Triumph Speed Twin vs Street Twin: Side-By-Side Comparison 

In all my years of riding, 57 now, I have learned a very expensive lesson. I now never mod bikes now. I have spent time and good money doing stuff when I should have simply found a bike that offered what I was trying to do in the first place , when I swapped out I never got my mods money back and only got market value. These two fabulous bikes are made for two distinct groups of riders everything the Street twin might seem to lack, the Speed twin or T 120 has in spades. I hate riding in snow, but now in Daytona I never have to but there were days coming back from Guilford to London it got testy, but then there was no ABS/Traction control.

It would be interesting to see a 4 way comparison with the T100 and T120 included as well

Great review, you covered all the important differences people would be interested in. I just signed the paperwork on a Rocket 3 GT, can't wait until they get it assembled at the dealer. Love all things Triumph!!

Exactly what I was hoping you’d do! Very helpful. Thank you!

Another really great video. Love your work. Congrats on the little one and moving house!

Nice seeing you back at the garage mate - a welcome little switch up from the on bike stuff! Videos coming thick and fast, long may it continue!

Welcome back to the garage! Congratulations on the second addition to the family! I enjoy these more detailed reviews and comparisons a little bit more than the ones with the video clips from the manufacturer. That being said, the way you review continues to be really well paced and easy to listen to.

A newbie owners summary ... When I test rode both as a newbie back in early June this year they both blew me away. From the school of the "bleeding obvious", both of them are a massive step up from a 125. I bought the Speed Twin. I found the Speed Twin to have more "twitchy" steering than the Street Twin. I guess this is better handling ... The 2019 Street Twin's brakes seemed okay to me. Never tried the earlier ones. The brakes are obviously better on the Speed Twin. I do wonder about the Sport mode on the Speed Twin. It seems slightly gimmicky. I don't believe you get any more power, as far as I can tell it just makes the throttle more sensitive. Rain mode is good when carrying a pillion. Rain mode I believe makes the throttle less sensitive, ABS and Traction control a bit more sensitive, so this seems useful ( as compared to "road"). They probably needed a "newbie" mode for me, dial it down to 50 BHP ! In the 1150 miles I've done on my Speed Twin, I'm getting 56 MPG . So a range of about 180 miles. I'm not a fast rider, I do keep to speed limits :). Worst I've had is 46 MPG, best 66 MPG. I find the range to empty reading somewhat pessimistic. I've calculated it to be about 26 miles pessimistic. This is probably a good thing. I reckon the Speed Twin needs at least a 16 litre tank, instead of 14.5 litres. One annoyance I have, is the kick stand lug is recessed in too far. I'm used to it now, it is a bit fiddly to find. The heat off the engine can sometimes be a bit much, guess I'm going to start appreciating that now its getting colder. One question I was asking back in May to June 2019 before I got one, is the Speed Twin suitable for newbies ? I would now say a qualified "yes", assuming you can get insurance ( this wasn't easy ) The torque makes it easy to ride in the wrong gear. The amount of power available is a bit terrifying for a newbie, so keep it in rain mode at first, and treat the throttle with care. Now if Triumph had made a 64 BHP 900cc Street Twin "R", with twin brakes and twin clocks at a price somewhere between the Street Twin and Speed Twin, I might have bought that. It was the twin clocks and twin brakes and maybe the idea I'd grow into the power that meant I got the Speed Twin. The Speed Twin is still quicker than I probably need, but I do love it :)

I've got a 2018 Street Triple R so got an invite to test ride the Speed Twin from my Triumph dealer, my first impressions were nice looking bike but probably a bit of a plodder, boy was I wrong ,what a bike ,it's like the designer decided he wanted the ultimate naked "A" road blaster, it handles like a dream and even though 96 bhp doesn't sound a lot the 110ish ft/lbs of torque means you can doddle along in 5th gear but just wind on the throttle and you're flying, this bike will give many over confident litre sports bike riders bad days, for the perfect representation of "wolf in sheeps clothing" I can't think of a better example.

Thanks for this video and in gernal your contend. Realy informative!! I am from germany and visited GB this summer with my Street Twin. I had a lot of fun on tour. Everytime i was in a traffic jam in GB i remembered your vids and riding style in London. I had my first legal filtering experiance with very friendly car drivers. Great wishes for your family and alls good with the second little baby

Nice work! I haven’t seen a side by side comparison of the Twins and am sure this will help a lot of people who will be faced with the decision between the two. 👍🏻

Wife has the 2019 Street Twin (the 65hp version) and prefers it to my 2020 Speed Twin. She's a very good rider, so it's not that mine is too tall or too powerful, but more that the Street Twin is just more comfortable (I can't argue with that), and the 65hp variant isn't really lacking in power unless you're used to a modern sports bike. She ripped the cat out of hers, and that also really woke it up in terms of sound and also (measured) power. I don't think the two rides are all that similar, despite Triumph almost billing the Speed Twin as an 'upgrade' to the Street Twin. I think the Speed Twin is more a Thruxton for those who don't want to spend a huge amount of time hunkered down over their tank (unless they really want to), and who want a bit more modern practicality (no wire wheels to keep clean, for example).

I just bought a Street Twin. It gets delivered this coming Monday. I'm stoked! Also, you've got yourself a new subscriber!

Man that speed twin is such a gorgeous bike!

Loved this! The way you look at the speedy at 10:43 says it all! :D

Brilliant vid. I’m in love with that speed twin!

love watching ur vids...honesty above all. keep it up.

Always awesome! 😊. Haven’t seen many reviews discussing differences between these 2 bikes and the T100 & T120 as they all seem similar save power/ finish etc! More after the essential reason for the different bikes really ..

Really well presented dude. Good job.

Both great bikes, nice work MotoBob!

Thanks MOTOBOB !! BEST WISHES for your new baby !!

Son yeah. I have been waiting for some one to cover this!

A good honest appraisal of both bikes, and also the finances to own one relating to ones situation Good one Bob.

I just bought street twin and thats really joyfull

Nice report, and one i can identify with as i traded my straight bar Street Cup for the Speed Twin. The reason being i take my wife pillion, and the Cups single front disc was totally inadequate, so i went for the extra power and braking performance. That said, for solo riding, the Street Cup was an amazing bike around Dorsets lanes, and when i fitted the Street Twin bars, it totally changed the riding style making it much more comfy, and more flickable around the lanes. The Speed Twin gives me the riding style but with much more power for overtaking in short sections.

Super Brilliant reviews as always…. Thanks bro for all your time and efforts .

Great video, thanks MOTOBOB

Congratulations on the 2nd baby!!

I was looking for a comparison between these two just last week, not that I’m even in the market for a new bike right now! Great video, once again. You answered all the questions I had. Love the look of both but I agree, I’d be very tempted by the speed twin if I had to chose.

Really useful comparison - thank you!

The reason why I love this channel..... Every video comes from depth of your heart.... Speed twin 😘😘😘

Speed twin is such a good looking bike, it's impressive they got it lighter despite the second disc and caliper + bigger displacement engine etc

Everything you need to know. Good vid

In the market to buy a triumph and I came across this video of yours. Subscribed! 👍

Thanks. Very helpful as I've seen a Speed Twin and am smitten!

Wow... Two beasts together 👌🏼

Perfect review. Said all that needs to be said. Cheers mate..

I liked the street twin exhaust

I'm trying to decide between these bikes as well, for an upgrade sometime in 2020 probably. I did a demo ride on both of them recently, and I liked the Street Twin more, which was not my expectation. But didn't really get a chance to test them on American highways or with a passenger, so the jury is still out.

Nice clear comparison, good review 👊🏼

I saw the Speed twin in person yesterday and got to sit on it. This is definitely going to be my next bike. I hope they make a lower seat

Great comparison review. Thanks.

I honestly preferred the street twin when I tried them back to back. The speed twin is a sports naked in retro clothing and if I wanted that experience I'd get a monster, MT10 or similar. If I got a retro it would be for relaxing riding and the street felt far more relaxed and keeping with its character. The speed felt snatchy and aggressive at 30mph. Very like my bandit. It felt far better in rain mode, but that defeats the reason for buying it 😕

Speed twin and Thruxton R are so beautiful . Well done triumph . But as a student I have to live with my lovely Honda cb 500 a few more years (not a bad thing I love her) :)

Still great review, loved it as I am thinking of getting a new bike

Very good comparison. Thanks.

Let's make it 100K. Great content

You highlighted some good points nice comparison

You’re motorcycle looks super cool, no need to change. 😎👍🏼

Nicely done comparison!

Currently have a XSR 700 but for my next bike I am looking at T120 vs. Speed Twin vs. Thruxton vs. Street Scrambler, power and handling are my main concern, they all look beautiful. This video let me cross the Street Twin off my list. Would also love a Ducati Scrambler at some point as well.

Thanks for the effort , nice video

Excellent video.

I'm a short rider and the main reason why I'm looking at the street twin instead of the speed is just the seat height, I want to take a pillion and not being able to put both my feed down is not great..

I was lucky found my "new" bike 2 years old at the dealer for less than half new price had 20k on it new tires mint looking finish.... if you can be patient one will present itself... I love my Z...

If I had room for another bike I'd get the Speed Twin, as good as the Thruxton with an easier (better?) riding position

Lovely comparison

Good honest video as ever ... how about a comparison of your street twin vs. Bonneville T100?

Nicely done, thanks.

Nice Vid. I think the Speed Twin would look better with a thicker seat and a longer rear mudguard, would look good in my eyes but i'm old lol.

I just discovered the perfect channel for me

Very informative comparison. One you own, against one on loan is a fresh perspective. 👍🏼 👏👏👏 😎 🇺🇸

Hi Bob, congratulations on the second baby :))))

Speed twin is nice, but i prefer the looks of the street twin. it just looks more old school with that larger front wheel.

Congrats for your second baby. Hugs.

Good one motobob.

hi Bob seen a few of your videos before and have never seen your face, I did not expect you to look like you do, i mean that in a possitve way i just expected you to look like maybe a schoolteacher, great informative professional review once again thanks mate...

Wish I had money to purchase Speed twin, damn it's such a good bike

Great to see them together. All the best with the 2nd baby, my 2nd is 7 months now. If I didn’t have the Tiger I’d def have a Speed Twin 👍🏻

I like the look of the 18-inch front wheel on the Street Twin. The big one is light. I bet it's a good ride.

I'm not surprised you're moving house with that constant hammering going on.😂

I’m seriously considering a Speed Twin. I’m also thinking about a Speedmaster so it might come down to a riding position I can live with.

Another great video. Seriously considering trading in the bobber black for a speed twin.

Two great looking bikes 👌

Quality review/comparison. Thanks. Off down to Carl Rosner now :-)

Wise man, keep the smaller bike and enjoy your kids! There'll be plenty of time for upgrading bikes in the future. All of a sudden those kids are no kids anymore...Trust me on that one! I don't think it is that long ago I was reading bedtime stories...and now I bought a CB650R for my son. And one for me! Yes, there is a life in all this! Only different, so enjoy what you have!

Another great vid, Bob 👍 I really like the Speed Twin, it was a contender as replacement for my 865 Bonnie and I came very close to pulling the trigger on a new one after taking a test ride. But in the end I bought a KTM SAS to compliment the dry mileage only 865 - they make for a perfect pair....in my eyes anyway. All the best, Andy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

I attended a focus group before the speed twin launched that was clearly about the bike in comparison to the first modern classic range. The room was divided. Clearly there is a market for each. There are things to tempt street twin owners to the speed twin and vice versa. Personally have the street twin and will be sticking to it. But the speed twin always and still catches my eye. I love street fighters and the speed reminds me more of my old street fighter style rides.

What utterly beautiful bikes.

Great vid man, been hoping you would do a vid like this 👌😎 think we have the same views on the matter 😜 maybe one day ( or when my street twin is paid off , 3 years to go lol ) then maybe I'll consider the upgrade , but I'm also really leaning towards the Indian FTR 1200 tracker 👍👍 Plus I have put alot of money into my ST so I do want to hold it to as long as possible 🤔 Also added note , congrats on another baby man 👌👌👌

Hey Bob, odd question but I was curious as to which bike you thought sounded better? I know it’s a 1200 vs a 900 but the 900 sounds so good did Triumph carry that great sound to the 1200 as well? Rob

The Speed Twin will become the bargain of the Century when it drops down to below £8,000 which it will over the winter, they are available close to that now.

Hiya, it’s been a while since you did this vid but the funny thing is I am asking the same questions you were back then. I have had a street twin for a few years. Love it. Now have the money for a speed twin. My main question is…. Will the upgrade bring more or less comfort for my pillion passenger? I guess only a test ride will tell. I had a speed twin for a week while my bike was in for some work a while back and loved it, but was riding solo.

T100 is a truly classic. I never ride a triumph but it seems triumph stands for reliability of daily use machine.

Where’s the new seat gone from the twin was looking at purchasing one hope there’s nothing wrong with it ...

Test ride both...and reached the conclusion that i should buy the T120. I want the relaxed feel of the Street with the torque of the 1200 HP.

Excellent review and perfect timing - I'm trying to decide whether to trade my 2016 street twin for a 2019 model, or uprate the brakes, suspension, exhaust, camshaft... this is another option!

Big Reason I converted my T120 over to alloys with a 17" front rim... The handling is so much better PLUS gone is 20.4lbs of rotating mass. I love the Speed Twin but it is not as functional as my T120 for long distance riding and multi thousand mile Sport touring. Cheers!

For some reason the Street sounds better than any of the other retro Triumphs. The stock pipes sound glorious. The 1200 bikes all sound more muted with the exception of the Scrambler. I can appreciate and enjoy both bikes. Street is very enjoyable for cruising and causal riding, Speed is better for some thrills.

My Triumph Bonneville T100 Black that I have owned since new (four years and six months) returns 400 km per tank full. I ride conservatively with the the occasional burst of speed and cornering. I think that that a 17.5 litre tank would be much better. The Australian Continent is vast and at times I have to stretch the fuel economy to get to a petrol station. We are looking at purchasing a new Speed Twin. I love my Triumph Bonneville T100 Black.

Bought a triumph speed triple rs then had a go on a demo triumph speed twin ended up getting one for me and the wife to go out on as my triumph speed triple not the best bike for two up on but both fantastic bikes

What exhaust is your street twin riding? where can you buy them? they look fabulous!

Nice job, man. Did you make the straight pipe on your bike yourself? Looks cool, I wanted to hear it!

Good video 👍

Hi MotoBob, referring to the Street Twin I notice a very nice double triangular base lantern (darker and more minimal than the regular version). As the lantern itself is different from the regular version. Can you tell me about it please? Greetings from GREECE!

Awesome vid dude, great comparison! Still think the Street Twin holds a good stance of its own, market wise and aesthetically. Speed is a slick machine though..

I also have a street twin. Noticed you had different triangular side covers. Can you please tell me what brand they are?

I have a pair of K-tech rear shocks from my Street Twin and wondering if they will fit the Speed Twin. Anyone know?

Here in my country it is a little warmer. Any considerations about one getting hotter than the other or are both the same at this point?

@MOTOBOB May I can ask which kind of mufflers are on your Street Twin?