Triumph SPEED TWIN 1200 6-month Owner's Review 

Good update review. Look forward to seeing the new paint job when it's done.

Seriously I was looking forward for this 😢 Glad to see her back on channel 😇

I loved the look of this bike when it came out in 2019, and the 2021 version with the radial Brembos, upside down forks, 12 spoke lightweight wheels and improved engine, make it even more desirable. It's the perfect blend of retro style and modern performance. A keeper and a future classic, like a MK11 Jag.

Nice little update. Glad to see this one looks like a keeper.

Will be picking up a '22 black Speed Twin this Thursday, can't wait. Thanks for the informative feedback and the gorgeous views in Portugal.

Thank you for the review! Indian from Denmark and considering this for my first bike in Denmarl after having owned a Royal Enfield 500 about 20 years ago

Looking forward to the paint job. Great 6 month review. Like you I love mine to bits. I’m with you on the factory exhaust. I did remove my baffles as I have US spec and swapped that heavy beast of a Cat for an x pipe. It’s a hair louder I suppose but it kept that beautiful factory meaty exhaust note with the factory pipes. It breathes a hair easier now but Triumph really nailed it with sound this go round. Thanks as always for the great content and look forward to the reveal.

Today I had the opportunity to hear that engine at idle and mid rage rev, amazing deep sound.

Lovely motorcycle, can’t wait to see what the new paint scheme looks like!

Very enjoyable video, as always👍

Congrats on the Bike. Beautiful!

What a beautiful machine. A crowning achievement for Triumph. A far cry from my 1963 Speed twin but i still loved it.

Picking one up end of April, in hopper red. Was going to go for the scrambler, but they had just got a speed twin in and I had a weak moment in quickly securing it with a deposit. Damn beautiful.

Enjoyed your humorous articulated summary of current events prior to motorcycle content

Thanks for the review! I bought also a 2022 SpeedTwin,and I've driven a lot of different bikes but this SpeedTwin is the favorite no.1 for me!the looks,handling and sound ,what a great bike!😊👍,love it,love it!

i'm an INDIAN viwer of your videos, thanks for this much detailed review, it helps to make more clear decission

Looking forward for this paint job! She's a keeper then. Beautiful machine. Thanks for the nice content 👌

Great video. Made me happy to know someone like yourself with much experience around good bikes and give this new Triumph such praise. As I have had my new one on order now for two weeks and am patiently awaiting its arrival. Would love to know more about the new tires you were suggesting with better traction for all weather riding. Regards from Washington State, USA. Ride safe!

Writing from Mumbai. The measuring tape was simply brilliant!!! Thanks a bunch ol chap.

Thank you for the update. 5.15 interesting point about dry/wet weather grip. Over the last 15 yrs or so, I personally have never found any tyre lacking dry grip, therefore my choice of tyres will only ever relate to wet weather confidence. Think you are spot on eluding to the fact that, the speed twin should have more suitable (given the bikes nature) tyres.

A really insightful, balanced review as always. I agree with your comments on accessible torque being key to real world usability and fun factor. The LAMS (similar to, but not quite the same as A2) here in Australia has seen manufacturers producing modest horsepower output bikes but with very appealing torque curves. Chasing BHP high up the rev range is not really a road riding recipe. Excited to see the new paint scheme! Other bikes I would like to see your future opinions on are the new Ducati Monster and KTM Duke 890 / 890 R, both sporty nakeds as opposed to classics I agree, but offering a great deal of performance lower in the rev range.

Love from India. Thanks for the consideration while mentioning the ground clearance.

The overall perspective of the Speed Twin is indeed very favorable. If I were buying a new naked bike today, it would be the Speed Twin. Thank you, as always, for an objective honest review and your comments are always spot on. Can’t wait to see your new paint work! Ride safe my friend.

Cool. Agree with many of your thoughts. For the extra 40bhp I went with the Speed Triple 1050RS. Whilst it is a totally different beast, the low down grunt, QS and sound track to accompany it is addictive. Shall look forward to your new bike reveal after it’s had it’s paint job. Michelin Road 6 tyres should be fantastic if the previous gen 5s are anything to go by. Awesome in both wet and dry road riding.

I just rode a 2024 yesterday on a whim and wow - of all the bikes I demo'd, the Speed Twin left a surprising lasting impression.

I like your point about the tires. The big difference I found out between more race oriented slicks, like the Metzlers, was the quick warm up time. I have the Road 5’s on my R NineT, and love them. Great feel, really great wet performance (not that it is too wet here in Colorado), but most importantly longevity. RevZilla, an online retailer here in the states, have claimed some of their staff getting over 12k miles on them. I have put about 2.5k on my road 5’s and they still look new, no squaring off. I haven’t riden the new Road 6’s, but I can imagine they are only better then the 5’s which I would highly recommend to any street rider.

I'm leaving for Portugal on Friday, hopefully I'll get to see your new paint job on the road :-)

I do own another Speed Twin (in Matt Storm Grey colour) since mid December 2021. Mine's about 2800 Km now. I'm very satisfied with the bike and is by far the best I've owned. I like the riding position, engine feeling, braking power and handling, especially in the city though it tends to run hot if low speeds are kept for a while. I have improved it by adding a Dart Classic windshield, radiator guard, SW-Motech engine protection bars and crankcase guard. I also plan to replace rear shocks because they seem cheap and prone to unpredictable reactions on bumpy roads. Although I love the bike, I noticed some small inconveniences that could (and should) be addressed by Triumph : 1) There's no possibility to install a center stand. This would result in better chain maintenance and parking. 2) I also think the lever to retract the side stand is very short and thus may be difficult to operate depending on the kind of shoes / boots the rider is wearing. 3) LCD screens on both tachometers are rather small. I'm almost 49 years old and my eyesight at short distance is not as good as it used to be so, reading the small numbers and letters displayed on those screens is a nightmare. I agree with you about the Metzeler tires, they are not intended for rainy weather so you have to be extra careful with them under that circumstances. I plan to replace them shortly with -very likely- Continental ContiRoadAttack 4 tires. Thanks for your reviews and regards from Barcelona, Spain.

Looking forward to visiting the Algarve in March 2023. Those roads look remarkably quiet.

A most excellent machine. Not really heard a bad word about them. And thanks for the reminder of the Algarvian roads. Love riding down there. Bmw mitirsport colours? Hmm. Ich nicht kenne. Happy travels 👍

Well I think it suits you well and I am glad you are keeping it. (suits you, sir) As to BMW colours I think that most likely is the M spec red white blue... but I hope its the glorious shaded metallics of the mid 80s bikes ie the bronze, gun metal etc. All best 👍

Enjoyed that - thanks. Your roads seem rather like ours in Tasmania. Lots of bends, up and downs. Moreover our police are well funded and very keen to prevent >110Km/h on the few boring bits. Perfect for our Speed Twins. The places we northerners end up!!!

Great video hope you and Rocket Lady are doing well

Great review as always, if I was younger it’s the type of bike I’d get . Being someone who never takes a pillion ( insurance doesn’t cover it ) I wish they’d bring out a lower pillion seat without the hump . I’m at the age when getting on a bike my hips really complain and have to sit sometimes over 5 minutes before pain goes away , get rid of that hump problem solved . Ps I’m willing to pay for the difference 😊😊👍👍

I had my 2022 for only a few months and sold it after not riding through the winter but bolted on many expensive parts. I hadn’t even gotten to the 600 mile service. When I bought it, it cost almost $16k US. Gotta love import taxes. I took such a loss when I sold it, it worked out to $15 per mile for the time I had it, not counting the accessories. I loved that bike and I will get another one, but I’m in no hurry until they add cruise control. If it wasn’t for that, I probably would have already gotten a replacement. I keep checking out other bikes, but the speed twin is perfect, except the cruise control.

Hi I'm from India and has been hooked to your channel for the last 6-8 months, love your style of presentation, it's crisp, precise and very easy to understand. Kudos to you for your channel. If you'd be kind enough to spare some time and answer few of my queries I'll be highly obliged. If you do consider my preposition please let me know as to how can I connect. Thanks

First? I love your videos! ❤️ I do have a 1200cc naked too (BMW R1200R), I love the power and torque! I dreamed about a rocket haha. But I watched all your videos and you know by yourself why we both don’t have one… High torque nakeds are my favorite, if BMW made a 6cyl K1600 naked, I would love to have it! Wish you all the best!

I'm afraid to test ride one, a second bike might bring some friction at home ... and your videos do not make it easy Thanks for all the content you provide

Great summary and honest review and opinions. It's a bike very high on my list when funds allow and I prefer the red option. I would consider the previous model but prices are not low enough in the UK to tempt me. If I had the previous model I would want to swap the silencers and treat it to a paint job, my thoughts are a bright yellow with black accents and carbon fibre touches. It's subjective but I think would work. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with yours 👍

I've never got better than 40 mpg. Mine is a 2020. Your doing great at 47

Maybe think about purchasing the Triumph headlight bazel, as that looks really nice

I also own a Speed Twin. Prior to the Speed Twin I had a BMW F900XR. I have to say the build quality and overall engine /transmission smoothness, ST is head and shoulders above the BMW. The ST is a beautiful motorcycle with plenty of torc. The only thing I want to upgrade is the suspension. Other than that the Speed Twin is a great motorcycle that I will hold on to for a long time.

Switching metzeler to Avon was the best upgrade on my triumph. It’s an air cooled thruxton though, totally different bike.

If you're looking for a tyre for this bike - Continental raod attack 4 . It's just perfect. Got it on the speed twin myself.

That is an nice bike

Like you RocketMan I have a Street Triple Rs as you can see & "I too have been waiting patiently for an Rs version of your bike as I would gladly chop in my Street Triple rs for one but it needs more power as you say + some new paint choices + updated clocks & some tasty Ohlins on the back or even the front but I really don't think Triumph will listen to us but I will continue to be patient & just hope they listen to fed back if you get where I'm coming from? 🙄🤞🏻 Great video can't wait to see the new look Speed Twin RocketMan? 😊👍🏻

Time to buy #2!!! It's tall af in comparison. Where'd you get that carbon fiber bit at the fake carb area?

Have you tried riding the Kawasexy Z900rs? I think you’d appreciate the 4 cylinder smoothie torque, handling, comfort, brakes, looks and quality. I love the contrast between riding it and my 2017 Triumph Bobber. It’s like Tom Cruise vs Marlon Brando! Thanks for great review and ride safe! 👍🏍

I think this was an excellent choice of bike. But I'll be sticking with my 1670cc 2-valve-per-head air-cooled V-twin Yamaha MT-01; 110 ft/lb of torque at 3,750 rpm. That ADV350 is really wide.

Levelling the tank so it’s not drooping at the front would improve its looks enormously

Gotta say, really like your honest opinions about triumphs motorcycles. Do you have any experience and opinions of the tiger 850 sport?

Have the same bike, color and all, for 4 months now. Close to 30 mods so far. The biggest glaring issue for me is the engines response above 5000rpm. I live in Montana where I ride at speeds above 80mph for long periods. I've already changed out the countershaft sprocket for a 17tooth in an attempt to keep the R's down. I'm going to reflash the ECU map to unleash the engines full potential. Supposedly, theres another 1000rpm that can be utilized during W.O.T. pulls. From 80 to 100mph the bike pulls hard. But if I'm cruising at around a hundo, like I often do, and slam it W.O.T. it's just not there. I'm very happy with the bike in every other way, and will not be selling it. Just need to be able to tickle that 8000rpm redline a bit quicker.

Nice and detailed review! But I didn't get it with: think BMW?

I have a 2020 Speed Twin, which I purchased a few weeks ago, just wondered do you have a continuous electrical "whine" from the throttle bodies, I can twist the throttle with the engine not running and the whine changes pitch. The dealer says they all do that?

I have a 2020 model and love it, bar the known issues of mediocre suspension and squeaky brakes. The 2022 upgrade tempts me, but I've invested in the fixes for mine already and I really don't like the new paint schemes.

I'm thinking of selling my street triple rs for this bike and I was glad to hear you had experience with both ..do you honestly like riding this bike more?

So is it red? I went for the speed two after the trident like you. But got the red one. Spectacular bike. Amazing in red

Under what circumstance does one get the t120 instead of speedtwin? pillion? better long distance?

Very insightful video. I am curious if you ever ridden a z900rs? How would you compare it with this?

Beautiful Bike. only 1 question. How manageable or possible it is fr an occasional 2 up touring. ?

Like before watching

Could you please post link to the rear shocks you purchased from YSS please thx

Hi Rocketman - Love to know your thoughts on the differences between the Street Twin 1200cc and 900cc. And is it worth paying for the upgrade to the 1200cc? Thank you

Looks really nice but they always look quite small and I believe you're quite tall? How do you find it for size?

Removing the catalisators, 3, will give you some more power and torque and the engine runs much smoother, the sound will get a little louder, have you considered that?

Because loud bikes save lives 👍👍

Just out of interest have you tried a Z900rs? I’m not sure if you have ridden one, but I didn’t see it on your comparison chart? I owned one and loved it but am considering the Speed Twin for my next bike.

Yeah i guess a lot has happened in the last 6 months. Billy Joel could write a new version of "we didn't start the fire" focusing on only the last 6 months.

Hi Rocketman, I am in the UK and am trying source a Rizoma screen with mounting. I am really struggling. I have a 2022 speed twin. Do u have any contact s. Thanks Tim. Keep up the great work!

This road is really close to where I live, have you tried the R9T yet? Would love to read the comparison..(I have the R9T).

You're going to paint a pair of horizontal cylinders on the side of the bike? Odd...

Are you retired? Nice review!

Rocketman, you commented that the YSS shocks are set at 15mm lower than stock and yet your are 6’1’! Surprising, did you lower the yokes and slide the forks up? I just had all new Nitron suspension fitted and find the bike even taller! 5’8’ here 🙁. Bar reach is a bit much for the short arms too!

how did you get your motorcycle license? is it the Uk one?

“Think BMW”. Gloss black with a double white stripe around each side of the tank? Like the R18 first edition and all ancient BMWs?

I wonder if you’d be interested in the Thruxton RS? Seems to be what you want.

Torn between this and an r9t. Do you have any experience with the bmw?

White with red and blue strips? Is my guess

Have you tried the Kawasaki z900rs by any chance? I am torn between that and the speed twin?

how is your custom paint job coming?

good one ,, please no grey or black ;;; i think if i started biking again i would have one of these ,; punchy mid range , sit up position and good looks ,. i hope people will realise that these are your views on your bike in your time and and just enjoy the video rather than criticise . also most bikes [ to save money ] are made for people under 6 ft ,, so opinions on riding will always vary due to riding postures ..

I too don't like super loud bikes. Some people think a bike sounds good just because it's loud. That's stupid.

It's gonna be blue like the Street Twin 22 model, no?

Hi Rocketman, loving your reviews 👍 Where in the Algarve are you? I live near Tavira 😎

What do you do during the run-in?

Have you tried to bring the weight down? Exhaust, catless, battery....

It's a zippy, zippy thing! I ride the southern California freeways. 80-90 most of the way. It likes to go fast.

Motorcycles without fairings and windshields are never fun over 60 mph/100 kph. Am I wrong?

If you want to lose 15kg put in a tec 2-1 exhaust. It would be too loud for you though

I must point out your table does incorporate ratings to not only half a point but all the way to 1/100 of a point. Get my point? :)

Best vehicle during a zombie epidemic...

Didn't see your previous video but I agree. The honda is terribly dull! And anyone who buys it is too, just science! They are so many better options

Speaking about the exhaust and the sound. I personally hate the exhaust tips that came stock. The sounds to me is just fine. I’ve ordered the predator pro exhaust slip-on’s, and the ever so important DB killer inserts from British Customs. Perhaps a DB killer mod is in order?

Hi, I'm nosing around for my next bike, and prefer the torque-laden ones. Had a BMW R Nine T a few years back which was good fun ! This one came on my Radar, and I'm thinking of giving it a go. The only thing visually I don't like about it is the exhaust - that odd black end cap really looks out of place. I've read that Triumph used to fit an optional V&H pipe and it looks great and sounds pretty good too (I'm assuming it's road legal as Triumph dealers sold it). Have you ever thought of that ? The only other question is have you had a pillion on the back (any thoughts on comfort) ? Thanks for the vid !

I don't see a z900rs on your list...

….NT1100 is dull of course! Why not saying the truth? Doesn’t mean that’s a bad bike at all though… but that’s a different thing.

Think BMW...I might have an idea what you are going for.

Please take those tacky carbon fiber parts off that gorgeous retro Triumph. They totally spoil the faultless looks of the Speed Twin. Thank you!

Get a Kawasaki Z900 RS SE than