great review. Owned an old 92 pan myself and am keeping half an eye out for its replacement. I just love the easy going nature of the big bikes. Looks like you're on to a winner there Mark.
A very good video review of a great bike. I never let mine drop below 3.2-3.3k revs to keep the engine as flexible and responsive as possible. The Hinckley guys designed it to be at its best and most flexible in that middle third of the rev range, kinda where it sits at 70 in 5th approx. I'm 2nd @ 30, 3rd @ 40 4th @ 50 and I've never been up through the gears that much before on any bike.
I’ve watched quite a few reviews of the Trophy now, and I have to laugh at everyone mentioning the weight….my other bikes are a 2005 Rocket III and a 208 Rocket IIITouring, and I think the Trophy is surprisingly light…..😊
Great video there, and good, relaxed riding too! Just bought myself one, 2012 model, pick it up next weekend. Was planning to get an RT, came across this and well.......bought it. Thanks for the review, great stuff 👍
What a great and really enjoyable review. I’m just about to buy my second one one of these. Such a great bike, smooth, effortless comfortable. I’m no giant but you can handle them if you’re careful at Low speed
Thanks for the review Mark, I'm taking one out tommrow for a test ride I'm hoping it will be great, I was after the R1200RT but after a ride yesterday i knocked that on the head. As most of my bikes are Triumph it would be nice to have a mile muncher in the stable. Cheers mate.
Thanks for that interesting and informative review. It is clearly an owners point of view , but hey, listening to your words clearly point out, this is an emotional bike.
Love my TTSE its best bike I have owned / ridden. Has the traceability that makes back road touring amazing and the top end to travel on suitable roads at 135+ without issues. Best bit they are amazing on fuel best I have ever done was 72mpg running her in. Often 58/60mpg never seen it below 40mpg even at top speed for hours on end.
Going to buy one next week I’m heading to Spain and Portugal in June so need to put in some trips on it before heading out in June . I’ve loved this bike but now they are in my price range now
Great bike, Mark. About a year ago I was contemplating a job change that would have resulted in a 160 mile round trip commute (3-4 days a week) and this bike was top of my list had I gone ahead (I didn’t in the end). I was also considering the Kawasaki GTR1400 and the Yamaha FJR1300. They would have been perfect bikes for the long commute. Glad you’re enjoying it. And what a great deal you got! Let us know how you get on with it, and how it compares to the FJR and Pan European you had. And please do an ownership update on the Ninja 636. Are you still enjoying it? Cheers Matt
Hi Matt that's funny I was thinking today about doing a follow up video on the 636 ,may well do that ,yes still in the honeymoon with it ,it's my favorite sports bike I've owned cheers mark
Thanks Mark. Just going to pick mine up tomorrow. Had 3 of the old ones and pans . Latest bike xt1200 super tenere. Me like you been after one for a while. Great straight forward review. Keep safe. Hugh
@@markpulling12 Covered 7500 miles on it now. Fantastic machine once I'd changed the Bridgestones to Michelin pilot 4gts. I don't do msm or faceache etc so I don't know about this lockdown thing up here in N Yorkshire. Ride safe Mark.
Contrats Mark, it looks like a great bike. I own an FJR and a BMW K1600GT. This seems to be right in the mix with the other premium sport-tourers. What I like best about this category is you can ride all year long. I plug in my heated gear when it gets below 5*C/41*F (down to about 15*F on occasion) and I'm as cozy as I would be in one of my cars. The only annoyance is my glasses sometimes fog up. Enjoy!
Thanks Ben yes I owned a pan euro 1991 and an fjr 2003 and have to say I enjoy this the most ,it's just so good and what an engine ,these bikes maybe big but they are SO nice to ride All the best mark
Hi Mark, thanks for the review. I have a few bikes on a short list and the Trophy is one of them besides a K1600GT and a R1200RT LC. How would you rate this on top heaviness? I owned a Triumph Tiger 900 (Steamer) and I never got along with it because of it’s top heaviness. I’m not a aggressive rider, I mostly ride to and from work and the odd tour all year round. I am going to test ride one but was wondering what your take on it is as you mentioned the weight in other comments. Ps. I’m 6’4”
I just did the same thing and bought a 2013 blue for 4700 USD (getting some basic work done). Can't wait to start riding it, great companion to my tiger 1200.
Hey, Mark just watched your video review for the Triumph Trophy SE great stuff! I have an opportunity to purchase a 2017 model for $12000 US with only 160 miles do yo still think this bike is worth the buy in 2020?
Hello Mark, I live in Cape Town, I am one of the few Trophy SE owners, this bike almost perfect, your reviews are spot on, thanks for the video 😊 I am a BMW man, but the Trophy is special and more comfy than the BMW 1600 and the RT, riding position is what makes this bike.
Hi Mark. Great review. I'm torn between getting the FJR1300AE or the 1200SE Trophy. I do a long distance European trip every year so which would you reccomend I should get. Cheers, Tom.
Hi Tom I had an fjr a few years ago too,it was brilliant but I found it's leg position to be a little scrunched up like sporty so a tiny negative there it might be better in the later models mine was an 03,the engine was super smooth too but I'd take the trophy any day now ,top levels of equipment , a perfect for touring engine and the most amazing fairing higly recommend it All the best mark
Ive owned a 2017 from new. I put Michelin road pilot 4’s on it this year and there the perfect match. I’ve toured all over on it and have 44,000 km on it now. It’s been a beast of a bike. Maybe not as smooth as the new bikes but I love riding it. Biggest days I’ve ridden are 800-900km on it. The only time you get wet in the rain is when you stop 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
02/2021 , Good Video, informative, Helped me to further my shopping knowledge, I'm looking at a 2013 Trophy 1200, I just sold my 2001 Triumph , so.... Mark's video helped a lot, There's quite a bit of updated technology , I think I'll be alright.
Hi Mark, I saw this bike on the motorway yesterday, first time I've seen it. Now that they no longer make them, would it still be easy to get parts for them?
Great review Im picking one up tomorrow a 2014 model, hardly find these for sale , used to ride a 2011 concours 14 put 20,000 miles on it but have been riding cruisers since.. from Boulevard c90 to VTX 1800r, miss having a fuel gauge and gear indicator lol
Am seriously considering a big bore touring machine as a second bike and this review puts the Triumph firmly in the 'possible' category...love the sound of the engine, and the fact it's shaft drive.
Very nice bike mate. I'm looking at these along with the BMW K1600gtl. You seem to be able to get a lot newer year bike with the Triumph compared to the BMW so I'm leaning towards the Triumph. I'll be test riding both hopefully next month before making a decision. Ride safe 👍
Just watching your review on the tracer 900 gt.i sat on one today at Bransons motorcycles in Yeovil and felt totally at home regarding ergo’s and switchgear. It’s going to be a tough choice the versys 1000 se or the tracer 900gt I’m kinda thinking it’s going to be the tracer.
How is the clutch pull? Does it have shaft-drive? What is the average m.p.g.? What about the tank range and top speed? Would it be a good idea to stick to a written list of specs. and do that with every bike? So you would not miss anything out or repeat unnecessarily? Bike is lovely, especially the colour - my favourite!
Hi I did mention three of those things in the video ....but here you go ..the clutch is hydraulic smooth and light,shaft drive ,55 mpg uk,300 mile range ! And top speed is about 140 mph Thanks for the feedback Best regards mark
Gotta Sprint GT and can really clearly see the "pedigree" running across both bikes. Wanted to know how the Trophy runs and fascinated also by all the other bikes in the same stable, Sprint 955, and ST. Torquey triples 😉 Thanks 👌
Mark- would you still recommend the ‘14 Trophy 1200 SE? There is one near me at dealer for $8500 with 22k miles. There is also an ‘11 Kawasaki Concours wi 22k miles for $4500. Looks like Triumph more loaded, and newer of course. Im making the jump from my KTM 990 ADV bike.
Hi dennis..yes i would definitely recommend one...amazing to ride ..very heavy so carefull moving required but once rolling a dream to ride ...cheers mark
Hi mark. Great review pal. If you can help, I'm interested in getting on, currently looking at a 14 plate with 40k on the clock. Anything specifically you can recommend I inspect or look at? Cheers pal
Hi they are very reliable ...not really any issues reported ...just make sure it's got service history and check the usual things ...tyres brakes fork seals etc etc cheers mark
I took a 2012 for a test ride yesterday. Did mostly city riding and surprised that a heavy lump was so nimble. Bought it immediately. Cracking good bike.
Very nice Mark! Regarding clunky gear changes I find that preloading the gear lever with a bit of pressure just before you snick it up works on some bikes, try it, it may help. Enjoy your new steed my friend.
Very interesting. Presently own a 2006 Honda Goldwing GL 1800. Thinking about selling and getting another bike. Looking at all the manufacturers adventure models. I've had a 1996 Triumph Sprint back in the UK. Now I've seen this review and others, maybe I've overlooked this bike. Not 1 to buy new so used with average km's will suffice. Nice review, thanks from Australia.
Mark. I'm looking at a 2017 version at the moment. Is there a major service, valve clearances at 20k miles? Also what's this like filtering through traffic? Thanks in advance
Yes keith the valve check is due at 20k ..it's just a check and I think for the most part the valves shouldn't need adjusting ...have a look on the triumph forums for more clarification on this . ..it's a big bike but it's ok for filtering...if the mirrors fit the bike will good luck ...I'm still loving mine :)
@@markpulling12 collect mine next week.. Just doing a service on it..mot. deal my sat nav over and a new front tyre.. Mint 2016 with triumph top box, panniers, heated grips and seats..both of them. Happy chappy
I noticed you use your left hand to operate the cruise instead of your right thumb. Are the controls crowded to where you can’t operate them with a gloved thumb ??? Gorgeous blue bike , my favorite color. I’m impressed with the 54 mpg.
Hi George . Yes it's easier to use your left hand for the cruise ...these are very economical because they don't have to rev high to maintain a decent speed cheers mark
Great review, I am thinking of pulling the trigger on one of these. How do you feel it is for filtering with and without luggage if you have had any experience with it. Also are the electronics reliable ? 😀😀
Hi Jason these are very wide heavy bikes but are an absolute dream to ride and they have a good reliability record If your looking for a superb tourer a used one makes a great choice. Best wishes mark
I own a 2000 Honda ST1100A .. honestly during the years I dropped the bike a couple of times at standstill and very low speed. As you know the Honda has crashbars that help catch the bike and saving the cowl/fairing parts ... This bike doesn't have crashbars right?! I think you mentioned the weight is more higher up then with the ST1100? Have you dropped it yet?! And if you drop it how screwed are you ?! Typical damage is?!
Hi I've sold it now after 5000 very enjoyable miles...never dropped it but nearly did twice ... started to find it hard to push back into my garage so thought I'd cut my losses Lovely machine but probably get a lighter tracer 9 next Best regards mark
I was also concerned about the panniers not being large enough to hold a helmet , but Yamaha produce a matching set of coloured panniers to fit a full face helmet on either side. The seating position is bolt upright very commanding. I know you said all this in the review but it’s a perfect fit for me and over £5000 cheaper than the Kawasaki Versys 1000 se. I understand there’s a few compromises regarding non electric suspension etc and the cornering lights etc but I feel the trade off is worth it, all this without a test ride as yet. Thanks for the review mark
A lovely looking machine Mark. A quick question plz you mention that you have had a variety of different bikes over the years how old are You if that’s not too personal question
Hi it feels similar weight wise ,but handling is like way better and the power is more immediate and free revving compared to the st1100 old carb v4 ,but that was a great bike :)
@@markpulling12 thanks, l eventualy got bored of my ST1100, great bike but it was just too heavy and dated, good luck on the triumph,fine machine for touring.
Do you still have your Trophy? Yours is the best colour. Looks gorgeous. Same as my Sprint ST1050. The panniers look cavernous. Loaded up and with pillion it must take some controlling at slow speeds. Is there any maintenance needed with a shaft drive or is there literally none? Does it use engine oil or separate gear oil?
Seperate gear oil for the shaft drive Alex and maintenance free ...yes it's a very weighty thing at low speeds with a passenger,you really have to think about where you stop with it ...all going well still ;)
I am finally looking to dip my toe into the world of fairing bikes. This is one that has caught my attention, along with the ST1300 and the FJR1300. I currently own a Rocket and most of my bikes have been mussel bikes. After 40 years I think I deserve a bit of comfort.
Myself I’m 53 but I’ve missed riding from The early 1980’s until recently so it’s like being a newish rider again. My cbr 600 serves me well each day until I get my new bike next year possibly tracer 900 gt or versys 1000. Se both are booked for test rides in the new year
Hiya Mark really enjoyed the review on your triumph 👍thinking of hiring one in the USA next year 2021, two up with luggage and going to do Route 66 west to east , at the moment riding a 650 versys I have ridden larger bikes in the past , your thoughts would be appreciated Steve
Hi Steve yes brilliant ...it would be lovely across the usa ...it's very heavy but a dream to ride once you get it moving Good luck with your trip Regards mark
Wow nice Video. Wish Triumph brings it back wanna update from my Triumph Bonneville T100. Else I need to search for a used one here in Canada 🇨🇦. BTW is it possible to add rider back rest?
Have you still got the CBR600? Your Trophy looks nice, but loaded up with a pillion and luggage it would likely weigh near or over 500kg. Gulp! Not a bike you can really filter on even without luggage as it's so wide. But as you say a real mile muncher. I have the slightly lighter Sprint Triple ST 1050 '08. Only thing is I find it a little top heavy especially when the tank is full. It's blue like yours, mint and low mileage just passed 12k. I guess your Trophy has a ride by wire throttle meaning it can have riding modes or is the throttle response just softened? I would also suggest another rival to your Trophy might be an FJR1300? Thanks for showing us your new bike. Have you got any long trips tours planned?
Hi alex ,no the cbr is currently being sold ,got a guy who is hopefully,buying it next week,sad to see it go but with having the ninja 636 i dont really ride it much plus with this new one garage space is getting tight :) yes it has rbw throttle its very light,definitely doing europe next year on it and scotland is on the list ,cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks for your reply. You need a bigger garage! The Trophy will definitely take up a lot of space with all the luggage on. The Trophy sounds like the sensible choice for long distance and your Ninja for a fun blast/track days. Scotland and Europe i.e. the Alps, are both fantastic places to ride. I've ridden both but not on a motorbike, but cycle touring. West coast of Scotland was bad for mossies though and a few days of heavy rain. It was early June. The Alps what can you say? Stunning. Btw what's your favourite bike ever that you've owned? The one you'd sell a kidney for. You've said previously you've had a few. Just curious. Thanks again.
@@alexmorgan3435 hi Alex that's tricky as I've had loads of good ones ,I guess my favorite fun sports bike is the one I have now Ninja 636 ,best all round bike ever I think was my 2010 Ducati multistrada ,it was a great tourer with all the luggage ,but had the awesome v twin 1200 coupled with light handling , great brakes and all day comfort :)
@@markpulling12 Interesting and good answer ;@) The Mulitstrada is a bike I've not yet ridden, in fact, I've never ridden a Ducati. Maybe I shall have to change this. Many thanks again. Enjoy your Trophy. Safe riding. Alex.
I queried the transmission whine and further research suggests it is the straight cut gears on the counter balance shift and perfectly normal. I hear it in your video too.
hi Mark, do you still have the Trophy? if so how would you sum her up after a year of ownership? im very keen on them, might try pick 1 up next summer! cheers!!
Hi Peter yes still have it ....went out today ...been 100% reliable ...55 mpg average ...it's definitely a keeper until I'm not strong enough to push it around :) lovely to ride Regards mark
I have same bike Same color. Good review Spot on. Best bike I’ve owned Was thinking about a Kawasaki W 800 I am so spoiled by that cockpit that I do t think I could tolerate the fatigue that comes with fighting the wind You forget This video reminded me
Now that this video is about a year and a half old, would you please consider doing an update; a long term ownership review? I’m currently looking for a Trophy SE, and for others that are interested as well, and other owners it could be invaluable to have a review of what has gone wrong (hopefully not anything!), what you absolutely love about the bike, and any irritations you may have... have you discovered any features that you really like or enjoy, and are there any features that you seldom or never use? Have you made any modifications or changes to the bike? How are the tyres hoding up? Are there any tips, tricks, or shortcuts for servicing the bike you could share for those of us who like to do our own work (f. ex., I understand that changing the brake pads is an easy 10-15 min. Job)?How is dealership service/parts availability now that the bike has been out of production for a few years? Have there been any software updates or re-calls? So many questions, and I’m sure that like the rest of us you haven’t been able to put as many miles on the bike as you’d like due to the covid pandemic lockdown, so now that the roads are opening up again, and the weather is getting better every week, it feels like life is returning this spring, and I’m sure we all have the “road fever”, and are eager to get back out there on two wheels! Thanks for a great & informative video- it’s nice to hear someone review a bike who has both enthusiasm and an informed opinion! I’ve got to go- get the kids a proper breakfast, off to school, and then I’m off for a ride on a glorious spring morning!
Hi Eric ... good idea re video ....these are great bikes for touring , superbly comfortable and effortless, I regularly get 55 mpg,tyres are still the Bridgestones which have done 6000 miles and still ok, I had the oil pressure light switch go and started leaking oil which involves taking all the body work off and fuel injectors etc a huge job luckily I've got a good mechanic friend who helped ,these are very good value now as used prices have dropped...the only other thing I don't like is it is massively heavy ...so you have to be very careful when pushing it arround ! Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks for your response! Good points to consider… I’ve found a NEW(!) 2015 at a dealership not too far away, but he’s asking silly money for it, although the full warranty does count for something… Just missed a beautiful blue 2017 on eBay that went for $6600.00! The search continues… Hope you’re well & enjoying your bike! 🏍
@@markpulling12 my heart say take the triumph but my head say take not as fantastic bike to ride but a new one. Then I have at least 2 years warranty whatever happens. I love the looks of this bike and I can bet it’s super comfy and pleasure to ride. But when something wrong happens like eg oil leaking then huge bills coming
Dear Mark, Many thanks for your most informative and professionally done video; I really enjoyed watching it. Here's the thing: I'm in the market for a long-distance tourer (for flying around Europe etc..), and came across an old review for the now-discontinued Triumph Trophy SE the other day. I think it was an old MCN review. Anyway, the review was extremely favourable to the Triumph, and I do believe that once upon a time it was awarded MCN's Used Bike of the Year. I have seen a couple of Trophy SEs for sale, around the 6-7K mark, with anywhere between 10 - 20,000 miles on the clock, and wondered if it would be worth getting one. You do seem to be getting an awful lot of bike for your money! But in terms of long-term reliability, build quality etc.., what is your opinion? I mean, are there any red flags that a prospective purchaser of a used Trophy should look out for? Would you consider 20,000 miles to be 'high mileage' on a Trophy? I'd really appreciate your advice. Also, if I was going to take it on a very long trip around Europe (e.g, to Napoli in Italy, via Germany, and Switzerland, doing 400 -odd miles a day), would it be able to cope? Are there any special preparations I should make - mechanically - before I embark on such an adventure e.g. coolant levels, brakes, tyres etc?? Finally, do you know of any really decent outlets that would do me a good deal on a used Trophy SE, and not rip me off? Many thanks again, Mark, and I'm looking forward to your reply. Happy riding, Neil :)
Hi Neil thanks for the comment ...I don't have this bike anymore ...I always wanted one and they are brilliant ,20 k is nothing for these mine had like 50 k ,no issues as far as I'm aware of ,just check the usuals like service history valve check etc ,,one of the best Mile munchers out there ,will do anything you can throw at it ....all I will add is they are very heavy ...not when riding ..just pushing about ,I now have a tracer 9 gt ,, which is much easier for a little guy like me to push around ...have a look on ebay mcn etc .. conquest motorcycles in three cross Dorset near me sometimes have them or could find you one Best regards mark
It’s a car 🚘 on 2 wheels . I mean in a nice way Have relaxing fun touring . I must admit I would of killed for a bike like that riding across France in a day on naked bike .
I have a 2017 I found used in June 19, and while I like it, I don't find the seat especially great. A bit too soft to my taste. Opinions vary of course. It's excellent for short runs, but I find prefer a flatter design so I could slide back & forth. The engine is an absolute hoot. WInd it out and it has a wonderful howl that seems to ask for more. However at lower revs I find it somewhat bland. As a whole, it is deceptively fast because it is very settled and drama free so 90 mph doesn't really feel like you expect it to. Watch for speed traps... Maybe Triumph gearboxes are just a tad clunky as a whole. Switching from my Thunderbird, the Trophy felt a bit nicer. Both were fine, if not especially refined. While on paper it looks rather heavy, low speed maneuvering and pushing will get easier once you get used to it. I was also pleasantly surprised at how low the center of gravity feels. Not as low as my 2010 Thunderbird was, but for something as tall and top heavy appearing, it's surprising how well it feels once you adjust. Initially it felt a bit tippy on turn it, but once you are used toit, its fine. The other issue I I worry about is that there are very few accessories for them outside of whatever leftover Triumph items are on shelves. Few people make stuff for it. I was actually quite disappointed to find that not even Triumph made an upgrade (ARROW?) exhaust for it. Remus and Delkovik seem to be your only aftermarket exhaust options. While a bit tepid, the OEM system isn't terrible. Replacement parts in general will likely be a challenge as well going forward. Time will tell I suppose... my adjustable windscreen groans a bit sometimes. I hate to think how much fun that will be if (When?) it finally decides to pack it in. Enjoy.
Very nice Paul you always give a great review of any bike you have in all weather thank you from Ireland where the weather is always miserable in the winter so a bike like this is the real deal but here what you paid we, d pay 8000e complete rip off here
I ride mine in the cool weather with no problems. The rider needs to be careful at low speed maneuvering in parking lots and such. It's a bit of weight to deal with at times, not bad for most guys. In the summer the bike just gets a little warm if you wear a jacket. It's one reason I have two bikes. I like to feel the air hitting me when temps are above 75.
Hi these are amazing bikes ,heavy ,but the best if you want to tour long distance ...no sadly just sold it as I needed the money back for other things Highly recommend it though ;)
Hi no I sold it a year ago... thoroughly enjoyed it but now have a tracer 9 GT Very reliable bike just had a small coolant leak on one of the pipes which was an easy fix Cheers mark
Hey Mark! Thank you for this really nice review. I happen to be the proud owner of a '17 SE in Phantom Black and I love it. I first saw the Trophy at the IMS way back in 2014, and even then something told me that I would own one someday. At the time they were pricey so I waited. And when I had the opportunity to get this one brand new I jumped at it! What can I say? It's an amazing machine. Smooth as butter, very luxurious and an absolute dream to ride. You get that nice Pirelli 190 rear on it's edge at full song and that is a special thing! But you already know that, don't you? HA! Cheers, mate. Enjoy it. I know I am.
That’s great Mark I e just traded in my Street twin I got the tiger xrx and off to do the North Coast 500 next late spring although time I e got there and back from Derbyshire and with all the extra routes I’m planning in I think it will end up being the NC 1500 over 6/7 days, Do t forget to make a tour of Scot And video if you have time. All the best Clive
@@gman9582 hi I think it needs a valve check at 20 k miles ...yes can be pricey ... Around £500 here in the uk if they actually need adjustment...I've heard they are generally good and stay within limits .. luckily mine had already been done just before I bought it so won't need looking at for a while yet :)
Always nice to get a bike you've always wanted Mark. I looked at getting a new 1 a few years ago but couldn't get a test ride as no dealers near me had a demonstrator which I think was one of the problems and Triumph were in a vicious circle as not many would buy one without that test ride while BMW offered them across their range. There's a good Trophy forum too if you need any advice. With the heated seat be careful not to have it on in the pouring rain if you wear gortex kit as gortex allows moisture to pass from hot to cold so you'll get a wet arse if you're not careful!
@@markpulling12 Thank you for that, just one other thing, is the mph digital display big enough to see clearly. I am thinking of getting a Trophy to replace my FJR.
