Prospective New Speed Twin Owner Looking For Insight / Perspective

Hi,

I have a Speed triple, now going on about 4,000 miles and despite finding the mid-range absolutely intoxicating, I just really haven't meshed with the bike like I wanted.

A bit too committed when not being crazy on it. It actually makes me (50) drive like a 20 year old looking to lose his license because that's the only way I enjoy this bike, open throttle. Its not as flickable as other bikes (I miss my 2010 ST3), nor as comfy and simply eggs you on if you want to enjoy it.

My goal is have one touring bike (currently a 2015 BMW R1200RS) and one fun, comfortable, flickable commuter for local and 3 hr canyon trip, that I can drive both casually and, occasionally, like a maniac.

A few have pointed me towards the Speed twin as a good choice for this. (I also just road the Z900RS)

Here's my dilemma: I'm very on the fence on this one, afraid to give up the fun of the Speed triple, but really looking for something less committed, more comfortable and more relaxed when the mood suits?

Its been all theoretical until today.

I happened to be at my dealer today for a recall on the triple, get to chatting and somehow found myself with the keys to a grey 2019 speed twin. It wasn't a demo so limited myself to 20 miles and tried to take it easy on it.

I have to say, I was a bit taken by surprise. At first, I thought it a bicycle. So diminutive. How could this thing way more than my triple? The rake angle took a bit of getting used too. After a few miles I had the geometry somewhat sorted out ... couldn't believe how light it felt. Sure had a nice sound. Fun to open it up and pretty soon I'm thinking maybe this is what I should have bought all along

Felt peppy, though after a speed triple, its definitely a step down, but not lacking by any means. Certainly more relaxed. More agile at low speed. More open with the road, if that makes any sense. Skinny. Less refined, but less committed and maybe more open to whatever style or riding your mood strikes you.

At the end of 20 miles, I had the sense this was simply a raw old school bike with some modern amenities. Very capable and had the potential to be just a fun ripper.

I didn't get a great sense for lean angle on it (I was mellow), longer term comfort, vibrations and stability and how planted the bike is. Just too quick a ride I'm afraid. Heck it took me that long to get use to the tiny gear levers.

Any long term opinions especially as it relates to what I'm trying to get out of this bike?

Will the demon in me still be satisfied on this?

Is it still a fun and easy bike to drive leisurely when the mood strikes you?

Any who came here from a triple (street or speed, as I've had both and loved the street)?

Long term niggles or negatives (aside from brake squeal which my speed has too)

Long term positives?

I'm sooo itching to do this, but some lingering doubts as its a very different bike from my past (mostly sport bikes, sport tourers) and I wish I had a full day on this thing.

Thanks folks. Any insight would be appreciated !!!!

 

yeah I saw that when I was poking around.

I did not show my wife cause shes thinking getting me off the speed triple will be the safe, conservative choice ... not that I can ride like that anyway. ;-)

 

sounds like the highest compliment you an give a bike!

I can only think of one bike I've felt that way about in 50 years (2010 ST3 R) and I regret the day I sold that.

I think ill get over my concerns see if I cant get another few miles on her and make the trade. I may be the only guy dropping from a triple to a twin ... though I suspect a few on the forum have done the same.

Glad to know shell still play like a sports bike despite being able to be mild mannered and offer all day comfort.

thank you

 

a few f/u Q if you dont mind:


The top end north of 110 is a rare thing for me - a few times a year. Mostly 80-90, occasional blips to 100.
I like to dart of the line in the city too, especially now that we can finally lane split here in Utah.

1) how's the acceleration both off the line, and when you're at speed?

2) If you're at 70 and need to blip past someone, can you get to 90 in a twist ? Do you need to drop a gear and is there a lag or a sluggish acceleration at that range?

3) If cruising at 80-90, do you feel like the bike is settled and stable?

4) Twisties, can you really lay into tight corners? Chicken stripes still present?

5) Heat off the engine- how bad is it?

thanks all!

oh - Has anyone found titanium headers for this bike ? ? ? Seems like a good fit on the color (I'm eyeballing the grey), plus a tad of weight savings

 

appreciate all the feedback, on this thread and other posts, even some youtube folks (missender flyer is a true gent).

Took a few other bikes out ... mostly came back pretty fast. At 50, you have a fairly good idea of what your after (at this moment in time anyway) and what will or wont work.

Took the street twin out again for another 50+ and , ill just say this I "got it".

After lunch and a beer, i decided to trade away the bike that its only true endearing quality was pure speed. Lose your license speed: pop 80 on a side street to pass, blip to 100 to make a pass on the highway at the last second , or go 125+ in MT / WY cause you could. Truthfully I'll miss that, but to be on a bike that doesn't feel like you HAD to do that to enjoy it, was still very capable at putting a grin on your face in the 20-90 range, was nimble (despite being heavier - wow), was more open to the road (vs confined to the machine ) and not locked into one position ....and ultimately felt like it could be a hot rod when desired, but didn't have to be enjoyed.

I had to ask when the F*** would I even ride the speed if I had this. Not enough to even warrant the insurance.

So, today I had the pleasure of putting 200 miles of twisty break-in miles on a new speed twin. That put any nagging 3 am doubt to bed.

I hadn't had this much fun in years on a bike, And I'm still being break in gentle ... mostly,

I think half the thing is its so basic, so raw, but a damn good piece of equipment that will be as docile as you want and still be enjoyable, not get in between you and the road / environment, and can punch when it has to. etc.

I just need a seat that doesn't feel like plywood after 3 hours !

Thanks again.