I am not a motorcyclist but I confess to being mesmerised by the sheer beauty of these machines. My heart draws me to Triumphs, probably a T100. Simple, elegant, classy. ❤
@@DavidSenna57 As fast and as featured as it needs to be and reasonably priced too. You want a fast bike then go buy one but don't complain because someone likes something you don't like.
The thruxton is just a bliss to look at and most def to ride. British green and gold would be the perfect combination. To pay for the norton that amount is just crazy
i have to go to small after my stroke which left my right hand only at 70%,so i am trying to order a Kawasaki W-230 here in CT in the USA....thank you for another great video!
Perfect timing for this video Rob, I’m back in the market for a bike and want to go modern/retro again…..so much choice nowadays, just need to think about what’s best for the London commute, want to go smaller and lighter this time, 650cc ??
I have to admit, despite its questionable ability to keep up on highways around where I live, the RE Classic and Meteor 350 lines are still on my "maybe" list for a fun looking cruiser bike. If I hadn't found such an amazing price for the one which I bought as my first, I would have kept it on my list of considerations.
The 350s are only good for speed limits up to 55mph, 65 mph to really push it. We have the Meteor and the 70mph limiter on it makes it sketchy for where I live in 75mph speed limits. It also doesn't have much power to pass on a hill, even in lower gears. If I still lived in rural east coast with twisty mountain roads, it's be great! But west coast flats are pretty frustrating. Especially with slow 5th wheels all over the roads.
The Royal Enfield 650cc engine is the minimum power for U.S. highway, in my opinion. They need to improve their engines and frames, to get better power to weight ratios.
I watched this video, because it had an association with Doodle ON a motorcycle. I find her a pleasant person and her experience with bikes is as an endorsement to what rider with a smaller body can handle. Doodle, your on top of it girl!!
I just thought the same. Tried the configurator, then I just add a few things, the price crawls up to 22k € where I live (from 16 k €). So an example...they want more than 500 € extra for a rpm display.. Never ever will i pay for that.
All those lamenting the demise of the Thruxton remember, they are beautiful to look at but very few people actually ride them. Low mileage used ones will be plentiful for another ten years (the same reason they are discontinued). They sit a while then get passed around.
Sad to see the thruxton being phased out.. I had a 2004 when they were still air cooled and naturally aspirated!! Was such a great fun ride!! Yeah, she would wear you out on a longer haul, but still so much fun!! If I had the extra $$ I’d def get me another
When I saw your comment, I was just thinking how I would prefer my 1980 Kawasaki Z750E to any bike made these days. That period had absolutely fantastic machines.
I love the Thruxton but I'm 67 and I can't ride a cafe racer styled bike. I love the new Norton Commando but they're not available in the US. The BMW R12 is nice, I like the styling changes that give a more classic appearance vs the R NineT. I like the Triumph Speed Twins. I have a 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Special and a 1977 BMW R75/7 so I'm set, but if I was buying a new bike I'd get the BMW R12.
Love the video. Frankly, retro bikes are now by far the best designed and best looking bikes. I encourage japanish makers to wide their range of retro machines. I currently own a Honda Monkey and a XSR900 first generation. And I would add to my stable with happiness an Honda CB400 four cylinder bike or a CB350 single.
I've got a 2017 BMW 9T and having ridden the new one, I'd say don't. It's great that they got an air cooled engine through the latest emissions regs, but it felt to me that they'd strangled it into compliance. It's definitely lost something in the process. For half the price, get the outgoing version and if you get the posh one, you'll get Ohlins and USD forks as standard. My experience of the 9T is it depreciates shed loads. One of the worst I've owned in 42 years. In fact when I took my mint low mileage fully serviced bike to a BMW dealer when it was three years old, because I was interested in a used R1200R, they weren't interested and advised me to sell it privately. They might as well have told me to f**k off. Absolutely shocking treatment. All the more reason to buy privately and used to get a good price.
*This was difficult to sit through.* When it's about small cc bikes, newbies and commuters are listening. Adding qualifiers/excuses for these bikes, trying not to lose one's street cred with the big boys, is discouraging. With the 350 and 400 bikes, they're trying to convert scooter riders to real bikes... and that's a good thing. And saying it's under-powered whilst showing one in a velodrome was hilarious. Also, cruiser is a body style. It does not make a bike an H-D knock-off. H-D didn't come up with it, their customers did (H-D copied their customers). Finally, the XSR stopped being a retro a couple years ago so riders were correct in throwing shade. The 2024 styling is no doubt Yamaha responding to ME (because I'm king o' the world!) sending them an email that it was off my wish list pushing the X900RS to the top (a bike missing from this video but we got to watch tank paint dry). Footnote: the GP model might not be available in the US.
Yes indeed, many presenters often use the word “character” to describe some traits which I would find really annoying such as a clunky gearbox, snatchy throttle, vibrations etc. In which case, I don’t think I want a bike with “character”. My little Yamaha has no character at all, it’s brilliant, love it❤.
The R12 is simply a new name on the R nine T platform. The R18 lineup has been such a failure in America but all the R nine T variants seem to sell with no issue. Dealers basically sit on their R18 showroom bikes till they are old enough to be demos and BMW allows heavy discounting which you can usually get zero percent interest rates on with customer cash back to boot
Bikes have gotten way too expensive imo. Love the RNineT but I never even considered one for it's price and they want to make it even more expensive? Listen, I also ride a rather expensive bike but it's a big ADV. It's ok for them to be a bit more than a freaking scrambler since they also need to be able to do a lot more. If RE could get their shit together and finally produce a bike with more than 50hp while keeping their current pricing those things would fly off the dealership lots even more than they already do.
As a 74 year old coming from a BMW 1200GS and Husqvarna 701 I’m liking the Triumph Scrambler. Its low seat would be welcomed and with lower exhaust it would be close to perfect for me.
It’s amazing how many think it’s a British bike. Even owners proudly wear the Union Jack all over themselves and the bike. If I get one I’ll be sporting Taiwanese flag decals.
In this video, the clue is in the title, Retro. When I think of Triumph, RE and BSA, I think of their beginnings and heritage. They may have new owners, but have you noticed how they all kept close to their original British style? When you see a polar bear in a zoo in Australia, surely you think of the Arctic and not the Australian desert?
I like almost any motorcycle. But these days nearing the half century mark I need comfort and the ability to modify my bike as my body breaks down over time😅 Probably the two biggest updates to my cruiser is the rider backrest and the engine guard with highway pegs. I like the bmws but the motor layout makes it look very cramped.
Nice video! Great job. Congratulations for actually narrating this yourself, rather than using an annoying p.o.s. computer-generated voice for narrations. See? It's not hard! I don't understand why all those other video producers use cg narrations. I will NOT watch them.
Great shame Triumph have discontinued the Thruxton RS. It would be my pick over the Speed Twin for the better suspension and sharper state of tune. I'd just fit flat bars and have the best of both worlds.
I agree. while I'd lean more toward the speed 400, I still really like the look of the Thruxton. it's amazing what a change of handlebars can do -- the hand position, the posture, the whole feel of riding.
@@jtotheb-ip2hhYes, small tweaks can make a huge difference to ergonomics. My Harley LRS nearly crippled me when I first bought it. Changing the seat and rolling the bars back towards me in the clamps transformed it. And there's plenty more I could do with different pegs and bar risers. For me, the engine and the chassis are what matter. The rest can usually be addressed with a bit of ingenuity.
Reference retro bikes it’s about time someone brought out a proper full fairing ( ie Rickman type ) now that would be interesting on say a triumph t120 etc 😊👍👍 ps Happy Christmas Bob and all your crew🎅⛄️❄️🎅⛄️⛄️🌲🎄
Ok so I have my first bike a cfmoto 700 clx heritage. I'm looking to upgrade to the Yamaha xsr 900. I've only been riding for a year. Have 3200km in Canada. Do you think this is an OK upgrade or too much to handle right now and I should wait a year.
out of the 400cc triumphs or the royal enfield i'd probably still pick the royal enfield as no doubt a big service on the triumph will be over £1000 as it seems to be for all their bikes, really putting me off the Triumph brand, cost of servicing is a rip off
Good bikes don't always sell. I have a Thruxton R. It's the best bike I've owned but obviously not enough people agree so it's been dropped from their lineup.@@gojo_satoru_sama
the yamaha xsr gt? The half/full faired one looks amazing would gladly spend that money on it and being one of the more powerful ones on the list its just no question like im sorry but im not paying 14 grand on a 85 hp 200kg bike for its looks or name...
400 cc Triumphs look good to me.I have a scooter and a "real" bike, currently a Suzuki gsx-8s, to be honest I find myself riding the real bike less and less, so a little cheapie like the Triumph might be just what I need.
I don't really understand the "it's not so good, it's overweight and underpowered, but the price is low" argument. Why buy a bike on those terms? No american bikes as retros? Should be. But perhaps they are not new or updated? Thank you mr Bob!
I guess Triumph figures if you’re buying a 1200 Scrambler you’re not going to ride it anyway so there’s no need to move the exhaust away from your legs.
@@jimmyb4982 Royal Enfield 350 isn't strong & fast enough for U.S. roads. Its top speed is only about 10 mph faster than a Honda Super Cub. Let that sink in.
Retro's are so popular because -
Most modern bikes with their sharp angles
loads of plastic hold very little beauty for most riders.
I don't want a bike that looks like a robot wasp.
I am not a motorcyclist but I confess to being mesmerised by the sheer beauty of these machines. My heart draws me to Triumphs, probably a T100. Simple, elegant, classy. ❤
You should try riding, it's a blast !
The Royal Enfields look great
Their price is great too, you can get 2 for the price of a triumph or a bmw 😂
I have an int650 and not seeing any of the RE build quality issues on this one. A hidden gem some might say.
Slowest and least featured 650 cc bike 🤦
@@DavidSenna57 that may be. Though what sort of features do you look for in a *retro* motorcycle?
@@DavidSenna57 As fast and as featured as it needs to be and reasonably priced too.
You want a fast bike then go buy one but don't complain because someone likes something you don't like.
The thruxton is just a bliss to look at and most def to ride. British green and gold would be the perfect combination. To pay for the norton that amount is just crazy
XSR 900 GP and Norten Commando 961 LE are two of the most handsome looking bikes of this Era.
I hv the 2022 triumph bonni. Simply put it’s the “ rolex” of classics. Heavenly to ride. Great feel and performance
USA
And made in Thailand
No Kawi W800??
Wasn't it banned due to emission regulation?
i have to go to small after my stroke which left my right hand only at 70%,so i am trying to order a Kawasaki W-230 here in CT in the USA....thank you for another great video!
You must have massive lungs. You said all that in one breath 😮😮
Great vid. Loved it 🏆 Champ
Perfect timing for this video Rob, I’m back in the market for a bike and want to go modern/retro again…..so much choice nowadays, just need to think about what’s best for the London commute, want to go smaller and lighter this time, 650cc ??
All good looking motorcycles. My pick is the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone.
Also the Royal Enfield's look nice, but I would probably not buy one.
The R12 seems to ne agreat surprise. Grea t video. Well done.
I'll have one of each and two of everything
✌️ 😎
Great Review
Thank You
Honda needs to build a CB750 based off the Hornet.
M-Bob is the best and most professional presenter in the Moto space, I reckon
Nice vid & lots of good looking bikes. Favourite for me is definitely the V7 Corsa.
The R12 looks so nice! There isn't many videos out about them at the moment so looking forward to when you can get your hands on one! 🎉
Great update M Bob just found your space, very professional, cheers mate
Love retro bikes but it's always the T120 for me
Triumph Scrambler 400x looks great! XSR900 gp looks wicked as wel!
I have to admit, despite its questionable ability to keep up on highways around where I live, the RE Classic and Meteor 350 lines are still on my "maybe" list for a fun looking cruiser bike. If I hadn't found such an amazing price for the one which I bought as my first, I would have kept it on my list of considerations.
The 350s are only good for speed limits up to 55mph, 65 mph to really push it. We have the Meteor and the 70mph limiter on it makes it sketchy for where I live in 75mph speed limits. It also doesn't have much power to pass on a hill, even in lower gears. If I still lived in rural east coast with twisty mountain roads, it's be great! But west coast flats are pretty frustrating. Especially with slow 5th wheels all over the roads.
The Royal Enfield 650cc engine is the minimum power for U.S. highway, in my opinion.
They need to improve their engines and frames, to get better power to weight ratios.
Honda Super Cub can do just over 50 miles per hour. Compared to R.E. 350, that's a lot more performance per cc.
I watched this video, because it had
an association with Doodle ON a motorcycle. I find her a pleasant person and her experience with bikes is as an endorsement to what
rider with a smaller body can handle.
Doodle, your on top of it girl!!
The Scrambler X almost grants the 1200 Street Scrambler wish.
That R12 looks nice.
Im just loving the R12. looking forward to a review where its ridden. Interested how hard it could be punted, comfort, clearance etc.😊
I just thought the same. Tried the configurator, then I just add a few things, the price crawls up to 22k € where I live (from 16 k €).
So an example...they want more than 500 € extra for a rpm display..
Never ever will i pay for that.
@@sebbwebbo7557 I'd just go base model then. I've got ears don't need a tacho. Though spoked rims would be nice.
@@sebbwebbo7557
What spec did you add to put 7k on the price
All those lamenting the demise of the Thruxton remember, they are beautiful to look at but very few people actually ride them.
Low mileage used ones will be plentiful for another ten years (the same reason they are discontinued). They sit a while then get passed around.
The XSR is the boldest move, and that surprises me as a Yamaha owner. 👍🤪🏳️🌈
Got my XSR900 in Spring 2017. Still in love today, seven years on.
Besides, it doesn't harm to look at some other bikes, does it?
Happy Boxing Day, from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
I have a question. Is Royal Enfield retro? It looks like they just never changed their style.😂
Royal Enfield has the "looks", but needs to improve their engine power and overall weight.
That Moto Guzzi V7 Corsa looks the go 🎶✨⭐️🎆
Sad to see the thruxton being phased out..
I had a 2004 when they were still air cooled and naturally aspirated!!
Was such a great fun ride!!
Yeah, she would wear you out on a longer haul, but still so much fun!!
If I had the extra $$ I’d def get me another
The best retro bike in 2024 is my restored 1980 Suzuki GS850G / I need to get the Dyna Tek ignition and coils working and it's done.
When I saw your comment, I was just thinking how I would prefer my 1980 Kawasaki Z750E to any bike made these days.
That period had absolutely fantastic machines.
I love the Thruxton but I'm 67 and I can't ride a cafe racer styled bike. I love the new Norton Commando but they're not available in the US. The BMW R12 is nice, I like the styling changes that give a more classic appearance vs the R NineT. I like the Triumph Speed Twins. I have a 2022 Moto Guzzi V7 Special and a 1977 BMW R75/7 so I'm set, but if I was buying a new bike I'd get the BMW R12.
Moto Guzzi Corsa coming up for me! Good vid.
Good video 👍Triumph 400, new colours for T100 and BMW R-12 would be my options nowadays ✌️😎
RE and triumph are my fav bikes with the 400 my choice due to water cooling. But RE water cooled will be here soon likely next year!
Love the video. Frankly, retro bikes are now by far the best designed and best looking bikes. I encourage japanish makers to wide their range of retro machines. I currently own a Honda Monkey and a XSR900 first generation. And I would add to my stable with happiness an Honda CB400 four cylinder bike or a CB350 single.
Shotgun and BSA are what I’ll be deciding between. ❤❤😊
Is Triumph giving up the Thruxton so that Norton can revive the Comando? The two bikes look extremely similar.
I really like that R12. But I like those new Triumph 400’s too. But that R12 temps me.
Very different bikes for very different uses. Very different prices.
I've got a 2017 BMW 9T and having ridden the new one, I'd say don't. It's great that they got an air cooled engine through the latest emissions regs, but it felt to me that they'd strangled it into compliance. It's definitely lost something in the process. For half the price, get the outgoing version and if you get the posh one, you'll get Ohlins and USD forks as standard. My experience of the 9T is it depreciates shed loads. One of the worst I've owned in 42 years. In fact when I took my mint low mileage fully serviced bike to a BMW dealer when it was three years old, because I was interested in a used R1200R, they weren't interested and advised me to sell it privately. They might as well have told me to f**k off. Absolutely shocking treatment. All the more reason to buy privately and used to get a good price.
Enfield are the best bikes ever! Best qualities, best prices! Woo-hoo....
Sorry but they are the worst,also royal Enfield had the biggest recall of 2023 in india, they're not reliable at all sir‼️
That new Yamaha looks so good. I wish it was coming to Canada
*This was difficult to sit through.* When it's about small cc bikes, newbies and commuters are listening. Adding qualifiers/excuses for these bikes, trying not to lose one's street cred with the big boys, is discouraging. With the 350 and 400 bikes, they're trying to convert scooter riders to real bikes... and that's a good thing. And saying it's under-powered whilst showing one in a velodrome was hilarious. Also, cruiser is a body style. It does not make a bike an H-D knock-off. H-D didn't come up with it, their customers did (H-D copied their customers). Finally, the XSR stopped being a retro a couple years ago so riders were correct in throwing shade. The 2024 styling is no doubt Yamaha responding to ME (because I'm king o' the world!) sending them an email that it was off my wish list pushing the X900RS to the top (a bike missing from this video but we got to watch tank paint dry).
Footnote: the GP model might not be available in the US.
nice with higher seat and forward foot controls !!
Hands down, Triumph Thruxton - yes I’m a bit biased - 2016 TTR. Thank you
Wonder if “character bikes” ought to be a category?
Yes indeed, many presenters often use the word “character” to describe some traits which I would find really annoying such as a clunky gearbox, snatchy throttle, vibrations etc. In which case, I don’t think I want a bike with “character”. My little Yamaha has no character at all, it’s brilliant, love it❤.
My dealership called me, The Thruxton is discounted $5000 for loyal customers. Im going to look at it in two weeks.
The R12 is simply a new name on the R nine T platform. The R18 lineup has been such a failure in America but all the R nine T variants seem to sell with no issue. Dealers basically sit on their R18 showroom bikes till they are old enough to be demos and BMW allows heavy discounting which you can usually get zero percent interest rates on with customer cash back to boot
Bikes have gotten way too expensive imo. Love the RNineT but I never even considered one for it's price and they want to make it even more expensive? Listen, I also ride a rather expensive bike but it's a big ADV. It's ok for them to be a bit more than a freaking scrambler since they also need to be able to do a lot more. If RE could get their shit together and finally produce a bike with more than 50hp while keeping their current pricing those things would fly off the dealership lots even more than they already do.
Amazing bikes, ❤ retro bikes
Great vid. I pick the R12 9T.
As a 74 year old coming from a BMW 1200GS and Husqvarna 701 I’m liking the Triumph Scrambler. Its low seat would be welcomed and with lower exhaust it would be close to perfect for me.
Agreed. I just wish Triumph was still a British brand.
It’s amazing how many think it’s a British bike. Even owners proudly wear the Union Jack all over themselves and the bike. If I get one I’ll be sporting Taiwanese flag decals.
@@BlackdogADV May I dare ask you to expand on that thought? Is it out of irony or submission? Sorry, but I just don't understand the notion.
In this video, the clue is in the title, Retro. When I think of Triumph, RE and BSA, I think of their beginnings and heritage. They may have new owners, but have you noticed how they all kept close to their original British style?
When you see a polar bear in a zoo in Australia, surely you think of the Arctic and not the Australian desert?
Wuhuu, love that R12, but I can't get over my Rebel 1100 😉
I always vote for triumph.
I like almost any motorcycle. But these days nearing the half century mark I need comfort and the ability to modify my bike as my body breaks down over time😅 Probably the two biggest updates to my cruiser is the rider backrest and the engine guard with highway pegs. I like the bmws but the motor layout makes it look very cramped.
I know the royal enfields are cheap but if you look at the reviews there is a reason for that.
Yep , you're getting what little you paid for in that case.
Great Bikes... Unfortunately BSA is not available in Austria
Happy Speed 400 owner here !
Nice video! Great job. Congratulations for actually narrating this yourself, rather than using an annoying p.o.s. computer-generated voice for narrations. See? It's not hard! I don't understand why all those other video producers use cg narrations. I will NOT watch them.
honda scl500 ?
Great shame Triumph have discontinued the Thruxton RS. It would be my pick over the Speed Twin for the better suspension and sharper state of tune. I'd just fit flat bars and have the best of both worlds.
I agree. while I'd lean more toward the speed 400, I still really like the look of the Thruxton. it's amazing what a change of handlebars can do -- the hand position, the posture, the whole feel of riding.
@@jtotheb-ip2hhYes, small tweaks can make a huge difference to ergonomics. My Harley LRS nearly crippled me when I first bought it. Changing the seat and rolling the bars back towards me in the clamps transformed it. And there's plenty more I could do with different pegs and bar risers. For me, the engine and the chassis are what matter. The rest can usually be addressed with a bit of ingenuity.
very curious if the Triumph Speed 400 is vibey, otherwise its very tempting
If I were to add another bike to the stable, it would have to be the Thruxton Final Edition.
The price of the Norton just doesn’t make any sense.
Another great video, my choice of bikes ❤😊
Enfield is the Triumph of this generation...
Reference retro bikes it’s about time someone brought out a proper full fairing ( ie Rickman type ) now that would be interesting on say a triumph t120 etc 😊👍👍 ps Happy Christmas Bob and all your crew🎅⛄️❄️🎅⛄️⛄️🌲🎄
Have a look at the xsr900GP
Ok so I have my first bike a cfmoto 700 clx heritage. I'm looking to upgrade to the Yamaha xsr 900. I've only been riding for a year. Have 3200km in Canada. Do you think this is an OK upgrade or too much to handle right now and I should wait a year.
If you have to ask, you already know the answer. 3200 km is nothing. Get out there and ride.
out of the 400cc triumphs or the royal enfield i'd probably still pick the royal enfield as no doubt a big service on the triumph will be over £1000 as it seems to be for all their bikes, really putting me off the Triumph brand, cost of servicing is a rip off
The sky high service costs put me off Triumph.
Triumph 400 x. A Triumph 500 x, with an extra A2-compliant 8 HP, would be even better, provided they keep it a thumper.
Xsr900gp still gets my goat
I want Triumph to retain the thruxton in some way. Maybe sell a fairing full kit for the speed twin 1200 to turn it into thruxton.
They're available, I've seen photos. Sorry but I can't tell you where to get one.
BMW R12 looks nice :)
moto guzzi is my favorite
Royal Enfield 350cc engines might need replacing with 1960's Honda 305cc engines, eh?
But sony Xperia 1v and import to India please
What if Triumph makes middle weight version of its thruxton series?
It did. The Street Cup that was discontinued a few years back.
@@PeterEssex why triumph is discontinuing good bikes?
@@gojo_satoru_sama both triumph and Harley for some weird reason.
Good bikes don't always sell. I have a Thruxton R. It's the best bike I've owned but obviously not enough people agree so it's been dropped from their lineup.@@gojo_satoru_sama
There's no easy choice to pick, but your video is.
the yamaha xsr gt? The half/full faired one looks amazing would gladly spend that money on it and being one of the more powerful ones on the list its just no question like im sorry but im not paying 14 grand on a 85 hp 200kg bike for its looks or name...
400 cc Triumphs look good to me.I have a scooter and a "real" bike, currently a Suzuki gsx-8s, to be honest I find myself riding the real bike less and less, so a little cheapie like the Triumph might be just what I need.
You got to keep this fantastic Harley Davidson dont sell juist add 😎
What about 125s?
I wouldn't consider half of those as being retro bikes, they're just new or improved bikes.
I don't really understand the "it's not so good, it's overweight and underpowered, but the price is low" argument. Why buy a bike on those terms?
No american bikes as retros? Should be. But perhaps they are not new or updated?
Thank you mr Bob!
Could you review a BMW 900 XR?
Not including taxes, dealer, freight, etc
I'l take the sporty cruiser from BMW
I guess Triumph figures if you’re buying a 1200 Scrambler you’re not going to ride it anyway so there’s no need to move the exhaust away from your legs.
BSA so cool bike
BSA and Jawa>>>>>
No z900rs se????
Enfield looks promising
You missed the RE Shotgun 650- bobber style with the Super Meteor frame and engine.
20HP and 200kg! 🤣
No Kawasaki Z900RS SE? What the hell bud?
I don't even consider Triumphs anymore since they started fitting those useless shorty mudguards
Except for the Yamaha 900, these bikes are unforgivably heavy on weight and light on power.
Light on power? Wake up. Even slow bikes have more than enough power for public roads.
Buy a sport bike?
@jimmyb4982 Some of us don't live in oppressive police states and have hundreds of km between towns.
@@jimmyb4982 Royal Enfield 350 isn't strong & fast enough for U.S. roads. Its top speed is only about 10 mph faster than a Honda Super Cub. Let that sink in.