Triumph Speed Twin Vs Triumph Bonneville T120. - Suffolk Triumph Lings Motorcycles

Having found the Triumph Bonneville T120 a bit lumpy and unwieldy I try the Speed Twin with the uprated forks and brakes to see if it makes a difference.

[@davgb7904]

You keep churning out highly watchable and excellent quality videos. I'm glad you've now included the Speedy. Now you've compared all the street (rather than off road) twin models, I think we concur and share the same opinions of them. I found the T100 a lovely retro machine (the 2018 model, lower power and so the new one must be spot on). In contrast the T120 was heavier, lumpier (although amazing locomotive torque) but far less rideable on the back roads as you often said with yours. I didn't like back road handling and the gearing was not good - two up it needed a lot of advanced planning to stop and not wobble around. Actually, I just didn't like it! A lot of reviews point out the slight difference in the geometry, which I didn't know until afterwards, makes for a big difference in the handling of the T100 and T120. Dealer threw me the Speed keys with a smile after I returned from the T120. As I pulled away, it immediately started to drizzle, then rain but it didn't matter. It is an amazing bike, but as you said, the feel... it is much sportier. Makes you want to go fast. Too fast. Too powerful. Too license threatening (just too naughty!) It was my comparator to the Z900RS I had ridden and choose between the two (as I have written before). In that respect, they are both naughty. Both race bred in sheep's clothes. '"Shall we go a bit quicker? Go on, just a little more. Open me up and I'll reward you." as either seduces with the sound. They both go quietly and without fuss, but ride better the sportier and quicker you go, as you said of the Speed Twin. Like a dog, waiting patiently and loyally, but looking for you to throw the ball and THEY'RE OFF! Like a race horse on the start line - popping up and joggling around, reined back. Then the overtake appears and straight to a gallop and they stretch the necks in happiness. How would you now compare the Speed to your RS (as many journalists were doing four or five years ago when they both appeared)? So either the T100 or Street are the better practical bikes to own - choosing classic or slightly less retro according to preferences. The 900 twin engine is a better all rounder for 99.9% of our roads, where the 1200 is a powerhouse performer, be it for speed or grunt. I love my ZRS, but my hunt for a sensible bike goes on. Didn't get to ride the REs this week...plans shifted to this coming week, I hope. Thanks for waking me up for the day with a good watch.

[@TAYM]

Absolutely spot on, splendiferous comment😊

[@shed6557]

Great vid as always and nearly 1000 subs 👍 well done mate

[@TAYM]

Amazing, I can hardly believe it. Thank you and everyone else who has subscribed 😊

[@splodge5714]

I'd be happy to have one in Black. Great bike and I much prefer the cast wheels with tubeless tyres. Also a big fan of bar end mirrors but I only have one on the right side, works fine.

[@Jskinners]

Absolutely great review, I feel I can trust everything you say. I have a bonnie and am thinking of a Speed twin so greatly appreciated

[@TAYM]

Thanks JS 😁 you are too kind 😁

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Much preferred this to last years loan bike from Pidcocks (Trident 660) but that's because of it's Bonneville DNA. Light, flickable gorgeous handling. Suspension felt a little harsh after riding my T100, but it's set up differently for a different style of riding. Strong brakes too. In sport the front end gets very light at FT in the first three gears. Got a gentle steering waggle as the front tyre skipped on uneven tarmac. Sit up and bimble or slide back and hang on - it was fabulous 👌😁😁😁. Jerky fuelling in road and sport modes spoil it a bit as it stops you feeding the power in smoothly off a closed throttle but you'd get used to it. Good fun to be had accelerating in the lower gears up to 30 in town, then backing off to hear a glorious, throaty grumble on the overrun (and this with standard exhausts too). Fantastic bike which I'd recommend to anyone who likes the idea of a sporty naked with a lean towards classic. Me? Nah. I'd be riding everywhere like a lunatic (again) 😂 and I'm trying to stop that as I aporoach 60 🤭 Edit: I love the diversion sign - which tells you to do a "U" turn 😂

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 brilliant 😂😂😂😂

[@pontypete7357]

Ur so funny , makes me smile listening to your off beat huour

[@TAYM]

Thanks PP 😁😂😂

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

Bloody marvellous test 😃👍

[@TAYM]

😂😂

[@markb3180]

Get one in your garage. You know it makes sense, amazing, marvellous

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂

[@stevepalmer5670]

Bloody marvelous, language Timothy.

[@TAYM]

Now there’s a blast from the pas😂 Sorry, I recall 😂😂

[@paulchambers2296]

Splendiferous review, thanks, ride safe😎🏍️

[@TAYM]

😂😂 thanks PC😁

[@tomstockell9481]

Good one nice looking bike

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video just subscribed stay safe 🇬🇧👍

[@TAYM]

Thank you and welcome 😊

[@ruahinesrider]

It's a nice bike I think it's 20odd kg lighter than T120 & sportier stance & riding position & better suspension. Probably have a different tune or cam settings.I prefer the look of the Bonneville best out of Triumph modern classic line up.

[@GapBahnDirk]

A very nice bike. Euro 5, so it's going to be quiet. When you first saw the bar end mirrors, that was the least convincing "marvellous" that I have heard. I am a fan of Mickey Mouse mirrors also, as my eyes do not have to drop much to see what is in them. The Speed Twin has more power and weight than I need though and I would take the T100 over it. I will stick with my R.E. 650 twin though. 😊

[@TAYM]

Yes it was one of those sort of, great, that you mutter as it starts to rain 😂😂😂😂

[@johnmartin7158]

Different for different people. I can see fantastic out of the triumph bar ends. And the other ones I find useless.

[@andrewbecker3700]

I've went up a tooth on the front sprocket on mine and found the rain mode to actually make the low speed fueling worse. Sport mode is all I use. Above 5000rpms the factory ECU tune lacks a bit of response. I'm going to load a custom tune from DNK to better utilize the mods I've done.

[@TAYM]

Interesting

[@andrewbecker3700]

@@TAYM The Ducati Spacers for the drive by wire throttle assembly and the British Customs compitition X-pipe, made all the difference in the world for my throttle response. Pulling the baffles out of the factory mufflers and cutting the airbox intake boot down got her really howling!

[@TAYM]

@@andrewbecker3700 I bet, I can imagine it, splendiferous

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

Morning TAYM 991 👍

[@TAYM]

😂😂

[@pinkiewerewolf]

The Speed Twin looks great in red!

[@TAYM]

Bloody Marvellous Red 😊😂😂

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@TAYM 😄👍

[@TAYM]

@@pinkiewerewolf 😂😂😂

[@simonchilli2088]

Nice looking Guzzi 85TT on the forecourt near the end when you returned the bike! At least I think it was an 85TT?

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 most likely 😁 thanks SC 😁

[@thecappy]

I like the last Gen speedy better. Looks better to me.

[@icedidi]

Super, smashing, great. T100 has it though, sounds nicer and looks fab.

[@TAYM]

I am with you

[@ruahinesrider]

Thought about a Speed master with the forward controls?That be interesting.

[@ruahinesrider]

T100 with adjustable forks like Yss. Ohlins probably to much & way to much & Yss fork upgrade be more than adequate for T100 forks & T100 be super Splendiferous.

[@johnmartin7158]

Speed master is nice isn’t it. I like all the Triumphs mind you.

[@ruahinesrider]

@@johnmartin7158 Does look really great the Speedmaster & apparently really comfy.Be a hard choice between a Bonneville & Speedaster but I love the classic look of the Bonneville.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Love the look of the Speedmaster and the riding position is spot on. Triumph need to consider a 900 version of it and be quick about it. Having test ridden the Super Meteor 650 they need to be quick too or they'll miss out 👍

[@ruahinesrider]

@@PhilipBallGarry A 900 Speedmaster & few grand less & be very appealing good idea 💡.

[@peterford9369]

Quite the contrast with the black bars against all the aluminum up front. Not my cup of tea. I've got the round bar ends on my Buddy. Of course mines a 2005, so none of that electronic stuff. I actually thought the t120 is shorter than Buddy. But don't know about the speed twin. Do you notice that much difference in braking with the twin disc? I've never done test rides at dealerships. Not sure why. It is a tougher look than the 120. For sure. Nice day there, great day for a ride. Take care my friend, ride safe say hey to Uncle Stu..☺️ Stay splendiferous.

[@TAYM]

Thanks PF 😊 can’t say that I did notice a difference to be honest. I would say that the T100, Buddy, was better on the brakes 😊

[@peterford9369]

@@TAYM Oh I remember, Buddy t100, Betty t120 with a mind of her own.

[@TAYM]

@@peterford9369 strong willed I think is the politically correct term 😂😂😂😂 I get confused too

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

Isn't the ST slightly lower than t120 ? More leg room ?

[@TAYM]

No, the seat height on the T120 is 790mm and 809mm on the ST 😁 thanks Ed😁

[@andrewbecker3700]

In the U.S. dealers had them on the floor for exactly the same price as the T120 last year. Why anyone would buy the T120 is beyond me?

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Having ridden both, overall (not everything, Speedy better suspended) I just preferred the 120............. 🙂

[@andrewbecker3700]

@@lauriebloggs8391 Both great bikes. The T120 has a more upright rider position, and is more manageable. The Speed Twin is a wolf in sheep's clothing. After some mods, mines really a handfull.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

2 up riding will get T120 for lower pegs. Still the guages are not readable in sunlight or sun glasses onl Need large digital numbers for gear, rpm . I don't care if it has speed at all !

[@TAYM]

Thanks Ed 😁

[@chuckwatts1581]

The speed twin has the "high power" engine as opposed to the "high torque" engine on the t120.

[@TAYM]

Marvellous

[@chuckwatts1581]

Yeah, the Thruxton and Speed Twin both have the high power engine, which explains why it felt different from the T 120. Enjoyed the video.

[@TAYM]

@@chuckwatts1581 thank you 😊

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

@@chuckwatts1581 And the weight, and the suspension, and the heavier unsprung spoked wheels with tubes and the fact the front wheel's 18'' as opposed to 17'' on the Speedy...and possibly the riding position.

[@dungspreader]

It's RED ! And red ones are faster , everybody knows that . It's a sporty lady ! I like sporty ladies . I could get into a lot of trouble with a fast sporty lady who wears red ! 🤩 Fandabidozi and beyond ! P.S. Does the horse poo fit in the category of "taste" or "smell" ?

[@TAYM]

Sight I think 🤔 😂😂😂😂😂 maybe all the senses😂😂😂

[@athomanrestaurantroyapuram3880]

Why do you say red is Faster? How can color make difference in performance

[@TAYM]

@@athomanrestaurantroyapuram3880 I think it is a a joke based on insurers placing red vehicles at a higher risk. It’s all about statistics.

[@zedcharlie]

But there are no mudguards! I know I.m an old fart but if you ride in wet or winter you need em. Do like the triumph for nice days but if only there was an old school 500 single about say 27hp. . . . .🤔😁

[@TAYM]

I think it’s coming, fingers crossed 😊

[@zedcharlie]

@@TAYM A new 500 classic would be nice. Safer bet than the phantom bsa. 😁 my bullet is a keeper though. Unique.

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

Clearly meant for A- rather than overpopulated C-roads! Just relieved you didn't call it Bunty.. So, Speed Twin or Thruxton? Guess it's how sporty you wanna get. Intrigued by your accent btw (as a Londoner). Where'd yous growed up? It's not Norfolk. West Riding? Marvellous!

[@TAYM]

Yorkshire 😂😂

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

@@TAYM Big place, lots of accents - which bit? 🤔

[@TAYM]

@@AuxesisHyperbole666 North Yorkshire

[@TAYM]

@@AuxesisHyperbole666 just north east of York 😊

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

@@TAYM Sounds cuter than West or South Yorks! 😉 Like Lowlands vs Glasgow Scots.. don't tell 'em I said so!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

pegs further back; so bonny has pegs to give more leg room?

[@TAYM]

Possibly 🤔 but sometimes I find having pegs back a bit makes it more comfortable for me I. The hip department 😁 thanks ETH 😁

[@jubei6802]

It's too refined and 'new' for me.. a bit soulless, but that's just me I guess..

[@TAYM]

Not just you

[@pontypete7357]

Where you saying it is to much of an animal for you?

[@TAYM]

No, not at all😂😂 the speed twin is fine with the upgraded suspension and swinging arm 😁 the T120 is a little more unpredictable 😁 I prefer my Thruxton RS to both 😁

[@ukvamp]

i stopped watching the millionth time he said 'splendifferous' so about 1 min in...

[@TAYM]

Clearly the right thing to do, marvellous 😊

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

@@TAYM 🤣😂🤣

[@greywolf9292]

@ukvamp Oh how Splendiferous, I'm glad you saved yourself from feeling Splendiferous by watching till the end. You must be marvellously splendified to feel so omniferous as to reject such marvellous words as Splendiferous. That said I'm spleniferously curious to know the reason why Splendiferous is so peculiar to your omniferous being. I'd suggest you go watch TMF instead but he's been bitten by the Splendiferous bug. I bet all you really need is for TAYM to give you a great big SPLENDIFEROUS HUG 😂

[@31acruz]

Thums down, you are supposed to COMPARE the bikes, no just review them individually and add homework for us to figure out the differences. TELL US WHILE YOU ARE RIDING Einstein.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

ThumBs UP, Have you hit your head from falling off a giraffe while riding it or something?

[@DimirGarage]

"Never before has so few CC's made so much noise." - Mr.TAYM

[@shardlake]

_Thumbs_ please remember the _b_ there is an ongoing campaign to save the _b's_ Please make sure your all homework is done by Friday Mutter, there will be consequences! Finally _Einstein_ was a prominent Astrophysicist, his thoughts on bikes were "You must keep moving or you will fall over" this is a reference to _Gyroscopic Precession_ putting your foot down also works. Splendiferous!

[@Howie702]

handing in my Homework ........😜Thum is a small town located in the district of Erzgebirgskeis in Saxony Germany and nothing to do with motorcycling or Einstein...... 🤪

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

Oh if only you'd remained silent just like the letter b you left out of the word thumb we would never have known your genius Einstein 😜