Hi everyone, I'm looking to get my first motorcycle and I'm currently taking my motorcycle classes. At this point, I've narrowed down my decision to a Street Twin or Speed Twin (was previously looking at T100-120). I'm 5'10, 170lbs, 26 years old and I live in Montreal, Canada. I'll be using my motorcycle for city use mostly but I'm also very interested in taking it out for longer weekend trips. Concern #1: if I get the Street Twin, I'll regret not upgrading to the Speed Twin for highway use & general added fun. Concern #2: if I get the Speed Twin, it's an overkill for city use (1200 won't be needed most of the time) and the bike is too powerful for someone first getting into bikes. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
When I returned to biking I always wanted a Speed Triple, no I thought, to big to powerful so I bought a Street Triple. After 12 months I bought a Speed and never looked back. Buy what YOU want
There's no substitute doe a decent test ride of both. Not Triumphs, but my other half took out a Ducati Scrambler 1100 and didn't like it. Then she tried the 800 and loved it! I've got a Street Triple and I've never seriously considered going up to the Speed. It's not that I don't like bigger bikes, I just like the all-round package of the Street. If all else fails you can always trade it back in.
I bought a Street Twin after passing my test. I took it in for it's 500-mile oil & filter change, tested a Street Triple whilst waiting and chopped in the Twin there and then. Just saying...
Thanks for the initial replies. I'm strongly leaning towards the Speed. Unfortunately, as a new driver I'm not permitted to test drive the different models before I make a purchase. Hence why the feedback is appreciated.
Plus the Speedy is significantly lighter than the Street. I throw mine through turns like a sport bike.
Welcome! I am with the others regarding having the Speed Twin power that you don’t have to use! Also, the bigger engines tend to purr along effortlessly vs. the smaller engines that are more revvy. I have had a 2017 Street Cup 900 since new and love it as a second bike but I don’t travel for more than 2 hours at a time and wouldn’t use it for touring. I would have chosen the Speed Twin if it was available back then. What ever you decide, please stay safe. Cheers Geoff
benzoutmez Welcome to the family. All i would say is test ride them and not just a spin round the block. Try them out as you intend to use them you will know what fits you requirements. And don't forget to drop us all a picture of your chosen steed. Joe.
Hi benzoutmez and welcome to the forum best wishes on your ride purchase, it really does pay to test ride before you buy. At least sit on both to see which “fits” you best
You will know after you have test ridden them. For what its worth, the Speed Twin feels like a smaller bike, and it is significantly easier to handle than most of the taller and some lighter MC's. Can't comment on the Street Twin.