Hahah I thought that in the edit. She probably won't watch it anyway... But seriously she's pretty light but I've ready many reports that you need to jack the preload up to max if you've got anyone of any weight at all on the back.
At least it's not "Sorry it's wobbly, I need to get used to the extra weight" when maneuvering the bike in a parking lot... coincidentally it was our last date so...
I have 4000 miles on mine and absolutely no complaints. This is my 52nd year of motorcycling and I consider the one of the best all around bikes Ive ever owned or ridden. I use it for transportation and sprinting around on county roads.
Nice video, thanks. I generally agree with your comments. I've had my 2016 Street Twin for 3 years, and I very much like it. I tried and almost bought the T120, but decided that a little old guy of my size and age (65 kg, 69 years) would be happier on the smaller ST, and I do not regret my decision. To me, the stock ST's biggest deficiency was its poor rear suspension and its lack of adjustability, which gave a very harsh ride on some of our potholed highways here in Wisconsin. I recently replaced the rear shocks with a pair of Fox units, which allow 5 levels of preload and, more importantly, 25 levels of damping. At US$750 they were not cheap, but they are worth the price. I agree that better brakes and a 6th gear would be nice, but I'm still pretty happy with this gorgeous, torquey, nimble bike, and certainly would not trade it for any of my 7 previous bikes..
Each bike is made for specific kind of riding. If your own bike lacks in some things, It is so important to know and recognize it. As you said... You have bought this bike for a specific purpose. And for you...the good outweigh the bad. THAT is what counts! There is no such thing as the "perfect motorcycle". And your bike is beautiful! Ride safe my friend.
Excellent points... you could get the little brackets on the subframe for holding disc locks. Nice to see some proper vlogging... it’s a dying art. Tbh!
That’s a good point. I’m going to see if my tail tidy opens up a tiny bit of space under the seat as I’ve heard the motone one does. But otherwise might look at options like frame mounts or one of the smaller Kriega bags
@@motobob can we put a bigger tank to our ST ? What bike would you be recomend me for long trips...i'm 5'4" ....a Guzzi V7 has plenty range and 6 gears but its not reliable......yamaha bolt is reliable but a 3.2 fuel tank...im not rich to buy a road king....and not tall enough to buy a used V Strom 1000 cc ....i like classic triumphs and naked.....what do you recomend to me to buy ? Give me please a idea.....thanks for be online and put yours ideas for us
Brakes: braided lines. Extremely informative review. The best I've seen about this bike. I love the London setting. I miss it. I have subscribed. Who the hell gives this a 'thumbs down'?
I have ridden lots of bikes .. I chill , I go fast , I go faster all depending on my mood .. the Street twin does it all without me getting in trouble..... PS an old friend of mine used to out run fireblades on a GN250 .. he was awesome at corners :-)
I have a 2012 Bonneville SE, didn't come with a TACH so I added an aftermarket TACH because I wanted one. Now that I have it, I have to say that I didn't really need it. It shows me what I already knew. Low end torque, no need to rev the engine. Love your videos and the ride through London!
Hi Guys. i'm in Northwest Arkansas USA. We have some of the best motorcycling roads in the world with almost no traffic. I've got 4200 miles on my 2017 Street Twin. I also have a 1970 Tiger 650, and have had the first Hinckley version as well (the 100th anniversary Bonneville), and many other triumphs in the past including TT models and Tridents. I feel like the Street Twin is the best Triumph I've ever had. Plenty of power, handles great, light, and good looking as hell. I have a Vance and Hines scrambler pipe, no cat, bash plate, fender eliminator, led lights, and it came with a bench seat, but I put a stock one on. I ride all over the hills and curves of the Ozarks with it. Yes, it is small for an interstate bike, but fun as hell for what I do.
Actually I did find the stocker more comfy. it doesn't spread your legs apart as far, also its padded a little more and covers the frame rails on the side. Kinda like it was made for it. The Brown brat seat looks cool when I go hang with the young guys, but I'm in my 60s and like the comfort of the stocker most times.
Fair review of some of the more negative points. The steering lock was fiddly in the first week. Now I do it without thinking, it is very easy. Weakest point of the bike is motorway riding. All the power is down low, after about 60-70, there is lack of strong pull. Great street bike for round town and a hoot on winding country roads, bags of personality. Brakes: Someone else on here said it, this bike has a very effective back break. Use rear break first, then front - it becomes second nature. It could do with a second front disk but more back breaking. Built to a price: I agree and for the money you get a great. Best bits of the bike - the torque, easy handling, styling.
Cheers Christoper. Will give it a bit more of the back brake and see how I get on. At least with the ABS you can give both brakes a good pull without fear of locking up
Sorry, final crumb of waffle..luggage. As a cyclist of 30 years + I've never understood why anyone would take any weight when the frame can. Added risks too if/when falling off. I appreciate it may be down to aesthetics but the Olive LHS pannier looks great to me and the fastening rail doesn't hinder also fitting the grab rail which a plus. I also liked the Olive small tank bag but appreciate horses for courses. IMHO just no to a topbox on such a wonderfully styled bike.
This bike is high on my list for something different, smaller and fun around town. But I’m afraid of buying it and hating it after a week. I’m bored with most naked Japanese offerings now but they might have fewer drawbacks. I don’t know if the Street Twins personality and character is enough to redeem its shortcomings for me.
Try a Ducati Scrambler - a little less looks but more performance with engine / brakes/ suspension - the 0-80 is like immediate with much less weight . so one has to be a bit more on notice .
MOTOBOB - No doubt you won't regret it's a nice ride I thought it was very nice but a bit eager for me at 64 ,it was more comfortable for opening up on a good moving less congested situations. But the suspension and braking // power is outstanding.Looks subjective. Cool runnings !
With you on the Top Box, very ugly, you should consider a seat bag, that simple straps round the seat, so easy to remove when not needed,. Waiting for someone to come up with a nice brown or karkey retro bag for the classic bike's.
You’re spot on ray - been looking for some retro bags myself but can’t seem to find them. Something like a canvas bag but with modern quality of straps and waterproofing
I rode an er6n for three months, excellent bike but it just did what it did nicely, has a great growl on acceleration, is light and nimble, just slightly boring.
Hey mate, good vid. If you bought the bike new then give those brakes a chance to bed in. I've had a heap of new bikes and the brakes on the all of them were shocking when new, sometimes taking up to 3000 miles before they get good. As for the soft suspension etc, its not a performance bike so you get non-performance bike bits on it. I wouldn't spend big upgrading parts because it simply isn't worth doing. Good luck with it.
Cheers Jamie. Yeah I get what you’re saying about the suspension etc. By the time you’ve spent all that money you could have just bought a thruxton r. I’m definitely gonna spend my money on customising it aesthetically first as most of my riding is in town anyway so can’t really make the most of performance mods
Howdy from California! Really liked this review - even though I’ve already bought a Street Cup. But I did that for exactly the reasons re: the lack of tach that you mention. I just wanted one. The storage space problem has yet to be resolved, however, sadly. Anyhow, thanks for a great vid!
Thanks for the kind words on both vids scotty. Street cup looks like a great bike too and it would be great to have the tach. Wonder if it’s possible to put the street cup clocks on the street twin... would assume so!
MOTOBOB Hi again! Still digging your videos! But yeah, from all I’d been able to tell from the forums etc., the headlight unit and mount are totally different on the Twin. This means putting the Cup’s gauge pack on is quite a bother. What I don’t get is why Triumph didn’t just use the Bobber’s gauge? Cost cutting, I suppose. In any case, loving my new bike - but wish I could store a lock :/
Quit crying that a top-box doesn't go with the bike (your vanity is the problem, not the bike's appearance). People do what's necessary for function. Whiners about appearance shouldn't be crybabies when bikes get stolen or items you've left unsecured get stolen.
Watched couple of your videos. Seems like you are riding in really heavy traffic, small streets. 900 cc street twin is quite a over kill for that. A 150 cc motorcycle should do the job. In India there are many 150 cc motorcycles which would perfectly fit the need. They have fuel economy of about 40 kmpl. Reaches speed of 100kmph too. Not sure if you similar motor cycles there. Check this motorcycle v15.
Arul Baluchami Which is why I don't understand Harley Davidson thinking they will actually sell bikes in Europe. Do they think some dude is going to buy an Electra glide in that traffic?
Harley sell tonnes of bikes in Europe - sales doubled since 2005 in Germany alone. Maybe not Electra Glides but they sell other bikes.@@angry-white-men
Enjoying your videos !! one thing pull me a bit away from Triumph is reliability !! placed in worse after Ducati & BMW ? Did you encounter any issues ?
If you ever get the opportunity to ride one of the old Bonnies as a comparison, I'd be interested to see what you make of it. That's not the old oil cooled one but the ancient Meriden 70's or 80's type. I had a go on one years back and it was "an experience".. Regarding the brakes... change the pads for a semi-sintered type, swap the cables for braided and service the pistons and callipers etc. Sometimes just a change of fluid can make a huge difference.
Interesting Christian. I had thought about the fluid as the initial pull seems a bit spongy which could be air in the hoses. I'll try to get round to it soon, but I would have hoped that the dealer gave it a good check before I bought it. You're right that would be an awesome video to compare the old and new. But I've no idea how to swing myself a ride on an old Bonnie. I think there's a vintage bike club here near where I live but I don't think anyone would lend that sort of bike! I hired an Enfield in India last year - I guess there'd be some similarities?
900cc bike only good around town? I ride a tu250 and granted it's s**t for motorway or touring, but plenty good for town or country, up to about 60mph. You are way too spoiled. I would give my left nut for a Triumph.
Great video, have the same bike, I have a couple of MT501 Givi side bags and I can say they are not a bad choice for extra space. Definitely better than a top box.
I am not a bike rider. But when you want an easy upgrade for brakes on a car, use braided stainless steel brake flex hoses. They do not expand when the brakes are applied. Relatively cheap and very easy to install. Do not know if a change will invalidate the warranty. Harder pads can be a way to go, it is not only wear of the extra disc wear to think about. These days there are many types of pads, Non-metallic, Semi-metallic, Ceramic with various gradings of hardness in each type. Some will wear the disc out quicker, some pads will wear quicker. Some pads will take time to get up to working temps, others will not be good in certain weather conditions as others. You should find something that is suitable. Being a Triumph you have said nothing about the oil leaks yet. Ok I will get mew coat.😉😂
Haha. Hoping leaky triumphs are a thing of the past! Thanks for the advice on the brake lines though. I’ll probably switch them over when the weather’s good enough to get outside for long enough to do it
How have you found the finish on yours? I gave mine a coating of ACF just in case and cannot see rust anywhere body wise. The chain on the other hand has made me up my maintenance game compared to my previous bike (05 SV650). Was a bit disappointed to have it rust so quickly but it was only surface and cleaned up nicely with some tlc. I’m using Muc-off extreme wet weather lube which was fine on the last bike, might change it to a wax base for the summer. What about yourself? Just completed 2 days riding and camping along the south coast-coped fine with everything strapped on and the road speeds there suited it! First day I had it I went from Guildford to Newcastle-but if a trial by fire but so much more comfortable riding position than the last one!
Yeah exactly the same - the chain rusted really quickly in winter. Otherwise the finish is decent. The headers and those little air intake covers have both tarnished quite quickly but should clean up ok. I’m hoping to do a couple of longer trips this summer too - looking forward to riding on some country roads as I’m mainly in the city in the week
I found the same thing with my Thruxton's suspension. Works very well unless I hit a sharp bump. Doesn't even matter how big it is. I think the compression damping locks up a bit when the shock moves too fast. I bought an aftermarket set of shocks and they behave the same way.
I went with Wilburs. I did not go with the fully adjustable. They look too modern for the bike. I went with the touring setup as the distributor says the sporty ones are really stiff. The Wiburs are nice and I now don't have to remove the exhausts to change the pre-load when my wife rides, but the ride didn't change much. Both the stock and the Wilburs work great hauling ass around corners or over slower road undulations, but feel exceptionally stiff hitting anything with a sharp edge. Personally, I can't recommend spending that kinda coin for these, but there maybe something out there that provides that magic carpet ride we all desire. Just may cost an arm and a leg to find it.
Latest cfmoto 650 mt £.5400....less if you get naked...mine 2013 ..5000 miles was £2000...ps I do own yamaha tdm 900 even better for big trips...etc...
Thanks Nathan - I don’t know if I’d recommend this bike for long distance at speed. Personally I’d opt for something with a screen and a bit more power and gearing. What other bikes did you have in mind?
Thanks for replying. To be honest, I'm doing my motorcycle lessons now, as I'd always wanted a motorcycle. Have just turned 40, so now is a good time. Watching your videos, I don't understand 70% of the terminology you use, so reading up on all things related. I have an electric moped at the moment (www.niu.com/en/n-series/) so I think I have balance and confidence in traffic sorted. Regarding the Triumph, have always wanted one - saw one in a film many years ago and decided on that type of motorcycle. Congratulations to the new addition to the family (the baby I mean, not the Street Twin) :) Keep up the excellent videos
Ah cool! Yeah the triumph will be a bit heavier than the scooter but if you’ve got good balance then you’ll be fine. You can always add some accessories like panniers and a screen to make it more distance friendly, then maybe you can have the best of both worlds. Anyway thanks for your kind wishes on the baby and also for your kind words about the vids - much appreciated 🙌🙌🙌
Having owned 3 aircooled Bonnevilles and a Scrambler I truly see no advantage to the 900 liquid cooled. It's new, it's the latest but an older 790/865 is brilliant.
I was tempted by the Bonneville SE as there are a good amount knocking about used, but it wasn’t much more to go for the street twin so it didn’t make sense to get the older bike. That said I’ve not ridden the air cooled bikes. What’s better about the motor?
water cooling it's something inevitable for years to come, these euro regulations about emissions restrictions are only getting harder and harder to achieve. so i guess it made sense for triumph to just embrace it and do there best to design a cool engine with that vintage look, and they did.
Couldn't agree more, I've got an air cooled Scrambler and they're bomb proof. Fitted a 3 pot Nissin calliper from a Honda on the front and this improves the braking no end. Twin Bitubo shocks on the rear and progressive springs up front, sort out the suspension. Wouldn't part with it for anything.
One advantage I can think of immediately is you can brake a lot harder on loose metal/ wet roads on a street twin than a non ABS bike. I've tested it, going back to non ABS can be tricky initially.
Excellent footage and commentary, thanks MotoBob. Ok, so cards on the table I haven't even got my full licence yet but did spend yesterday prepping for my Mod1 on a Suzuki SV650 round E London (with an instructor of course! Jason from LMT/Scooterden - simply excellent). I've been fantasty shopping (like one does) for a LONG time and recently had my attention swayed from the much-lauded RE 650s to the Street Twin (of which I would be getting a 2016 dealer bike with the Triumph 1-year warranty, c.£5.5k which seems a very good deal. I prefer the looks overall). Like you I'll be town riding mainly and putting the g/f on the back occasionally (coincidentally her cycle commute follows much of your route above so as and when, I'll give you a nod if I see you en route if chauffeuring!). I thought the TEC parts, mods and cam conversion video fascinating (must get out more...), particularly the bit hinting Triumph restricts the engine to combat competitiveness over their 1200! Adding the performance mods that bump it up to 70bhp of fuel booster plug, camshaft, Rebel 2-1, DNA filter, front and back shock upgrades comes to £1,072. George TEC mentions doing a video for a front brake upgrade but none I can see and as your dad wisely said, upgrading on the single will wear the disc out quicker but with that extra power it seems a better front brake system would be needed. Aware that this starting to perhaps turn the bike in to Triggers Broom (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LsxwLutKyaA.html ) but with the mods taking the spend to £6.5k for a beautifully styled bike with enhanced performance seems an unbeatable and attainable combo. Bimey...that was a waffle! Better crack on with some more training...
Pretty sure Jason taught me too! Good times. Yeah there's plenty you can upgrade... it's fast enough in stock form though for town duties. It mainly feels a bit weak at motorway speeds but if you're not doing much of that, it won't bother you. If you're getting one, just ride it for a few weeks maybe and then decide what mods you think it needs? that said, I love planning mods so I can see why you might get a bit trigger happy :) Good luck with the rest of your learning!
@@motobob Agree about potential for trigger happiness. Spent money on a Scout I had on stuff that didn't fix the fault, in the end, I couldn't fix, it's lack of cornering ability. Should have spent ALL the money on suspension and modifying a 4x4 lift kit so I didn't have to dismount every time I approached a corner. Got a 2016 Street Twin and added x pipe and larger front sprocket, affixed old 70's style badges and knee grips on the tank. Stock pipes so far and had been waiting for the nod from tec for the cam.
I've got cfmoto Chinese copy of er6 what a brilliant bike better looking than er6 obviously quality lacking in some places but they are good value...still think your street twin be good for London ...cheers dave..
Nice video. Does your bike buzz through the bars at 70ish? Mine seems to and I’m sure it didn’t when I first got it. Totally agree about the fiddly steering lock!
Cheers! 🍻 yeah the steering lock is a fiddle but easy when you know how. Not noticed the vibration at 70 but I haven’t done much motorway riding. Will keep an eye out for it
Soggy brakes? - Before throwing money at it, change the brake fluid and bleed it thoroughly. Even if the bike is new the fluid used is often old stock and may have water got into it, and air because it wasn't bled properly. For a bike of that weight, twin discs or 4-pot, you don't need both. Twin pot single will do the job well enough if it is working properly. Change the brake fluid and use a brand new tin.
Hi dave here.. I had a 2012 bonneville good bike but living oop north I travelled quite extensively on Lake land roads etc and to say front brake n suspension was absolute... POO.. is a understament..so obviously its no better now.!!!..recently found your ch..good crack..
Haha cheers Dave! I’ve not had chance to ride the bonnie that preceded it but I’ll try to at some point as I think it would make an interesting comparison. Did you bother changing the pads on your bike to see if it made a difference?
Motobob, the guys at tecbikeparts.com said the cam is the most restrictive part. They do suspect it was put in as a more controlled way to take power out than say the ecm. Being that the ecm can only remove so much. Also, they are working on a cam to help give the bike closer to the same power as the 1200 motor. It doesn't require a tune either. I believe to the best of my memory, that with minor bolt ons and the cam the 900 had the same power as the 1200. Now for me, I am a street cup fan. I love the look of it. The thruxton is nice and so is the Bonneville 120. But for me, I'd rather spend a little on the cup and make it the performance I wanted than buy a bike I didn't want. The cam is $350 us dollars. But at tec they said it would be significantly lower when they go to casting the cams instead of fully machined ones. Just something to think about I guess. Thanks for the vids. Keep it up!
Yeah the cams sound super interesting. I think I’ll wait til my bike’s warranty is up and the cast versions are available before I take the leap tho. Thanks for all your thoughts :)
Just need to find out what Japanese bike has a Nissin caliper that fits then buy an as new one from Ebay. I junked useless Kawasaki 6 pots for Suzuki 4 pots some years ago, great result.
I know what you mean about the top box but I also don't want to ride with a backpack all the time. I like to have a safety kit and portable tire repair kit. I'll end up going with a diy rack and top box but atleast one that suits the look of the bike.
It's a tough call cos they're so practical and the wife likes something to lean on a little when we've hired bikes with a top box. But I want to keep the bike looking clean and don't mind the backpack too much. Would help if I didn't have to use all those locks everywhere I go...
@motobob when you went with the dual sport tires, did you have any problems with clearance with the stock mud guard? I’m really digging your vids. Thank you for posting all this stuff.
I've done 8,000 miles on my Street Twin, as for the braking, try reverse braking, putting the rear brake on first, and then the front, also when cornering fast ,apply the rear brake.No worries with having ABS. I've removed the Cat. and had the bike remapped with the Vance H tune for the Scrambler at the dealers, leaving the standard exhaust on, greater sound and better performance, Fitted the front Tec progressive springs and adjusters, slightly lowering the front end, now waiting for the modified camshaft.
Almost certainly will get the decat and v&h tune. How much did the dealer charge for the remap? Thanks for the tip on TEC springs. Seems like good value
Also one item need be improved as the wiring and cable too short and make some problem in circuit. And hopefully may triumph co will see you clip and many comment here.
MOTOBOB Don t sure that you will get my point. If you see the frame support head lamp in the left hand side. The corner of frame support will be hit and press the main wire once you are turning at the end position. So once always moved as usual daily the wire is will damages.
We have 3 Triumph's newest being a 2005 Thruxton. Really do feel triumph are taking the piss with their latest classic (Made in Thailand) bikes. Crap brakes and suspension averagee performance. Over priced
Great video really enjoying your channel. Love the street twin looks amazing. I’ve just got a Ybr for committing its great saving me lots of money. I’d like to see a video on the gear you wear you boots jackets etc don’t you get cold or wet riding around London. Keep the videos coming.
Cheers FB. Yeah perhaps I’ll do a vid on gear although I don’t use much special in the winter. I tend to just suffer through it with a couple of extra layers
Around town the twin is better cos the peak torque is at 3k revs. The er6 was more fun on the B roads etc, but the power comes in at about 7k revs. You don’t really get up to those revs in the city
Change the pads on my SS Impala and it made all the difference in the world there's disc in the front and disc in the back and I can actually stop on a dime and give you back $0.09 worth of change
Yeah man the tascam in the pocket with Sony lav mic clipped onto the chin curtain in my helmet. Just have to remember to clap your hands before you start vlogging to make it easier to sync the audio before you edit.
Wow, so harsh. I love my ST but mine is a 2021 and I think it got the power boost in between our model years. I take mine on the highway all the time, but I do agree it shines as a city bike. Looks super cool too, especially when lined up against all the plastic Japanese sport bikes.
I rode an '01 Hinckley, Bonneville. I've been a MCist for more than 50yrs. Both "Red Renna" + "The Captain" know my texts. I'm a Grandpa. MCs were my life. MCs can be VERY important. They still are, to me. Captain Rambunctious is going to sell "Thruxty." Go there. Get it. Tell him I sent you. John Spencer Long Beach, Ca USA 😎
If you want to ride like a car, ride in a car! Who gives a toss about respect from car drivers. Since the first 2 times I got knocked off when I was young, I treat ALL other vehicles like they are out to kill me and ride accordingly. Seems to have worked for the last 40ish years.
Thanks for your feedback. What about the tires ? Do you trust the Pirelli under the rain? I’ve heard a lot of complains about them. I’m a daily rider in Bruxelles, and the weather is the same as in London...
How about final drive gears? I have some of the same issues with my XG750 Harley, but as I bought used and got a great price this allowed me to make reasonable upgrades.
Well, I did add progressive rear shocks that raised the height and smoothed the ride. Plus they are black that looks cool. I went with steel brake lines. I added a slip on muffler, stage 1 intake and a Vance & Hines fuel programmer. The Harley is belt drive, this is my first. I adjusted the belt (too tight) and this smoothed out low speed acceleration. All and all not bad. The bike had 30 miles on a 2017. The first owner paid 8500.00 and sold it to me for 5000.00.
I had that in mind a little, but it’s not the only reason as the er6n was low miles for its age so I could have ridden it til then and got plenty more use out of it
MOTOBOB it's anonying because my bike is 2006 with low miles as well. But I believe most bikes made in 2006 do meet the Euro 3 requirements, but not sure if TFL care about that as they state any bike before 2007 will face the charge. Need to find out otherwise I'll have to get another bike. Hopefully it's a case of just proving to the DVLA and TFL that my bike is compliment so it's on the system.
I think they’ll just stick to the 2007 rule because it’s simple to enforce unfortunately. Hope for your sake they’ll let you skip the charge tho because it basically means selling your bike if you ride into town every day for work. Would be about £250 a month or something wouldn’t it? You could get a panigale on a pcp deal for that!
MOTOBOB haha yeah you could definitely get a panigale for that. Plus by 2021 the proposed plans are for the whole of London to be affected by Euro 3 I believe... Ah I literally just got this bike as well, so will have to sell it already ffs lol. NC700x in red is my next bike I think.
I just purchased a new 2018 T100. Love it. I will use it as commuter and weekend short touring. I also subscribe to Stewart Finnamen. (Not sure of spelling) and he has some excellent modification suggestions.
@@motobob I prefer the Street Twin for ergonomics, but the ER6n was relatively problem free. The Triumph, in 2.5 years, has broken down more times than even my 350 cc Enfield did in 15 years! All sorts of sensors stop working, and given our after sales in Bangalore isn't too reliable, you find yourself looking everywhere for some good service. The Kwacker was waaaaaaaaaaay more reliable. In 32000 kms, not a single thing to complain about.
@@arijitchief Jeepers. You not using it as a surfboard in your leisure hours? 2 years of ownership and no problems whatsoever. Couple of factory recalls, but no breakdowns.
Update .. now they are well bedded in .. the squeal / grinding from the old pads has gone and they are working really well . Initial bite is nice , apply more power and they are perfect , lots of feel .. can still get the ABS kicking in ...if I pull really hard :-)
So as it turns out, I've got a Street Twin I'm going to ride once I pass my test. I've already bought the Free Spirits floating disks and four pot callipers front and rear, as well as the TEC progressive suspension front and rear. I also got the TEC cam whilst I was there, but I won't be fitting this until I get used to the bike. All of the bits arrived this week, I'm not sure if I should fit them this weekend, or wait till I've ridden it at least once with the stock bits just so I can appreciate the improvements. But then, if it's not much better, I'll cry over how much I've spent on upgrades and not achieved anything! So I might just fit them and live on in blissful ignorance. EDIT: I should add - if you did buy the T120, your insurance would be more, and then, you'd have a bunch of other mods you'd want to make, so you'd just go and spend just as much on upgrades. The Thruxton probably has everything it needs, but then it's a much more expensive bike that's designed for a Sunday blast rather than an every day bike.
Great review. Test rode the Street Cup loved it. Would have no problem with engine performance or handling. I like the look of the single disc on this bike but would definitely put a 4 piston caliper on. A 900 cc bike can sure be more than just a town bike!
Cheers splodge. Yeah the four pot seems like a good shout. There are a lot of pricey conversion kits out there but wondering if it can be done a bit cheaper with the right parts
You may already have done this, but have you considered Kriega for your luggage requirements? Whilst not cheap, they have a stealthy subtle look that would match the bike and could be stowed in the rucksack when not in use. I'm thinking the 5 or 10 litre rear mounted dry packs which would accommodate your disc locks, chains etc, and are quick to attach/remove. Good luck with the mod dilemmas, (decent brake lines can make more of a difference than is first imagined), enjoying the postings and looking forward to how it unfolds.
Cheers Dyll. I’ll take a look into it - they certainly look the part. But I’ll run into the same problem again when my mrs starts commuting with me again after maternity leave is over. Good shout on the brake lines. Might give it a go
straps on the frame and has a grippy mesh on the bottom I just tie it straight onto the cover don't have to take it off.i imagine it would be even better on a twin?......ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BwHNquYly68.html
Ah, yes, sorry, forgot about your other half. I have used one of Kriega's bag harnesses on the tank, though I would recommend a more dedicated tank bag if you adopt that solution. Arguably, a rear rack may spoil the overall look, but I think Tec Bike parts offer one for the Twin (along with a number of other tempting add ons) which would seemingly meet your needs, personal aesthetic preferences aside.
Don't go with TEK rear shocks. Look at the Hagon shocks. As for the front, to me the progressive springs are half-arsed. I think Ohlins has a cartridge that fits the new Bonnies. I know I can't get them for my '03 T100 :(
I've had issues with mine. I got it mid-August 2018 and within the first three weeks it has shut off four times while doing speeds above 30 mph and giving it throttle (once almost got ran over). I currently have it at the dealership and they are trying to figure out what's wrong.
2019 models are up it comes with bump in hp and with a Brembo brakes what do you think about those. I like ur comments I'm lost between a street twin, the z650 or the street triple. Ride safely.
I made a video about the 2019 Street Twin - check my channel page. Think it looks good, but it still won't be anywhere near as fast as the other two bikes you're looking at. Cos I live in town, the Street Twin is perfect. I love the style, the look, and the torque. But if I lived on the twisty roads, I'd probably go for the Street Triple. I used to have an er-6n, so basically the same as the z650. Such a great bike to ride but I personally don't like the looks so much of the new bike.
Interesting points, I wanted more performance and better brakes so went for the street triple, and although not perfect I absolutely love it. Ps I though that having to push the key before turning it was a fault but obviously not, just a little annoyance!
Haha me too until I read the manual! Yeah I was surprised that the base street triple was near enough the same price as the street twin. Seems like a lot of bike for your money!
MOTOBOB I've don't the tail tidy using the NRG led kit, replaced the front indicator lights with the NRG fork leds, painted my tank and replaced the mirrors with lane splitters. Just some basic changes for now. It's become a bit of a hobby though so as you said in your video, I have to be careful not to invest to much that it brings the cost up to a thruxton hehe.
True! Although chances are that if you bought a thruxton you’d be modding that too! The NRC fork indicators look awesome... I’m trying to decide between those and some motogadget m-blaze pins mounted on a radiator bracket
MOTOBOB hahha that's definitely true. Yes the motogadget one looks awesome. We didn't have it available here in Australia though upon the release so I got impatient and bought the NRG.
Hagon shocks seem to be a good upgrade as well as Tec, I think Tec do a rack that's a lot better and cheaper than triumph, so maybe a top box is the way to go. All the 900 Bonneville's seem to suffer with the single disc brakes, triumph should get there act together and put a twin disc setup on as standard like they have with the new bobber black, and while there at it how about a centre stand ,
Centre stand would be useful as there's nowhere to mount bobbins for a paddock stand. Fortunately I've got a paddock stand with little L shaped brackets that just lift from under the swingarm, but it's not the most sturdy unit. TEC seem to be putting out loads of great mods at really reasonable prices compared to the rest. Great to see!
Bad point the clutch cable is trapping the wiring harness on the steering head, remove the cable and place behind the harness ,freeing the harness to move
