Triumph Speed Twin 1200 | Ultimate Performance Retro?

[@clivep500]

Good review. I’ve owned one of these since July 19 and agree with the points raised. As a former sport bike rider (954 Blade), fast naked (955i Speed Triple) plus countless others I think this is the most fun bike I’ve ever owned. As Lamb Chop says the engine dominates the bike. It has serious grunt from 2000 to the high 6000s. It’s not a revver . It’s kind of like an old style Triumph T140 (yes I’m old enough to have had one) with a broad powerband but way, way more grunt. The handling manages to be light, entertaining, but never threatening. There’s enough movement for shits and giggles but it won’t dump you in the hedge. I can sum it up in two words. Get one!

[@peterkoning21]

Thankfully one of the few testers who is not scared to open the throttle for a change !!!!

[@tristinmiller1277]

Right! I have the T120 & I killed a Kawasaki crotch rocket the other day.

[@flamintasty]

@@tristinmiller1277The other guy probably wasn’t even trying.

[@mindspinn311]

You’re the only one to say “you’ve got to hold on when you open the throttle” and that’s what I experienced on my test ride. I was very surprised by the level of grunt. For 98bhp it’s quick! The short gearing helps, but it’s genuinely quick.

[@NudaMan]

I work at a Ducati & Triumph Dealership and this thing is crazyyyyy, just looking at it everyday lol

[@petehudson3080]

That external mic arrangement is the biz. Sound was awesome and together with the low angle camera it feels like I'm riding the bike! Excellent review and a real 'on board' experience for us viewers....

[@aaronwright848]

Great video! Bought a speed twin last October here in Austin TX. Fantastic bike! It loves and dives right into twisties. Perfect bike for anyone. Glad I chose a Triumph !

[@Jameesjourneys]

Chops! Absolutely perfect timing. I’m thinking of picking one of these up

[@mikeamcgee]

Your enthusiasm puts a smile on my face - love your channel homes!

[@gm16v149]

Had a test ride on one exactly a year ago, the red and black one which is the best looking if you ask me. I’ve got a 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS, but if I didn’t have that it would definitely be the Speed Twin! I’d like to see the Speed Twin with the suspension of the Thruxton though, then it would be the perfect bike.

[@raymorris952]

I have just bought the rs cafe, after riding both, I like the triumph, but its small and expensive compared to the Kawasaki. You can spend 15k on the speed, by the time you spec it up . and the suspension on the Kawasaki is much better for my stoutly frame.

[@karlosh9286]

Yeah , red and black is the best colour scheme . That's what I've got !

[@Kodreanu23]

What a theater of a motorcycle. You brought back my interest in this bike. I thought it would be too small and undersprung for a 6 feet 110 kg guy, but obviously not. Your delight about the bike is contagious. Thanks!

[@bobz1b]

That’s one of the best reviews I’ve seen.. you’ve made my mind up, I’m buying one !

[@j33psamuels48]

Ownign a Honda 400SF and a Yamaha FJ1200 86, this bike is a fusion of the two foe me. Such a brilliant bike and every review says the same thing about this bike. I actually get sad when I cant ride my Speed twin for the day. Brilliant bike.

[@BN1960]

You have such an epically exciting way of describing bikes on your test rides that every one I watch, I want to buy that bike! So far this month I've bought a Rocket 3, a KTM 350, a BMW F900 and now a Speed Twin has just arrived on the back of a low loader! I'm going bankrupt man! Keep it up fella - fantastic reviewing style!

[@LambChopRides]

Haha 😂😂 thanks Nigel 👍👍

[@paul.vanhout57]

I have a 2017 Thruxton R and am a huge fan of the HP 1200 twin. Instant and constant torque and gets a bit lively above 4500 rpm. The Thruxton surprisingly comfortable for my 5’ 9” frame. I added a Dart fly screen and helped with wind blast - might help on the Speed Twin too.

[@rottweilerfun9520]

The Dart fly screen definitely helps. I put one on my 07 T-100.

[@damienpeckham2834]

A nice little video on this bike 👌 there's no denying that this is one gorgeous motorcycle. It's good to know that it has the character and punch to go with the finish and look. Keep up the great work with the videos! 👍

[@raymondmackay225]

Ordered myself one, Yesterday.

[@raymondmackay225]

@@Aurelius_Mind Yes and it looks gorgeous.

[@karlosh9286]

I still love my one, just over 1 year later :)

[@rottweilerfun9520]

I like the enthusiasm , that tells me that it has to be a really good bike. I'm really looking forward to getting mine later this year.

[@mustanggt799]

Been watching the channel for a good while now and I absolutely love it. Keep it up chops! Seriously one of the best moto channels out there imo. The production level of the videos feel very high quality.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Mat really appreciated buddy

[@togglehead9738]

Great review chops Side stand is easy to fix, just bent the bar out on my Thruxton as it was impossible to reach. 100% agree on the engine, especially with a decat and remap.

[@lessaint]

Had my Speed Twin for a year now, what can i say well chuffed best mod throttle spacers,,,,what a bike

[@Jordz711]

What does a throttle spacer do?

[@filthymcnastyazz]

Jordan Crawley takes up free play. Removes any sntchyness

[@rottweilerfun9520]

Is it a complicated mod to do yourself ?

[@talkingrock7011]

I have been a Triumph fan since the 70s when they had a lot of room for improvement there new bikes have evolved quite nicely

[@christopherhickey1906]

Loved your video , normally i ride a 1290 superduke however after a test run last week i was completely blown away with that bike .Tommorow that will be joining the duke in the garage , downside car for sale to finance bike . Just need some good weather in Scotland , keep up the good work .

[@LambChopRides]

Great to hear Christopher! I was surprised how good it was, wasnt expecting grunt like that you really have to hold on!

[@chipneal]

Cheers from across the pond! Love this bike and always enjoy your reviews!

[@JelloThatsMellow]

Just got one of these a few days ago. Glad you like it!

[@pbyrne1400]

Very Nice, thanks Mr Chop, great audio, a nice grunter from Triumph, indeed! 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@pedge66]

That road the White Horse is on is brilliant, myself and a group of mates have been a few times, once I did half a tank just riding up and down

[@brucekendall52]

Triumph are proving to be a quality manufacturer not to be ignored.Thks.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review Lamp Chop. I'm a big fan of Triumph Motorbikes.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Lyn!!

[@brianmorse8811]

It hits the spot like a tasty biscuit with my tea... mmmm yum!

[@michaeljkasnter]

Nothing better than a LCR review!!

[@TheJoe89jan]

That bike has a Thruxton engine on a nimble bike for a cheaper price. I'm sold!

[@MsDenver2]

I like the analog dials at night aswell

[@wordreet]

This machine looks truly gorgeous to my eyes!!! Woah! It's lucky you know those fairly well. Some bloody awful potholes at 6:18!

[@frankmorris2603]

Lovely bike and superb sound. Closest to a ducati v twin from a parallel twin. Retro is sexy too.

[@alexjames421]

That road is the b2141 - my favourite! The road you were on through Compton is awesome too!

[@LambChopRides]

Yes thats the one Alex, both great roads and nice a quiet too!

[@jaholdpunk]

You can get a third party medium sized screen that deals with the wind +60mph. For me (old man) l find the power band brillant for normal road. l do love the Thruxton but can't get on with the excessive weight through the wrist. Also replacing the cat with an xpipe is much cheaper and gives a much better sound than vanson pipes.

[@farty1000]

i would love one of those, what a gorgeous bike sounds yummy! ya dont need a "sore bottom" when ya riding! sometimes too much loving can have that affect on the trumper, not suggesting thats the cause, great review and love those clocks. great vid as always.

[@blakefarinas6170]

I absolutely love my Speed Twin! Yes that kickstand is a bit annoying but I didnt buy it for that lol. She's slowly turning into a flat tracker!!

[@SolivG]

Nice review Chops. Your reviews are the most informative out there.I'd have one of these if I had space in my garage!

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

Tbh, I thought this was a phil480 or captain rambunctious video when I saw the thumbnail. Not disappointed though because you make some of the best reviews.

[@roberthall1437]

Chops. I liked this video, no pretensions with the commentary, just a good honest review. I know this bike because my mate has one and he loves it. He's also got the Vance & Hines mufflers on it.The engine is a ball breaker, grunt from everywhere and don't you love the colour on the headers when they heat up. Quality machine from Triumph.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Robert appreciated

[@pistolpete6321]

Outstanding review! Love this bike!

[@barryjmarling]

Beautiful looking bike,looked at one at the NEC,build quality is 2nd to none,but thought it felt a little small for the taller rider. Great video as always.👍🏻

[@TheTwinPost]

Man this thing sounds so damn good 🔥

[@RutgerMulder]

Had a test ride on the Speed Twin last year and the engine torque was very nice. But i didn't like the heavy engine breaking on the Speed Twin which made the front wheel dive and it was annoying in corners. Had a test ride back to back with the Street Triple RS which was so much easier to ride and it didn't even feel as fast due to how smooth it was in everything.

[@sidsmith8251]

Triumph makes such beautiful and classy bikes and all their components are top of the line!! LCR gotta question if you had to chose between the 2018 R1M or 2018 S1000RR long term which would you prefer I’m trying to decide between them?? Thanks again!!

[@michaelhayward7572]

Best looking bike ever featured on your channel. Closely followed by the XSR900LC. Grunt (torque) trumps peak bhp every time for street smiles. The reason why the old Speed Triple always one its class prior to the loony unneccessary modern hyper nakeds.

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

Another great vid lamb chops, lovin it

[@splodge5714]

Love that bike, one of the nicest engines out there. Great review, cheers.

[@photographerjonathan]

I just tried this bike yesterday, unfortunately in a small parking lot of the dealership so I couldn't get out of first gear. but man this bike really takes off with low end power. in Thailand they are asking 550.000 baht for this bike. which comes out to around $17.500.00 US dollars, as usually Thailand is adding tons of tax to the bike. but I didn't realize how much until you talked about the price in this video. in the parking lot doing really slow turning I felt like the front wheel was diving. and the regular 1200 bonneville didn't feel like that. the Bonneville also had insane low end torque but not as much as the twin. I have to say that even though the price is crazy. and I only tried the bike in first gear. I fell in love with the engine. the pull is insane and the sound is really nice. but I am also considering the Kawasaki 900 RS Cafe. but the dealer only has one, and they say no other dealer has one right now, and they won't let me ride it. I am really curious how the low end feels compared to the Triumph, I used to own a 1984 Ninja 900 and that bikes power was from around 6000 rpm up, but the RS is supposed to have more low end and midrange power than a Ninja, but I doubt it has that instant yank of low end power that the Speed Twin has, but from midrange on I'm sure it is more insane than than the Triumph, I just wish I could ride one before buying it. there are thinks I like about both bikes. I like that the Kawasaki is a Japanese bike built in Japan and is dependable, and I know the frame and engine is all new technology. but I have had an inline four before, and the twin is a different animal, and I never owned one before, and I just love the twin sound and tone and low end power. just that alone makes me want the Twin, but they are both beautiful bikes. have you ridden the Kawi 900RS or Cafe ? and if so how would you compare the two bikes ?

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Looks tidy. 10k between services and decent mpg make it even more attractive. Love the sound of the exhaust.

[@thedogchannel4122]

Nice one mate!!!! Cool video as always!!!!

[@ragerider6283]

Very nice bike & review. Didn't realise how much I missed dials until I saw those beauties. Not fussed with TFT's tbh but I get their multimedia & sat nav benefit's etc but quite happy without one. Can't wait for you to try the Thruxton RS, which is a bike I would seriously consider, especially with the race kit on. Looks stunning imo.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes think their demo comes fully fitted with track racer kit so cannot wait 😎😎 your right about the clocks, only TFT which I really like is the BMW one

[@950boy2]

Are we getting some hypermotard project vids soon? I think focusing on older stuff like that instead of all new bikes could be really popular

[@Agwings1960]

As you dash thru the British countryside, the last scene from the movie Lawrence of Arabia comes to mind, when Peter O'Toole aka TE Lawrence crashes his Brough Superior into a boy on a bicycle, just be careful mate, very snappy ride too.

[@rolandfullthrottle8316]

Niceeeee 👍 Seems like every bike Triumph makes, is a beauty 🏍 Paint job is amazing, not much bikes have this finish these days! Must say I’m jealous of your roads over there in GB ,Chops 😏 Seems like a lot of fun to ride all these bikes on such nice roads. Hoping for more dry days and a little warmer weather... but it’s coming soon 😎

[@LambChopRides]

where you based then Roland?

[@rolandfullthrottle8316]

Lamb Chop Rides Belgium 😁

[@raymorris952]

I like it, test rode it last summer, But I just bought the z 900 rs cafe, Found the Kawasaki suites me better, felt bigger, suspension better,and a lot cheaper. I like you weigh in at 18 stone. I found the triumph very cramped , lovely looking bike ,I preferred the looks of the triumph but the Kawasaki fits and rides better in my opinion. And with the cowl on the cafe , its much better on carriage way.

[@rzu7120]

You should have adjusted the suspension when you stopped. The spanner was probably in the tool kit. Great review, though!

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Choppsie you’re rocking it with the Triumphs. 👍🏼. 😎. 🌎

[@karlosh9286]

I've got one. It's wonderful. It was also my first big bike. The engine just pulls and pulls as much as I need up to road legal speeds, along with sounding lovely. As you say the bar end mirrors are awesome on the Speed Twin. On my learner bike, 2018 Honda CB125R, the mirrors were terrible. All I could see was a mirror full of elbow. I put extenders on them, they worked a bit better then, but visually they looked awful. Yeah the kick stand is a bit annoying. Needs 1/2 inch more on the lug hanging out. The tank could do with being 2 to 3 litres bigger, and why Triumph don't sell (well they didn't when I got my Speed Twin mid last year) a rear luggage rack sure beats me, but TEC bike parts do now make one. Can't see me ever selling my one other than the reason that I can no longer ride a bike.

[@randersson3672]

Brilliant review mate !👍

[@whatupg1]

I rode one 2 days ago for 200km. Great bike for what it is. I like the gauges but have to say when the sun shines on them the reflection is annoying and also hard to read the gauges. Also a distinct vibration at 4000rpm which was around 115-120km/h in top, which is unfortunate at crusing speed on the highway. The motor pulls nice and brakes and handing are fantastic for a bike like this. Even with a couple negatives I Still enjoyed the ride.

[@rumien1383]

Nice review Chops 👍🏻. Did they realise that it was you, who was borrowing the bike????

[@The333]

Love the Speed Twin - it was a toss up with this and my CB1000R when I bought. Glorious beast. Even more Glorious with Chopsy putting it through it's paces. Nice one!

[@davidwilliamswilliams7174]

Nice video chops, seems basic in the tech dept but being a retro that makes sense. Nice looking and good built quality, plus decent price. Been looking at this bike since it came out. After watching your video that itch is getting stronger and more difficult to ignore, You never know 🤔

[@LambChopRides]

Yes it's very nice, trying the RS Truxton soon so interested to see how much difference the upgrades suspension makes.

[@themotogpmaniac4680]

I’ve always wanted a Triumph, it’s just that nice and smooth sound and not to aggresive

[@prndownload]

My feeling is if you haven't owned a triple then buying a triumph (or yamaha) you're definitely not going to regret it. Street triple, speed triple, mt09. All great options but they are also kind of aggressive if you lay in to them.

[@themotogpmaniac4680]

prndownload thanks for advise and I’ve seen clips of those bikes and they are aggressive

[@cecilwilson5442]

Triumph nicely done and like the mag wheels and great for someone to give it the berries and no farting about any wheelies 😜 good review chops it's a fair run out

[@bdcash]

I'm with you on the analogue gauges

[@johncook9983]

Pretty cool to see the White Horse pub! When I lived in Virginia there was one of the same named after yours and I think it was because the owner was from your area. Was a great hang for dart league. Do you think the power, transmission and suspension is the same on the Speed Twin and the T120?

[@LambChopRides]

Oh wow small world John! 👍

[@michaelevans1658]

Don't get caught out by the service schedule ,yes 10k miles or 12 months which ever comes sooner .Most cases will be 12 months service and Triumph servicing not cheap.

[@-DC-]

Triumph servicing is absolutely extortionate I'm amazed they get a pass on it by most reviewers.

[@michaelevans1658]

@@-DC- Totally agree would be helpful if reviewers mentioned running and service costs .

[@splodge5714]

Seen the price of a Ducati service? and BMW aren't cheap either.

[@t.s.racing]

Michael, Obviously you've never owned a Ducati and brought it in for service.

[@michaelevans1658]

@@t.s.racing Nope no desire for a Ducati never had.

[@Shaqeroni]

Wanted one bad. Finally decided on the 2020 T120 Ace Cafe Edition. Still want one of these too. XD

[@northrider8628]

Great all around bike.

[@bdugdale83]

Hi, thanks for another great video. Curious to know your audio set-up?

[@colindebourg3884]

Got mine last week and love it, but I agree the prop stand is a bloody nuisance but it can't be long before someone markets an extender, it's just an all round great bike.

[@akquicksilver]

Sweet bike and good ride review.

[@mikelee1923]

Thinking of trading in my speed triple for this as ironically I think it will slow me down. Torn between this and Z900RS rs but think I will miss the torque if I buy the rs. Great review as always 👍

[@brookcampbell2940]

How would you compare the power and response of the Speed Twin and the new Thruxton RS? Forget about the rider geometry etc.. Is the Thruxton RS leaps and bonds better in the performance category with the +500 rpm limiter, higher compression pistons, etc.? Everyone is waiting for a Speed Twin RS, which wont be coming for a couple of years. I can certainly up grade the suspension but dont want to up up the engine.

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

lovely video! How does this one compare to a r nine t?

[@Lar308]

Bar end mirrors are a proper nuisance for filtering. I can filter quite easily on my T120 but on my Thruxton R I have to be careful as the bar ends are the same level as most car mirrors.

[@HippoDrones]

The quality from Triumph currently is amazing. I know mine is from Thailand, but it is amazing build quality :-)

[@LambChopRides]

Yes its impressive, this one us from Thailand too!

[@HippoDrones]

@@LambChopRides I don't know what the fuss is about TBH, it'd add £1k to the cost of each bike possibly if they added a UK build to the bikes, and the UK is a far smaller market than Asia!

[@LambChopRides]

Yes agreed, providing the quality control is there no problem. It would be lovely to have them all UK made but world just doesn't work like that these days

[@HippoDrones]

@@LambChopRides Yup 100% TBH, if it were just a few hundred, I'd pay the extra, but the industry is too competitive for a bike with the same power and weight etc to be unnecessarily over priced. The TFC bikes are premium, so them being UK bikes I do think is important. Be nice if the RS versions were too, but just wishful thinking :-)

[@johnaronson5974]

Q: As I'm a bit of a geezer, is there pressure on your wrists or stress in the ole knees? (65yrs. 5' 8+")

[@thecappy]

I own one and as my first bike (haven't riden in about 20 years) I have yet to get it into sport mode.

[@filthymcnastyazz]

The Cappy now?

[@gligachaz5047]

Lovely bike, but my one just kept leaking oil. Three times went back to the dealership which was a massive ball ache as 100 miles away. Eventually they changed the sump, oil pump and everything in between. Bear in mind the bike was only three months old. Who knows if that fixed it? I sadly part exchanged it, I couldn't trust it wouldn't cost me money to fix in future when the warranty expired. Maybe I was unlucky, someone may well have a lovely bike that will prove reliable.

[@annamassey5991]

Top 1 chops luv ya reviews n as usual brilliant entertaining content in this vid 😃🏍️💜 stockport, Cheshire

[@craigsallas83]

Well done!

[@fantastic1965]

The scrambler 1200xc has that lovely torque and where I prefer that twin engine. Still hard to place the speed twin when the speed triple rs exists. Still a lovely machine though.

[@sigberetta72]

Is it a pain to keep looking so far down to the clocks? The 690 SMCR was a bit annoying to have to keep looking way down at those small gauges… you sit so far up on that bike.

[@johnharvey5338]

That deer was still there on Saturday on my ride out, TEC do a cam to add more power to the top of the rev range,

[@filthymcnastyazz]

John Harvey do tec still do it? I thought it was 900 only

[@johnharvey5338]

@@filthymcnastyazz I am sure they still do, it was based on the thruxton cam for one make series that was dropped, check on the website and drop them an email.

[@filthymcnastyazz]

@@johnharvey5338 i did check when i found them , was only the 900. If its changed then great.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Interested to hear what chopsie thinks of the 2021 update.

[@peterford9369]

You should ride my VMAX. Normal punch is heartthrobing enough, but when V boost kicks in, don't be scratching your nose. Sporty 1200 s are definitely highway machines.

[@S1000xrhp]

Lovely bike, I enjoyed my test ride on it. I have to say its almost inevitable that Triumph will bring out an RS version - and thats no bad thing - just that anyone thinking of buying the Speed Twin might want to wait for the up-specced version?

[@flamintasty]

Well that didn’t happen did it 😂

[@S1000xrhp]

😂 aye, it's been a long wait.

[@Flip01]

Great review Mr Chops. Down the track when I mature would love a bike like this. I've got a Triumph 2016 SPD3R and my bar end mirrors cannot be tightened and move around all the time. Advice from Triumph buy new mirrors! 👍

[@togglehead9738]

Make sure all the parts are degreased, I also roughed up the surface of the bar and plastic adaptors with Emery cloth and now they don't move at all.

[@Flip01]

@@togglehead9738 thanks for the tips. My mirrors are loose where the ball joins the mirror, where you make adjustments to move the mirror around. Not at the handle bar. There is no way to tighten them.

[@togglehead9738]

Sorry, I thought you meant they were moving on the bars, I know others have had that problem. It still might be worth spraying some degreaser in there, although if there's physical play then there's not much you can do

[@highlandriders9696]

Sounds nice with those upgraded pipes. A decent bike for a calm run around the country for a tasty bacon bap.

[@mrjsantos369]

Great review. Love this bike - but still torn between this one (Speed Twin) and the BMW R NineT

[@danielsanmetzger]

J Santos speed twin hands down. I test rode them back to back and the speed twin is faster, more maneuverable and more comfortable.

[@zynzachary8366]

I concur 😊

[@Brookmanrider]

Hey mate great review what camera do you use for the side video of the bike ?

[@THEAWESOMENESS40]

Hey Mr. Chop, love the vids love your comments on the bikes you ride. I was wondering if you could help me with a dilemma. I am kind of getting tired of the low torque on my MV Agusta Brutale 675 and am thinking about getting an Aprilia rsv4 RR or a Tuno factory. I have been riding for about 3 years now, a good idea?

[@daveo9844]

Pascal von Flüe I’ve got a Tuono. Awesome bike. Not so good for the licence 😢

[@fud1376]

Now that's a nice looking Weapon, especially in that Black...!

[@SickBikeDude]

If I were to buy a retro it would either be this or the Z900RS.

[@gligachaz5047]

I was just about to put a deposit down on a Z900rs, think I should test ride one of these first!

[@jeffandrews6225]

Not looking to change my GSA yet but if i was this would be near the top of my list, good review 🥩

[@dannyracer25]

Nice review chops 👌 thanks from Danny