Triumph Trident 660 to Speed Twin 1200 - right move? 

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement, Derick. Much appreciated😊

Thanks😊 Feel free to check out some of my other videos.

Thank you :)

Thank you, Pietro :)

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. Glad you enjoyed it😊👍

Thanks, João :)

Thank you, Willy. As always, an encouraging comment that makes me want to make more videos for you all :)

Lucky you, I'm sure you're going to enjoy it, a real hoot :)

Nice comment, as always. Thanks, Martin :)

Thank you, Paul. The Street Twin is a lovely bike and I would have one over the T120, but it's just a little too 'soft' for me. I've heard that you can only get the restricted 48hp version of the Trident in Australia, is that right?

@@RocketMan_Moto Yes, the Trident is only available in restricted form in Australia...but it is slightly different in its level of restriction compared to UK A2. The Aus version is 39.5kw approx 54hp, with a similar torque profile to the unrestricted bike. I guess Triumph Australia are keen to get riders upgrading their Tridents to something else in the range after a year or so. De- restriction is not an option in Aus.

Interesting, thanks for the info. So, there are actually three different versions of the Trident in existence? Must be a bit of a nightmare for the manufacturers...

@@paulb6112 You have to find somebody in Europe that can send you the part for full power.

Thank you, Kurush :) Ride safe!

Thaks, Ross. I’m really looking forward to trying the Tiger 660, too. I think it’s going to be another big hit for Triumph. I can justify the price of the Speed Twin to myself… haven’t told the wife yet😂

Thanks, Nik. We are certainly lucky down here, although it’s been raining for the last 3 days😩 I’ve ridden the Diavel and prefer it to the humongous Rocket👍

Thanks, Trevor

Good move! The Trident is good but it can’t hold a candle to the Speed Twin, which makes you feel as if you’ve got a V8 strapped between your legs! Enjoy👍😊

Haha, thanks. I’m quite happy with the Speed for the moment, but never say never…😊

Wise choice :)

That’s humbling, thank you. But at the same time, I believe you’ve got yourself a cracking bike, so I’m not worried. Enjoy😊

@@RocketMan_Moto Have no fear .. I wish you well.

Thanks, you too

Thanks, Richard. The Trident is a great bike. I only sold mine because they brought out the updated Speed Twin :)

@@RocketMan_Moto thanks for the reply 🇬🇧👍

Haha, yes blue skies here today and I was just watching the rain over Ireland and the UK today… Sorry😬

Hi, what rear suspension did you go for? Can you describe how it feels after the change? Thanks!

Thanks, Mark. Indeed you do :)

Unfortunately

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. They make me want to produce more videos for you all :)

@@RocketMan_Moto please do it, we love watching your videos. Nice content with a voice like yours = quality video.

Yes, one of the downsides to buying a brand new model is that you have to wait months for aftermarket accessories to become available. I would definitely choose the Trident over the Street Twin, which I found a bit too soft. Ride safe :)

Thanks. The Trident/ Tiger 660 are ‘good enough’, but don’t try the Speed Twin, or you’ll end up buying that!🤦‍♂️😂

Enjoy your Speedie👍

@@RocketMan_Moto Everyday! :) BTW, it's a Goldline LE; really a work of art. Looking forward to seeing more videos from you on these amazing machines...

Thanks for your encouragement :)

Thank you😊👍

Thank you! I've heard good things about the Zard exhaust :)

Can't really disagree with any of that. I was perfectly happy with my Trident, until the new improved Speed came along :)

Thanks, Simon. I can agree with all that - pride of ownership also plays a big role; I often find myself just staring at the Speed Twin in the garage :)

Buying a bike and not riding it is like buying the Mona Lisa and not looking at it.

Thanks, Thomas. Yes, the white Trident looks great, less sure about the yellow stripe, but I agree it makes the bike stand out a bit. I can remove the vinyl strips in 5 seconds, though, so I may revert to the factory look at some stage. Hoping to try the Sportster S in a few days, so you might want to stay tuned for that video :)

@@RocketMan_Moto The Sportster S looks cool, but the price is a killer!

I agree. I'll see how it rides hopefully in a couple of days, once the rain has stopped!

Thanks, Lyn. As I said in the video, I'm happy with the upgrade, even if it is an expensive one :)

Thanks :)

Thanks, Pistol. Speed Twin + Panigali V4S = my current dream garage :)

@@RocketMan_Moto indeed!

Thanks, Graham. Agreed - it's more my style, but I haven't told my wife about the price difference yet, lol :)

Wow, 400 miles? You're worse than me, lol :) Over a year later, I'm still just as happy with my Speed Twin and don't intend selling it any time soon. The TORQUE..! Ride safe.

Great bike. Enjoy😊

I completely understand the hoon temptation with the Street and that's more or less why I sold my 2017 RS - I was going everywhere "at 200mph". The new Tiger 660 looks interesting; I'm looking forward to trying it in a couple of months :)

Thanks, Lee. Sounds as if you got yourself a great deal. I had a 2017 RS; awesome machine :)

I agree about the Street Triple being a bit too hard-core, and that's why I sold my 2017 a couple of years ago. The Tiger is a cracking bike; I'm looking forward to trying the new 660 Sport in the new year. You're welcome down here any time, lots of expat biker groups :)

Thank you😊

I agree about the Trident, very sport, zippy little bike. I've never had a problem with the Speed's seat tbh, but maybe you take corners faster than I do, lol. Ride safe :)

Interesting. I remember thinking the Trident's rear shock was intolerably hard when I first got the bike, but it softened up quite a bit as I put some miles on the bike. I also thought my friend's bike (1800km) was also relatively comfortable, compared to my Speed. I think springs need quite a few miles on them before they give their best :)

I hear ya I ended up trading mine to for a Street Triple RS because I found the Trident was so uncomfortable. It's a great bike but I just hated that seat and suspension you're always pushed to far forward against the gas tank and every pot hole feels just like a kick in the nuts. My "boys" just couldn't take the beating no more 😆

Haha, I know what you mean. Not sure if it's the Trident's shock, weird set fabric or just the shape, but I agree the Street Triple is less uncomfortable... and a lot more powerful. Enjoy :)

Thank, Chris :)

It was all rehearsed in advance

Thanks, Andrew. The Speed Twin is without doubt the best bike I have ever owned, so a fabulous present to yourself. Come to think of it, it's probably also in the top 3 bikes I've ever ridden :)

@@RocketMan_Moto Sir, which are the other 2 ? thanking you in advance & anticipation

Probably the Speed Triple 1200 and the Ducati Panigale V4S :)

​@@RocketMan_Moto thanks for replying ... yes V4S is the one i love too. I was looking for my 3rd bike after Duke 390 & Trident-660 and my 3 options (similar pricing) are: BMW R1250R (143Nm, 136HP, 239kg.wet, 800mm seat) Ducati Supersport 950S (93Nm, 120HP, 210kg.wet, 810mm seat) Harley Sportster-S (125Nm, 120HP, 229kg.wet, 750mm seat) Engine/Exhaust sound of BMW is good, but the other 2 is muted/mild (Trident-like, agricultural, if i may say so), not Whistling (screaming/smooth) & Thunderous (Street-Triple & Rocket 3R like) which i love. I don't like the stock-exhaust sound of Speed-Triple 1200, so after-market exhaust is required.

I've always found BMWs slightly boring. I'm trying the Sportster S toward the end of the week, so look out for a new video on that soon.

Absolutely, the Speed Twin is a surprisingly tiny bike :)

Indeed it is! Enjoy yours :)

Have to agree with you on pretty much all those points :)

If you like big torque, go for the Speed Twin😊

Thank you, Carl😊

Lol :)

Thanks, Terry. Richard Trevithick, the inventor of the steam engine +/- 200 years ago :)

Interesting, I hadn’t heard that. I’ve passed your comment on to my friend - the one with the Trident - so thank you👍😊

Haha, that's what we said. I suppose the closest bike we have to a Super Trident is the Speed Triple, but $$$ :(

@@RocketMan_Moto, the Speed Triple is a totally different type of motorcycle though. It’s much more focused on going fast. The Trident is very comfortable and that riding position with a better motor and suspension would be wonderful.

Hmm, I'm not so sure: I was expecting a hyper racer, too, when I went to try the Speed Triple, but was surprised by just how easy to ride and comfortable it is. My friend, the one with the white Trident in this video, is thinking of upgrading to one.

@@RocketMan_Moto, interesting. There was only the prior model of the Speed Triple there. I didn't ride it because I wanted to avoid temptation. I also want a bike which is good for 2 up riding. I did ride the Street Triple. I really thought I would like it but that wasn't the case. The motorcycle is brilliant, but it didn't move me the way the Speed Twin did.

The new Speed Triple is a fabulous to, but a bit too much for an everyday ride, imo. The Speed Twin is a more reasonable choice.

I can justify the price difference to myself. But I haven't told my wife yet... :)

@@RocketMan_Motothat's probably for the best 😁

Lol :)

Yes, I agree. Unfortunately, I don't have a friend with a Street Twin :)

I tried clutchless shifting on another bike and didn't like the sensation, but I imagine you're far more of an expert than I am. Strange that the US has such strange regulations regarding lights compared to the rest of the world :)

Oh yes, I would love a '77 Trident in my garage! I can understand your heartache :(

Great choice - enjoy. I don't regret swapping my Trident at all. That torque is intoxicating :)

@@RocketMan_Moto Definitely. It came down to a choice between the Scrambler XC and the Speed Twin 1200. The T120 wasn't available for test, and the others with the engine are not my style. I do envy your location by the way. I'm in Sweden, so it's locked up from the end of October to maybe March if I am being brave and the snow has cleared!

Ah, but Sweden has some amazing landscapes! I don’t think you would have liked the T120; it’s very soft next to the Speed Twin

I get that, but according to the manual, the ride is softened as you reduce preload. There's also an H (for hard) and an S (for soft) on the adjuster wheel :)

@@RocketMan_Moto which manual? The Thruxton RS has adjustable preload on the front forks, they mark it much better as L and H - low and high preload. Both the Trident and Bonneville range only mention preload in relation to load on the bike as normal, nothing to do with comfort. Why would your shocks be more comfortable sitting further in their travel, e.g 50% as opposed to 30%? If your YSS shocks have adjustable damping H and S make sense but not in relation to preload. If the H and S are really in relation to preload it is only stating it is harder to overcome the initial load on the bike because you have added preload. Here is an example: You have just adjusted where it sits in the stroke. It is there to adjust for different weights. Here is a practical example on a manually adjustable bike. You get on the bike at 70Kg and you have the preload set at X and the shock is sitting 25% in its stroke. You lend you bike to a friend who is 120kg and when he sits on the bike the shock is sitting at 50% of its stroke. That is not good as he has lost too much of his compression stroke travel. So more preload is added to compensate for his extra 50Kg in weight, he winds up the preload X+10 (for example) turns to get the shock sitting back at 25% of its stroke, the same place you had it for your weight but now compensated for his. He gives you the bike back and now the bike "feels" stiffer at the rear, well it isn't, it is just that you need to overcome that extra 50kg of preload he put on the rear shock to get it moving like before, but once you have overcome that 50kg the spring rate is identical, even at differing preloads. Now when you get on the bike you might be sitting at 5-10% of the shocks stroke, no good for the road, you have little rebound travel left and that's not good. So you wind the preload back to X and get your suspension travel back to normal. Preload is just adjusting the shock preload for differing weights to make sure the shock is in a usable part of its stroke for best results.

Lol, I can imagine that was quite a change

Fine machine, although slightly down on power and the high-level exhaust is problematic in hotter climes like the Algarve😊

@@RocketMan_Moto i'm in Aus and once a blue moon ride around in shorts, no prob for me. The newer models do a good job of shielding. Not a prob in summer either, notice a little at the lights but that's it.

Fair enough. I would like to try a scrambler, but Triumph Algarve don't have many demonstrator bikes in at this time of the year. Maybe in Feb/March?

It is expensive, but compared to the much more sedate (boring?) T120, it's a bit of a bargain.

@@RocketMan_Moto Don't know, need to test ride the new Ducati Monster first in order to have a clear picture.

I think the Monster is a great bike. Unfortunately, the closest Ducati dealer to me is a 4-hour drive away... in Spain :(

@@RocketMan_Moto The new Monster has also ABS cornering which is a great safety feature at least for me. Design wise no doubt i prefer the Speed Twin. How come you live in Portugal?

Thanks, Marshall. I am delighted with my Speed Twin. Definitely the nicest bike I’ve ever owned😊

Ebay, I think

Thanks, Dominic. He got the decals from eBay😉

The Speed Twin is heavier and less agile than other bikes I've had, but not by much. The huge torque available more than compensates for the drop in agility; I wouldn't go back to the Trident or F900XR... or even the super agile Street Triple RS I had :)

The Algarve is a great place for biking and there are plenty of rental companies available. I live here, so have never needed to use them, of course, but I have done a video with a Honda CB500X lent to me by a nice rental company based in Faro: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MjdjSRHY80M.html

@@RocketMan_Moto I had previously watched that video but didnt notice you mentioned the name of the rental company - Soulful. Thanks for that.

Yes, Soulful bikes. There's a link to their site in the video description - sorry, I should have made that clear :)

The T120 is a nice bike, just a bit too 'mild' for me. It's great that Triumph offer such a broad line-up, though, so we can each choose the right bike for us :)

Agreed. I have a Street Triple RS at the moment and seriously thinking of getting one of their modern retros. Keep the videos coming! 👍

I had a 2017 ST RS - great bike, but I found myself going everywhere 'at 200mph'. The Speed Twin is a BIT more sedate and less hard core :)

Same here. The T120 all day. Gorgeous bike.

I agree. I'm happy with the choice I made :)

Thanks, Paul. Yep, that's just about it in a nutshell :)

Now, that's a good combo! Looking forward to trying the new Tiger in a couple of months :)

YSS fully adjustable :)

I’ll check that out, thanks. The screen is from Rizoma, but I removed it when I had the bike repainted recently and won’t be putting it back

@@RocketMan_Moto Gotcha. I like how the front screens look, but they make more wind noise if you mount your camera on the handlebar clamp, which I do... I have a bunch of videos on my channel, and I will be doing more now that I have this bike. One thing I did, which other tall riders might find useful, is take the stock risers, and flip them around. The bottom parts, the risers themselves, swap left to right, and rotate 180 degrees, put the bar into them and tighten the 4 bolts on the top of the clamp. This moves the OEM bar forward about 1.5 inches, keeps everything else exactly the same. Just moves it forward, as the risers have a 3/4 inch offset that is offset to the rear from the factory, but flipping them moves the offset forward... Looks stock, but if you are tall with long arms, makes it a little less cramped, and puts your weight slightly forward for more front end feel on those spirited rides...

Hmm, interesting. Thanks for the heads-up👍😊

Some interesting sibling rivalry around the corner. P.S. don't tell your brother, but yours is the superior bike, lol :)

The Speed Twin does feel more planted than the Trident

Thank you. Yes, I agree completely: is 2 weeks on the beach better than a new kitchen? Nobody can say for sure :)

A bit like my scooter - only kidding, torque is a wonderful thing :)

Well, 18 months on and I have no regrets😊

I need to try the Scrambler, but my dealer hasn't got any available for demo. Yes, I have had the Honda CB500X and the BMW F900XR, which are both 'semi adventure' bikes. Ride safe :)

Good point👍

Thanks, Denis. Honestly, I think you might tire of the T100 after a few months. Yes, it's a big step-up from a 125, but I would still go with the T120. It's less crazy than than the Speed Twin with a more comfortable riding position, but it's still got bags of torque to keep you entertained :)

@@RocketMan_Moto hi You might be right but at nearly 61 years young I much prefer gentle cruising than trying to push the pace. I had bikes when I was young (RD250 for example) but regret not taking my bike license then. I am really looking forward to your views if you get to review the Z900RS as that is a stunner, but like the Speed Twin, not sure if too much for me at this stage. Lots of reviews criticise the throttle response as snatchy with some suggesting it is bad enough to steer clear of and some saying easily remedied. Ride safe Den

Perhaps the Meteor is the one for me 😂😅🤔

The Z900RS is 'only' a 900 (obviously...), and I've heard it's slightly gentler than the Speed Twin. I tried the T120 a few weeks ago - I imagine you've already seen my video - and found it very genteel compared to the Speed Twin. I'm only 3 years younger than you, but I still enjoy massive engines :)

Get the T100 Denis, I’ve had mine 3years now and love it. Did a 2600ml tour of Scotland 3months ago, very comfortable and plenty of go. I’ve updated the engine to 65bhp of the latest model and Triumph’s own King & Queen seat, it’s a keeper!

I'm looking forward to testing the new Tiger 660 soon :)

@@RocketMan_Moto do you know when the press launch is? No doubt there will be a slew of reviews by journos who've had a free trip to tenerife...

I doubt very much Triumph will invite me to Tenerife, so I'll probably have to wait until Triumph Algarve receive their demonstrator, which apparently will be some time in January.

I remember! I have tried the R9T briefly and it's really quite similar to the Speed Twin. The only reason I didn't consider it more seriously is the price; it's much more expensive than the Triumph. Plus, after the bas experience I had with BMW Carnaxide, I am steering clear of BMWs for a while. Enjoy your bike :)

@@RocketMan_Moto yes, it is expensive.. But I guess you get what you pay for? So far I have zero complaints about BMW in Faro, other than everything is quite expensive but Triumph is the same in that regard.

Valid points. Hope you have a blast :)

He bought his from SpeedArmy, too, but says he didn’t encounter any particular problem with them.

Thank you for your quick response and engaging your subscribers. I will try to see if I can get someone else to fix it!

No problem. My friend - who is a retired banker in his late 60s - did the work himself, so it can't be that difficult. I hope you can get them sorted soon :)

@@RocketMan_Moto agreed! Over $200 to install $40 stickers is a bit pricey! Sending it to the dealership to get done while 1st service was being done was my problem. Dealership labor rates are extremely high!

Wow, that sounds extortionate :(

I saw that review and agree with them - the 2022 model does lack some of the older generation's mid-range torque. However, there's more than enough torque available for my needs AND the improved brakes and suspension, plus the new engine's ability to rev more easily more than makes up for any drop in torque :)

@@RocketMan_Moto valid points👍

Agreed. I sometimes regretted not getting another Street Triple when I bought the Trident as it does address several of the negatives I have about the Trident. The only problem I had with my 2017 RS was that I found myself riding everywhere at 200kph...

I agree, for the roads we have down here either bike is very good. As for the beer, we're both Super Bock guys :)

@@RocketMan_Moto I am a Cristal man!

Cheers! :)

I did ride the Street Twin briefly a couple of years ago - it's a great first bike, I would go for that. The Speed Twin is 'better', but I wouldn't recommend it as a first bike - it's a bit brutal and can reach illegal speeds very easily.

@@RocketMan_Moto thanks for advice. Will be testing the street twin next week. She’s a beauty especially that cobalt blue color.

My friend is going to trade his Trident 660 for a cobalt blue Street Twin. Gorgeous colour👍

@@RocketMan_Moto ha. Very. Very smart move. And the color is stunning. The guy you sold yours to?

Also. I just subscribed. Thought I already was. And yes I’m still envious of your speed twin. I Love that color. And I dig the yellow accent. Visually breaks up the dark tone. One day. Second bike for sure.

Glad at least some of my viewers got my obscure references👍😀

You're probably right. I need to look into tuning over the winter :)

I haven’t measured it, but Triumphs are not renowned for their compact turning circles

So, what do you think? I had a 2017 Street Triple RS which was awesome, but it really needed revving and I found myself going everywhere are 200mph. The Speed Twin is more my style as I get older :)

I’ve got a 2016 speed triple s and I am considering changing for a 2021 speed twin for the same reason. My concern is that I’m 6’2” and 16 stone and I’m worried the speed twin will be too small. Thoughts?

Well, I'm 6'1" and 13 stone 5 and it's fine for me. My legs are maybe a little scrunched up, but I don't really mind that and won't be adding adjustable pegs. The only bikes that are really big enough for guys like us are full-size adventure bikes, but they're far too unwieldy in the garage, etc. I also have a Grom, so compared to that the Speed Twin feels positively spacious :)

Haha, nothing like a beer in the sun, eh? :)

Cheers :)

I agree the previous generation does look more retro with its gaitered forks, but I personally prefer the 'resto mod' look of the new model. To the uninitiated, it still looks like an old bike, but those who know will recognise the USD forks and big brakes. That's the kind of look I always wanted and is why I held off for the facelift. I agree about the tuning, but I never mess with a bike's internals anyway. Both great bikes, as you say. Ride safe :)

@@RocketMan_Moto Aye, fairo! I just like that I can do a mild ECU tune on my 2020 without any bother (and did), or throw in an x-pipe (as I did), which the latest model just does not permit. I think most people were hoping for fully adjustable suspension on the latest model, but received a more or less 'half-way' upgrade, while also being slapped with a fully welded EURO5 exhaust system and anti-tweaking ECU; I will be curious as to how well the latest model shifts compared to the previous. Those who probably don't have much interest in tuning will likely want the newer one, if they don't mind the more 'modern' aesthetics. Cheers, and ride safe!

All valid points, Daniel :) Ride safe.

Agree.Relatively inexpensive suspension mods would bring the older Speed Twin's handling up to,and possibly surpass,the latest model. A de cat,fuel booster and performance air filter made a nice improvement to my 2020. Needs taller gearing,so a smaller (39 tooth) rear sprocket on order. Triumph have come close to a perfect motorcycle, with the Speed Twin,in my opinion. Just add minor seasoning to suit your taste.....

@@g.g.6362 Easier to swap the front sprocket up to a 17t, in my opinion! Agreed on gearing, though - it's a tad short.

I think so, too, despite the cost. It just suits my riding style better :)

They're stickers. He found them on eBay, I believe.

It's my favourite colour, too. As you say, rust really isn't an issue down here, although it has been pouring with rain all weekend :(