New 2021 Triumph Speed Twin First Ride Review! The Best Retro Motorcycle?

[@vlaDVille]

Honestly, the idle on that stock exhaust sounds really good. Of course the slash-cuts will sound nicer once you give it some gravy - but that stock pipe is no slouch. Props to Triumph!

[@TTH77]

Id be happy with the stock exhaust system it sounds more than good enough without the hassle of the noise police & insurance issues that come with fitting none road legal items.

[@ohn1234567]

Your normal videos have awesome production quality, but this one is incredible. Well done man!

[@motobob]

Thanks mate - appreciate it! 🙏

[@negenelf123]

The graphics and colours of the first gen suits this bike so much better !

[@saddle8bag]

It's a Japanese styled Triumph. I prefer them more classic looking, but I wouldn't kick this one out of the garage. You are exactly right though, on real roads it's everything you want from a bike. 160 hp and bone racking riding position/race suspension add nothing to a back road ride around the country side.

[@idrider4748]

Got mine Saturday 14th August, so I'm still running it in, absolutely loving the bike, best choice i could have made. The only tiny negative I've found is that if it has rained you get water and mud coming between the rear mud guard and number plate, so I will be getting rid of the small tail tidy. Thanks for your reviews

[@Aditya-gv9ku]

Lovely😇 ride safe..✌ btw what's the top speed it can cloak?

[@jakehyland5317]

Have you tried any modifications at all on it? Switching the silencers etc?

[@xorbe2]

@@Aditya-gv9ku top speed about 125 gps, but this is entirely because the ECU shuts down top of 6th with 70% throttle max artificial restriction.

[@dunstanhawk7367]

I waited for the new one to come out before deciding whether to buy it or the previous model. I ended up choosing the previous one. Just prefer the aesthetic all round and the suspension / brake upgrades didn’t mean enough to me to go that route and I really didn’t like the new tank graphics and would have ended up just getting the black one.

[@2WheelWeekendViking]

Great review! Just demoed this bike last weekend and wow. It put a HUGE smile on my face! Handles like a dream, sounds glorious, and rips through the twisties just fine. Are there faster bikes? Sure. Do any of us need more to have an absolute BLAST on open roads? Not. At. All. 👍🏻😁

[@Kabirsingh29]

Can’t wait for the new Scrambler 1200 XE/Steve Mcqueen ride review. The exhaust work that Triumph claims to have better heat management is something to be verified. Lovely review this one too. Thanks.

[@motobob]

I’ll try to get hold of one 👍

[@danrudov5955]

I love this bike

[@conolavicus3019]

As a Swede I got to say I love the way you say ”Öhlins”. Priceless.

[@crooby5077]

What a beautiful bike!!! Can’t wait for mine

[@kevinmason6130]

I gotta say I’m leaning heavy triumph for my next bike. This and the trident 660 are at the top of the list. Will depend on how the bank account looks next year on which.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Nice review Rob! Impressive they've actually found a few more HP in Euro5 guise - mind you, they found an extra 10bhp for the T100 :-) They do run hot though don't they? Mine can scorch your left kneecap if you're not careful - probably a result of them running so lean? Oh, and get the headlamp aim checked on the Silver Speed Twin, you'll be bringing planes into land! ;-)

[@cookaride2307]

First, thank you for creating all the contents. They are very high quality and enjoyable to watch. Have to admit, this bike is really tempting. Almost perfect blend of retro, naked, roadster and sport bike into one. Never thought a parallel twin could sound this good like a V twin, even with a 270 crank, they often sound like a weird single or half a triple, just not quite a V twin. Just checked the price here in Aussie, around 20k which is pretty good value considering the styling, quality, performance, features included and better running cost. Resale seems a bit let down for Triumph, not sure why. But for long term ownership, it is less of an issue. I think this is the bike I would like to jump on once I am off licence restriction (Yep, they make you riding a under 660 for three years before jumping on bigger bikes no matter the power to weight ratio, so even the Street Twin is off the list. DAMN! ).

[@YungFusebox]

6:10 the cars on the right hand side really threw me for a minute

[@stevenhill6214]

Great review! Those stock exhausts sound brilliant....to my ear anyway.

[@garysouthwell5762]

Best all-rounder, sound, comfort, performance, handling, value!

[@nikolaah]

top job mentioning the brakes issue. great vid. love my speed twin.

[@alelectric2767]

Best looking retro bike for sure.

[@kelvinmiranda8259]

Triumph speed twin 1200 is very fine bike, it's the best modern classic bike in this era.

[@bobstolkin342]

I'm scouting for a new retro. This bike looks perfect, really seems to hit the sweet spot. The only issue I'm trying to get past is that it looks a little small to me in person. It feels fine when on it, but just doesn't quite have the presence I'm expecting.

[@crooby5077]

Check out the R nine T

[@motobob]

1200 Scrambler XE :)

[@bobstolkin342]

Thanks, that’s probably top contender right now. Also have a strong attraction to the Guzzi V7 850.

[@user-wt5jc6nb9b]

hi i'll be shopping for a newer triumph or a kawasaki.W800 maybe a motoguzzi 750 i need your opinion badly@@motobob

[@racerdaveracerdave]

I absolutely love that bike. The closest dealer being 90 miles away is not something I want to undertake.

[@KingCast65]

I've owned 5 Triples (currently have an 800 Tiger) but I swear one day I gotta get me one of these. So cool.

[@funguseater40]

The headlight on the silver one is like...pointing to the 🌟 stars !

[@duncanc2592]

Great review... but aren’t you driving on the wrong side of the road for a video shot in the UK? Around 6:00 onwards seems to get me wincing..

[@frankstocker5475]

I was deciding between this & the new Kawasaki Z900RS SE. Kawasaki won, Triumph need to upgrade the rear suspension, fix the snatchy throttle/stalling, & sort out the engine heat that keeps the cooling fan running all the time. What's the story with the Race tec tires on this rear suspension set up?.

[@PaoloD2R2]

i have both (regular z900rs tho) get the kawi. more 360 bike AND better suspension you can adjust preload AND rebound.

[@rubensahak9178]

love the Z900RS specially in stunning metallic green yellow scheme.In fairness its twin vs I4 very different experience.Twins have that throbbing feel that I4 lacks and why Motto Guzzi, Ducati twins BMW R's ,Triumph feel so good.

[@rocket3man]

I am keeping my 2019, firstly it looks better. I have upgraded my suspension and brakes and installed the Vance and Hines pipes with x-pipe, so I don’t think the new bike will do much better.

[@1MrBryn]

It does still sound great though. Compare it with all the new Ducati twins, which sadly now just have a one dimensional noise, and it shows how much Triumph have worked with the new regs.

[@thomasdabb8393]

Well done! Can’t wait to my grips on one. Safe riding!

[@robbikebob]

The old speed twin was a good half way between the T120 and Thruxton. The new one has pushed closer to the Thruxton and lost some classic style. Maybe they should just make a 1200 twin version of the trident called the speed twin, looking more like a speed triple, and make a T140, slightly sporty version of the T120. When you're pushing a retro so far towards performance, why bother with twin shocks, retro clocks etc.?

[@PaulBilton]

This bike is next on my list for sure. Great video btw - thank you!

[@motobob]

Thanks Paul! Glad you enjoyed it

[@WhiteMetal_]

They should have added the rear seat handle just like they had it in Bonneville doesn't matter much but just in case...

[@Ianjeffery2500]

Is it me or at 6.14 in the video, you’re driving on the right hand side of the road? UK number plates on the cars going the other way.

[@Andy-xs3ld]

I just got my new Speed Twin last week and the side stand blob is my only negative. I do struggle to get it first time and it is taking some getting used to.

[@timmo3351]

Nice guest appearance of Ollys older ST!

[@karlosh2422]

The bit at the end, getting the side stand down, I assume it's not been improved over the 2019 one ? I still struggle with that after 2 years. I must look like a complete plonker whilst struggling to get the lug on the side stand !

[@FuelwithDave]

I love my speed twin 😎 still prefer my tank but each to there own. Never had squeeky brakes either. Prefer the looks of the old forks but as looks more classic old school but no doubt the new setup is better but I don't have any issues on mine. It's a great bike new or old 😎🏍️

[@Stickybutton]

Makes you wonder why they couldn't do anything different to the colour ways.

[@kjbunnyboiler]

That chain looks really close to the rear tyre at 4.55!

[@stevefox8605]

Excellent, thank you. Should get mine next month, looking forward to ripping it to bits and starting to customise it. Cheers Bob 👍🏻👍🏻

[@motobob]

Enjoy! An incredible bike

[@JD-zw3ry]

Great review of a simply gorgeous motorcycle.

[@jjnewman65]

I’m more than happy with my recent 2019 addition. Tremendous slick performance and looks. Bye bye 👋 RnineT scrambler. Hello 👋 Speedy.

[@StreetTwinRider]

I am starting to contemplate whether a new speed twin would be a worthy successor to the street twin.

[@crooby5077]

It’s better in every way, Im upgrading from a street twin myself

[@milodebruin4821]

I would say it depends on how you ride. Do you want a more sporty zoom zoom or are you still happy were you are.

[@misterchuck6866]

But will you keep your name 😳

[@StreetTwinRider]

@@misterchuck6866 That would be somewhat problematic... and after bombing through south Wales today... I am now back in the "keep the Street Twin" camp as it was absolutely sublime in the twisties. The bike makes you work hard, but oh boy it's worth it!

[@ThePenoze]

The only thing I don’t like about the looks of this bike is the side view with the gas tank leaning downwards. I wish it was in a straight line front to back

[@motobob]

T120?

[@ThePenoze]

I still prefer the overall look of the speed twin! I’m too nitpicky haha

[@speedoangels6254]

Love a sporty retro! Great video 👍

[@flatcapcaferacer]

The motor is a peach. Flexible enough to run gearing from 16/42 to 18/40. Invest less than $1000 for a tune, exhaust and cam boom another 15 horsepower on the ground. Find a two mile stretch of asphalt, sprockets and a fairing your got 150 mph. Of course that would be silly to do with one of these Triumph 1200cc watercooled twins....yep just call me silly.

[@CW4PWR]

The silver one needs a headlight adjustment. Looks like it's a plane spotter. 5:26

[@stewartfox9195]

Great video Rob… Love your vids ..straight talking and honest. So glad you got round to riding this… but I’m still torn between this and a new 2020/1 R Nine T … Same price roughly as dealers clear out their Euro 4 stock… I rode both last weekend…and at 6ft felt the R fitted me better…. But the ST defo felt quicker… but there’s only room in my shed for one…. Aaarghhh. What to do?

[@motobob]

Scrambler 1200?

[@PaoloD2R2]

buy a used 2020 ST

[@NickKaboom]

Great review! But I won’t be upgrading my 2020 anytime soon. Love my slash cuts with a Motone X-pipe sound too much! ✌️

[@Aleph1010]

@MOTOBOB 01:34 "Most of us don't really need it (adjustable forks)" I have to disagree, its the first thing any rider should sort out on a new bike. And that is the most disappointing aspect of these upgrades, why not throw on the Thruxton forks to complement the better brakes??? especially given the increased weight. Rider set-up is paramount to good handling and in turn better braking. I think Triumph really missed the mark here. Just my 2 cents worth, thanks for the vid bro!

[@nbgen]

The sound of the bike is lovely when I can hear it when the unnecessary music if off ahh

[@aramparonian7914]

Kawa z900rs ftw

[@AugustoJNNeto]

Really nice outro, not gonna lie

[@motobob]

👍🙏

[@robertprosser6856]

Rear shock upgrade and job done👍

[@motobob]

Definitely the first mod. And then some pipes. Doesn’t need much else

[@robertprosser6856]

@@motobob agreed. Great bike as it is but think I prefer the new Harley Davidson Sportster S👍

[@j.d.thompson3505]

There's got to be a decent exhaust upgrade to improve weight and fuel economy (which euro5 is killing on some bikes).

[@nickbrennan313]

Tec dueller bud full system so removes everything big bore pipes and looks great too. That's what I'll be putting on mine when it comes.

[@j.d.thompson3505]

Yes. Good to know. This was such a great bike before euro5.

[@Audrey99596]

Thx for the video. Speed twin and T120 are bikes i'm considering. I know they have different styles which make me even harder to pick one. Can you make a video comparing those two bike??

[@k3ith8ee]

I’m on a 2017 T120 and have spent so many $$$ making it lighter and sexier. In the end, I could have just waited for the speedy.

[@TheAegisClaw]

On the video those exhausts sound almost the same.

[@motobob]

Honestly the stock pipes are really quite good given all the stuffing

[@phillipmitchell5879]

Good review! Very attractive bike for all-around use.

[@karlosh2422]

Yeah, the brakes squeak on my 2019 one. I just ignore it !

[@allwheeldrive]

Very, very nice updates. Yeah, give me the modern improvements! And one thing you gotta appreciate is how most of the manufacturers are taking the new emission standards in stride. I have a couple of old bikes and the one thing that I really can't stand is having to inhale the garbage coming out of the pipes, specially in city stop-and-go. Disgusting, and frankly not the kind of contribution I'd like to make to our air quality problems. A tiny bit more weight is WELL worth it. Modern bikes are fast, reliable, look great, do great things, and clean. Nothing to complain about.

[@arlinghamindoorspace3052]

Yep spot on comment. Everyone seems to want to junk the cat, and ignore the unburnt Carcinogenic gases coming out. I have a 83 xs400 and fitted some triumph scrambler pipes with a cat. What a difference. I didn’t smell like and old van every time I got home!

[@davidmohr4004]

Great first ride and high quality video.

[@markbour]

3:43 What exactly is the headlight on the the grey Speed Twin supposed to be illuminating? lol

[@PhilipBallGarry]

I noticed that too lol ;-)

[@crooby5077]

Billboards

[@ApriliaRSA250]

I’m assuming they just partially fitted the lowering bracket from Renstall moto and haven’t set the headlight where it needs to be. Even though the headlight is wonky it’s cool to see the belly pan and seat without the headlight fairing. I wonder if that seat is comfortable though.

[@richard9444]

Nice review,,,,these are nice bike , better than the competition.

[@MoarMrBASS]

I currently have a 2016 Thruxton but this bike really has my interest. I would love a more comfortable riding position and this is like a cross between the boni and the Thruxton. Would you choose a speed twin over a Thruxton?

[@narendrairengbam112]

For the price, they should provide adjustable front forks, especially now that they have managed to provide a new set of forks then why not provide adjustments with them?

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

Because 99% of the people don't need adjustable forks, since if you don't know what you are doing you gonna mess it up vary badly ( and usually the stock setting on these Marzocchis are perfect), I'd say a better pair of rear shocks instead would have been "mandatory" for the price. On my old Bonnie (years ago) I swapped the horrible stock shocks with a pair of Bitubo and the bike changed 100% for the better.

[@narendrairengbam112]

@@gautamasakyamuni6688 Most people are always gonna appreciate an option to adjust the stiffness of the suspension. Some might find the stock settings hard and might want to soften it for a more comfortable ride and some might want a stiffer shocks for better handling. And who says that they have to adjust by themself, they can always take their bike to a professional mechanic to do the adjustments. It's always good to have the options. Please get the idea that 'we have to adjust it ourselves' out of your head.

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

@@narendrairengbam112 As you please, so every few miles you change the settings since road conditions vary ? 😉 This is not an "extreme sport" bike, make peace with that. Set the forks and have those shitty rear shock? Good luck.

[@narendrairengbam112]

@@gautamasakyamuni6688 I am not even talking about the rear suspension. That is not even in the picture. It may be bad and need improvements, but that's about the rear. My point is, it would be great if the front forks had adjustments features. For the price and the for the type of premium motorcycle it is, it needs that. I don't know where you are going with the points you are making. Adjustable forks are good features, that's why most premium bikes have them. So that's why it also needs to have that. Simple point and you are going into talking nonsense by bringing up the rear shocks which is not something I am talking about.

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

@@narendrairengbam112 You know for a good bike balance you NEED both "front and rear suspensions balance" otherwise you will have problems in handling it, now does this fits the picture? otherwise we can carry on forever...also this is not a "premium" bike, this is an old style looking modern classic. overpriced as all the Triumphs. If you don't understand that...well good bye and good luck 😉

[@MrSimulatedsanity]

Looks good

[@davidbrann3581]

Very happy with my 2020 ST. The newer bike does have slightly better handling, but IMHO, it’s not enough to justify changing. You get used to the side stand inaccessibility. Has anyone found a cure for the squeaky front brake?

[@stephencampbell7405]

Hello! Just started watching your channel and you helped me discover the Triumph Speed Twin...what a delightful bike that seems to fit me well. I am in the process of purchasing a lightly used 2022 as I can't find a nearby new one. Can you point me to the best place to find accessories like luggage and performance parts for Speed Twins. Thanks and love your channel!

[@philipmarshall4304]

I love mine. Custo Ming the hell out of it at the moment

[@philipmarshall4304]

*customing

[@TotalAnomy]

But can you still de-cat it just as easily as before?

[@walmir8070]

I'm buying one here in US, just put a deposit last week. Why the different blinkers for the US market? I like the smaller ones better. Also like the stock pipes sound!

[@motobob]

I think the US doesn’t allow LED blinkers as standard, but everywhere else does 👎

[@sv650nyc7]

@@motobob No there is no such regulation. The last model did have LEDs, just a different (uglier) shape. It made no sense to me.

[@walmir8070]

@@motobob Yes, the dealer told me DOT rules doesn't allow it. Guess what I'm replacing it ASAP. hahaha

[@maciejbuczkowski1056]

Great video Rob! I’m in the fence between these two generations, but whichever path I will choose, the mods in the 2019 gen from the video look sick. Can you let us all know where to get them?

[@trailrider1980]

Very peppy and good looking bike but no power up in the powerband. Coming from an mt09 that was hard to get use to. I prefer the mt09, z900 rs engine.

[@themightydash1714]

i took one out last week and was disappointed at the lack of urgency in the power delivery

[@cliveomahoney4096]

They may as well go the whole way, put a monoshock on the back and get rid of those fussy looking clocks, that are at the wrong angle. The Street Twin is a great looking bike. Lots of people don't want spokes and olde worlde looks. The bike can be updated and lightened with minimal effort and be imporved too. I can't imagine that many people care about twin shocks on the back of a bike.

[@DucTaZenSurfer]

The ultimate question and possibly future video idea? But which one of the three NightShift, Street Scrambler 900, or the Street Twin would you pick?

[@tigerick7291]

So which would you prefer. This or the new Z900RS SE? I think I'm edging towards the Kawasaki from looks alone and possibly build quality.

[@motobob]

I don’t think build quality is an issue on the speed twin - it’s about as good as it gets. But I’m yet to ride the SE and it looks absolutely brilliant, so I’ll have to get back to you

[@martinhughes9253]

That is a very hard question which I'm asking myself as well. However I rather steer towards the Speed Twin, but the Kawa looks absolutely awesome as well!

[@gregorylagrange]

@@motobob Build quality is definitely not an issue with Triumphs now. Commonality of dealerships should be more of deciding factor than build quality.

[@renevanderkraats3811]

I don't know... I still prefer the looks of the former model. Wheels and front fender especially. I feel they should've left the looks alone and focus only on the Euro-5 part.

[@stuartmahoney8761]

I think its time to trade in my bobber black 😍

[@martybartfast]

Good video as usual, but why do you mirror some of the road shots? 👍 🏍

[@motobob]

Just looks a bit jarring when the bike is going back and forth in opposite directions across the screen

[@bertplank8011]

Obviously these reviewers are not going to criticize the bikes they test...too much because they won't get another to test. Therefore..how reliable are their test reports??.

[@Roni_10000]

Can you do a video on the thruxtun too?

[@jaysonabbott8931]

rode the new one last week, loved it, however, it is physically too small for me, so I bought a 1200XC Scrambler instead.

[@motobob]

Good shout! That’s what I always recommend to taller riders. The XC is a brilliant bike

[@jaysonabbott8931]

@@motobob sorry I meant XE not XC 😂 I pick it up this afternoon.

[@rubensahak9178]

Cant decide this or BMW R9T pure

[@p.chakraborty4453]

Awesome video !!!

[@rjphilp]

A question (should you read these). A a rider down here in Oz and so not concerned with Euro 5 is it worth my extra $5000 (2.5k quid) for the new version over the a 2020 with 1500 miles on it. I'm not an aggressive rider just want to cruise with a smile on my face. Great review as always.

[@auping2565]

I like the 2019 models much more. Upside down is less nice on a modern classic

[@karlosh2422]

Good video. I still love my 2019 one 😀

[@aam77]

Why is the video flipped at 6:11?

[@motobob]

Just to keep the bike going in the same direction 🙃

[@gopanvkumar6644]

# TRIUMPH IS LEVELING UP...ERGONOMICS 👐 A WOW VEHICLE.

[@barryellison1272]

Love the look of the bike, apart from the rear end that is in my mine hideous. Why is the mudguard so far away from the wheel, as it has got twin shocks?

[@sv650nyc7]

The Kawasaki Z900RS is cheaper, taller, more comfortable, more powerful by 10 hp (or 30hp more for a mere ₤500 tune-up), fully adjustable forks, single rear shock fully adjustable, nicer clocks, traction control, and maybe even a better sound stock. I would call that the benchmark sporty classic roadster. Considering the Triumphs are all built in Thailand now, there really is no justification for the markup over the Japanese models. Now if the new Z900RS SE (with Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes) is not much more expensive than this, there is no competition on paper other than personal preferences for the looks of them.

[@PaoloD2R2]

i have both. The kawi is a more 360 usable bike, dinamically superior (better suspension and brakes) and cheaper. Yep its a win win for kawi, but the ST is more charismatic and i must admit everybody look at it and love it. But as a single bike? KAWI.

[@SuperFryn]

Hi, I am looking at purchasing my new bike. I am hesitating between the speed twin and the Scrambler 1200 XC. i have tried the XC and loved it. I am more of a weekend fast rider, i think the ST would be better for me, but i higly prefer the look of the Scrambler. What should i get? They cost around the same second hand here. Thanks :)

[@michaelhayward7572]

What happened to the headlight on the previous gen bike in the underpass? Is that some anti Luftwaffe searchlight accessory from 1940?

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review! How’s the fueling on this version? I found the first gen a bit choppy at slow speeds when I test rode one.

[@motobob]

That’s a fair point - it was a bit choppy. But it didn’t really come to mind with this one. So I guess they’ve sorted it? Recent bikes from Triumph, esp. the trident, are pretty smooth on/off.

[@pistolpete6321]

@@motobob thanks mate, appreciate the feedback!

[@eman19487]

How were you and the car on the wrong side of the road at 6.03?

[@motobob]

Flipped that clip

[@Alan-bz1ed]

Would've been nice if the pipes didn't blue in colour, cost-saving by Triumph?

[@fatles2008]

Err, was all the traffic on the wrong side of the road? Number plates also looked like Mirror images.

[@TrollGnonpom]

Did you on purpose stop next to a GRiSO tag? Is that a not to Tim's greatest bike? :)

[@desmotull]

I'm still trying to figure out why Ducati is able to put cornering abs on even their base Scrambler, and Triumph have not...