Looking at Triumph twins. Yay or nay?

DJM

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Stumbled across a Triumph meet whilst in Spain. Was in a rush so didn't converse. Beautiful bikes. Speed Twins really caught my eye. Are they reliable? I know nothing about them but a quick look online shows I could get a newer Speed Twin 1200 for 8-12K. New is out of the question however as it's to supplement my current bike.

Thoughts?
 
I have no experience with their reliability as I haven't owned one, but I always liked them and the speed twin is the one I liked the most. I sat on one of the 900 cc versions at the MC show in February though and found the seat to footpeg relationship too cramped for my bad knees. I know it's just sitting on it at a show but I found it obviously too tight for me.
 
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Satisfied T120 owner.

It's... interesting.

First six months of ownership I thought "Wow, it's an all round great bike." because you can ride it naked as is, throw a windshield and givi cases on it if you feel like it. It's practical for in the city as well as on the highway if you add some protection. Liquid cooling in the summer. Mine came with factory heated grips for the colder months. Insurance is pretty cheap by Toronto standards (I pay under $730ish/yr for 1200cc, not bad...)

Next six months I thought "But is it really perfect at anything?" because... it's not. My Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is so much better in the city. My Moto Guzzi V7 has with 104,000 km has way more character. I'd take one of my BMWs to tour with they're already set up for the jobs. My Vespa is better at parking on the sidewalks and not getting a ticket... So where tf does this 1200cc Bonneville actually fit?

And for this past season, while a concussion has kept me grounded to the city and short rides only, no more touring until my head clears up I think I figured it out. It's the perfect one-bike-garage bike. Because it can do whatever you throw at it. It's not perfect at anything, but it's great enough at anything, that you kind of forgive it. It feels more modern japanese than retro when you ride it, but it makes so much gobs of torque that it's easy to forgive.

And that's probably why I might sell mine next year. Not because there's anything wrong with the T120 at all. It really is a great bike... but if I keep the Svartpilen 801 and something I could tour on/take highways better on... than... the T120 just overlaps with my other toys...

So since you mentioned the Speed Twin would be a spare bike for you, maybe think about what your current bike is, and where/whether or not, this one fits in.
 
I see you have some videos on the T120 Adri. I'll try to go through some of them tonight after work. Basically, I miss the power of my VROD and I've never owned a British bike. While my Versys is good at everything it's passionless. I'll use it for motocamping or blasting up the 401 to see some mates etc. I'd like a torquey classic with character that I can dress like Rob Halford on (j/k) and tool around, ride to work, weekend county ride etc. Guzzi is also interesting but I have even less knowledge on those and there's less online support by the looks of it. Also resell ability plays a part and I think it would be more difficult to unload a Guzzi.
 
I see you have some videos on the T120 Adri. I'll try to go through some of them tonight after work. Basically, I miss the power of my VROD and I've never owned a British bike. While my Versys is good at everything it's passionless. I'll use it for motocamping or blasting up the 401 to see some mates etc. I'd like a torquey classic with character that I can dress like Rob Halford on (j/k) and tool around, ride to work, weekend county ride etc. Guzzi is also interesting but I have even less knowledge on those and there's less online support by the looks of it. Also resell ability plays a part and I think it would be more difficult to unload a Guzzi.
Pretty sure you could wear assless chaps your Versys if you're so inclined. :)

Why not go the Rob Halford route and get a sportster then? There will probably be a low km, older evo model out there that could be had relatively cheap, and if it doesn't work out it would likely be an easy(ish) sell at what you bought it for.
 
@DJM the ergos of the Triumph Twins are quire nice as well as the feel of the controls. I think you’ll have a lot of fun on one compared to the V-Rod.

And they look nice in the garage in the winter while day dreaming of getting out for a toot when the season is ready to ride!
 
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