Triumph T120 vs Triumph Speed Twin - Which Should You Buy?! 

Both.

Which one has less insurance? My 2018 street triple is expensive.

@@jbean530 I don’t think there’s anything in it when it comes to insurance, my T120 up for renewal soon and will cost around 600

I'm 6'2" so the Speed Twin is probably not an option.

@@MrJohnnyorange T120 is for sure that bit beefier and planted

I have had both and agree with your observations, especially the grunt and the muck spreading...😅

Same here. Totally agree. I am lucky enough to have both and other than engine they are different bikes. ST= solo fun around town. 120 = wife on back going for mellow ride.

AGREE JUST LOOKING AT MORE LEG ROOM FOR THE PILLION. . I HAVE A ST900 AND UPGRADE TO THE T120 SOUINDS GOOD.@@loosingparts6159

Perfect timing for the riding season, enjoy Chris!

Nice one man, we’d love to visit Texas one day. Thanks for the comment be sure to stick around for more

Thanks man, stick around for more

Nice one man, be sure to come back and let us know what you get 👍🏻

Lucky guy. Great summary and very much in line with our points. Hope you enjoyed and be sure to sub

Wonderful that you actually bought both. I currently own and ride the Bonneville Bobber, which I am definitely keeping, yet am still very tempted by the T120, in which the engines will be identical.

I also have a 2015 Thunderbird Nightstorm 1700. Brutal beast!!@@winchester92stevebrook44

We’re by no means engine and bike gurus but hope our opinions helped you out

Great comments and tips regarding tube tires and chain adjustments. Looking seriously at these bikes. Thx 👍

Nice one man. Enjoy it be sure to sub for more

Er du fornøyd med sykkelen 1 år etterpå? 😊

With those mods, it must be a sportier ride. I'm not a fan of the pea shooter cans so cone type are good. Sounds like you've got it sorted great.

What about weight, balance , top heavy ?

is it easy to get your hands on spoked wheels that fit well?

Thanks Shaun! A beauty of a machine the Speedmaster, would love to have a go on it one day 🤞

Thanks Anoop, we did actually record the exhaust notes but it didn't make the final cut in the end! T120 has a bit of a deeper grumble and makes unique exhaust pea shooter pops which sound great. The Speed Twin is a bit less grumbly but still very deep tones from the parallel twin, I don't think there's a massive difference between the stock exhausts and the Vance and Hines, doing a decat would create a more profound difference, something we may get around to soon!

In reality when we say performance based we mean it’s just the better performer of the two in terms of speed and cornering. But really both perform great, just different styles of riding, end of the day it’s the same engine. But ye agreed for me (Alex) I just love that matte black old school looks. Glad you enjoyed man

Hi John.I'm Ummming & ahhhhing about next bike maybe T100 or Speedtwin 900 or Speedtwin 1200 think 🤔 T120 might be a tad to heavy. If get a Speedtwin 1200 be second hand though & be later in the year.My body has healed as best it's going to get but much stronger now than when first got Trident 🔱.

@@ruahinesrider Definitely you would enjoy the 1200 Speed Twin. I think your friend from Papamoa has one. If you’re riding regularly as every weekend that would be the go. Hopefully you can get a good deal during the winter.

@@johnmartin7158 It'll be in 3-4 months time when I'll be looking.

Agreed we’d happily take either, both great 👍🏻 be sure to sub for more

Love the street scrambler and learnt on a street triple. T120 is a great choice. Just a solid bike that offers a planted ride with all the power there when needed. Hope you enjoy it and be sure to drop a sub for more 🤘🏻

Nice man, great comment. It’s hard review in some cases because although the differences are somewhat objective they can be interpreted as pros or cons depending what you want as a rider. Interceptor is a cool bike too 🤘🏻. Glad you enjoyed and be sure to drop a sub for more

You seem like a very experienced riding with bigger displacement engines and I'm curious what do you like about Interceptor?

@@muttineni03 Hmm, well, lot of experience over 45 years - /hopefully/ giving me some experience as a rider :-) In my early 20s, when a 750cc like the CB750/4 was considered big and the first superbike 900s appeared, I went to a BMW R90S and barely rode anything smaller until a few years ago in my early 60s! The fashion is for larger and larger capacity. We forget that the useable (sensible, safe) performance of those bikes a fraction of what they offer. Power to weight ratio is fine until you just can't use it over a certain level (it doesn't need to be as big 'as you can make it' unless you're on the race or drag track!). They are generally bigger, heavier... The T120 feels hefty and heavy. The Speed Twin is much better, (considered) light by modern standards - although still quite heavy. The capacity is such that again, you'll rarely be able to use the raw power out of them and they spend a lot of time - as I did with the otherwise superb Z900RS - 'grumbling' along, able to pull from any speed without need for gearchanges and wanting to be given more. That's where the step down to the T100 makes for a more fun and engaging bike. Lower but more interesting power to weight for all round use. Then down another step, the Interceptor needs far more work, more skill to get the best from it. It needs to use most of it's range to make progress, and to get gears right. Challenging, engaging, far more of a riders machine. A great power to weight ratio. It still chatters along calmly when needed for a more relaxed ride. It's air-cooled, simpler all round, handles well with it's Harris designed chassis and is two thirds the price of the T100 or Street (Speed 900) Twin. There's an 865cc kit available to bring it back up if the 650cc disappoints. I debated again on getting the Speed Twin, but bought the Interceptor with a Scram 411 (traded in the Z900RS). Even the 411 has given me enormous fun I'd forgotten a smaller bike can. I had forgotten how engaging the whole lower performance machines are. Downside (and that applies to the Z, the ST and also the Inty) is above the speed limit it gets uncomfortable with no wind protection. For longer trips, I also have a VStrom 650 which is better suited to dual roads with some wind protection. But for single roads, twisties and even back lanes, both RE's are superb. And much as I love a larger bike, I now think 650 is more than ample, probably 'ideal' and bigger is just unnecessary and less fun...for UK roads anyway.

@@davgb7904 I'd love to talk to experienced people like you makes me enjoy my bike mote, I have 2 RE 350 and an Interceptor which is think feels very different compared to single cylinder 350 hunter and pulls easily on any speed and stable on road and I can twist throttle to 4-5rpm just for fun sometimes without vibrations, can't do that on single cylinder, I don't understand power to weight ratio much after getting Interceptor i understand it's a performance machine so looking into better engine oil and aftermarket stuff, but first trying to understand the bike as it's my first parallel twin. I'm not big fan of bigger agressive bikes like z900 as they need better roads and skill which I need to spend more time on, but I'm really interested in Triumph t120 or t100 if I ever feel like an upgrade. I like torque machines i guess.

@@muttineni03 Power to weight is just a simple measure of dividing power by weight to compare machines. T120 is about 79hp and weighs 236kg so 79/236=0.33. T100 comes out at 0.28 and Interceptor at 0.21. A 125hp Gold Wing works out about 0.32, so the T120 just tops it despite being less cc and less hp because the Gold Wing is so heavy. In contrast a light weight, low power two stroke can be a high figure and perform like a rocket, outperforming a T120. In /simple/ terms I think a figure of 0.2-0.25 is a lot of fun without being too boring or too powerful! Out on the road, there's a lot more to it.

Huh?

interesting. I thought euro5 wouldnt take a tune .

Any of these would be a solid first bike choice. It’s what we did. Mirrors were fitted by the dude I bought it off so no idea. You can find a lot of similar options though if you search bar end mirrors T120 into Google. Glad you enjoyed and be sure to sub for more

Thanks man be sure to drop a sub and stick around for more

@@NoPlaceToBe. did the first so along for the ride

@@stanleylawson9015 legend

So managed to get into a dealer to check out these two and for me it’s the t220 in Augean blue and fusion white simply stunning Was wondering if you knew if there’s a difference in weight from say 2019 model to current as current is so light and easygoing? But big price difference between the two

@@stanleylawson9015 I don’t know if there is, would be worth a Google. I doubt there’s any difference in weight and it’s probably more to do with other bells and whistles they’ve added

Both are great options. Thanks man we’re in the Peak District 🤘🏻 be sure to drop a sub for more

Amazing man, enjoy it. Both our gloves are from garibaldi Spain (can get them on a few websites). James’ are black and I have the Tan ones. Good gloves but not great in rain aha. Enjoy mate and be sure to drop a sub to stick around for more vids 🤘🏻

Thanks man glad you enjoyed. Be sure to sub 🤘🏻

Hi mate, glad you enjoyed. I think you would be able to get away with this for sure on either one. especially the 1200cc engines. The T120 is that little bit more “bulky” but the heights are the same. I would for sure go to a show room and check it out in person to see how it feels before deciding which you prefer. Hope this vid helped, Thanks 🤘🏻

Thanks again for the comment Chompy, hope you enjoy the speed twin! 🙏👌

Ye man we completely agree, gotta look cool whilst you do it. Glad you enjoyed be sure to drop a sub 👍🏻

Did the same last year on my ST. Watford - Cherbourg - Tarn - Pyrenees - San Sebastian - Bilbao for the ferry home. Majority back roads and bike was faultless apart from some peeling engine paint, probably the Summer heat.

Nice one man. It’s from a company call motone. The seat is called the “Motone rattler”. They have some sick mods for T120s

Thruxton was a close one for me too. But for sure touring and longer trips it would’ve been difficult hence the T120x Would love a lighter sportier bike to whip out for some days.

The Thruxton isn't at all difficult on longer trips. I have done some real long trips with it. I use the Triumph quick detachable panniers, they work great! The Thruxton would be too cramped for 2 up touring. It's only good for solo touring. With the comfort dual seat fitted it will haul 2, but I wouldn't want to try touring with it. The T120 would be much better for 2 up touring and 2 up riding in general.

Hi mate, thanks for watching and 100% agree with what you’re saying. Both bikes are top, Be sure to sub and stick around, we have loads of vids lined up after what’s been a horrible few winter months

Peak District in Yorkshire is a great little day out, we spend a lot of time there. Be sure to drop a sub and check some other vids out for more 🤘🏻

@@NoPlaceToBe. will do!

Looks like was heading up to bolstersone from lady bower

Ye man like we said you’d be happy with either but the slight differences just add up to different riding styles. Sometimes non sports bikes are more fun too as you are riding them at the high end of their abilities where as sport bikes need tracks etc to fully appreciate. Hope this vid helped Be sure to drop a sub 🙏

Couldn't have said It better ourselves!

Nice one mate, hope this vid helps and be sure to come back and let us know what you think 👍🏻

@@NoPlaceToBe. LOL!! I won a 2023 Speed Twin 1200. T120 is not for me.

T120 has high torque engine, they tend to sound a tad "beefier", also has twin pea shooter exhausts which create a different tone compared to the speed twin Vance and Hines on show here. We've just put an Xpipe on the speed twin and that really helped bring it to life, both sound great 👍

@@NoPlaceToBe. thanks, yes the Pea shooter on the T 120 sounded great. Is it made by Norman Hyde (Pea shooter) or Vance and Hines (Pea shooter) they both make one.

Nice one man. I love it, thanks for watching and be sure to drop a sub 🤘🏻

It’s not it’s the motone rattler seat, they do a lot of custom things for bonnes

It’s the motone customs rattler seat. Really cool brand and have some sick mods

Motone rattler seat. Motone do some really good customs for triumph bikes, deffo worth a look if your into little mods

Both bought second hand, T120 had about 4k miles on the clock. The speed twin only has about 1000 miles on it. We’ve currently done about 10k in two years and both had no issues with them at all. I think most modern cars / bikes tend to be quite reliable these days

It’s the motone customs rattler seat 🤘🏻

It’s probably the heated grips. ST is throttle by wire.

It’s probably the heated grips. ST is throttle by wire.

It is the motone rattler seat. Should be available for shipping. Great seat

That’s so stupid! We love it.

Nice one man, glad we helped, be sure to drop a sub whilst you’re here 🤘🏻

@@NoPlaceToBe. Done 👍

For the most part it is. The main difference is the weight and how the T120 flows around the roads where as speed twin attacks them the bit more. That’s the best way I can describe it

Good question and we can’t answer through trying it out and comparing but I can’t see their been too much of a difference. The T120 is just that bit bigger so maybe handles the weight but I don’t think this would affect it too much (if at all). Not the best help on this one. Test rides would always be the best option

Both are great with pillion and both have a similar size flat back seat, T120 is a little larger and more forgiving though if you're doing lots of pillion journeys. I'd suggest you test them both 👍

Motone Rattler seat

Ahaha believe it or not I did before I left, we were out a about an hour before filming and just managed to get dirty again 🥲