Q&A Time! // Speed Twin 1200 vs T120 // Akrapovic exhaust // +1 front sprocket?

Time for my first Q&A video! Hop back aboard my 2019 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 as we dive into your questions. Thanks to everyone who submitted Q's and everyone who stuck around to hear me answer them.
Get in touch: [e-mail]
Support the channel: www.buymeacoffee.com/vanblamm
0:00 Welcome back!
0:56 Dedicated Bonneville man?
1:46 Other Triumph Modern Classics?
3:33 Korosi red?
4:26 New exhaust on the Bonnie?
6:14 T120 vs Speed Twin 1200
8:12 +1 front sprocket?
10:42 Indian FTR vs Speed Twin 1200
11:44 GoPro settings and editing software
12:52 Moto Guzzi V7?
12:59 Further suspension upgrades?
13:16 ECU flash?
13:40 Aftermarket seat?
15:25 Housekeeping

[@MOTOSCOUTtv]

Elliot, I’m unbelievably relieved that you are back, and flattered and humbled by the shoutout. Your videos are one of reasons I started my channel and they have been a welcomed escape in some dark nights. I hope you never lose your fire.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you!! If I do ever trade in for a Scrambler (and put a fairing on it, of course), it will be thanks to your videos.

[@TrekkieMoto]

A big grin broke across my face when I saw this video pop up in my subscriptions. I have very much missed your content and I look forward to seeing more in the future. My Speed Twin is the same age as yours, although I chose the black one. I'm a fair weather rider, so I did buy a Crafton Atelier seat (maybe a 5% improvement in comfort), but other than that my Speed Twin remains in stock trim. I expect to do an X-pipe and Öhlins rear shocks at some point in 2024. Don't be too disappointed about being far from the mountains. I'm in the Philadelphia area and my nearest "mountains" are basically little hills. 🙄

[@luisribeiro4267]

Brother! What a joy to see you get back in the saddle, still Live and Kicking! 💪🏼😅 Congrats on getting engaged, loved the cat, and YES… we’ll wait as long as it takes for your future edtitings… Thanks for caring, and for sharing 🙌🏼🫶🏼 Have yourself, you family, your girl-friend, her family… and your 🐈, an AWSOME 2024!!! ❤ Cheers and best regards from PORTUGAL 🇵🇹 😎✌🏼 Later… ✊🏼👊🏼

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you my friend!

[@Accurize2]

I went from a R9T (rear ended and totaled at a stop light) to a R1200RT (too heavy and disconnected from the riding experience for me) to a ‘23 T120 Black. The T120 is my favorite. It has the analog, connected to the ride feel of the R9T and an absolutely sublime power delivery. The clutch/gear changes are extremely smooth and it looks and sounds amazing. Van Blamm really piqued my interest in Triumphs. I just went a slightly different direction and don’t regret it one bit.

[@JiuJitsuCowboy1]

VanFam here… glad to see you back, amigo 🤙

[@conrad152]

Great to see you back Van, I always enjoyed your videos, they are stylish, interesting with numerous beautiful drone shots on your epic travel journeys just man and machine in gorgeous surroundings. And by the way congratulations on your engagement.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you sir!!

[@willhorsley2105]

Love this … I have such happy memories of watching van Blamm videos during the various lockdowns we had in the UK.

[@Accurize2]

13 seconds in and dropping a thumbs up…because you just know it’s gonna be a good episode! Keep up the great work. (Now that you’re all buttered up, make another Speed Twin road trip adventure!)

[@VanBlamm]

Don't worry, the next Speed Twin road trip has already been filmed!

[@JelloThatsMellow]

Hey alright! My questions got answered and I had no idea I'd be mentioned!

[@ChuckChrome]

So glad to see you back and to find out it was just life getting in the way of making vids and not something bad. Your vids were key in me picking up a new Speed Twin 1200 spring of 2023. Bike is just so good as a do it all without being boring. Looking forward to future content. Enjoy the ride!

[@rapstarD]

I like the speed twin. Great looking bike

[@Ninja-400-girl]

Great to see your new post! I've missed your vids. I can't wait to see what else is coming from you. Also a DC area rider, and I've seen that yellow helmet on my commute BTW yea the traffic around there sucks!

[@louisjones2653]

Glad to have you back! Quitting Instagram was a great move for me as well 👍

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Finally! Welcome back! You were missed!!

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks, Srin! Glad to be back

[@scottelton5451]

Great to see you back and thanks for featuring my question! You’re always welcome out here in Colorado, but keep your family close… it’s worth it!

[@dmunro91]

Welcome back VB! Your travel videos inspired me to take my 2019 Scrambler 1200 XC on a 6,500 KM/4,000 Mile 13-day trip from Toronto, ON to Cape Breton, NS this summer. Safe to say I’m hooked on travelling on my Triumph. Planning a Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway and Smokey Mountain trip for this spring.

[@VanBlamm]

That's awesome! The Cabot Trail is on my short list of dream rides

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

“I don’t know where da heck i am anymore … i gotta find my way home”. - always my natural goal whist riding … just repeating that phrase makes me feel all kinds of good inside!!

[@duh...4460]

Hats off to the MC commuter. Welcome back.

[@tomrohan8480]

Bruv we got d same taste.. im currently on a speed twin 1200..but waiting on for the scrambler 1200XE❤

[@VanBlamm]

Nice! What color?

[@tomrohan8480]

@VanBlamm it's a Red Hopper.. guess that's where we differ 😊

[@km55111]

hey man just got my Speed twin 1200 based on some of your vids as well., I love it! I commute on it everyday in dc now. Keep up the great content edit: wow man you took my exact route home actually haha so funny seeing it on camera- I LIVE above the club you mentioned actually!

[@VanBlamm]

Wild! Say hi if you ever see me going to the gym haha

[@nunotomaz]

Glad to see u back man ✌ Was back in town during the summer july through August and got to ride a Speedtwin in DC and metro area, amazing as always . To say that i got to rent one out because of one of your videos talking about it. Anyways big fan. All the best

[@ducati4ya]

New to this channel but glad to see there is a local speed twin creator in the DMV I can follow. Come on up to Frederick some time if you want a fellow speed twin owner to join you for a ride 👍

[@peterfowler8044]

So glad to see you back :)

[@davidludlow1449]

Good to see you back man, keep up the great content ✌️

[@roadsweride_pt]

Welcome back sir Van 😎✊🏼

[@pontypete7357]

Good for u ! Excitement is Not about commuting! You have got it all together my friend! Well done , love your fast delivery blogs, keep on till the end of the Road, !!!

[@martinhughes9253]

Yea, glad you're back! 🎉

[@tdoolin18]

Glad to see ya back! Watched a ton of your videos during Covid when I bought my speed twin. Always great info, entertainment, and insights. Looking forward to what’s coming!

[@sirdekkar]

Good to hear from you! Enjoyed the vid.

[@VVoltz]

OMG you are not dead LOL. Thank you for answering my question, that’s a good choice! But it does calls for follow up question: what is your opinion of Triumph fixing the name of the Scrambler 1200 Xc but cutting costs by replacing some expensive parts and lowering the seat?

[@VanBlamm]

I'm here for it, because they actually had the decency to pass the savings along to the customer. It might have been nice if they'd kept the XC as a mid-range option, but maybe they don't expect to sell enough Scrambler 1200s to justify having all three trims.

[@mikeblade9173]

Nice one glad you are back 👍

[@flexywing]

Thanks for answering the Front sprocket quetion

[@projectswithjw]

Glad your back. 👍

[@whatsstefon]

Welcome back. I can’t say I missed you as I’m only a new subscriber. Here because your videos are beautifully made and inspirational. Keep up the good work, when ever you can between life.

[@TriumphLover]

Happy to see you back Eliot!

[@daca3001]

It's fantastic to see you back. Totally understand the whole life thing getting in the way of living. Salute!

[@tomskeen6405]

I love your content and your bike! I love the quality of your work and so, naturally it takes longer to produce. So, not only understandable, but also appreciate your dedication to make great content. Love the new pipes! So happy to hear you have your mojo back and your are so welcome! My question would be, it sounds like you are saying that the T120 is less torquey to start off in first gear but more so in 6th?

[@unipsychoman]

Great to see a new video! You did help me choose my 22’ Speed Twin which was a fantastic bike, sadly is no more though as I had someone take me out on the highway this summer. On a Tiger 900 Rally Aragon which is amazing, I do miss the ST sometimes though just for the style! I like that GIVI top box, got the same one now too!

[@gryphongryph]

Welcome back 🙏🏻 watching this on big tv with big stereo speakers, what a sound ❤ this must be one of the best engines recording on KZbin, just great, but you have managed to have a great position of your helmet cam as well, great work mate 👍🏻. This makes me want to go out and buy a Triumph classic 😂😂😂 Keep up the good job 👏

[@VanBlamm]

The way it was meant to be seen, haha. Thank you

[@mikepopelka2349]

Found your channel and as an owner of only one bike (T120) I found your Q and A very interesting, thanks!

[@Mr300mph]

Thank you so much for the update :)

[@chriskalinowski2550]

Welcome back. Its been a while. We were worry youre gone for good. Your videos are interesting, please carry on.

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! Carry on I shall

[@study46]

Welcome back VB!

[@Ilovetriumphbikes]

Congrats on your engagement.. Greetings from the UK.. 😊

[@petehealy3554]

Welcome back mate :)

[@fredhastingsquebectrip6180]

Very glad you are back. I too have recently added using my motorcycle as a commuter. It made me think motorcycling wasn’t fun any more until I escaped on a mountain highway getaway. Your comment was aptly put regarding commuting on a motorcycle. Glad you are doing well. Still like your approach on videos, unique in my opinion.

[@RiskyR]

Very nice video. I was also suprised about the Speed Twin vs T120 question. Everyone just says go for the Speed Twin because power, speed and better suspension. I love your take on why the T120 would be better, haven't thought about it like that, so a very fresh view on this dilemma. Well done :)

[@pbofan]

I just a month ago picked up a 2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC as a new addition to my small stable. I haven’t had a chance to ride it much yet, but am thrilled to get acquainted with it soon. I toyed with the idea of the Speed Twin, but found it just too small a bike for my 6’1” self.

[@VanBlamm]

I think you made a great choice!

[@keyanasapp879]

Sounds like a dream!

[@MegaKane84]

nice to see an upload boss

[@user-fv1576]

Great channel

[@denny6281]

I'm not big on D.C., even though my daughter and family live in Fairfax county. Too much traffic. I live three hours south of Nova. Love your vids, love Triumphs, currently riding a 23' GS. (I just subscribed)

[@VanBlamm]

It's not my first pick either (way too hot) but it's home for now. Nice bike, and thanks for tuning in!

[@WatermarquePaul]

Welcome back, I missed your content, the voice overs are clear and entertaining. See what you mean on the scrambler X, on my short list too. Maybe a test ride?

[@VanBlamm]

I got to ride one around the block a couple years ago and loved it. I'm waiting for one to pop up on Riders Share so I can see how it does on fire roads.

[@szybkilopez87]

Finally. I miss u

[@z.gyorgytauffer1106]

Keep goin 👍

[@Hoodeene]

I have the Thruxton 1200 2019. I did some Touring with it, some times over 600km a day. Great bike, of course there are lots of better decisions for touring. But i like the Great Classic look of the bike. I have a pair of IXIL IronHead slip-ons. Great sound but not louder... Cheers from Vienna :-)

[@VanBlamm]

Very nice! A Thruxton owner I know said he tours with a big tank bag so he can lean on it and take the weight off his wrists.

[@Hoodeene]

Good idea... :) could do the same :)

[@kerryfristoe1329]

Great video! If you don’t mind me asking, what city were you in? It’s beautiful.

[@danieloconnell4225]

I've turned my 2020 Speed Twin (same colour as yours) into a cafe racer; I absolutely hated the gold ohlins on the Thruxton (did not suit the retro style at all), so building up the Speed Twin to handle just as well while being faster and more unique and still costing less was appealing. I'm not sure I can really say I own a 'Speed Twin' given what I've done to it, but even stock, it was a great bike. I don't like the latest EURO5 Speed Twin 1200s - the matte paint and USD suspension (that isn't even that good) just looks weird.

[@VanBlamm]

It is a little disappointing to see Triumph really lean into the matte paint jobs. They just look cheap. Good thing these bikes are made to be customized!

[@danieloconnell4225]

Matte paint isn't necessarily cheap so much as just a really (really) weird choice for a retro. The latest Speed Twin is just too modern-looking with matte paint and USD forks. My Speed Triple is matte silver and it suits that one fine, but it's a modern super naked and it's keeping with the style. I do think Triumph needs to go back to the oldschool hand-painted coachlines of the previous gen (like the Speed Twin you and I have) - so much more classy! @@VanBlamm

[@flamintasty]

@@danieloconnell4225You’re wrong about the upside down forks on the newer model. They’re way better than the forks on the previous model. The only way the right way up forks win, is in the looks department. In the performance department, the upside down forks blow them away. That’s fact, not opinion.

[@danieloconnell4225]

@@flamintasty you’ve got some personal problems mate; yes, it’s definitely opinion and I solely commented on the cosmetic aspect. I’ve got a proper sports bike for true handling - no speed twin will ever come close no matter how hard it tries. Cheers.

[@splodge5714]

One of the biggest advantages of my Speed Twin 1200 over the T120 is the cast wheels and tubeless tires.

[@VanBlamm]

You bring up a good point. I actually view spokes as an advantage because of the absolutely barbaric condition of my city's streets. I'd rather have the durability than the edge in handling. I love the convenience of tubeless though; if Triumph gave the T120 tubeless spoked rims a la the Scrambler 1200, that would be ideal.

[@dbonillab]

Wlecome back, you have been missed! Can you talk about your tail box?

[@VanBlamm]

I'll cover it in another video but for now I'll just say that it has completely changed my life. Having lockable hard storage makes all the difference in the world when using a motorcycle for everyday transit. The Givi Dolomiti 30 lives up to the brand's reputation. It is rock solid and very easy to live with and ride with. I just wish the cargo rack was directly compatible with Monokey instead of needing an adapter plate.

[@KellyDayAdventures]

Went from a 2006 Speed Triple to a 2014 Monster 1200. My lady does NOT enjoy the Monster because the power makes her slide backwards and her legs are sore at the end from gripping me so tightly. For a second bike, Speed Twin 1200, T120, Scrambler 1200, or…? Think two plus hour touring two up.

[@VanBlamm]

If two-up touring is your main motivation, T120 all the way.

[@tinaeve_414]

I love that you don’t have a car, I would really like to be able to get rid of my car, but winter is so cold.

[@VanBlamm]

The flip side of the brutal summers here is that winter is only about 10 days long

[@tinaeve_414]

10 day winters sound like a dream

[@churchofbrap876]

I have the red version, and i sorta want the silver!

[@Bearded.Wonder]

Glad to see you posting again, Van Blamm. I kept my sub in the hopes you would return. Congrats on the engagement (and the cat, I guess... 😏). Btw, I dig the Q&A format. Looking forward to the next one.

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! I'd love to do more vids like this, or maybe something along the lines of Tuesdays at Dobbs'

[@AC-iy1ov]

I put a 18T on my ST No problem over here

[@sunnyverghese8232]

Try pirelli mt60 for speed twin, it changes the outlook of the bike !!

[@Bluemaverick11]

I have a t120, and I am really considering Scrambler as well.

[@VanBlamm]

If you're into Bonnevilles, I can't think of a better two-bike stable

[@samudomingo]

Hi! Could you please tell me the anchor model + case on the back? I just bought a 2021 Speed ​​Twin 1200 (new euro5), partly thanks to your comments :D

[@FunWithAJ]

Do commute videos man. People will watch

[@tomryner5830]

Sadly my mom passed away in 2020, otherwise I would have looked you up for some riding when visiting her and her hubby (passed the same year) home in Bethesda. Question. My dealer often tells me to change the original exhaust to a regulation approved V&H or Akropovic exhaust. I thing the original sounds good enough… are there Any benefits from changing other than a richer sound? Cheers/Tom in Sweden. (2023 Speed Twin 1200)

[@VanBlamm]

Sorry for your loss, Tom. As for the exhaust, changing out the slip-ons only affects noise, nothing else. Deleting the catalytic converter with an x-pipe (if that is legal where you are) adds a ton of character and makes the bike feel more unfiltered, more connected to the rider, and adds a little noise too. If you do both, you can also then gain a fair few horsepower via a dyno tune.

[@user-fv1576]

Hi, looking to buy a used speed 1200. is the new model worth the extra money ? Thinking suspension , brakes, exhaust .

[@VanBlamm]

Nah. The new stuff is great but the old stuff is also really good.

[@jasonforgey1935]

Having similar hp but more torque than a apprilia 660 do you think you could beat it in a drag

[@VanBlamm]

I'd bet the Speed Twin wins up till about 80 or 90mph, then the Aprilia walks away from it. Just my guess.

[@whome8192]

Many bikes with traction control will start throwing codes with changes in sprockets. Especially the modern IMU bike with anti-wheelie control. My Kawasaki would not handle a +1, -1 setup. So much better on freeway, but eventually tripped and put bike in limp mode. It will be getting harder and harder to make changes in the future.

[@VanBlamm]

Interesting, I didn't know that. The Speed Twin doesn't have wheelie control or an IMU, but I wouldn't be surprised if it gets them in its next generation.

[@stevenagy88]

Can I ask which Kawasaki that is? I ride a Z900RS Café myself and have been considering a slight change in gearing.

[@pontypete7357]

Hi can you tell me where I can get a top box rack and a nice slim top box like yours I can’t see options here in middle England Pete!!!

[@VanBlamm]

Hi, the top box is a Givi Dolomiti 30 liter (part no. DLM30B), mounted to the Givi rear rack for Triumph Speed Twin 1200 (part no. SR6417) via the Givi Monokey universal plate (part no. E251). I got them all from Revzilla here in the U.S.

[@gcrichlow17]

How much stuff can your top box hold and what is the max carrying weight?

[@VanBlamm]

It can carry my entire ultralight campsite (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, pot and stove). Or it can carry a week's groceries, or several days of clothes as long as you don't pack a bulky pair of shoes. The official weight limit of the box is 22 pounds, but the official weight limit of the rack is only 13 pounds.

[@gcrichlow17]

@@VanBlamm thanks, so have you experienced flexing of the rack?

[@VanBlamm]

Haven't seen any flexing of the rack. The weight ratings have more to do with the bike's handling than the strength of the rack or box. I think Givi's lawyers set the rating low enough that no bike on earth would handle dangerously with that amount of weight hanging off the back. I am comfortable going a couple pounds over because I haven't noticed any adverse effect on the handling or stability of my particular motorcycle.

[@Bluemaverick11]

Did you ever have issues downshifting?

[@VanBlamm]

Can't say that I have

[@Paul_Lagane]

You back on a shoei helmet, did you not get on with the Arai?

[@VanBlamm]

Yeah, I kept trying to love the Arai because I know they're super well made and safe, but I just enjoy Shoei helmets so much more. The RF1400 is much more aerodynamic and user-friendly than the Defiant X. Noise and comfort are equal between the two.

[@Paul_Lagane]

@@VanBlammcheers, have been looking at one for my next lid, what’s your jacket? Suits the modern classic look

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! It's the REAX Bridger. Very happy with it.

[@Paul_Lagane]

@@VanBlamm Always wondered, what happened to the street twin?

[@TheRealChetManley]

Film your commutes and post them with commentary.

[@charliechipster4669]

…or RT 1200?

[@VanBlamm]

As in, BMW R1200RT?

[@alanbugeja8734]

Boring

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Why do you use God's Name when you are frustrated?? It is called blasphemy!!