I want to echo what others have said- this is probably one of the best bike world reviews I’ve seen. The delivery seemed much more natural than usual. I’m not sure if it was a purposeful change or environmental (I.e., filming location), but something about the timbre of the presenter’s voice really drew me in on this one. Well done!
Bill Kerr I really enjoyed the bike, like I said in the video I think I was just expecting more from the front end. If there’s an R version in the pipeline, I’d be keen to ride it.
Terry Melvin that’s it mate, just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it won’t suit you. It’s a properly cool bike. Clearly Triumph didn’t put enough cash in the brown envelope that we get for making these videos.
Once again, you do the best reviews around, John. You're one of the very few reviewers who don't balk at mentioning things you don't like while still being able to precisely describe what's happening at the time. The bike itself is so pretty it reminds me of the 1975 Moto Guzzi T3 (not the California).
It's such a personal thing choosing a bike and within each and every one of us we have our own different personalities on different days...sometimes we are the hooligan, sometimes we're more lethargic. To that end, can one bike ever be enough...? We know it can't, but despite the fact that we might occasionally be touring or dreaming of adventures - most of our riding is in reality, short, sweet and local. This bike, will, I think - fit like a glove for 90% of our riding.
This is one of the best bike reviews I've seen lately. The competition in the review world just keeps getting more keen. Well done here. The shooting is great with a good mix of viewpoints and little repetition. The reviewer is relaxed and confident in his evaluation without being an alpha wannabe or a ponce. He must have a lot of experience to draw upon. He gives the bike kudos where it deserves them and points out the shortcomings and gives them the weight they deserve. I get the feeling that whilst this isn't the bike for him that it could be the bike for me... since his performance criteria are slightly more stringent than mine would be. I will be subscribing because of the quality of this effort. Thanks mate.
i really can not stress enough how much i look forward to these reviews .Without sounding like i have some kind of man crush , You are without doubt the best motorcycle journo around at the minute. I haven't enjoyed bike reviews this much since FAST Bikes mag .. back in the day . when the late great Barry sheene used to write for them , and the boys pioneered bad boy riding . The camera work and editing is also top class, with just the right mix of wheelies , back drops and droney footage. there is always the right amount of technical info and also what feels like a truly honest brake down of a bikes good and bad points , that doesn't leave you feeling like you have just watched a product placement advert . Now that Fuc**** helmet ... yes when i was a boy a dreamed of one just like it with a no7 on the back and a duck on the front .. but times have moved on , and yes i know agv have remade said helmet , not at 1970's prices i may add !!! but still NOOooo . maybe would look cool on a coffee table with a hole drilled in the front with a fag sticking out ! top job .. now ... please... part 5 for fucks sake
I’ve ridden my 900 Street twin for a year now, only swapped the mirrors out to handlebar versions through personal choice-it’s such a fun bike! But I can’t stop looking at this Speed Twin! Phoawr!!
This is the best review I have seen in months. The video editing and narration sounded more genuine than others. I am looking forward to buy a Speed twin this year and your review helped me finalize on the decision. Keep up the great work!
Excellent, warts and all review. Your credibility and value only increases with giving your honest and transparent opinion about the bike and aspects of ownership. Thanks!
First time I've ever commented on a bike review. I notice I'm not the first to say what an outstanding job you've done mate! Always great to see wheelies too!
One of the better, info laden reviews, presented in a very honest but appreciably kind manner. It gives the honest facts without gushing or being negative.
This bike looks good from every angle. As a fun commuter bike in the city that will do some wheelies, this very may well be my first brand new bike. And as for the review, top notch.
Thanks for the very honest review. A lot of reviews sound like Triumph ads and don't talk about the good and the bad. Love your videos and I can say I just purchased the black version of the Speed thanks to your reviews of both the Street Twin and the Speed Twin. Cheers from Canada.
First time watching your channel and that was a superb review from a clearly very competent rider which gives it more credibility. I think you made the right point when asking who’s eyes should you be looking through. Too many people dislike something when it doesn’t do what they want rather than the audience it was designed for. Top work!
For the money, I think it should have had the better forks. I really appreciate what Triumph has done, left some room for customizing, but spending money on suspension shouldn't be one of them. Great review! Loved your delivery
The speed twin is amazing value for money, you could not ask for more at this price and there is certainly not a better equipped competitor out there, triumph provides excellent biuld quality and style. Maybe the street twin would suit your needs and budget more.
So really it’s a direct competitor to the Kawasaki Z900RS with the Jaffa paint job. They both look superb but the Z900RS does it for me. If Kawasaki hadn’t made the Z900RS and I hadn’t bought one, I would definitely be buying the new Speed Twin though.
I think the Z900RS looks better. It’s cheaper all around. More range. Just as many options to customize. And it looks just modern enough to where it doesn’t look like you’re obsessed with a certain time period. I’m still considering the spark black version. You made a great choice!
I like the Triumph better. They are both sporty yet practical standards, capable of mid-11s quarter miles, with styling that harkens back to "those thrilling days of yesteryear". For me however 1968 is more appealing than 1973. The Speed Twin has all the magic and coolness of a classic 60s Brit Twin with the performance and reliability of a modern standard like the Kawasaki.
I went for a test drive on the Z900RS too, but I didn’t like the high-rev nervousness of the Kawa. That topped off with the very on/off throttle made me go for a T120 black in the end. Delivery next week! Can’t wait 😍
@@pilotpilot81 Lots of people have said the same. I bought one (spark black) and have not found the same problem - well nothing like as bad as I expected. I like the Triumph for the same reasons I like the Z, but they deliver the nostalgia in a different way. I wouldn't be unhappy to have the Triumph!!
Excellent, balanced bike review. I have always had a soft spot for Triumphs since my great uncle and grandpa used to ride them in the 50s and 60s. I think your ending line is spot on--I have looked at other retro bikes (including an updated W800 from my first bike a W650) and this one ticks all the boxes...for me. Need to take a long hard look at it.
When you say "motorcycle" this bike fits that image.No fluff,No power Ninja angles! No ugly headlight! No ugly exhaust!In short a great looking and functioning motorcycle!
Extremely informative, bar-setting review. Thank you. I'll just toss in a few comments that may be more a matter of personal preference. First, I watch these vids to hear how a bike feels. You get that. I'd just like a bit of that earlier in the video rather than the stage-setting (new parts, tech specs, where the bike sits in the model range) so many commentators start with. After a comment about how the bike feels, info about weight, brakes, etc. means more in context. Second, you said "it's not the bike for me" at the end. That's honest. But I would have liked another sentence or two of "why," unless you felt your criticism of the Speed Twin's front end and brakes sufficed. However, I recall you really enjoying the updated Street Scrambler 900 -- was that better?
Bike World. Great review as always from you guys. Good thing you backed off when the roads started to get wet because the trouble with Mallorca is that although the tarmac looks the same as the UK unfortunately it is a bargain basement job and as soon as it gets wet it goes to zero grip which is why 99 per dent of motorcycle rental bikes show crash damage. Catches out nearly every British biker, so beware!
Probably the best review I've seen. Honest and to the point. There's a lot of riders that aren't in the market for a crotch rocket. It is the most appealing bike on the market for me.
A wonderful real-world bike with the cool factor riders love. For hard-core fast riders Triumph makes bikes like the Street Triple and Speed Triple, but with 97 hp and lots of torque the Speed Twin is no slouch, the handling is decent, and the big twin sound is a nice bonus. Triumph is going to sell loads of these Bonneville inspired motorcycles.
Triumph nailed the details on this bike ,with the exception of the tank seam. They could have sorted it out, not a huge deal but something you notice every day.
As a Bonnie 865 rider I will look at it as a trade up to the modern world. I swapped years of sportsbikes for the Triumph so something a bit sharper and powerful would be welcome while still being a real everyday bike. Great video.
Keeping the price realistic was important - if they shift a load of these, I can see them upgrading brakes/suspension on future variants like they did with the Bobber.
The Speed twin is a great effort by Triumph, it certainly looks the part and goes well. It's a pretty thing as standard but ownership is about putting your own stamp on it. You can bin the exhaust or shocks as you please. It's tempting me away from my Speed triple. Thanks for a good review, one of the best. It's up there with Mossy's effort. Two different approaches to bringing quality content.
excellent delivery on that explanation big man..i dont ride bikes planning to get one and this one piqued my interest and i was looking for nice review that calmed my doubts and questions..this one does it! nice!
Great review. Honest, insightful and thoughtful. The Speed Twin looks cool with performance enough for most of us most of the time. The performance edges described in this review only make this bike more interesting.
If I were to buy a modern classic triumph, it would be this one or the Thruxtony. I used to work for triumph though and the electrics were a little meh... Killer review though guys! One of the best for sure. Be good 💪
Great honest evaluation, really like this bike last time I was out on my fazer said that was it my biking days are over,,,, music to the Mrs ears. Got to book a test drive perhaps theres still life in the old dog👴
Great Review! Once i have moved home in the next 2 months, I will be in the market for either a Speed Twin, T120 or BMW R1250R! I want a bike that Tours well, but does everything I want it to do! So I think a summer of test rides is in order!
Great quality review. Would be nice to have a few comments on what the competition is, and how the Triumph compares. Kawasaki Z900RS, BMW Nine T, Ducati Monster,...
all the bikes you mention here whip this triumph in performance aspects. However, I do like the look of this and besides, it's not a race bike after all.
All the years ive been riding and good bikes ive had and liked. A few Triumphs. I think this is the best bike ever made. Its what a bike should be from the perspective of my age having riden for some years and liked to scrape the pegs occationally. Now i just want a bike for everything and doesent have to be a sports bike. Looks good. Rides good and torque enough for all my rides. The bonus is that it can ride up to 130mph depending on your mods. As seen on several youtube videos. I guess its not the bike for someone who is overly competetive and likes silly speeds. But allas i cannot afford to aquire one right now. But happy sticking with my Rocket 3 and the thrills of massive torque while i am not to old to hold her up that is.
Sounds like a very good ride. My stock Thruxton R top speed was just over 130 mph on a 3 mile straight, I would be surprised if this bike is not capable of this too, considering the Thruxton R gearing is low with 16T/42T sprockets.
Great review, watched it to the end (!) Reminds me what a proper pro review should be, and not one of the recent bunch of 'amateur' test-ride reviewers who just spout the same thing on every review ("I'm just going to test the front brake.......... oh wow, really strong!" and "the controls all fall easily to hand....")
Most comfortable bike I have ever sat on at the dealership and yes there were tons of other bikes that I liked but this one tops them. The price though...
Great review, as everyone says - great camera work too.. I have a Thruxton R but will probably swap it for this one cos I can't take the R's riding position for more than a couple of hours. I also find the 'fully adjustable' R suspension way too hard for B roads - that's fully adjustable from Hard to Brutal! Hoping the front brake isn't too much of a downgrade... Were you being politely critical of front brake or was it just the ABS?
Front pipes are going to be colourful as usually on some triumphs bikes, I would like to see them nice and shining like Honda CB 1100RS got. Otherwise the best motorcycle from Triumphs, if option for 2 naked bikes, I would go for Honda CB 1100RS as 4 pipes and Triumph twin speed as 2 pipes.
I guess my surprise was after waxing lyrical about how good it was the reviewer said not for the bike for him. Which is fine, it begs the question what is the bike he'd get?
Great, now I am going to have to test ride one, I am a bikeaholic and this one is calling to me great review, even though it is not for you I think it will be for me
Very nice review. Thanks! Took the Speed Twin out for a test ride last week. Very nice motor, handles extremely well, and it really looks amazing. If you are into the néo-rétro thing, this is a serious contender for you. But definitely not for newbies! I find that the motor and handling are superior to Thruxton and R NineT, not necessarily in terms of absolute power, but in terms of how the package works together. However, it is close to 100 HP and the power really would be more than a handful for someone who hasn't perfected their trade somewhat on a 400-650 cc bike.
I got this bike as a middle aged newbie. I do sort of agree with you. It is a bit too quick for me. Since I am not 20 years old I do hopefully know my limitations and so usually resist the urge to be an idiot. It's power band does make it forgiving if I get too higher gear. Hopefully I will "grow" into it :)
This is not my ideal machine either, but it's a really cracking bike, WOW. Who'd have thought the Bonnie could be so successful in this new century, I bet the original designers are smiling from their grave. :)
This is a great review! But, I have a few questions: 1. Is this bike also suited for beginner to intermediate riders? Why or why not? 2. How likely you are going to recommend this newer riders? Thank you!
Your abilities as a rider grow with the confidence you gain from experience. when you start out with too much power, it is unlikely your abilities are on par with your bike. For a new rider, even an SV650 is a very powerful package. With time, you loose the adrenaline rush from your first rides, which is kinda sad. But the routine brings situational control, and you will get ready for more in no time. Seriously, a brand new sporty bike with 1200cc right from the beginning...is a bad start to fall down with at higher speeds that you are capable of, and down we go for sure from time to time. If i were you, and you want the looks, go after a brand new enfield 650 interceptor. www.royal-enfield.info/index.php/royalenfield_interceptor_de_de.html
You could try the 900 twin or the Street Scrambler. There are some clear similarities on the styling front and ample power to give you the buzz without going too far. The rider aids on modern bikes will compensate for the occasional rider error too, so factor that into your thinking.
beginner advice is tough if you dont know the person or their goals. Conventional advice says buy an upright 400-650cc. Master the fundamentals, then move up. But this advice is biased toward the presumption that all riders want to develop their ability to ride bikes to or near their limits. It also assumes every rider wants to go all in on moto life and be swapping bikes every year. Not everyone gets into moto for the same reasons. If you're just in it for the enjoyment of being on two wheels, and you're not someone who ever intends or desires to push a bike close to its limits, speed twin could be fine for you if you've got your heart set on it. I think the power is less of an issue than the overall cost. If you're brand new, theres a good chance you'll make a mistake that puts the bike on the ground, whether at low speeds or even just parking (hopefully not at high speeds). Now, your beautiful new toy that you spent $13k on is dented or damaged and costing you more than average to repair. If cost is a non-issue, and you're just looking for a relaxing ride with a bit of performance capability, and are ok with taking a bit longer to master the fundamentals, and you absolutely need this bike, then you'll be fine. Bonnevilles are generally easy to ride and very approachable. I dont think anyone would recommend this as a beginner bike, but that doesnt mean using it as one is a death sentence. Speed twin is up a bit on performance from standard bonnie, but its very far from a super sport.
First you rave about the short travel throttle, then you complain that the throttle was too aggressive and you had to ride in rain mode - make your mind up!
