Colin Sull it sure is great to have a good relationship with a dealer. I’ve certainly had worse experiences. So many places have a typical car dealer attitude.
Great Review. I'm also 6'3" and really interested in this bike but the semi-sportbike foot controls have me doubting the ergonomics. I guess the only way to decide is to ride one but I live over 200 miles from a dealer.
David Parker it will feel a little cramped for you too it sounds like. The bike was a real hoot to ride though, more fun than a lot of sport bikes I’ve been on. I’d recommend the scrambler 1200 xe or xc for taller riders, the scrambler can really boogie as well 😀
I'm 5'6 feet tall is there a way to lower this bike by 2' inch where a short guy like me comfortable standing on the stoplight
That's a tough one right now as it's such a new bike and they don't have a "low"model like with the street triple or tiger(s) I don't generally recommend lowering links but that is an option along with bringing the forks through the triple tree. The safest option is to lower your seat height by having an upholsterer change your foam padding or finding a lower aftermarket seat. Another option to supplement is to get a set of adventure riding style boots as they seem to add an inch or so to height. Hope that helps, thanks :)
5'6" you shouldnt have a problem nearly flat footing the street twin or speedtwin
You should be fine at that height
If it's helpful to know Jun, or anybody else in the same position, I'm 5'6", I own one of these with the standard seat, and I have absolutely no issues getting a foot down when stopped. The seat is quite narrow at the front which helps with reach, plus it carries it's weight low and is very nicely balanced, so my adivice would be not get too hung up on the seat height figures, and to go sit on one at a dealers and see for yourself. I absolutely love mine,
I'll buy this before I buy the Honda CB 1100
How's the riding position compared to T120? Which one do you think would be more comfortable for long rides?
Oliver Faustino hi there :) T 120 is definitely more comfortable overall for long trips as you’re less canted forward and have less bend in the knees. The speed twin handles much much sportier so to me it’s more of a fun ride bike . Bonneville also has more touring accessory and customization options. Thanks !
@@motodrang4287 Thank you!
A shout out to my fellow giraffe chickens.
The silver ice/storm grey color scheme is perfection for this bike. I would buy one in a heartbeat.
Slinging Lead I use my powers of Corey and Trevor for good 🤣
I literally don't know if I should get this bike or not. On paper, it looks great. In person, it looks great. But the fact that I haven't ridden it and don't know that I can control is the only thing stopping me from getting one. It's a much larger engine than I'm used to; so I'm not sure if I can handle it. And other than the possibility that Triumph maybe making a Speed Twin R is also holding me back, cause that's possible. My instincts say to wait, but my desire to ride (especially after so long and in this weather) is eating me up inside. Any advice?
Anordin1 absolutely take one for a test. Pretty easy to ride but definitely has the power to get someone into trouble. It would be a “fun” bike for me but not a practical one. If there is an R model coming it’ll likely be brake and suspension improvements so maybe not a total game changer. Could toss on a set of fox rear shocks and respring the forks. Weirdly I’d keep the stock suspension as it really handles our bad roads quite well. I think you’d have no troubles handling it though, very easy to operate.
@@motodrang4287 So I went down today and left the shop with one. It's definitely an easy ride. I need to get used to the braking because it is very sharp. But yeah, not disappointed at all. Still need to commune with the soul of the bike and whatnot...Also I think I saw you today but you were on your way out so... I'm sure there will be another chance to actually say hi...
Anordin1 right on ! I had a great time getting lost on that bike :) . Which color did you get? Also, let me know when your there I picked up a helmet with the prize wheel today but had to rush out to do yard work. Excited to hear what you think of the bike.
Get to 900 if you don't think you can handle the 1200
Famous last words, it was comfortable at 100 mph until I tried to stop for that Redlight,he's dead now he had borrowed my K4 CB 750 Honda 45 minutes before running into the back of a car stopped at a Red light
It's true there's not many good reasons to go that fast and I've actually enjoyed slowing things down to enjoy everything. Good comment!
Bro can we go lazy riding on this bike... i mean can we do crawling speeds like 30 miles on 6th gear?
Oh gosh, I didn't even try that haha. Next time I'm on one I'll test it. The engine does like low rpm but I think that might just lug it.
I don’t understand the need for all the second and third-gear roll-on tests. The torque curve looks like a table top. It “likes it” around 3900-400 rpm? That’s not real-world riding. Accelerating that hard in the lower gears is a given.
I haven’t ridden a Speed Twin yet, but having put lots of hard highway-speed miles on a couple of first and second gen Speedmasters, my roll-on test would be 60-80 in Top Gear. If it can’t do it as well as my little 790cc hot rod does I’ll be riding my little hot rod a lot longer. But this Speed Twin just might be the real deal.
My 865cc FI Speedmaster is a pretty good point-and-shoot rocket in itself, but that 790’s cam is just way too much fun.
So not quite the fun factor of the 1200 XE ?!? I live in a canyon community with pretty well maintained fire roads. Thinking the XE might be the ticket
The crank angle is actually 180 degrees. The firing order is 270 degrees :)
Spot on ! :)
karlosh, I disagree. For the firing order to be 270 degrees, the crank would HAVE to be 90 degrees. The simple math is: 90+270=360. A 180 crank has a 180 degree firing order.
@@motorradmike thanks. Yes you are correct. I remember writing this and then finding out I got it wrong. I could not remember what UA-cam video I wrote it on :)