Triumph Speed Twin - Road Test & Review - A legend returns?

[@TimKreitzAdventures]

Finally! A Speed Twin review I actually learned something substantive from! Well done and thank you. All the best from West Texas.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Tim

[@1MrBryn]

I had a good look at one at the dealer last week. It genuinely looks like a top shelf custom that a shop built.

[@mancavemoto]

It’s got a great finish

[@jackleonard2088]

Excellent video Tony. And good advice at the end. This looks like another winner for triumph.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Jack

[@pencils1951]

A nice retro bike, though fifty five years ago I was a Norton rider. My last and final bike was a Suzuki Gixxer 750 K2, and to me one of the most beautiful designs there has been. Alas, age and infirmity overtook my enthusiasm. I maybe disabled but in my mind I relive everything. Every chosen line, gear, and speed, and so many rides I will no longer make. Enjoy your bike but ride safely and sensibly, and remember, you're only as good as the worst idiot out there.

[@mancavemoto]

Wise words

[@marscruz]

I had a couple of Nortons back in the day as well. Commando Interstate MkII in the candy red. The one I bought second hand in London had an M plate and the pea shooter pipes. First big bike I had. Then had some Dunstall work done on it. Porting and shaving the head to raise the compression ratio. Made the fin spacing look weird but really helped with the grunt. Loved the sound of that motor. Something about 360º cranks just makes the right noise. It was a good way to get about in London and wander out into the Suffolk and Norfolk countryside in the summer. Great fun and nostalgic memories. I wish Norton were still a successful and competitive company like Triumph. I'd have one instead of the KTM 950 V-twin in the garage. Cheers and thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@pencils1951]

Great, my last Norton was a Comando, only I had the roadster in burnt orange. 2.2 gallon tank that leaked and it threw oil all over my rear wheel and me from the chain oiler, but that aside, I still wonderful times on my Nortons.

[@marscruz]

@@pencils1951 Wasn't that a glassfibre tank? Great colour for that bike. Never liked the idea of glassfibre though. I preferred the 5 gallon steel tank on the Interstate. It could last a lot longer than the bum could on that saddle. I had the low bars that let me lean into the wind a bit. Bought a full face AGV helmet and a jacket from Lewis leathers, somewhere in London. I was over there working in the North Sea, helping to lay pipelines in from the oil rigs in the mid 70's. Back in California a couple of years later my mate needed to sell his almost identical '74 850 MkII, also in red but with different pipes. Held on to that bike for about 10 years. Had a local shop lace up some Akront 19" Allie rims to the hubs since the coastal marine salt air was doing a job on the steel rims. Might be considered sacrilege but I thought they looked great. I forgot about the built-in chain oiler. I miss the bike but probably wouldn't like all the maintenance at my age. The KTM reminds me of the great torque that the Norton had coming out of corners. I still get the occasional "reverse shift glitch" when I go through the gears on any other bike. Some habits are hard to overwrite. All the best to you. Nortons Forever!

[@pencils1951]

Yes, you are correct but unfortunately, the petrol constantly seeped. I also remember feeling like a parachute because of the handlebars, it only took a few miles before stopping to let the blood back into my fingers. Such were the perils of bikes in those days.

[@FlorinNitulescu_1]

The best thing about any of the new Triumphs is that they are very different to one another. I love this. A Scrambler 1200 is one thing, the Speed Twin is a whole other story and so on. This one might be a little too close to the Thruxton, but the fact that it has a different gas tank (actually different than the T120 or Street Twin...) shows that Triumph wasn’t lazy when developing the Speed. It has all those little unique touches that make it a pleasure to look at. Triumph is absolutely killing it with its Modern Classics range. 👏🏻🤩

[@mancavemoto]

It’s certainly a nice addition to the line up

[@suryanadash5419]

Thank you for giving a detailed and genuine opinion towards it 👍👍

[@mancavemoto]

No problem

[@doreenluepken]

Couldn’t agree more with you on that review. Tried the scrambler and the speed twin and in less than 2 weeks the speed twin (grey) will be mine. So excited!

[@mancavemoto]

Nice! Enjoy the bike

[@markfoster2033]

I run a 675R Street Triple,it's due a service next month & after watching this I'm tempted to demo a modern classic Triumph why my bike gets serviced,thanks for posting this video.

[@mancavemoto]

No problem

[@josephlosness1825]

Excellent video Tony! I do quite like the speed twin. 👍😎🏍🇬🇧

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Joseph

[@FredWilbury]

Nice review Sir .... I’m awaiting mine ... end of April.... 70th birthday 😱....regards Fred.....px my old se ....

[@mancavemoto]

Nice, enjoy it sir and Happy Birthday!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I missed this review when it came out. The only Triumph I'd consider.

[@mancavemoto]

It's a beauty

[@joshnnik]

Great review, enjoyed watching. As a current T120 owner, I prefer the look of my bike but would love it to have that extra 16 bhp of the Speed Twin engine. Cheers.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep it’s certainly a more stripped down look, so not one for those that like the traditional ‘bonnie’ look

[@JonathanBijos]

The authentic Street Twin upgrade. Will be getting mine 2021 hopefully!

[@mancavemoto]

Nice!

[@marcr660907]

Nice bike, nice overview Tony. I loved the look of the Thruxton R, but I didn’t like the riding position, maybe this is an option. I like it in red, and do agree with you on the exhaust colouring. The twin clocks are great, a TFT setup would be just wrong.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Mark, yep I think this is the best sorted bike in the modern classic range for looks

[@sishirmishra5983]

Great video.. beautiful countryside to shoot in . looking forward to the followup video !!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@davidraym.4450]

Outstanding review. Thanks!!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@PNRobo]

Hi Tony . Perfect review like always. 4 month s ago in yours test video "New Triumph Scrambler 1200 - Press Launch and detailed spec run through" i wrote it that Speed Twin is perfect bike for you. When i saw it first time u was the first person who did i imagine that can be perfect owner. U can make this bike to top form. U did lot of good job on yours Street Twin and u was very inspirating for my Street Cup (i love yours Home Brew Tail Tidy). I hope that this youtube chanel bring this 10k what you need it :D

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Robert, thanks for supporting the channel, 10k subscribers would be great, and i'll try and find a giveaway if I hit that number

[@PNRobo]

@@mancavemoto btw did u saw new rocket 3 ? U have in plan Road Test or is not yours cup of tee ? :)

[@mancavemoto]

Not really my thing Robert, but i'd like to give one a test

[@hollowaysteve]

Nice review Tony. This is what I've been after since the introduction of the Thruxton. I took out a Thruxton R and really liked it but told the salesman I still had to take out a Guzzi Griso as I was after a more 'sit up and beg' type bike as I already have a bike with a sporty riding position. I ended up with something completely different, but a year later I got the Griso as well. If this had been around at the time it might have been my choice. I always hankered after a T120 with the Thruxton R engine and I have toyed with buying a Thruxton used and putting a street bar conversion on it. (there are now top yolks available that take that drop shape of the original into account) This is a nice looking bike, save for a few details like the rear guard, the rubbish black silencers and the boring paint (I'd get the black and spend the £300 Triumph are asking for the metalics on a custom job) It's also disappointing that there isn't an 'R' version straight away with decent suspension (I don't know if there will ever be an 'R' version) I'm sure it's adequate but as you say, it is quite firm and our roads don't really deal with firm, so unless one is a little heavier it may well be too much. My Griso has fully adjustable suspension both ends but at 12 stone (76kg in new money) I still have to wind the compression down to zero. It's a quality unit, just set up 'Italian firm'. At least it is adjustable both ends and if the Griso were made today would be equivalent in cost to the 'Speed Twin' I think Triumph are short changing us a little. I'd happily lose the 'riding modes' that are of little or no consequence on a street bike and take some better suspension instead. I hope that isn't too negative; I'm looking forward to a test ride and I already know that I would consider (a used) one in a year or so.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Steve

[@frankandree62]

Great review. looking forward to next one.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@payton7483]

The thruxton smoking had me rolling! won a thumbs up from me.

[@mancavemoto]

hehe thanks

[@markjacobs6294]

A twin cylinder hooligan bike that sits similar to a Speed Triple. This and the new Scram 12 are in class of their own. Well done T!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Mark

[@michaelhayward7572]

Good review, thanx. Nice to see a bit of Meriden history at the beginning. Hey Triumph, can you please bring back the Trident name. A Speed Triple with pretend air cooling, retro looks, analogue clocks and a round headlight. Basically a prettier XSR900 that says Triumph on the tank. TIA... Edit, Thank me later when it becomes your best seller...

[@mancavemoto]

i'm pretty sure they've got some plans tucked away somewhere?!

[@mickmouse3513]

One of the best Triumphs iv ever seen, i hope the power matches the looks.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes it does ok on the power front

[@mickmouse3513]

Views from the Man Cave Nice one.

[@natekwart]

Excellent review Tony!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Nate

[@tobysleeman9399]

Well done Tony. Glad you enjoyed your ride.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Toby

[@casperdog777]

Love the review. I found with my old T120, I just did not have the road space to use the power it had. So I went for the slightly lighter and nimbler Street Scrambler 900. But the Speed twin is an ideal retro with a twist of real world perfomance! Looks great. Out of interest what is economy like? Nearly 100 bhp is superb for a retro! WOW . But living in S E England - roads are crap and too much traffic out there.

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you. Yes the Speed Twin gives that little extra performance as well as being nimble. Economy was pretty good, mid to high 50’s (depending how it was ridden) so you won’t see much difference to your Street Scrambler. You can find plenty of quiet places if you do a bit of exploring ;)

[@casperdog777]

@@mancavemoto that's true I live in Sussex South Downs are amazing ! Thanks for the mpg figures

[@steveross2280]

Good luck with your new bike. I'm waiting for the new Scrambler 1200 to come in, reminds me of my first bike, a Honda CL160 with Scrambler pipes that I had at 15. Never had a Triumph but think I'm going to like it. Swerve carefully out there in Cali!

[@mancavemoto]

Sadly not my new bike, just a loaner for the review

[@peterkoning21]

Hopefully my next Triumph !

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I've just watched this again. There is a Triumph dealer in Chiang Rai. Two big bikes that appeal to me are this and the Honda CB1000R, and only Triumph and Honda do test rides. I think the Honda looks better. Maybe I should give them a test ride, back to back.

[@mancavemoto]

That sounds like a good idea.

[@andrewr6425]

Lovely bike and stylish. Glad the seat height is more sensible than the twin . I’m not ready to chop in my Twin yet but when I do this could be a contender.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, a better bike for the taller/bigger rider

[@whittlad]

I think this has been your best review to date. Well presented, researched and edited. The camera shots on the twisties were superb. Nice looking bike and food for thought if you fancy either the Thruxton or Street Twin. I do feel Triumph have an identity crisis with its name badges. Yes, they mostly have to same font/logo but some bikes have the stripe running through it (new scrambler I believe) and some have a type of shield. If Triumph are trying to pull everyone’s heart strings into buying a classic retro style then why not have a standard name badge/shield on then petrol tank that also harks back to bygone times? The cynic in me thinks that Triumph probably want you to buy a classic looking tank badge as an extra so they can cut costs and then charge top dollar to loyal customers for OEM part. Anyway enough about that. Great review and nice looking bike but I’m a Thruxton fanboy👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Neill, yep who knows what the process is, I just think on these type of bikes, keep it simple

[@vejos5338]

Excellent vide, as always. Thanks.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@drewsneakerverse]

That road is a belter isn’t it! Literally commute it every eve from the city.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, conveniently the route between Jack Lilley Romford and my house 😉

[@Farwalker2u]

I have a 2017 Bonneville T-120 with the 1200 HT engine. The main problem I have with the T-120 is that I often scrape the foot pegs when cornering. The foot pegs on this Speed Twin look to be mounted higher so that you can lean more into the corners without scraping.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes, thats certainly one difference between the bikes.

[@neilabraham-dowsing2325]

This a true piece of badge engineering. God, you would think Triumph would have taken the Bobber and painted it Burgundy. That by itself would have been far more convincing than this stale effort. I was so looking forward to what Triumph would do to bring back this iconic name. My excitement was matched only by my sense of deflation at the timid outcome.

[@MrJlk1973]

Im well pleased with my speed twin its a great bike for me👍👍

[@mancavemoto]

Good to hear

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

Great looking bike aside from the few odd bits. Reminds me of my 1981 CB900F SS.

[@peterford9369]

I like those mirrors. They are tear drop but the taper is mild, so you get plenty of mirror . And they're stock yes? I guess they're usable with bar weights? I'd love a pair on my bonneville. Will check into them. I'd say they just wanted to add some sign of a passenger grab bar to the frame without an actual one? Personally not having any on my bonneville, I'd enjoy having something to hold on to when moving it around the utility. Not sure what it is, but of the 5 bikes I've owned, this is the only one I've felt top heavy pushing it around. And it's 100 pounds less than the VMAX was. Thanks man. Good review.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Peter, thanks for sharing

[@DEeMONsworld]

one niggle sorted. the reason the little hoop sticks out of the rear past the seat is because it is essentially a Thruxton frame which if you look has the same little hoop. if true, then Thruxton single seats will fit thew Speed Twin. and any after market Thruxton muffler "Can" will fit as well. subject to first hand verification.

[@mancavemoto]

Oh yeah I get that, I should have expanded further in the video. They haven't made a 'feature' of the frame rail by making it a bit longer, also they haven't made it line up wth the seat base. So it just looks a bit like they've been lazy or cocked up the design....in my eyes anyway

[@DEeMONsworld]

@@mancavemoto keeping the price down, most likely

[@mancavemoto]

@@DEeMONsworld very true

[@DEeMONsworld]

@@mancavemoto since i posted, confirmed as you may also know seats don't fit, panniers do, exhaust so far seems to be identical mounting

[@hopgood007]

Cracking review as usual Tony. Really enjoyed your comments - an honest and fair appraisal. Couldn't agree more about the new Scramblers ... this is a far nicer bike.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Paul

[@turboman6680]

I know it's a personal opinion of some folk but how can people be disappointed with the performance of the STREET twin? Its got 54bhp for crying out loud. I've been riding 100+ bhp bikes now for 10 years and I'm genuinely having a blast with the torque of the STREET twin. Having said that, i'll be having one of these probably!

[@mancavemoto]

Exactly, I never had an issue with it, but it’s evident that some people do. Unless they are not actually owners commenting online and are just looking at the spec sheets? You can be a proper hooligan on this if you want too though, the front wheel was losing contact with the ground on some ‘spirited’ departures from traffic lights (in road mode)

[@ericb252]

The problem with the Street twin is the massive HP degradation as you rev it out. Lots of torque for sure but they handicapped it. Will be trading it in for this bike :)

[@karlosh9286]

I don't get how the 200 BHP sports bike brigade actually really use their machines, unless they're on regular Track days. It must be frustrating having to be so gentle on the throttle. Maybe they don't mind riding bans, incarceration, a visit to A&E or the morgue.

[@heythere6983]

when a Harley has 70 hp everyone whines, but everyone loves the triumphs lol

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@karlosh9286 Charming.

[@CONFUCIUS-f2x]

In a land of Harley Davidsons all over the place, this is going to be me next motorcycle. Just to be different.

[@mancavemoto]

.....and I don't blame you. It's my favourite model in the Triumph 'Modern Retro' range

[@colindebourg3884]

You won't be disappointed, I got mine last week and love it.

[@hamishsb]

Great Review - Thanks

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Hamish

[@UncleWally3]

Talk about simple pleasures, to not have a lot of distracting drone-perspectives and flashy video editing is a welcome feature. Here is my question: Will this bike accept the same de-cat system many people are putting on their Thruxtons?

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Walter, yes the current xpipe’s will fit this bike also.

[@ostekuste3646]

Excellent review, Tony. A lot of the details on this bike influenced my decision to buy the Street Cup instead of the Twin. I did like the slightly more aggressive riding position of the Cup as well, but the twin clocks, bar end mirrors, and paintwork were a bonus. I’ve added Motone Monza gas cap, British Customs drag pipes, and a couple other bits, and this suits me perfectly. I honestly like it better than the Thruxton as i found it a stretch to fit on. I guess I basically built a water cooled 900 Thruxton. Beautiful new bike, though. If it had been out I may have taken another look. Cheers.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Chad your bike sounds great, anywhere I can see pics of it?

[@ostekuste3646]

Views from the Man Cave thanks! If you go to the TriumphForum, I am there. Look for OsteKuste. That’s an old nickname I’ve had since my younger days of being into vws! I e got a few pics in my gallery you could check out. Cheers!

[@colblimp1882]

Nice review, and brilliant bike.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@bigbroondug]

On the money again Tony. Great piece. Totally agree about the side panel, fantastic 70's aesthetic to the bike but with the Streethawk font for the Speed Twin spoils it a bit.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, it’s a minor thing, but they did it on the street twin too with that odd 80’s kind of font

[@bigbroondug]

@@mancavemoto I'd still have one in a heartbeat though 😀

[@charliefarlie6469]

Definitely agree on the comment between this bike and the scrambler, only time will tell but I reckon that after the initial clamour to have a new model in the stable the speed twin sales will rise above that of the scrambler, I think that the scrambler will be too tall for the majority of riders and fitting a lowering kit ( of which there will undoubtedly be one ) is counter intuitive to producing a bike with such long suspension travel , added to that the scrambler is a good deal more expensive and is restricted to the amount of luggage panniers that the owner can have due to the one sided high level pipes . Thanks for posting , now subscribed .C.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Charlie, my thoughts exactly

[@nspinicelli]

Great take on the bike! Perhaps you could do me a massive favor and give a little input on the T120 vs this Speed Twin? I reserved a T120 Diamond Edition, but for the similar price I'm thinking the Speed Twin is a better "bang for the buck." On one day I'll be looking for enough comfort for my wife and I for a few hundred miles a day and a way to mount a little luggage. On the next day, I'd want to have a blast through the twisties, not getting a knee down, but have the speed and agility to have loads of fun. Speed Twin, T120, I'm just not sure.

[@mancavemoto]

A lot depends on the look you like, T120 obviously more traditional Bonnie styling. The T120 is probably going to be more comfortable two up as well. It’s heavier and not as dynamic or quick to steer as the Speed. So the T120 will give the torque, easy cruising and comfort, but maybe not the out and out thrill of the speed?

[@nspinicelli]

@@mancavemoto Yeah thanks we'll see, I'll have to wait until the Speed Triple is released here in the States. Cheers!

[@matthaeus8348]

Nice view. I'm looking for my first bike and I 'd like to choose this bike

[@mancavemoto]

It would be a nice bike to grow into, it wouldn’t be intimidating to ride and its got plenty of get up and go as your skills improve.

[@zardportugal]

Great review.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@johnaronson5974]

Nice review. I recently rode a few modern retros at a Triumph Demo Day here in Colorado. Unfortunately, they did not offer the Speed Twin to ride. I did like the T-120 though. Can you compare the T-120 to the Speed Twin? Similarities / Differences / rider position etc?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks John, ive spend a little time on the T120 and my quick comparison would be that its a more upright riding position, heavier and a more relaxed ride. The Speed Twin pitches you forward just a little and the bike is considerably more 'urgent'. Depends what you are after really

[@OldManTony]

I really must go and try a Triumph modern classic. I was going to last time I took my Tiger in for service, however the sales guys were doing a brisk trade so I didn’t like to stop them hahahahah!

[@mancavemoto]

Give it a go Tony, always worth a little try out

[@AAKhanivore]

Really good review! You should try mixing your commentary audio with the background noise from the film. Regardless, good info.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, there was just too much wind noise to be able to mix it

[@karlosh9286]

Yesterday I test rode the 2019 Street Twin and the Speed Twin. My first big bike ride since passing my test a few weeks back. The kind people at Lings Essex Triumph at Great Dunmow (formerly Ongar Triumph, now under new ownership and management) let me have a ride. Not all dealers seem to be able to insure newbie riders like me. I think my 50 odd years of age helped a bit ! After getting off my Honda CB125R, the Street Twin blew me away. I'd ridden a 10 year old Honda CB600 on my training, but the Street Twin just pulled away so much better than that, and the clutch lever on the Street Twin didn't feel like I was down the gym training my left hand to be able to crush billard balls ! ( like it was on the Honda CB600, maybe this is due to the assist clutch in the Triumph ) I then took a Speed Twin out, and this blew me away even more, my trousers may have even gone a bit smelly ! The torque on both of them was just so amazing. I'd been used to pinning the throttle on a 125. Hanging on for dear life to the handlebars is a new experience for me, unsurprisingly I never got the chance to do this on the riding schools Honda CB600 ! I'm 5 foot 10 inches, so the seat height was better for me on the Speed. I've been used to a seat height of 820mm on my CB125R, so the I found the 807mm of the Speed Twin to be about perfect, the 760mm on the Street is just a bit too low for me. I actually prefer the side ways view seat profile on the Street Twin it's more curved. If only they'd make it a bit higher. Triumph do a bench seat that makes the Street Twin higher but I don't like the profile ( or having to pay extra for it) ! I found the steering a little bit more sensitive on the Speed as compared to the Street, but nothing too alarming. I am a very inexperienced rider so my judgement is limited on these things. Could be the longer handle bars giving more leverage or some bit of bike geometry I don't yet understand. Up to 40 MPH I didn't notice too much performance difference between them, but I'm hardly an experienced rider. It was after 40MPH that the Speed Twin gave me more confidence to do an overtake on a car doing 45 MPH on a 60 MPH B road. Seems like the Street Twin would need a little more planning than the Speed Twin for such a manouevre. A Street Twin in town would probably be fine, I guess Triumph named it very well . I took out the Street Twin again, and I could detect the lower power. That's not to say it's slow ( its a lot quicker than my slightly "warm" hatchback car ), but I was getting more used to its power. This is the thing that concerns me most about the Street Twin, I could get used to it very quickly and I'll be wishing I bought a Speed Twin. Maybe that happens with all bikes ! I did find the throttle a bit jerky at low speeds in road mode on the Speed Twin. I might be correct in understanding that rain mode doesn't result in less power , it just requires more twist of the wrist to unleash it. I should have probably tried it in rain mode, but the weather was lovely ! I didn't dare touch Sport mode on the Speed Twin. The exhaust sound of the Speed is deeper and nicer than the Street. The Street sounds good, but not quite as good as the Speed. Why the black section on the Speed Twin's exhaust ? I think it would look better if the exhaust system was all the same metallic silver colour. I like the twin clocks (as you also say), these are better than the single clock of the Street Twin, and I quite liked going to clocks as compared to the digital display I had on the Honda CB125R (this was a bit hard to see in bright sunshine) Tiny things like the lights switching was better on the Speed. Why Triumph just don't have a separate flasher button and main beam switch on the Street sure beats me. Two clicks to have to do a flash is one click too many. I've never ridden the earlier Street Twins where others have moaned about the brakes. I found the brakes on both to be very good. I'm around 200 pounds in weight. I found the suspension fine on both bikes, but then the demo Street Twin had up rated rear suspension, so I don't have a clue what the stock suspension is like. I didn't find the Speed Twin overly firm, I can't say I took it on bumpy roads, it was comfortable to me. The summary is I want a Speed Twin, I'd probably be happy with a Street Twin. I like both bikes a lot , I just like the Speed Twin that little bit more. But then there is cost and availability. I can have a Street Twin now at £2400 less (and £300 cheaper insurance), or I might have to wait for a Speed Twin. Its probably going to be a Speed Twin ! Now can I wait ... and find £2700 ? Am I mad to be considering this as a first big bike ?

[@mancavemoto]

Certainly a prize for the longest comment on the channel I think! :) Not mad to be considering it as a first big bike, it does after all only go as fast as you want it too. You do get used to the power on bikes obviously, but it depends on what you want from it, you may find the Street is the bike for you, and you can always spend a few quid on mods to get it how you want it? A bench seat for starters

[@karlosh9286]

@@mancavemoto Re longest comment . Maybe I want to be a youtube reviewer ! Not sure I have enough experience to do this on bikes anytime soon ... I did think about getting a Street and modding. But then that would be cash for a seat, LED lights, and when I got bored of the power going to TEC bike parts and mucking around with cams, engine management systems, uprating brakes . £2400 could disappear real quick, insurance would go up , and I'd never get the money back if I sold it. I realise a Speed Twin will depreciate , but the extra cash on the base price will depreciate slower than the cost of modding a Street Twin. I can't ever see it being economically sensible to try and fit the twin clocks on a Street Twin. The tacho needle on the Speed Twin was much easier to read than the small digital output on the Street. Yeah , it only goes as fast as I twist the throttle ! On my test ride I did keep to posted speed limits and maybe only touched a little bit over 60 on the national speed limit B roads. I wasn't looking at the speedo too much at 60, so I really don't know what I took it up to. I need a headup display in my helmet, but they seem really expensive for things that often don't work well (from reading reviews) I suppose I wonder about spending the best part of £11K on a bike when I'm still relatively inexperienced. I haven't dropped a motorcycle yet ... When I look at second hand bikes, I then wonder about the repair bills. I could fix some stuff myself, since I'm reasonable with car mechanics ( replaced a cylinder head a few times) , so I'm sure I could do a fair few things on a bike and they're lighter to work on, I guess I'm at an age where I just want things to just blimin work. All I want to do is ride !

[@ronaldvangulden7314]

Great review! Liked the "Barry White" bit 😂

[@mancavemoto]

Ha thanks Ronald

[@ikc4901]

Great review...great bike although I think charging another £300 for just 2 colour choices is a p##s take! I'm still tempted though.😕

[@thomaselliott573]

Unfortunately Triumph always offer a bike that is not really up to what people want for the money, then they overcharge for the extras that make the bike what people expect it to be (and what it should be in the first place).

[@kwakkers68]

Haggle hard. Part of the art: looking convincing in your conviction that you will 'walk away' (given the economy, sales are needed).

[@DEeMONsworld]

I like the bike, Triumph is clever , under price the bike in basic black, and offer the real price for the "normal" paint job, and add ugly 2 tome black cans which 80% of owners will upgrade anyway, so basically add 1500 USD to the base price. I still want one :)

[@T0BBi94]

@@DEeMONsworld They draw you in with the base model and slowly up-sell you in the heat of excitement. "What the hell its just x amount of more money".

[@fredholmes6788]

I agree with you about charging more for diff paint, but to be fair the two colour tanks have hand painted lines.

[@chrisbolton2500]

Enjoyed the video very much. I've been fortunate enough to have blagged a ride on one, and agree with your observations completely. I'm coming at this bike from the opposite direction, for want of a better descriptive. You arrive from the Street Twin, I'm coming from the Thruxton R side. Was I impressed with it? Oh yes. I'm I changing? Er.......NO! For me, it's a question of heart over head perhaps. The Thruxton is just so damn pretty. I know your views on 'Caff Racers', each to their own of course. But whatever one you choose, i find it hard to believe youd be dissappointed.

[@mancavemoto]

Indeed, numbers on spec sheets are one thing, but the way Bike makes you feel is another. Although I'm not sure you do know my views on Cafe Racers, I’d have a Thruxton R in my garage any day, especially with a fairing.

[@humandroid53]

There's a local guy who's made his thruxton into a street fighter. Looks great!

[@chrisbolton2500]

@@humandroid53 that's the beauty of motorbikes isn't it? We just cant help but tinker with them, and with a bit of luck, transform them into something unique and ideal to us individually. I'm toying with the idea of a TTS supercharger kit at the moment. For no other reason than, why not.......?

[@rumien1383]

Good review, nice looking bike, apart from the brake master cylinder. Wtf were they thinking?

[@mancavemoto]

It’s much like any other remote Bmc I think, at least it gives the option to change it fairly easily. If they had fitted one of the integrated ones your kinda stick with it unless you change the entire lever assembly. With this the get the nice Brembo lever

[@rumien1383]

@@mancavemoto you make a good point.

[@True.Motive]

Please review RE Interceptor 650

[@karlosh9286]

From Jack Lilley in Romford, up to Ongar, I almost thought you were going to make it to Essex Triumph in Great Dunmow. The Essex Triumph dealer "tour" ! (make sure you return it to the correct place ;) ) Sorry for the cheekiness, it's an Essex thing as I'm sure you know ! By some miracle I've just passed my DAS, I'm looking at the 2019 Street Twin, but this is now making me think ! I have no clue if this will be too much power for me (probably "yes") , after having to rev the nuts off a 125 for the last 8 months I think I'd even appreciate some 500cc A2 class machine. Oh decisions ... Otherwise thanks for awesome video. (why the interlude of music in the middle ? )

[@mancavemoto]

Yep almost, actually I don’t live that far from Essex Triumph. Congrats on the DAS, I don’t think the speed twin will be a problem. It’s pretty docile and only goes as fast as you want it to 😉

[@karlosh9286]

@@mancavemoto (you possibly already know) Essex Triumph at Great Dunmow is under new ownership (lings moto) , so far on my enquiries I've found them very professional and good . (The previous owner according to Google reviews rubbed some people up the wrong way, I never met him so maybe he'd have been okay to me ! )

[@mancavemoto]

Karl Hoskin There was a reason that I went to Jack Lilley’s three years ago when I bought the Street Twin when I had a dealer only a few miles down the road....

[@karlosh9286]

@@mancavemoto . Ahhh ! I nearly did go to Jack LIlley at Romford, I'm near Brentwood , so Romford is a bit closer. However I prefer the more rural roads between Brentwood and Great Dunmow. The A12 and Romford central roads don't appeal to me as much . Plus there's always Gallows Corner ! (but that can be avoided)

[@mancavemoto]

@@karlosh9286 Ah theres a better route for me via Ongar and the back roads ;)

[@vbc-hannel]

Extra frame rolling out underneath the rear of the seat there is for a couple common-sense reasons... a push / pull...lift up & down handle if you will. Also able to attach a back pad (sissy bar type) Also, a handle for passenger etc...with that said... it also doesn't stick out as far as being able to see it or look ridiculous either. The other, is if you want to inlay LED brake light, and / or turn signals as well, could fit both! Most people are getting the flatter tail piece(fender), with a less rediculous looking plate holder. The stock one looks like an extra swing arm. Good lord! Anyway, just a few fabrication ideas done. Thank you, from the Midwest (Home of the Chiefs)

[@mancavemoto]

It wasnt that much of a problem, but I had to find something negative about the bike! Interestingly it doesnt stick out enough for any of your suggestions, good though they are. Go Chiefs.......(actually I'm a Seahawks fan!)

[@splodge5714]

Look at the rear subframe of the 70's Norton Commando Roadster. That was a lovely bike, hope this Speed Twin is as good.

[@wickedcoolname399]

To my eye the least attractive thing is the brake reservoir. I hate it. It looks like they forgot to design one and they stuck on a urine sample jar at the last minute.

[@mancavemoto]

:)

[@richardpearson4248]

Another great video 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Richard

[@maxwellportlock2119]

Good video as usual. Shame about the wind/sound. As an ST owner I am undecided as to whether to get the new ST with its more gutsy motor , or get the Speed Twin.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Maxwell, yep it’s a tough call, there’s about £1500 difference in price i think? If you want the performance then the speed is the one, if not so much then the street gives you some cash in your pocket for mods

[@mancavemoto]

Looking at sound recording solutions at the moment. Looks like a rascal recorder under the seat or in a backpack might be a good option

[@vambo152]

Nice video very informative.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@ThrillaPark]

Nice vid as usual. What do think between T120 v STwin? Wanna do some weekend camping trips and ride around town mostly..

[@mancavemoto]

The Speed Twin is deffo more of a sporty ride with a slightly more aggressive riding position. The New T120’is lighter than the old one and is said to be a bit less lardy all round. I would say the T120 would offer more comfort but the speed Twin more fun?!

[@ThrillaPark]

@@mancavemoto Thanks for getting back man! Cheers!

[@wolfpack9008]

best looking truimph bike

[@mancavemoto]

Its a beauty

[@stevenhill6214]

Good day for a review if not totally ideal. I really like this bike and it's equal 1st with the Speedmaster on my wish list. It's got everything you need really and that bit of frame at the back could have been made into a grab rail for pillion use, but then there's no accessory value in that and presumably why they didn't do it, i cant see what it's for either and maybe it's one of those "all will be revealed" things.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, wasn’t a bad day for this time of year. I suspect that frame rail was possibly left exposed to give the look of a custom ‘loop tail’? I can’t see any other reason for it

[@splodge5714]

Look at an old Norton Commando.

[@thomastometich6767]

Wish this motor and twin clocks were an option on the street scrambler

[@mancavemoto]

Well the scrambler 1200 has the motor, but not the clocks....

[@JK-tu1xx]

Triumph needs to introduce some bespoke customization to these old school bikes.. I personally don't really care for the regular forks, give an option to upgrade to inverted forks off of the street triple or speed triple.. Better yet allow the customer to choose what kind of dash that they want, personally I'd like a TFT on a speed twin. It's all about customizing with personal touches on these types of bikes, they need to let the customers get their hand in their and buy the bike that they want not have to settle for something close to it just to modify it..

[@mancavemoto]

Maybe, but that makes manufacture difficult and I guess quite long order times for bespoke builds. Not to mention the cost

[@JK-tu1xx]

How much cost and time would really be involved in just swapping over a display onto a bike? Same with forks really.. They have the parts, it's just part of assembly.

[@Soggz7785]

Nice looking bike. Wouldn't mind one me self,might even have to downgrade from my 1982 CX 500 for it!

[@mancavemoto]

😂👍

[@farric1]

Even the new budget priced enfield twin features twin clocks. C'mon Triumph...all your bikes should have them.

[@ericb252]

Yeah but the quality and finish don't match these

[@karlosh9286]

I guess Triumph need several things to differentiate between the Street and Speed Twin.

[@tinks43]

Definitely a beauty Tony! Replacement for the street twin?

[@mancavemoto]

Ha! maybe, but i'm about £10k short at the moment

[@stanleydenning]

Works well on the left-hand side of the road. What about the other side ?

[@mancavemoto]

This was a 'right hand drive' version, so not sure how the export models compare ;)

[@stanleydenning]

@@mancavemoto That makes my joke even funnier.

[@fahmi9]

Have you ridden the Scrambler 1200? If so, how do you find the seating position compared to that? I find it a little low and cramped, though to be fair, I only rode the Speed Twin for less than 5 mins

[@terryhaught9976]

Great video Tony, really enjoyed, but I'm keeping my street twin! Lol!

[@joshnme]

Nice review. Straight forward without all the gushing flowery crap. I do some subfreezing temp rides. Any heated grips or cruise control to stick my hand in my pocket for a quick spell?

[@mancavemoto]

Yep heated grips can be specced, and i've found them to work really well on the Tiger and Bobber. Don't think CC is an option

[@shujaatks]

Hey tony, great video...when are you going to do the scrambler 1200 review? Hopefully soon coz I wanna upgrade my street twin and was thinking of the scrambler 1200.

[@mancavemoto]

I hope to ride it soon too

[@timphoto83ec]

Its in the details isnt it. Thats why i bought my first Guzzi over the Bonie. Nothing seems to go together with the Triumphs

[@mancavemoto]

Generally I think the detailing is well done, but this bit seemed neither one thing or the other.

[@robertthenobert564]

Great for tank bags!

[@mancavemoto]

Indeed

[@alexmorgan3435]

Just found your channel. Good review. I loved the Thruxton R not because I like cafe racers but just loved the look of the Thruxton R and spec of it. You're saying the Speed Twin is possibly better i.e. lighter to ride, more flickable, as weighs less and quicker because it is a little lighter? Does it have Ohlins suspension as well?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes possibly quicker not better, although not very much in it but I’d like to try them back to back. I reviewed the Thruxton r quite some time ago and loved it. No ohlins on the Speed twin

[@buddhastaxi666]

I have a 215hp bike and this seems ok power wise.

[@karlosh9286]

haha !

[@JLOSTAFF1]

Heard reports of jerky on/off throttle response at low speed. Was this noticeable to you at all? Nice review BTW.

[@mancavemoto]

I didn't notice it at all

[@ABCD-uj6gd]

Great video as always Tony. I agree with you on the aesthetics. I think they got a little overzealous with the “modern” design elements.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, in my eyes too

[@xjeffyb4656]

They need to stop with rider modes. No one needs rider modes or traction control. I'm all fine with ABS, but the reason i bought my 17 Street triple R over the 18 was mostly due to the lack of computer riding aids, the gauge cluster is nice and simple, and it is crystal white. Now the new Speed twin is really nice but i wish they would throw the modes away and they should of put the Truxton R's front forks instead of the classic looking ones. Hopefully ill get to test ride one of these soon tho.

[@mancavemoto]

I admit that most of the time (other than test purposes) I left it in the same mode. Traction control is useful as long as it can be switched off if required. Personally I like the 'standard' forks, upside down forks would be ok as long as they weern't the gold ones...

[@ypirnay]

Hello, Tony. Nice and complete review, as usual ...but, I wonder: what is the « proverbial » that sticks to the blanket? 🤔

[@mancavemoto]

💩 😂

[@kiwijeff3102]

Love the styling, nice balance. Hate the brake fluid reservoir, wonder if it can be lowered or hidden somehow?

[@mancavemoto]

That should be an easy job to sort....replacing with a small direct mount pot would look good

[@kiwijeff3102]

Good idea, the Speed Twin is on my list to ride along with the Moto Guzzi Audace, V9 Bobber Sport, and the BMW R Nine T, one of these will be my next bike when I move back to NZ this year.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Great looking bike but I hate the discoloured down pipes, makes them look old and knackered.

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Most likely my Bonnie will be replaced by a SpeedTwin; and I am still a Norton rider ... ‘74 Commando

[@mancavemoto]

Nice! a lovely combination

[@splodge5714]

Nice review. Would the Scrambler 1200XE be better on those lanes?

[@mancavemoto]

Possibly, I’m hoping to find out soon 😉

[@spenner3529]

Nice job.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Pietro

[@freddobbs2011]

Taking a hard look at this bike. Great review and summary. I'm in Thailand. I had looked at the T100 andT120, but things like heated grips are like the proverbial tits on a bull and the T100 seemed a little spare. Long story short, I ended up with a Kawa W800, and am quite happy with it. Comparable to the Street Twin, but with more features, I guess. The Speed Twin looks to be a terrific upgrade. Another reviewer complained about the shifter. He found it awkward to hook his toe under it. Also no one has mentioned center stand. I assume it doesn't have one, since they paid so much attention to weight. Anyway, your thoughts on the shifter "issue" would be great. Thanks, John

[@mancavemoto]

Hi John, no issues with the shifter, either the position or operation. It’s a lovely slick gearbox. No centrestand on the bike as standard

[@Cuzzazbuzz]

Can’t sling a leg over due to restrictions at the moment. Do you mind me asking how tall you are and if you’d think it will be comfortable a 6’2" rider?

[@mancavemoto]

Hi 5ft 10 and yes i think it’ll be OK

[@rudramain]

Are there any vibrations ? Specifically at lower rpm ?

[@mancavemoto]

It Doesn't Matter Not that i noticed

[@tms372]

Beautiful bike, another winner for Triumph.

[@onurb.2770]

How is the sitting position and the position of the knees on the bike? I tried Thruxton R and I really struggled to find a place for my knees as I was constantly looking for an OK place to keep my knees and squeeze the bike so my arms could relax a bit.

[@mancavemoto]

It’s roomier than a Thruxton, I found it a comfortable bike to ride

[@tonihannan]

Hi tony (it’s Toni again). I heard you comment on the older model street twin brakes. I have the 2017 street twin and the brakes leave a lot to be desired. I recently cleaned off the calipers and they seem to work better but i still want more from them. I recent;y test rode the 2019 street twin and these felt fine for the bike. Do you have any suggestions for upgrades on brakes for 2017 models? Many thanks Toni

[@mancavemoto]

Quite a few people have gone to aftermarket sintered pads with good results i hear. I found the brakes did the job when called upon, but they are not the snappiest.

[@servicarrider]

Very nice.

[@mancavemoto]

It sure is

[@MrToonfish]

What about the catalytic converter ? I have the Street Cup and it's like your Street Twin under the engine, you replace it with an x-pipe. On the Speed Twin is the cat integrated into each of the exhaust pipes on the rear ?

[@mancavemoto]

The cat is in the same position, so would be ripe for an x-pipe swap