Triumph Speed Twin review - the BEST retro bike for sporty riding?

The Triumph Speed Twin has had a big overhaul, complete with new upside-down forks, new brakes, sticky tyres and updated electronics. In short, Triumph's realised this is a retro-looking bike that can handle like a proper naked bike, and by gum is it good. Join me to find out how many squeals out of 10 I give it…

[@arizonaredneck5246]

I did it today. I ordered a new black Speed Twin. I will get it on February 23. I am thrilled

[@timrodierides]

Enjoy it when it comes!

[@michaelderkacz5526]

How is it?

[@austinisfullpleasedontmove653]

I just got one yesterday and almost ecstatic. The bike is so much fun!

[@paulsherwood6010]

Never expect a retro to perform like a sports bike…enjoy all bikes for what they are..I love it 😁great review Tim

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Love a Speed Twin me - I have two in my garage as I type!

[@nestorasbellas6604]

lol i hope you wont buy the 2021 model as well :P

[@karlosh2422]

I'm really interested to see what will be the obvious comparison hopefully in one of your videos. Is the 2021 that much different to the 2019 one ?

[@e.l.9589]

There's a familiar individual that I'm SUBSCRIBED to.

[@colinoz]

What's it like on a highway run? Could you do an all day highway ride or would the T120 be better for that? Or maybe the Speedmaster. If I was looking at a Speedmaster then I'd probably buy a Harley. If only my garage was big enough to fit 20 bikes!

[@paulmurray5525]

TMF is a" show off "

[@kevinbeilby1495]

Great review Tim. I love the way you use words and put sentences together. Really entertaining man. Cheers

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Kevin, you're far too kind!

[@johnjamesflashman6856]

Like you, love the bike. I am a little biased because I had a speed twin (500cc) in 1969 and it won me over for life.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Good entertaining stuff. I’m not a massive fan of retro looking bikes but the SPEED TWIN would possibly be the one I’d get. I love the torque

[@ampelec]

My 2019 speed twin is my dream bike. Classic lines, sporty handling, unobtrusive electronics, and that sound. I'll never get rid of this bike

[@wandering_armadillo]

I'm an ex ST 2019 owner, I moved to a GS 750 for touring with all the bells and whistles ... but still here watching the reviews so that says something! When I sell the GS I will not be revisiting it on you tube 😉The ST is a bike you regret selling!

[@alfie6426]

I enjoyed my test ride of this bike, it feels like a retro Speed Triple. The only issue is I kept feeling like I was sliding off the back and found myself having to grab the bars tight.

[@calvinroyals6463]

Enjoyed the video. I remember all the way back to my first Triumph a 1969 650 Tiger. I do lust after the Speed Twin.

[@rockardbiker]

Thanks for that review. You manage to communicate the fun you were having well.

[@timrodierides]

Thanks for the comment - you're too kind!

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review! Seems like an excellent update!

[@soulrebelno1]

I'm getting one in the spring, hopefully.

[@Hertfordshire_Biker]

Still enjoying my 2019 model. In my experience, the fuel gauge under-estimates and you can expect easily more than 50mpg. The front is a little loose at autobahn speeds; in the UK it's fine. The attraction for me was how it reminded my of 70's muscle-bikes from my childhood. Great to see they haven't mucked around with that too much!

[@smolbodybuilder1602]

what does front is loose mean?

[@hollowaysteve]

I cane mine quite a bit and always see 55-60. Cruising around at lower revs is regularly 75-80 and on a light throttle bimbling around at 50-60mph it regularly sits at 99mpg as there are only two digits on the counter. Incredible really.

[@karmeishghosh2703]

blue sky, white clouds and the bike -- you are in heaven! can't complain.

[@SBKPete]

‘A lot of people who ride these, haven’t got their own teeth anymore’ I nearly spat my drink out 😂

[@alexmorgan3435]

As well as your teeth ...........

[@paulharrison8155]

But lots do have their own hair 👍

[@xorbe2]

That was a great line!

[@chrisrobinson79]

Enjoyed the narrative on this video great laugh very informative. Well done and I love the bike gotta have one 😎

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Chris!

[@gsd32i]

Great video Tim. I rode the 2020 version last week and loved it. Mmmmm….may have to chop my KTM 890R in for one. 👍

[@tonydare7614]

Excellent review. Test riding one in Paris this Saturday! Not really sure that it's compatible with the speed limits in this area though!

[@timrodierides]

Enjoy! I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to ride in Paris!

[@tomryner5830]

Totally agree with you on the indicator stalk. It felt natural on my Yamaha Tracer 9GT but on the Speed Twin it’s “off”.

[@karlosh2422]

the digital fuel range estimates on my 2019 Speed Twin is "cautious" . I guess this is a good thing. Really you can add at least 20 miles on to the estimated range. Possibly up to 30. Although if you do that , you could run out of fuel ! Also, I've still got my own teeth ! 😀 Yeah, why they never put cruise control sure beats me. It's got throttle-by-servo-electronics, so it'd only be a couple of switches on the handle bars. You can get some Triumph heated grips. I'd really love a quick shifter option, but on the 2019 one at least, that's not available. Yeah , I bounce of the rev limiter on my 2019 one. Especially after getting off my Speed Triple (that has a QS !) and onto the twin. Higher rev limit on the twin would be welcome. The new exhaust pipes do look a whole lot better than the standard black rear section 2019 ones. Maybe I'm being unfair on my Speed Twin, it's really good, as a riding experience I do prefer my 2020 Speed Triple 1050 RS. The handling, not bouncing off the rev limiter, a quick shifter and cruise control make me prefer it. When I'm looking at them both side by side, I prefer looking at the twin. See, I'd like Triumph to make something that looks like the Speed Twin, with the large capacity Triple engine, QS, cruise control, active suspension and a mono-shock (Z900RS like). I've told Triumph this, in the copious surveys they send to me !

[@JoeAnton420]

Triumph made a bike just as you described in the 90s called the Thunderbird. It had 900 cc triple. They also made a scramber version called the Adventure or maybe Adventurer i cant remember. The reason i know this is because i thought that would be an awesome combo as well and found out it already came and went...oh well... and they made one in the 70s also called the Trident.

[@karlosh2422]

@@JoeAnton420 Yeah, I want them to build a new one ! I like to look at classic bikes, not sure I have the patience to run one !

[@SteveR76]

Properly engaging bikes. Looking at one as a replacement for my Street Triple 675. Don't understand the choice of a trackday spec tyre though... The pegs touch down before you can really get the benefits in grip and let's face it, sometimes it rains! Nice review though 👍

[@stevefox8605]

Got mine brand new a couple of weeks ago, it's awesome! Only criticism is it does run hot. Edit - got some nice short cans for mine from Westlake only £299 & go straight on ( make little difference to volume as most of the silencing is done in the catalyst underneath) Cheers mate 👍👍

[@hogfest5047]

AND THE CAT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE ON THE 2022 OR MK2 THE CATS EXIT PIPES ARE WELDED ON ,

[@stevefox8605]

@@hogfest5047 spot on. Dunno why I'd want to remove it anyway tbh, it's fast and loud enough for me & better for the environment and all that. Thank you for your comment 👍🏻

[@johnnyboy1586]

There's a few new bikes that seem to run hot,is that because they run alot leaner for emissions?

[@stevefox8605]

@@johnnyboy1586 yes, exactly that 👍🏻

[@texazwhyte2791]

Excellent review, you have developed as a commentator brilliantly. Cheers!

[@timrodierides]

Thanks so much - that's really nice to hear!

[@fakeplastictrees13]

Anyone know what jacket this is? Great vid!

[@DrHakennase]

Im having a blast in that really maze like short corner streets with the Speed Twin the isntant torque and superb handling makes so much fun

[@AdamB5000]

I got back into riding after 20 years off and bought a Kawasaki W800. I love it. However, as my brothers warned me, after a few rides I'm left wanting a little more than the 50-ish HP and torque that the W800 offers. I'll continue to ride it. It's a thing of beauty. But now I'm looking at the Speed Twin, wondering. I'll enjoy the W800 for at least another season. I really like it. But now I'm wondering what it would be like to have 50% more power.

[@ogofog9120]

Would you go for this or a Street Triple 765 R

[@moto-uk]

If you're interested in what the bike can sound like with some tweaking - I uploaded a vid of my decatted SC Project exhaust, and I must say it sounds great now! It's not overly obnoxious, to my ears it's just right.

[@ooomeinereinerooo]

Tweed Hooligan - that's so great: sums it up perfectly.

[@adamschannel8685]

Doesn’t need cruise control. I think the heated grips issue is a UK sorta thing. Don’t have to worry too much about that over here 😊🤙🇦🇺

[@timrodierides]

But you have heated snakes and things to worry about! (Ta for watching!)

[@ronaldvanveen7666]

Great v. I can hear the motor. Question, does the engine give off concentrated heat on 1 side very noticeable then the other side.???

[@mikereardon7913]

Not compared to the Scrambler 1200! Just picked up a 2022 and have not noticed excessive heat,. But it is January.

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

I like the paint job of the old model better. Is this really “much” of an upgrade? Unfortunately the previous gen is not being offered at a discount; … yet!

[@paulharrison8155]

That's because Triumph don't have any

[@danny2607]

Fantastic bike! Next on my list. Has to be in the matte storm grey for me. Can’t bring myself to own anything red.

[@DuncanStace]

Now I’m over here, driving even more engagement. You’ll never stop me.

[@timrodierides]

I wouldn't dare try!

[@user-fv1576]

You mentioned it’s changed to also help a pinion ? Any ideas how ?

[@tomryner5830]

You should Really have more subs mate!

[@timrodierides]

Appreciate it Tom! I agree :D

[@amazon4529]

Nice review Tim!

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Amazon (or is it Jeff Bezos?!)

[@banzairunner7860]

I have a 2016 Thruston 900… I was thinking about picking up this bike as well. Has anyone ridden both and can tell how different the riding positions are?

[@stanleylawson9015]

So am torn between this in a 2019 -21 as prefer this not keen n the new forks of the new one or a bmw urban gs 2019 version what do you think

[@MikeNaccarata]

Quick question, I'm also 6'3" and I was wondering how comfortable is the ST 1200 for people our size?

[@timrodierides]

It's slightly marginal, I felt a tiny bit too big on it, but I could still do a reasonable day's riding on it in comfort… I probably just look a little silly. I think there's a Speed Twin update coming out very soon… I've seen rumours of an RS model

[@tedcity5861]

so a mod'd exhaust will error the ECM ? I hope someone comes up with a by pass.

[@elnino3903]

My onen is coming Wednesday im so excited 😂

[@volt8684]

Nice enthusiastic review genuine pleasure comes thru

[@crumblymal8479]

Hi Tim just found ya I really like the speed twin but was wondering with this Euro five business you can not change the exhaust at all would that be correct ?now a subscriber cheers : )

[@ampelec]

The cat is now welded, so you'd need to change the whole system!

[@andrewbecker3700]

@@ampelec Not correct. The mid pipes are welded to the cat. Found some on Ebay for $100. No big deal really.

[@sportbikemike]

Great video..I love my 2019 speedy

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Mike!

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Cracking fun video buddy 🏍👍🏻👌😀

[@noviomagus5852]

This or the Kawasaki Z900RS? Personally no experience with either, but I want to test ride both next year

[@elevationmoto6208]

For me the choice was between z900rs and Speed Twin. But no Triumph dealer nearby so I bought the z900rs. Love it! Ride one if you can.

[@daveatkinson644]

For me, I tried both (if I was going Japanese, it'd have to be a Kwaka), and a torque-y parallel twin vs. a revvy in-line four was always going to be the winner... And I think it handles better. But each to their own. I bloody love my ST....

[@noviomagus5852]

@@daveatkinson644 I still own my first bike, a Honda CB600 which has an inline four engine. So no experience with a twin for me. Thriumph is a brand whose bikes I have long admired, but the Z900RS looks just as gorgeous as the ST. Looking forward to riding them both

[@mikereardon7913]

I've ridden the 900 RS. Found it joyfully reminiscent of my seventies era in line fours. I'm more Comfortable with twins and Triples vibe frequencies.

[@wazzzappening4848]

Noise from the factory would get the hacksaw quick smart in Orstraya.

[@michals1108]

awesome bike !! I choosed 900RS from Kawasaki as there is more fun

[@78Outlaw]

Is that Kirosi Red, something about the Speed Twin looks to me like a mini Rocket R3R 😎

[@flexywing]

Great honest. Review

[@timrodierides]

Cheers 🤣

[@garethtemple6242]

I appreciate this isn't really intended as a sports tourer, but I just wondered what the seat comfort is like for long journeys?

[@timrodierides]

I found it OK, but I didn't do any massive journeys on it. I think you'd be fine, but people have different sensitivities when it comes to bums. I used to tour on a Daytona 675 so I'm probably not the right person to ask...

[@hollowaysteve]

I’ve toured on my 2020. I’ve done a 560mile motorway day but I use an air hawk blow up seat. I absolutely would not be able to tour without the air hawk. I recently took mine for a 2200 mile trip around the Pyrenees. (That’s just the Pyrenees, I live four hours away) Max 150 mile days on average (couple of 250’s) but up to 10hrs on the road. It coped very well and is lots of fun but again, wouldn’t be able to do it without the air hawk. The suspension is shit. I changed my rears for YSS fully adjustable. If I hadn’t have changed the shocks I’d have sold the bike and I certainly wouldn’t have been able to cope with the Pyrenees trip without them. The fronts are still very poor and I’ll be fitting K-Tec cartridges in Spring ‘23. The new bike has the same rear shocks as the first iteration (so still shit) I don’t believe the new USD forks are really any better than the RWU and take away from the retro looks. Edit: I should add that the 560 day nearly finished me off. I’ve done a couple of 400’s on it (with the air hawk) and that’s my limit really.

[@ponderguy7724]

An hour to hour and a half and you will need a break.

[@davidcaddell8465]

A couple of hours at a time, it's time for a fuel stop then any way. None motorway I would say 250 to 300 miles in a day would be plenty.

[@tonyrobins5417]

hi Tim, whats the gear box like on the ST clicky or clancky. ???

[@timrodierides]

Sorry Tony - it’s been over a year since I rode it! If I didn’t mention it, it didn’t strike me as bad.

[@mikereardon7913]

Mine is very clicky and short throw. Impressive really.

[@itsallaboutme9779]

Can you review honda highness cb350??

[@timmo3351]

Lovely bike and cracking review, any news on your new bike? Or still yet to commit?

[@michaelparker2933]

Great information. Thank you.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Its stunning in candy Red The other colours dont even compare.

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video fantastic bike stay safe looking forward to more videos 🇬🇧👍

[@swiss889]

I'm interested in one but this year's red one is dire

[@karlosh2422]

Did you ever ride the 2019 one ? if so, in your opinion is the 2021 one that much better ?

[@OrmTourist]

Once you’ve seen that goofy looking “Pluto” face staring back up at you, you can’t unsee it!!

[@statesman3854]

Is it easy to accidentally lift the front wheel up on this bike? Is it manageable? How to avoid it?

[@davidcaddell8465]

Easy not to lift front wheel, I haven't lifted mine yet after a few thousand miles.

[@hollowaysteve]

I have to be honest here… it’s easy not to lift the front if you know how to ride a motorcycle. If you think there’s any possibility of lifting the front, you need to be looking at a less powerful bike to start riding on.

[@orangecassidy2310]

my dream bike 👍👍👍👍

[@tomryner5830]

Just became a Triumph fan boy. Will stay so. But… I will add a Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello to my garage for those long trips with the wife out back 🙂

[@tomryner5830]

Love my Speed Twin 1200

[@peterwilliamson4296]

No cruise control out on the open road would be a big turn off for a lot of buyers even though it's a nice bike.

[@conrad152]

Excellent review

[@mark3863]

That comment "don't have their own teeth" 🤣

[@chrislecouteur2360]

It's the fuel range that's puts me off this bike 110ish miles .... why the R9T 160ish before you need fuel .... Great video. 50 pence 😅🤣😅

[@frederickwoods5943]

I own a 2020 Speed Twin in Silver, already have a Red 2012 Thruxton and a Reddish-Orange/Black 2012 Bonneville SE. The range on all 3 of them is 165 miles before the light comes on on both 900cc 2012's; the Speed Twin gets higher mileage and with its smaller tank range is easily 200 miles. I fill-up at around 180 miles on all 3, the Speed Twin is capable of 62-65mpg if ridden sanely; mine always shows a range of 200+ miles after a fill-up.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

The R9T more than matched it match in 2016 with the Thruxton R. The Speed Twin is more of match to basic Pure versions of the R9T. Since I own both you need to be a better rider to get the acceleration from a Thruxton R to match the R9T and the R9T needs to be a better rider when going around turns to keep up with the Thruxton R or RS. You lost me with the clocks looking old....on a classic bike.

[@mikereardon7913]

I own both the Spd Twin and R9t UGS. The Beemer feels slightly swifter at speed while the Spd Twin seems quicker off the bottom reaching Torque peak sooner. St steers quicker than the UGS, which is very stable at speed. The 19 inch front wheel probably account's for most of that. I enjoy them both for what they are, fun bikes with lots of character.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

@@mikereardon7913 Both my Thruxton R and BMW R9T would run a true 131 to 133 mph depending on the road and wind. Bone stock the BMW was quicker in the quarter mile 11.7 to 12.1. My Thruxton R with the cam was a bit quicker at 11.6. I was surprised on how quick and fast both machines were.

[@MotoGoato]

"Tweed hooligan" ..... perfect description ...

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

I can't help thinking that i would get bored with this bike in short order. Probably prefer a Yam MT 07 instead for a lot less money.

[@mikereardon7913]

The MT07 is a nice bike. The speed Twin has way more sack. And character.

[@lezlee4706]

I haven't had chance to ride one of these yet but please tell me they live up to the hype. I love retro styled bikes. I rode a T120 and found it to be slow and boring. Please tell me these are better in every way.

[@julianperry5141]

Think upright thruxton, more torque, more power, better handling

[@mikereardon7913]

Agreed. I would say it's better in every way than the T120 that I had. T120 allowed more room for long legs. I found wicking up the throttle on the T120 could produce unintended excitement, especially in the corners!

[@c.g.c2067]

Wonder why Triumph, despite the heavy price tag of the Speed Twin, provides the same cheap rear shocks fitted on my St.Twin

[@hollowaysteve]

Because Triumph are a cheap, profiteering company that can sell everything they make so they don’t bother with quality components. When I bought my YSS rear shocks I had to go on a waiting list because the dealer said that every order they make with the manufacturer is sold out before they arrive. They’ve never known a bike like it to have so many people replace the suspension.

[@c.g.c2067]

@@hollowaysteve what model is the YSS?

[@hollowaysteve]

@@c.g.c2067 It’s the RG362. That’s the generic model number for the three way adjustable shock. Obviously you’ll need the specific item for your bike.

[@c.g.c2067]

@@hollowaysteve right now I see. You fittted them on a Speed Twin if I understand well

[@hollowaysteve]

@C.G.C Yes

[@markscars1069]

That’s a lovely looking machine. But even I know, with my minimal knowledge, those tyres are out of place.

[@julianperry5141]

Believe me those tyres feel wicked.

[@IanTed]

Easily old enough to ride one and I’ve got a full set of teeth, best retro out there and I ride a GSA🤣

[@aslamkk3502]

I love this bike

[@negenelf123]

The best for me is the Thruxton RS

[@leemacdonald6533]

The 2019 speed twin looks so much better.

[@calvinyuan4664]

Yea they really failed that paint job on the new ones, but with the engine, shock and brake upgrade I guess the paint can be compromised

[@mikereardon7913]

The black is still beautiful.

[@ianjames3078]

Prefer the updated version.

[@AdmV0rl0n]

I had a 96 Triumph Thunderbird. I loved that bike. They make good bikes. But I've lost some interest given they plaster the jack all over, but make most of it in Thailand now. They have become very very expensive toys these days. :/

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

Amen to that

[@bmc8989]

Would be perfect if it had cruise control

[@johanthorn1968]

And a quick shifter!

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Been riding for four decades. Never needed either; buy a Throttle rocker

[@paulharrison8155]

Agreed 👍

[@hollowaysteve]

@@chriscarbaugh3936 I’ve been riding 41years (a couple more on top of that illegally. It was the ‘70’s 😉) and I have a throttle rocker on all my bikes and have been using them since ‘05 but cruise would be very nice.

[@mikereardon7913]

I've been legal on the road since 1976. I too would enjoy cruise control and a Quick shifter on the speed twin. I need to add heated grips and a bum warmer would be over the top! Cheers.

[@iancarnell5020]

As somebody who doesn't have all his own teeth (all will come to those that wait) Good review.

[@colnago888]

…haven’t got their own teeth??? That’s funny!!😂😂😂

[@Harlin67]

Nice review, for what I saw of the bike, as opposed to the rear (and utterly annoying and irritating) facing camera of a person on a motorcycle....

[@PappyfromtheKeys]

Only thing that remains that has any color on the bike is a gas tank? Come on Triumph! I like the bike but am over the blacked-out look.

[@mikereardon7913]

Silver fenders.😁

[@splodge57]

Buy a car 😂

[@stephenbryson5618]

Plenty of petrol in the Uk 🇬🇧

[@timrodierides]

There wasn't though

[@andygato2452]

❤

[@hogfest5047]

216 kilos is the wet weight

[@aeirsone9045]

The title says 2022 and you say it’s a 2021 … what the fook mate

[@_audacerider3838]

Nice but still not as good as the Daddy of the retro naked group which is Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 SE!!

[@nicholasszapiel6769]

Ive tried finding one here in Australia and cant, people are hanging onto them, test rode one a few years ago with a mistral pipe, have never heard a bike sound so damn good

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Why do you have to say: My God?? It is blasphemy!

[@micmacinact]

It only matters to people like you who believe in an imaginary being!! This is a motorcycle channel, not a bloody religious one. FFS - Stop wasting everybody's time who comes across your nonsensical whinge. Go and whine to somebody who cares. Oh! you know, maybe your imaginary friend 🙃🙃 As Jim Jefferies said in one of the funniest videos ever - "I don't care whether I go to Heaven or Hell when I die. You know why? Because I'll be fucking dead" 😂😂

[@donjingle4059]

A lot of misinformation in this video.

[@timrodierides]

Go on, you can't just lay out an accusation like that without backing it up… fill me in, Donald!

[@vasilisdedes5100]

Bad sound, sorry I couldn't watch all of it.

[@timrodierides]

Sorry

[@mikereardon7913]

I enjoy all of Tim's content and opinions. If you found the sound that difficult I can't imagine what it must be like for you if and when you're actually on a motorcycle.😉

[@splodge57]

Did you forget to take your ear plugs out?

[@SpeedTriple59]

Lol😅 urban riding I turned off when I heard that quote...

[@wsjwsj2743]

I cannot understand what he is saying

[@timrodierides]

Sorry, I'm crap at English