The size and weight of the Speed Triple isn’t a problem, my Tiger is considerably bigger and heavier. In fact the Speed Triple is probably lighter and even more agile than the Speed Twin.
It’s more to do with whether the Speed Twin would be a better option as a fun second bike for local rides around minor twisty roads. The Speed Triple with 180hp is a monster - sometimes that’s a very good thing, sometimes not! The suggestion about getting the suspension professionally set up is a good one though
This is true. Large capacity bikes with a high COG especially if they’re tall become a nightmare, lower COG/seat height/weight makes things a lot more manageable too. In my short of leg/long in the tooth experience the more extreme riding positions don’t help either, so something you can get you feet down on make a big difference especially if you have a pillion. The tractor is a big heavy bike at 249kg but it’s low cog, upright riding position, 800mm seat height and wide bars mean it’s about the only large ADV bike I can manage. For stuff like the big KTMs I’d need a step ladder.
Having slept on it (metaphorically, not literally) I’ve decided that I can’t part with the Speed Triple yet. I’m going to look into suspension specialists locally and see what they can do.
I still really like the idea of a Speed/Street Twin 900 though for local minor road fun, but not as a replacement for the Speed Triple.
Very happy with the results, and the support when I have phoned him a couple of times. I had the forks and rear shock re-valved and set up for my weight and riding style. Transformed the bike, as making it easier and more comfortable to ride.
Well I’ve made a complete u-turn on my decision making here
I have today ordered a new Speed Twin 1200 which should turn up next week, so I’ll be part exchanging the Speed Triple!
Riding the dealers Speed Twin 1200 demo bike for a couple of hours around some of my favourite local back roads a few days ago convinced me that it much better suited the kind of leisure riding that I want to do on my second bike, plus I really love the styling on the retro bikes.
I decided to go for the 1200 rather than the 900 because it still feels like a genuinely quick motorcycle - certainly not Speed Triple 1200 quick - but more than fast enough for sane b-road use.
I’ve owned the Speed Triple for nearly two years and it’s been a genuinely brilliant bike, but I think the Speed Twin is just now more suitable for what I want, so thought let’s just go for it - life’s too short. The decision to part with the Triple was genuinely tough, but I’m really looking forward to having the Speed Twin now
The Speed Twin 900 is a brilliant little bike and I was seriously tempted by it, but at the end of day I couldn’t see it as a replacement for my Speed Triple and just couldn’t justify owning three bikes to myself! The Speed Twin 1200 on the other hand offered everything (and more) that I liked about the 900, while also adding enough performance to be a worthy replacement rather than addition.
This is an avenue that I’ll very likely be going down so I’m excited for you and your decision/options on this!
Definitely a great decision and in no way a step down but just a different riders experience!
Another advantage of the Speed Twin is that when I get it I won’t have to spend several days banging my head against a brick wall trying to make the Triumph Bluetooth work
