Speed and Power: My Reaction to the Triumph Street Twin

#motovlog #triumph #motorcycles
With my birthday approaching I had decided to buy the motorcycle I had always wanted -- a Triumph Bonneville. Or rather the baby Bonneville, the Triumph Street Twin. It's a beautiful motorcycle and is an exceptional ride. On a ride to breakfast with my friends Paul and Mike I discuss the bike and thoughts on speed and power with motorcycles.

[@capthook8066]

Enjoyed the video Steve. I’ve had really fast bikes before but now at age 70 my GTS 300 is all I want. Sheryl Crowe said it in a song: “it’s not about getting what you want but wanting what you’ve got”. I think about that a lot now.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree. Wanting what I have is the better path.

[@RalphPerreca]

I entered the 2 wheel world at 69 to add to my life of sailing. As a sailboat racer I was always obsessed with adding that extra 1/10th of a second per mile. As I got older I realized that the faster I sailed the less enjoyment I got out of sailing. I was missing out on the journey obsessing on adjusting sails continuously for a little more speed, adding more speed enhancing devices from high tech sails to carbon fiber poles but missing out on the actual joy of sailing. I finally settled on a Crawford Melonseed Skiff, 15 years ago, 14 feet in length, one sail, one line and a rudder, since I purchased the Melonseed my joy of sailing has increased exponentially. Having learned this over the last 50 years I approached my motorcycling life a little differently, realizing it was the journey that was important not how fast I got somewhere, after all if you are in a hurry thats why they made cars. My first bike was a used Harley Street 750 more than sufficient for my skill level at the time and it met my power needs, I than bought a Royal Enfield INT 650 again more than enough power to meet my needs and added a Kymco People 150 S. None of these things are overly powerful but I always return home with a smile on my face. Perhaps thats what's important at least it is to me.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Well, as you already know, sailing creates a who different world of expectations. I remember my first regatta in a Flying Junior and how serious everyone was to take advantage of every tack and breath of wind. As I moved up to the Flying Scot and then the Dutchman it just got crazier. A Melonseed Skiff looks like a perfect was to bimble over the water. I suppose we each arrive at our sweet spot of performance. The differences from person to person and choice to choice are what make life interesting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I appreciate them.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

@@ScooterintheSticks I started sailing by crewing on a 36 foot ketch out on the Atlantic Ocean. Now I sail a Sunfish on state park lakes. Just as much fun, but a whole lot cheaper!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@clydeosterhout1221 I had a simmering desire for blue water sailing for a long time. Dreams of living on the water were complicated by living in Central Pennsylvania. I had the opportunity to help a friend sail his 38' Hans Christian cutter from Florida to Maine. Bad storms, a couple knock downs, the US Navy routing us far out to sea to avoid naval exercises, more storms, engine failure from said storms, and a full range of sailing nightmares had me crossing blue water life off my dream list. I'm glad I did it but man it was rough. If we had more convenient water I would consider a Sunfish or Flying Junior. Thankfully my scooters and motorcycles fill the gap nicely.

[@joeh773]

@@ScooterintheSticks wow, what a trip!

[@ChuckChrome]

Interesting comments and while I think there is some truth to people buying things to satisfy external forces, there are many that just buy what they want. In the USA motorcycles are in many cases a luxury item so there isn't a great need to rationalize the purchase. I don't ride very aggressively anymore and recently bought a Triumph Speed Twin. It is slower than the Speed Triple I previously owned but still way more than I need. It makes me laugh when I'm riding it. I don't need to rationalize it beyond the feeling and experiences I have while riding it. I think, Steve, that you are in an enviable position knowing yourself very well. Perhaps you had that wisdom early or it developed with age but it is no doubt a good thing. Some never get that centered in life.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I certainly buy what I want. I've just grown suspect of my wants. Seems I'm irrationally influenced at times. Whether it's luxury or some other emotional indulgence I try and be honest with myself in regard to my desires. I know how easy they can overwhelm a rational decision that can become expensive and/or destructive. Like you, my riding rationale is grounded mainly in the feelings and experiences while riding. I'm just glad those feelings are my choice and not something of which I've been mesmerized. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today. I appreciate them.

[@hondamonkeyboy]

Excellent video. My 2019 Honda Monkey 125 has 9hp and a top speed of approximately 55-65 mph depending on terrain. I bimble along around 40mph with the number of 'smiles per mile' being exceedingly high.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Those Honda Monkeys look cool. I can see myself with one of those!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

As always, a really great perspective. Being honest with yourself for your intended purpose will save you a lot of money and grief.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Eric. I appreciate them. This topic, and others I have considered for videos, is something that raises concern that I'm preaching. I try and share my own thoughts and perspectives with full awareness that what may make sense for me won't for someone else. Full flounder ahead!

[@Winterbiker333]

Agree whole heartedly. It is the ride which matters, not the speed at which you get there.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yep!

[@twloughlin]

Such dramatic music! No need for me to think about it - you summed up all my opinions perfectly. When I bought my Kymco 300i I knew I had hit my sweet spot for speed and power. I had to laugh - that very first shot, when you pulled up on your Vespa, got off, and started walking away, I thought you were heading into the woods to take a leak! LOL!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yeah, I wasn't sure about the music. I chose it mainly because it seemed to fit the Time Warp footage. I'm not adventurous with music but that was a stretch. No leaks were taken during this ride. Maybe that's a goal for some future video!

[@weebercorey]

After 45 years or riding slow bikes, I've just added to my collection a Yamaha FJR1300 and a Honda VFR800. The adrenalin thrill of going from 40 MPH to 90 MPH before you even know what happened is somewhat intoxicating, however I think one of the reasons I'm still around at my age is because I didn't have these fast bikes when I was younger. Even with these beasts as part of my collection, today I wanted to ride my Honda Super Cub to work, and I enjoyed all 9 HP for the same valid reasons you talk about here.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've ridden enough high-powered motorcycles to experience going from 40 to 90 in a wink of the eye. For some reason though I never got a thrill. Fear may be a more appropriate label for me. Even when I was young I wasn't attracted to fast cars or bikes. But I can understand the seduction of the throttle. It still exists at lower speeds on my Vespa GTS. I guess I am just not much interested at riding fast. I've thought about what I would be riding now if I was still commuting. None of my bikes are as big as yours but I think I would still generally pick the Vespa for its ease of use. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate them.

[@johnhilton2327]

Totally agree Steve, enjoy what you have 😃

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It sounds so simple doesn't it. It's taken me a long, long time to embrace it though.

[@peaceandcalm-paulruby9304]

Good. I said what I wanted to say . I was afraid I’d get it wrong after we’d talking about it for a year. 50HP is all you need, more is just for bragging. I’ve found that light weight coupled with adequate HP is the most fun.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I thought what you said made sense. The only situation where it might not hold up is in the touring category. If you were choosing something to comfortably tour the country like a BMW R1200 RT then you are going to have more than 50 HP and a much heavier motorcycle. But it may be just the ticket for those trips.

[@davideakin7434]

I especially like your comment about self image. If you are not real satisfied (not "confident") in who you are, you will be very prone to follow all sorts of ways to say "look at Me!".

[@volhv1973]

Totally agree with you. As much as I admire power and design the reality is we don't go to speed tracks often neither we have Autobahns in USA. Reasonable and usable power is enough

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You've hit the nail on the head -- where do you reasonably and safely take advantage of lots of power aside from a track day? Or just ride knowing there's a lot of extra power in reserve...

[@ricksanchez2983]

Got my Motorcycle endorsement on May 9, and picked up my GTS 300 SuperTech on the 13th. It's been a thrill. And the process of shopping and visiting the Triumph/Vespa dealership with my son gave him back the bike fever he previously lost. (SMH). So he went ahead and picked up a 2018 Harley Sportster 48 (1200cc). And we've been riding together. Me on my Vespa and he providing the loud powerful sounding block on his Harley. I'm working on my old newbie novice skill set and its been great riding along with my son. The thing of it is, he revs up to announce his intentions to roll off at the intersections and that actually gives me a sense of security during this beginning stage of my riding. Will I eventually pick up a more powerful bike? I've been thinking about the possibility riding something powerful enough to carry me on the NYS Thruway to the office at least occasionally. In any event, I hope to enjoy this scooter for a long long time!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It sounds wonderful to be able to ride with your son. And you quickly see that for most non-freeway riding you can easily keep up with, and sometimes forge ahead, of a Harley. Regarding travel on the NY Thruway I think the Vespa GTS 300 is perfectly capable of traveling that highway. If you have a long commute a bigger, heavier scooter or motorcycle will make the ride physically more pleasant you don't need a lot more speed. You'll just have to determine where your skills start and stop in relationship to the capabilities of the Vespa. My friend Andy just rode his from here in Central Pennsylvania along Interstate 80 to attend a Yankees game in NYC. He made a short video of the trip. It's instructive of the capabilities of a Vespa. He's riding a 2016 GTS300 with just shy of 44K miles on the odometer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYG3gKZmnMiesNU Have fun on your new scooter and riding with your son. Give it some time and you'll see how much you can do with that scooter!

[@ricksanchez2983]

@@ScooterintheSticks Just saw your friend's video and quite frankly I'm blown away! So that's it. Some day, if my skill set gets there, I'll take that first ride down on my own Vespa. Cheers ! and thanks again!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@ricksanchez2983 Take your time. Wait until you're comfortable. Have fun!

[@jpmfx]

I had a T120 and it was the easiest and most relaxed bike to ride I have ever experienced. As for the available power, there was certainly more than I needed. At my age I don't (fool myself I) have the fast reactions for power to be a realistic tool to get me out of any emergency but I do have the defensive riding capability to avoid hazards becoming those situations in the first place. I would've suggested a T100 as a more suitable triumph 'classic'... the 'speed' and 'street' are spec'd for blasting around. I had a himalayan too for a short time but that was just a little too underpowered for me. I felt it was lacking enough top end for highways (which I needed to travel) to keep me safe.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've ridden a T100. The local dealer had a 2019 model in stock with less than 1500 miles on it. I had planned to test ride it after the Street Twin but didn't. It had similar power but was almost 100 pounds heavier. I'm scaling back to lighter machines. I know I could handle the T100 but it just didn't seem a good fit at my age and infirmities....

[@swcoloradoadventures]

Thanks for the video Steve! Love the thoughts. And I also love Bonnevilles. I haven’t ever bought one (yet), but have been super close. Obviously, as a fellow Himalayan owner, speed and power and not the top priority. In my opinion they don’t in any way translate into enjoyment. Not that people don’t enjoy powerful bikes. I have. But the least powerful I’ve owned has been the most enjoyable with the Himalayan. If I got a Bonneville, I would do it based purely on aesthetics. But then, the RE 650s look good too.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm in the same place. The only reason I want the Triumph is the looks. The power is a turn off for me. Call it old age at work or something. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has a similar visual attraction and it's available power make it a much better match for me. But then, seems like I can do everything it will do with my Himalayan plus a lot more. So I'll let it simmer in my head...

[@timo23]

Well said, lots of people agree - as do I! I understand the thrill of power, I used to trade motorcycles and I have worked at a race track, so driven some exotic and mad things, yet I always come back to the same thing.. Im not racing, I want to enjoy the ride and small capacity bikes are simply more 'fun'. I currently ride a 2019 Vespa GTS Supertech in the UK, I love it, I would like a new Honda c125 supercub, but haven't been able to justify it to myself... Yet! 😄 Great topic you hit on here and possibly worth delving into some more. 👍🏻

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I think you're right -- there's a lot more I could talk about on this subject. I've made some notes for a future video. A lot of power at your fingertips is dangerous for anyone not adequately trained and skilled. No wonder so many people drop their first bike or ride it into a hedge. I know that a big, powerful motorcycle is within my skill set to manage and operate but I just prefer something better suited for what I'm doing. And like you, I seem to just have more fun riding those machines.

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

I’ve owned a 2009 Bonneville for seven years now and like it very much. I may find a newer Bonneville because I love the sound of the 270 crank versus the 180 crank. For me, the Bonneville is beautiful and just about the right size and power. I sold my Himalayan after 18 months. I liked the looks and size of the Himalayan but nothing else about it. It was just okay.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The Triumph Bonneville is a beautiful motorcycle. That is the main attraction for me. But it just wasn't a good fit for the way I ride. I will always like them though.

[@josephleister9198]

Interesting video, good insight. The high power bikes wouldn't be for me either...I have a Chinese 250cc dual sport and all I can get out of comfortably is 45-50mph...but I like it. We just have to ride our rides. Your friend made a interesting observation on how we like to be perceived. Anyway thank you, take care.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yeah, I think how we are perceived by others is an interesting topic. Maybe someday I'll discuss it. But the important take away in this video is probably what you've shared - ride your own ride. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.

[@JKL246]

To me, it depends on the roads you want to use a bike on. If it’s interstate, and especially long-distance, a lot of power could make sense for comfort and efficiency. Having a Himalayan and a ‘16 Wrangler, the Wrangler is very much the 4-wheel analogue of the Himalayan: crude, heavy, doesn’t like going fast-and open-air! 4WD convertible: perfection in my book. I wear ear plugs with the top down; very similar to riding in some ways haha. The “engaging” drive is one of the reasons I enjoy the Wrangler. My older Wrangler is still 100% better than my first car, a ‘77 VW Bus, but gives me a little bit of the more raw and fun driving experience of the Bus. New Wranglers are even more refined. Put some winter tires on a Wrangler in the cold months and that’s pretty good justification for having one, especially when it snows heavily. Nice evening cruises with the wife (and pup) with the top down also make it worth having. Would also be a good vehicle for winter exploration and cruising when it’s too risky to ride. (You can still drop the top in winter and bundle-up to get that riding feel in the cold.) My son’s T120 is a great all-around bike; perfectly at home in the city and on backroads, as well as being comfortably interstate-capable, in terms of speed. Comfortable knee bend, versus the Street Twin, from what I recall. I barely knew what a T120 was before he got it. I marvel at his choice; such a precocious decision for such a young rider. It’s an amazingly flexible tool and an effortless joy to ride on the backroads at 45-60mph, where it seems most comfortable to me; and beautiful to look at.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree wholeheartedly with the idea that the kind of riding a person plans to do will inform the right choice of machine. For me, interstate and long-distance riding is off the table. So my power requirements diminish. And an aging, arthritic body embrace a lighter machine. I still love the look for the Triumph Bonneville line but it's just overkill for me. I won't buy something just on looks. But who knows. I can be fickle and suddenly decide to buy something that I had decided to pass up. Damn it. Reading your comments about Jeep Wranglers has me wanting to test ride another one. I haven't been in one since 2009 or so. I'm not sure I want a rag top in this cold weather region but I'll have a look. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the Jeep and the T120. I appreciate them.

[@JKL246]

For whatever my comments are worth, you’re certainly welcome. Naturally, I agree that you should take a look at a much newer Wrangler haha. Like the Himalayan, there really is nothing else like it in the US. There’s a reason you’ve always wanted one-it aligns with your essence. I resisted it for decades for the exact reasons you cited. I regret not buying the Wrangler I first looked at seriously in 1998. (Bought mine used in ‘19.) The true beauty of the T120 is not its looks, but its motor. The 900 is a very good motor, but the 1200HT is Triumph’s masterpiece, in my opinion. And, naturally, I think you owe it to yourself to at least experience it once on a test ride, if you haven’t already. The T120 is also like the Wrangler-way more power than needed, but perfect for comfort, capability, and relative efficiency when piloted in accord with its handling characteristics.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Like most times, today I am reminded why I watch your videos. Pretty much I think the same as you. I had once a dream bike and it was the old generation Africa Twin 750 but it is not a fast bike by any means. It is a good travel bike even today .. Never rode one, maybe I never will.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the kind words about the video. Regarding dream bikes.... they're nice to have in my head!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Awesome perspective Steve and I love your honesty. I agree, all that horsepower and speed is a young man's game, and many pay the price in wrecking their bikes as well, their bodies. I'd stick with the Vespa and probably would suggest you take the money you would have spent on the Triumph, and put it toward either a replacement GTS 300 Vespa or simply "Another" Vespa such as the 946 in blue.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate reading your thoughts and perspective. I'm not sure whether speed and power is a young man's game exclusively or not, but it doesn't fit for me. I would like to say age doesn't play a role but I'm certain it does. I know there are riders older than me who happily pilot much bigger and powerful motorcycles and scooters. As I make videos I try to focus on my own individual experience and hope that whoever is watching takes a moment to consider what might be appropriate or true for them. And I absolutely understand the notion of paying a price with the body. I do not want to enhance the amount on that bill. The money I was going to spend on a Triumph is sitting in the bank waiting. I have no idea where, when, or if it will get spent.

[@rami26s1]

I love cruising at low speeds all day long. But personally, feeling the rush of speed and power, even for a few seconds, is similar to Buddhist death meditations that I've done. It instantly removes all worries and anxiety, reminds me of the fragility and impermanence of life and being in the moment. The effect lasts for hours and days sometimes. The important thing is to always keep other people's safety as top priority. They didn't consent to the risk.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm certainly familiar with the rush of speed and power. Especially on my Kawasaki W650 and the Vespa GTS. But I endeavor to manage that attraction and only apply it in rare situations. Mostly I enjoying cruising along at relatively low speeds and drink in the sights and smells of the world. Your description of Buddhist death meditations are interesting. I'll have to look into that topic further. Thanks for the heads up. Reckless, angry, and distracted driving and riding annoys me because of the reason you present -- others on the road don't consent to that risk. But what can you do other than remain aware and defensive...

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

I have been questioning the requirement for me owning a large heavy powerful motorcycle for some time now. Here in the UK the road surfaces are getting very poor with large potholes due to the local authorities not spending on roads maintenance combine this with the extensive use of speed cameras on roads with reduced speed limits which makes powerful bikes a bit of a liability. Most of my riding these days is in scenic areas of Wales and the Peak District where I don't want to go fast, I just want to take in the scenery and explore the back roads and light trails on my Himalayan or GTS. I meet a number of older riders at various cafés who have switched from big bikes to Royal Enfield with models like the Himalayan, Meteor and Classic 350. There is a large scooter scene in the UK with many clubs that organise events and rideouts with much less emphasis on speed but more on the social side. Personally I have no use for a big heavy motorcycle these days.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I quite agree with the thoughts and path you are embracing. It started with me selling my BMW K75C since it was heavier than I wanted to deal with considering the slow and meandering bimbles I tend to make. There doesn't seem to be a trend here in the states to smaller machines though. Everything seems to get bigger and more bloated all the time. And it's the same aging riders buying them. Personally, I emphasize the slow ride and the camaraderie of sharing the road with a friend or two. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate them and they help me discern when I'm heading down a daft path!

[@clinterz]

Going from a Vespa or a Himalayan to 900cc's is a big jump. I miss having a big parallel twin, but a smaller bike suits my old age risk factor better. I'm wiser now than when I was younger, so, I'm making my decisions with my brain rather than my... you know what.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

*GRIN*. Time moves the location of our decision making... I remember the first time I got on a GTS after getting rid of my Vespa LX150. The power difference seemed dramatic and I was a bit worried about it. It didn't take long to become completely comfortable though. And the same would occur with the Triumph. But there was no way around the fact that for how I ride and what I want it was just overpowered. For me, less is more seems to be true. At least in regard to weight and power in motorcycles.

[@kz1000st1]

Just back from Americade where I had an amazing time on my 1983 Kawasaki 750. First, Paul and the other gentleman aren't exactly riding slow motorcycles in comparison to a 300 Vespa. The R90 BMW was a hot rod in its day and Paul's Triumph is no dog either. My Kawasaki redlines at 10,000 rpm, I'll bet I've been to six grand once or twice. It's nice to have the power but you don't have to use all of it all the time. I don't. Keeping in mind that a Vespa is a utility scooter with 24 horsepower a Kawasaki z400 is a rocket with 48. My point is this. A Triumph Speed Twin is in the "Mellow" category these days next to some 200 HP Superbikes. Speed isn't all in your right hand, it's in your head.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The motorcycle's that Mike and Paul were riding can go fast since they both have 900cc engines, but comparing them to more modern motorcycles they don't seem as crazy fast. I can manage the speed in my right hand. But I can't seem to make peace with it in my head. Or something like that. It just seems to whisper "glutton" to me.

[@kz1000st1]

@@ScooterintheSticks Unlike scooters motorcycles get faster all the time. This past week at Americade I was riding in the company of a 2008 Yamaha FZ-1. It has a mere 150 horsepower and yet I was keeping pace on my '83 Kawasaki. Could he have gone much faster? No doubt, but he used his throttle to stay in the group. You want a Bonneville with less savage power then look into the T-110. It's the same size as Paul's.

[@joeh773]

So no more wrangler or Bonnie? How did the street twin compared to the brick? Gonna try any others? I'd like some version of the Bonnie one day or maybe the RE interceptor 650 or super meteor. Or new Honda CL500? Maybe next year. Cheers!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The Street Twin was much lighter and nimble than the K75. And even though it has 20 less horsepower it seemed much faster and responsive. But then it was 150 lighter as well. All the motorcycles you've indicated seem like great machines to me. And I would add the Kawasaki W800 to the list. It's got the classic look of a Bonneville.

[@joeh773]

@@ScooterintheSticks oh yeah, the w800 is a very good candidate, although I always liked the look/idea of w650, but not the bloated 800 version. Wouldn't it still be "too fast" for you if the street twin was? I guess Kawi wanted to keep up with the industry bloat. Should have put injection on the 650 instead. Triumph jumped to 1200 on most Bonnies anyway, also not fan myself, but I'm just one tiny insolvent 'customer'. Did you ever entertained 'American'? The (now) old Sportster 883 tempts me. Since you're so happy with Himalayan, i can totally see your with RE Int650. There, solved :-D.

[@avgjoerides]

All great suggestions in the W800 and the INT650 as far as retro-style standard motorcycles go. After riding my brother's Bonnie and then test riding the INT650 this past weekend, I think the INT650 fits your style better but that's just my honest opinion. Sure you get more power in a Bonnie and perhaps reliability in something from Triumph or the Kawi W800 but the INT650 fills that sweet spot for the money between your Himmy and the Bonnie. If I wanted to offer a suggestion outside of this box we're currently thinking in then perhaps you could look at the RE Classic 350 (very retro style) or the Hunter 350 (for a little more modern styling) which would would fit more in between what you have now. Anyway, If you are perfectly happy with your Vespa and your Himmy and you don't want a 3rd bike, I see no reason for either the Bonnie or the INT650 in your case.

[@joeh773]

@@avgjoerides nice, me without riding neither i think the same. I would love new take on the classic Bullet 500, something like more powerful classic 350. Give it fuel injection, oil cooling and at least 35 horses and keep it light... I owned Honda CB300F, way lighter and more powerful than the classic 350 and it wasn't enough. But i don't need twice as much. Of course the looks are much better on RE. Even the vespa is probably quicker and faster than the classic 350. 500 would be awesome, imo.

[@adventureswithfarmertroy]

~ My Himalayan and Bullet 500 are plenty fast for me, although I did enjoy riding the Interceptor 650 also. The 650 is as fast as I would ever want to go. I test rode a Triumph Tiger 900, and that was WAY too fast and powerful for me . . . Cheers!!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've wondered about the Interceptor but I think the Classic 350 would be a better fit for me. I was out riding the Himalayan this morning and honestly I'm not sure I want or need anything else. I've ridden a couple Triumph Tigers along with the similar BMW machines. Too fast and too powerful were my responses as well. Doomed to wander slowly along the backroads...

[@borderlands6606]

Interesting. I had a K100 and it wasn't enjoyable to ride. Too big, too heavy and required commitment to pick the right line. Currently I own a Royal Enfield 350 Classic and it suits me fine. It's mostly about the roads you enjoy riding at the speed you want to ride them, and choosing a bike for the job.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. My K bike was feeling too big and heavy. I've been looking hard at the Classic 350 and the Triumph T100. So far no decisions.

[@thtan5324]

If you love Vespas, you will love the Honda ADV 160. It's even easier to handle and more nimble than the Vespa. I have both and I enjoy riding the ADV more than the Vespa.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've seen them at the local Honda dealer but I think my obsession with the modern Vespa scooters has kept me blind to any other scooters. I may have to have a look at the ADV150 and maybe the Yamaha XMAX300.

[@thtan5324]

Over here in Malaysia it's now the ADV160. It's coming soon to the US.

[@larryyz_hideaway]

Have you considered a W650 (hard to find)....or a V7 (more plentiful). Ironically the W is probably a more authentic vintage experience, albeit with Japanese reliability. But the vibes are right.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've not run across a Kawasaki W650 but I did look at the Kawasaki W800. Again, just more power and weight than I want. I've sat on the Moto Guzzi V7 and it's a nice looking motorcycle but it's still more than I want. I'll either hold fast with the machines I have or maybe consider the Royal Enfield Classic 350. I like the way they look and their relative lack of power and speed.

[@larryyz_hideaway]

@@ScooterintheSticks there is something about small, light streetbikes...I think it's that they remind me of the small trail bikes I used to ride as a kid. Nothing beat that feeling. I've always wanted an SR400 but they never sold them in Canada.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@larryyz_hideaway I saw an SR400 at a dealer here some years ago. I was fascinated with the idea of a smaller motorcycle with a kick starter!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

Speed is relative. Riding my 2 stroke Buddy 50 the small wheels, short wheelbase, and wailing motor feels far faster and exciting (sometimes a bit TOO exciting) at 45 than my Kawasaki Vulcan 900 at twice that speed.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

There's nothing like a two-stroke engine to enhance the feeling of speed and power!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

@@ScooterintheSticks I love 2 strokes. The smell and sound reminds me of my college days, riding around Boston on a 50cc Vespa. Thankfully here in Central PA I can enjoy the ride without having to deal with a million irate Boston drivers with homicidal tendencies who are visibly upset because they are stuck in traffic while I zoom past. I became rather skilled at dodging opening car doors and tossed beer bottles. All I have to worry about here in Perry County are stray cows and spooked deer!

[@Guitarooster52]

You don't buy a Bonnie because you want speed. It's about the looks, the feel and sound of the bike. If you want speed you buy a sport bike not a cruiser.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I agree 100 percent. My interest in the Bonneville is purely the visual appeal. I love the sound they make. But I had to accept that 99 percent of my riding is 55mph or less. Probably 90 percent under 45mph. And maybe half less than 35. The Bonneville just didn't fit my idea of a relaxed mannered motorcycle that was made to live under 60 mph. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 would be better suited, looks cool, sounds cool, and is a relaxed ride. But then, so is the Himalayan. I don't really need anything else I guess...

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS_AND_RC]

I bought a suzuki vstrom dl1000 two weeks ago just so I could ride with my club friends .the Himalayan just couldn't sustain constant Cruiseing 110/120kmph ,the only advantage for me of the bigger engine is that I never need to rev over 4k so I'm not stressing the engine hopefully leading to a longer engine life ,I still hate speed but its either keep up or lead a lonely life in a foreign country . I stay at the back of the group and go as slow as possible without getting lost . I sometimes go slower and meet them at the next gas stop , I just don't get this speed thing . Another aspect is the slower bike can put you in the sights of trucks and folk who just want to go 10 over the limit ...90% of drivers in Latvia ! But with travelling a little faster you don't have the stress of the crazies behind and can concentrate on what's in front .it's something I just have to get used too now 🫤

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's never a simple black and white choice when thinking about the needs surrounding a motorcycle or scooter. The riding environment, the people you choose to ride with, and our own temperament all factor into the decision of what to ride. I'm grateful to have found relaxed riders and relaxed roads to explore.

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS_AND_RC]

@ScooterintheSticks that's my main grumble....if only riders would relax ,calm the hell down regarding the speed .the rest is wonderful but people seem to forget the main killer .....speed ! When I'm on my own 90kmph is just fine for a top speed and 80 is just pure relaxing 😌

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@SCALE_SLOTCARS_AND_RC I have no expectations that drivers or riders are going to calm down any time soon. So I'll just keep seeking the roads less traveled and wander along at those relaxing speeds.