Riding two-up on the Triumph Speed Twin // plus saddlebags & TEC suspension

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After much time and many requests, here is a video about my experiences carrying a passenger on my Triumph Speed Twin. While pillion comfort wasn't exactly a priority in the design of this motorcycle, two-up riding is still more than doable. We'll talk about how the handling is affected (both before and after I upgraded to the TEC Bike Parts front & rear suspension), and the feasibility of taking overnight trips with a passenger and luggage. We'll also get some of my favorite pillion Kota's thoughts on riding shotgun on the Speed Twin.
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23 май 2021

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Комментарии : 100

@patward7182 3 года назад

Thanks for the practical information. We appreciate your input, Kota!

@khalilGT 3 года назад

Great road, great bike, great video🙌

@sarkyd4870 Год назад

Thanks for the review and brave of Kota for riding whilst on helium 😉

@neilgrimwood2789 3 года назад

Hi guys I've just brought a 2021 triumph speed twin, I've only done 700 miles here in the UK at the moment as it keeps raining 😥 really enjoyed your videos keep making them and stay safe

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

Thanks for watching, and congrats on the new bike!

@tomrohan8480 2 года назад

Likewise bro..bought a Speed twin in Dec..I wake up everyday wid only one thought of riding it..

@LionTheHeart 2 года назад

yep..keep waiting for a nice sunshiny day!

@user-fv1576 4 месяца назад

Fellow Brit here !😂 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

@jamiel.harding4554 6 месяцев назад

Great video. Loved seeing that dog passing by, and both your reactions 😂

@mymotosai5036 3 года назад

Thanks for the review! My gf will be riding with me for a few months on the ST in Thailand.

@christopherkonzelmann348 2 года назад

I love your videos!

@walterneilson8119 Год назад

I’m thinking about buying a speed twin and this video captures my biggest concern… weekend trips with the wife… good suggestion on rear suspension upgrade… thanks

@rudijohnsen2557 3 года назад

I have seen this question a few times and i have an answer for it:) The blaze saddlebags fits perfectly under the seat on the speed twin!

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

Thank you! I'd been meaning to try that myself

@acherouvis Год назад

Great review of the tec shocks. Like you, I didn't want to spend in excess of $1000 to upgrade the suspension. Thanks for the information.

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

sure!; not spend that when you can get a gt pro if your want comfy pillion riding.

@ZitroMoto 3 года назад

Nice content enjoy the ride 👍

@FredWilbury 3 года назад

I made my own adjuster for the rear shocks not easy to do but it is doable, regards fred

@LionTheHeart 2 года назад

Nice video..thank you!

@AF-O6 3 года назад

I subscribed because the Speed Twin was on my short list of new bikes. I took a significant departure and bought the Tiger 900 GT instead for many of the reasons you pointed out. Perhaps the Tiger has less soul...but a better fit (for me) for touring and travel. ...but wow do you have a good looking bike!

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

If your primary riding style is touring (especially if you go 250+ miles/day), then the Tiger 900 GT definitely suits your needs better than the Speed Twin would. Hopefully someday you'll have both!

@thelifeofpewpew3290 3 года назад

Thanks for this amazing chilled video! I was going to get the xsr900 but I'm on my tip toes and I don't feel confident with my wife on it as well so I'm opting for the twin as coming from a zx6r I want the fun of twisty but the option of confort and taking a pillion easily

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

Nice! Prepare to be absolutely spoiled with torque

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

looked at xsr 900 also but the seat is not there for a passenger; unless upgraded.

@JiuJitsuCowboy1 3 года назад

“Look at that dog...” 😂

@hashashraf4331 3 года назад

A Speed Twin owner from UK here, with you on suspension not great with pillion and will probably upgrade at some point. The shock adjustment tool is pretty useless, I did manage to dial some preload in by wrapping the shocks in towel and turning the adjustment ring using one of them adjustable wrenches, it’s pretty easy with long handle wrench once you figure it out.

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

I should also mention that the brakes aren't really nerfed by having a passenger. Obviously you're stopping more mass, but I'd say the braking is reduced from "extremely good" to "very good".

@kerbachard 3 года назад

My wife will insist on a back rest when I get mine (eventually), hopefully there'll be a mounting option for my givi topcase by then.

@martindenson2046 3 года назад

@@kerbachard check out the new renntec rack and back pad..... I ordered one last week....

@alansmith5255 3 года назад

Thanks for the video my wife and I do a lot of two riding on my speed twin. You are correct about trying to use the Triumph tool to change the spring preload impossible but what I did was remove the top bolt on the shock and pivot the shock out to make the adjustment much easier than removing the muffler I think

@mymotosai5036 3 года назад

Hi Alan, do you have the shocks on stiffest settings doing a lot of 2up riding? How are you finding the stock suspension 2up?

@alansmith5255 3 года назад

@@mymotosai5036 I moved them up 2 positions from stock for our 2 up riding

@chr11sf 3 года назад

Hi Alan, Do you have the bike on a paddock stand when you unbolt and remove the shock from its mount?

@alansmith5255 3 года назад

@@chr11sf at the time I did it I just used a floor jack to just take a little bit of the weight off of the shock when removing. Now I have a paddock. I think either one would be okay

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

how much weight .?@@mymotosai5036

@mymotosai5036 3 года назад

Have you tried to secure the velcro straps under the seat? I have an mt09 with Shad softbags and put the straps under the seat. More comfortable for my pillion. I also put an airhawk on for my pillion for her to be more comfortable. She loves it as she also sits up higher so can see better

@JohnCunningham-sy5ug Год назад

Yes ya got to crank up the preload when hauling a passenger. My Harley has air shocks that can be pumped up with a handy little pump. Had Gold Wing with on board compressor slick! Trust me it a special gal that wants to go along as they get up in age. Thank goodness for youth lol. A good set of spaners is a great addition to the tool box can be bought on lime @ $20. As a older guy that rides with 55 plus friends the gals stay home 99% of the time.😊

@chr11sf 3 года назад

Really useful guys, thanks for this video. How about a rear rack with side handles for your passenger to hold on to stop sliding plus you can mount a roll bag for extra luggage? I test rode a ST yesterday along with my partner and we liked it....maybe not as much room as our previous R1200R but doable for us...we go away for 2 weeks at time with everything in a 45L roll bag. I'm lucky she doesn't care about taking lots of stuff away!

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

That's awesome! A rear rack would be a great option for expanding luggage capacity without sacrificing ergonomics. I personally am not big on how they look on this type of bike, but if I thought we'd be traveling together frequently I'd definitely look into one.

@ozjuice 3 года назад

she's a sweetheart

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

ez to add a givi top box for the ladies make-up

@carlosdaguzzi9340 Год назад

Boa noite amigo. Sou de portugal. Sigo os seus videos. Amigo a suapensao traseira de origem, se aumentar a precarga, nunca se compara a essa?

@Fr99763 Год назад

May I recommend you check out Hepco&Becker. I fitted their rack and bags on my 2019 speed twin. Perfect fit and very useful Cheers

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

used triump rails or made for H&B pannier rails. ?

@Fr99763 5 месяцев назад

@@ed.t.hansen6499 I purchased everything from H&B. It is all of good quality and fit.

@gerardoantonio9001 Год назад

What is the specific shocks kit did you installed?

@user-fv1576 4 месяца назад

Interested in the foot placement issue for pillion and also impact on rider - problems shifting ?

@VanBlamm 4 месяца назад

No problems changing gears, but I'm not sure I'd want to ride perched on the balls of my feet either.

@sunnyverghese8232 3 года назад

The new speed twin is coming !!!! June 1st !!!!!

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

I saw! Looks like USD forks, Brembo M50 up front, and new wheels. Oh, and of course Euro5, new paints, and a price hike.

@indosurfer 3 года назад

A few weeks ago, I almost pulled the trigger on the speed twin (ready to put deposit) but ended up going in another direction at last minute. It is interesting they are addressing my three biggest complaints with it - brakes, suspension, and paint. Great bike either way and you are doing a great job showcasing it

@adriancope9086 3 года назад

@@indosurfer Classic Black is hands down the best colour imho

@DaptaHBah 3 года назад

Sorry for the impolite question, but was is the approximate combined weight of both of you? Just trying to get an idea of how much I might need to adjust the preload.

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

In full gear, we're a combined 340lb (154kg)

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

ok i'd look at 165kg plus whatever luggage. @@VanBlamm

@user-fv1576 4 месяца назад

Any other better looking luggage with no straps ? Btw did 5 days on a Ducati scrambler pillion and luggage, no problems.

@VanBlamm 4 месяца назад

There's always the SW-Motech Legend saddlebags as long as you can live with the permanent mounting bracket

@Musicaineditaitalia 10 месяцев назад

Ciao Van Blamm. Ho visto ora il tuo video. Ho una nuova bonny T100 da un mese, e come hai detto, quando ci sali sopra è sempre Natale, fantastica. Ho una fissa; un chiodo profondo per la Speed Twin 1200, vorrei cambiare la bonny con la Speed, non riesco a provarla in Italia, le concessionari le vendono come il pane😀. Io sono alto 1,82 spero che ci sto comodo, la mia donna e 1,62 e viene spesso in moto, non credo che sia un problema. Con la T100 il problema sono i pedalini che toccano a terra e sulle curve strette se non tieni i piedi ben stretti toccano le scarpe, questo mi crea disagio, non sto sempre in piega😀. Qui in Abruzzo ci sono montagne e belle strade anche in due ti lasci andare al divertimento, ripeto la bonny è fantastica, quando scendo mi chiedo se sono stato in moto troppo poco, la chiudo in garage e già mi manca…triumph tutta la vita! Ho seri problemi fisici ernie fibromialgia e questa moto mi fa stare bene quando guido - è incredibile! Anni fa avevo una bmw rr e dopo qualche km il mio fisico mi chiedeva di andare al pronto soccorso😀 il cardano e l’on off è micidiale per me che ho queste patologie. Se mi dici che in due si sta bene, togli il mio primo dubbio; il secondo che ho: la senti sicura sotto di te, ben piantata a terra? La bonny lo è. Grazie per il video🤗

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

pegs need lowered for 2 up. more comfort; maybe even a seat? weight of pillion ? no rear preload ? . Tiger GT pro is electronic adjustable for any load.

@885wc 2 года назад

I have a Street Triple, which the wife finds just plain uncomfortable to sit on. Hey not my fault she refused to go on test rides with me and told me to buy whatever I wanted. So now I am looking at seeing what the next bike could be, and I the Speed/T120 Twins are are front runners. Heart says Speed Twin for the hooliganism. Head says the T120 for the comfort. Don't know what will end up happening.

@VanBlamm 2 года назад

Pillion accommodations are certainly not a priority on the STriple. The Speed Twin is pretty good for two-up rides of moderate distance, but the T120 would be downright plush for two-up rides of any distance.

@wltrlg 3 года назад

Pfff, I keep saying, the rumble of that twin engine is so satisfying…

@MrFelipe8686 2 года назад

Dude where do you live? You mentioned Boulder so you must be close-ish by. I’m in Denver. Would like to ride with you if you you’re up for it. Not sure my INT650 would keep up lol but by the end of the month I should have my 1200XC

@MrFelipe8686 2 года назад

Never mind lol just watched another of your vids and realized you were just passing through

@VanBlamm 2 года назад

You can bet I'll be back out to the front range the next chance I get though. I'd be happy to meet up and ride!

@MrFelipe8686 2 года назад

@@VanBlamm nice! Let me know when you swing by and I’ll treat you to my favorite beer/pizza place in the mountains

@VanBlamm 2 года назад

Pizza, beer, and mountains are three of my favorite things. Can't say no to that!

@andrewsmith7367 2 года назад

That tank color is it an option for 2021?

@VanBlamm 2 года назад

They're doing a gray+black for 2021, but it's matte, not glossy

@oldmanvatne2911 3 года назад

Not for cross country but weekend rides, looks like the Speed Twin does ok. I understand the suspension upgrade, without the rear end sag does the front end still feel as planted as when riding solo? Seen some good reviews of the T120 for passengers, nice to see the more sport orientated cousin allows you to do some two up riding.

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

There's no doubt that the T120 is better for two-up riding. More spacious, supportive seat, more stable ride, factory grab rail, etc. That said, I have been pleasantly surprised at how the Speed Twin fares with a pillion, especially with a little luggage in the mix. Even better after swapping the springs. Front end feel has not been negatively affected in any riding conditions I've experienced thus far.

@marteriamarterium2564 15 дней назад

the lugage problem can be solved with an other box behind the bike right?

@VanBlamm 15 дней назад

Yes, as long as your suspension setup can handle that weight distribution

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

how much ass padding does the pillion have to compensate for that seat ?

@zackr3809 3 года назад

Nice vid... How tall are u and she?

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

I'm 5'8" and she's 5'6" (about 173 and 168cm)

@c.g.c2067 2 года назад

Cheap suspensions to cut the price down? Considering it is not a cheap bike, actually it’s rather expensive and it is built and assembled in Thailand they should give you Ohlins front and rear !

@JohnnyXoz 2 года назад

They do, it's called the Thruxton and it's a few grand more than the Speed Twin basically just for the upgraded Ohlins suspension

3 года назад

Another excellent video. My wife went as a pillion 30 years ago with a friend for a 1km ride, and HE still remembers the screams. she hates it... I still believe that it is because she is not in control of the situation... if she tried to ride one solo... she would love it... By the way.. this just popped up :ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FlhdejRyoek.html

@GrizzlyAlaska 10 месяцев назад

is this a twin 900 or 1200?

@VanBlamm 10 месяцев назад

1200. Back then, it was just called the Speed Twin, and the Speed Twin 900 was just called the Street Twin.

@GrizzlyAlaska 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for the reply, if you have ever riden the 900 one, is it suitable for passenger, just for city rides?@@VanBlamm

@VanBlamm 10 месяцев назад

You can totally have fun with a passenger on the 900, around town or out in the hills

@roberttaylor465 3 года назад

Your lass has a rather strange voice 😂

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

I had hoped my mic could pick her up through the intercom, but I think next time I'll just mic her helmet up too and cut back and forth between the two audio tracks.

@cisa1622 2 года назад

These kind of bikes are not best for pillion ride. The pillion will slide to your back and after a point its stressful. Also no much of luggage space. I think Harley-Davidson ranging from sportster to touring all has pillion and luggage space. Most of the Harley-Davidson bikes does not have forward slope seat but usually backward which takes the stress away from riders back( especially long rides). Suspension does not have any sag( which can be hard on your back). There are so many seat options and luggage options.

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

true- dont have the multilevel hump. but..... tiger gt pro is very comfy 2 up.

@tomrohan8480 2 года назад

Wat more you can ask in life.. 2 people with love for motorcycles touring n adventure n an awesome bike to ride along.. You can munch miles all day log with such a combination 😍

@cerryabc 3 года назад

How tall is she?

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

5'6" (168cm)

@tonydavis5053 Год назад

My wife wouldn’t ride without a backrest.

@VanBlamm Год назад

I'm sure it's one of those things that's hard to go back from once you've experienced it

@ed.t.hansen6499 5 месяцев назад

top box takes care of that. plus room for the make-up

@ozjuice 3 года назад

don't..... tour on this bike though

@VanBlamm 3 года назад

Probably wouldn't do it with a passenger, but I've done a 5-day and a 7-day tour on it and it did great. 1,100 and 1,600 miles respectively. My butt hurt a lot but that's about it.

@ozjuice 3 года назад

@@VanBlamm cool, but it's not designed as a tourer 🤙

@MickH60 Год назад

You could tour on this bike easily, when did everyone get so soft ? I've travelled all over Australia on lots of old Japanese bikes, all very similar in ergonomics to the triumph, I'm 60 years old and would ride one of these anywhere.....

@MickH60 Год назад

@@ozjuice "it's not designed as a tourer", Mate, it's a motorcycle, stop trying to sound like some sort of expert, It wasn't that long ago almost ALL motorcycles looked like that Speed Twin, and guess what ? People still toured on them......

@ozjuice Год назад

@@MickH60 that's like saying you can run a marathon in wellies. Yeah, but why would you? How would you know if I wasn't an expert? Because you're 60? pfft