TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN 1200 (2019 - on) Review

The brakes are very good. I'm used to radial Brembo's, these aren't radials but they are Brembo's and they stop it very quickly indeed. They offer really good feel if you are really pressing on, on some of the shocking roads near me i have had the antilock kick, to the point I'd say its a little on the sensitive side. But other than that they have been excellent overall. Ride quality is a mixed bag, smooth flowing A+ B roads the suspension will be fine and the bike handles everything most people would want, unfortunately a large number of the roads near me are not like that. The chassis copes fine, but the suspension struggles. Mine is now running Maxton Rear shocks and i will be getting the fork internals done soon. The difference on one B road i ride regularly is now about 20mph, if I'd done that before I'd have ended up in a hedge. This is a shame, I do wish they had given it slightly better suspension that was adjustable. But once that is sorted, the bike handles brilliantly everywhere. The Rosso 3 tyres it come on really suite the bike as well, I really like Pirellis and these are brilliant.

Initially the low speed fuelling was the worst I've had on any bike, however a DNA filter and more miles seems to have smoothed it out a lot. Having said that, the engine is the star of the show, it drives from low down really well and when you are moving at normal speeds the pick up is a hoot, I actually prefer riding it as an experience to my MT 10SP. Nearly everything is despatched with a briefest of twists. The gearbox is precise and clutch light and it thuds forward with very little provocation and I absolutely love the sound through the Vance & Hines cans I have on it.

The aluminium everywhere, other than the mudguards, fur up as soon as they get wet for any period of time (An hour in the rain will do it). It came as a bit of a shock, as it's been years since I've seen corrosion form that quickly on a bike. I tend to have to use autosol and elbow grease to keep it looking new (other than dowsing everything in ACF50). Mechanically it's been faultless.

Triumph charge more for their servicing than other manufacturers, however my experience has been excellent so far and the dealership have really impressed me compared to some others I've dealt with over the years (Youles Blackburn).

I actually really like the clocks, they look basic but give me all the information I need. Definitely fit the heated grips, it does make a difference in the middle of winter, and the work well. Accessories wise you can blow a fortune, knock yourself out. Tyre wise, it's running standard Rosso 3's, not some OEM rubbish that looks like them but isn't. The bike was developed for these tyres and I would stick with them, they are excellent and seem to be offering a good compromise of performance and longevity.

Ride quality is awesome. Sadly, front brakes have warped slightly, which doesn’t affect the ride, but Triumph will replace these under warranty.

TORQUE ALL DAY IN ALL CONDITIONS.

A relatively weak battery has been my only complaint. Otherwise it is spot-on.

Haven’t serviced it yet.

Ride by wire is like having 3 different bikes in your garage. Amazing.

Has chronic brake squeal coming to a halt.

Superb spread of power .

Great amount of equipment for a retro, would like a thermometer

Would be 5 out of 5 but for front brake squeel problem, handles very well, comfortable. Stay in the saddle between fill ups.

Brilliant engine, so much torque. Bit glitchy at low speeds unless in rain mode.

As above, squeeling front brake and gear change connecting rod fell off on a ride.

Only had 1st service, included in purchase.

Everything I need

The brakes are superb though I'm getting some squeal, probably just need a thorough clean. Strong and progressive. Th handling set up out if the box is really good and the Pirelli Rosso III tyres inspire confidence wet or dry.

It sounds good has lovely mid range torque and flies if you open it up. Riding it the sense is of a strong, well engineered motor. It combines a relaxed easy ride when you are just enjoying the roads with a sense of power and urgency when you want it.

Only completed 2500 miles so far as I've had the bike for less than three months - the build and finish seem excellent, we shall see.

Has used no oil and has only cost me a replacement tyre - can't blame Triumph for the nail!

Tricky as its the simplicity that appeals. I only ride in sport mode, I know how to be more subtle in the wet. Ive added a small dart screen which is of some use but looks so good it could be mistaken for an official part. Also added a Hepco Becker rack for practicality.

The stock suspension is just fine. I weigh 180 and flog the bike on nice Saturday mornings. Even with a pillion at ABS threshold braking it doesn't bottom out. The front brakes are an odd duck. Generally they work great but have occasional groans at low speeds and sometime seem like they need a few stops to warm up. The longer you look at the bike the more you realize it's a hodge-podge of other Bonneville's parts with a better Thruxton R motor. It is the best streetbike you can buy for any amount of money. After 4 hours I need a 10 minute break. On Sunday rides to a favorite breakfast place 2-up there are no complaints. It accommodates a passenger with ease and still has enough beans in it's pockets to lift the front wheel in 2nd.

I wanted to give the engine 5 of 5 but frankly it doesn't have the frenetic top end hit of large displacement 4 cyls. R1's at go-to-jail speeds will leave you on the freeway. 135mph is not 170mph but frankly I don't suffer from a lack of power on the street and the way the motor makes power makes it so much more usable than a 4cyl. The engine is a sweety and not many reviews have done justice to the fact that it delivers all that grunt RIGHT NOW. Any gear, any speed, if the engine is turning it is producing enough power to settle the chassis on corner exit or beat that Acura for lane choice. Not a lot of shifting required. If you can see a hole in traffic it is yours. The bike has the grunt and brakes to make it a very capable streetbike.

Don't know about the 10K service as I only have 2k miles on it but budgeting for LOF's, tires, and chains is just part of riding. I do my own maintenance and so far the bike has been a real peach to work on. When the sun is out I am riding.

This bike has the best tires you can get. So glad Triumph put a 160mm rear tire on it because it makes the bike turn so much better than a fatter rear. Modern 17 inch sportbike tires are light years better than tires from 20 years ago and the stock ones on this bike are not only VERY good but are sized appropriately.

The bike is great around town on most roads and super on faster roads. Changing direction is soooo easy, as is leaning it over for fun. Both brakes are very good with plenty of feel front and rear. They scrape a score of 5 in my opinion, The suspension manages a 3, hence 4 average. I’ve done a couple of 100 - 150 mile trips (up to 75 mph plus:) ) and the comfort is good - seat firm but OK, riding position excellent, no buffeting, 60 year old wrists and neck have no issues. Controls are easy to use. Reports of slightly snatchy road and race modes worried me a little, but I now use race mode around town with no reason to worry.

Nice noise as standard, with some popping, but a little more volume from the aftermarket options worked for me. Power delivery is linear - determined hand gives really determined acceleration. Fast enough to be exciting and speed limits arrive too soon. Open road overtakes happen perhaps more than they should. More fun than Tiger Sport or T120...

I’ve had four previous Triumphs - Tiger Sport, T120 Black, Street Triple 675, Sprint ST - and done some winter riding on all of them. The finish on this looks to be slightly better. No problem from the last few weeks of rain and slightly salty roads!

Purchase price is at the upper end of what I felt able to pay, I’d give it 5/5 if the suspension was softer and I didn’t feel the need to upgrade it! Can’t complain about the 10,000 mile service interval. Dealer hourly rates are reasonable.

It’s a modern Bonneville - ABS, traction control. The agile handling, low weight and smallish size for a 1200 form my favourite feature. It’s a great package. Handlebar and bar end mirrors are excellent. Mode button and electrics fall easily to hand. I use rain mode in the wet. I’ve used Triumphs own heated grips and their new 2in1 goretex gloves. These have worked much bettter than my two year old ( Ride magazine) winter warmth award winning gloves. I’ve ordered midrange adjustable KYB shocks (about £350) as I prefer a more compliant ride. Weslake cones are good value at under £300 and not too loud with the baffles in or out. I prefer the baffles in. These slipons are under half the price of Vance and Hines and a bit cruder to look at.