Touring On A Speed Twin?

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by Speedtrip, Apr 3, 2022.

  1. Speedtrip

    Speedtrip New Member

    Dec 10, 2019
    7
    3
    UK
    Hi all,

    Apologies if this question isn’t in quite the correct forum but I’m after general thoughts and experience.

    Having enjoyed Speed Triple 1050 ownership before moving on to a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX for increased practically and touring ability I’m now being drawn back to “my” style of bike, ie naked’s, preferably of the classic nature.

    I’ve always fancied owning a Speed Twin for its looks and engine, so I ordered a new bike a few months ago with the idea of stabling it next to the Kawasaki to give me a taste of both worlds. However, the Triumph has now arrived at the dealer and I’m not sure I now want two bikes; the world has gone a bit mad of late, with day to day costs spiralling and the thought of having two depreciating assets seems a little silly.

    So, good would the Speed Twin be for occasional touring, say 350 miles a day max for a week or so? Obviously it’s a naked, so might need a screen, and I’d need to sort luggage. Does anyone have experience of doing this type of thing on a ST and if so what bits did you add to help?

    The Kawasaki isn’t a perfect tourer by any stretch, but it’s do able, but it’s just my thing really. I normally ride with others on usual touring bikes such as the GS, Multistrada, Verseys etc.

    Any thoughts would be appreciated, even if only to say I’m barking mad
     
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  2. andyc1

    andyc1 Lunarville 7, Airlock 3

    Feb 4, 2017
    2,927
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    N. Ireland
    You can tour on anything! I prefer naked bikes over anything else. Especially for touring! The lack of screen makes for lovely clean air and no buffeting or rumbling noise which is a cause of fatigue. If you've got decent waterproof gear then protection from the elements isn't really an issue. The Speed Twin has a good rear seat for strapping a big roll bag on, thats the luggage sorted. If your carrying a pillion then a rack or panniers will do. I reckon it would make a good tourer and personally I wouldnt bother with a screen. I've done plenty of 300+ mile days touring in all weathers on naked sports bikes. I honestly don't see the need for adventure bikes for touring. Had a couple of Tiger 800's, could do more miles comfortably on Street Triples and Superdukes! Not to mention the fun factor when you get to the good roads :grinning:
    I've not ridden a Speed Twin but I did have a Thruxton 1200 (fantastic bike and engine). Knowing Triumph, you might want to see how you get on with the standard seat. A more comfortable one might be required for big miles. Heated grips are a good idea too.
     
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  3. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,640
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    #3 Wessa, Apr 3, 2022
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2022
    I did a couple of tours on my speed twin. Used a tank bag and back pack, without any problems. I’m not sure about 350 miles a day though, although a couple of hundred was no problem.
     
  4. Octoberon

    Octoberon Crème de la Crème

    Jul 2, 2020
    2,250
    1,000
    Peak District, Yorkshire
    It guess depends on how you’re touring. If it’s reasonable average speeds and no rush then a naked would be fine. Fast, point-to-point runs would be more tiring. I’ve done both.
     
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  5. Dougie D

    Dougie D Crème de la Crème

    Jan 30, 2016
    10,662
    1,000
    Blairgowrie Perthshire
    I'm with @andyc1 I prefer a bike without a screen, unless your going to be on the Autobahn sitting at high speeds you'll be fine, after 30 mins on the Autobahn flat out on my speed triple I had to slow down as my neck muscles couldn't take any more!
     
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  6. Jet City

    Jet City Noble Member

    Sep 24, 2018
    522
    343
    Seattle, Washington USA
    #6 Jet City, Apr 4, 2022
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2022


    I’ve taken two trips on my Speed Twin and it’s been a very satisfying companion. I think it would be great on a week’s trip with 350 mile days.

    If you want you could fit Touratech’s waterproof throw overs (about $350), but one time I went out on mine with just a Kriega 25 liter backpack and a little tail pack to carry relatively heavy stuff like tools, and once with a backpack lashed on with Rok Straps (see next post). It was easy for days like you describe.

    A 600 mile day might be a big ask, tho.
     
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  7. Jet City

    Jet City Noble Member

    Sep 24, 2018
    522
    343
    Seattle, Washington USA
    Here’s a pic of the Speed Twin in touring mode. ;) Note the Crampbuster as there is no cruise control option for this bike.

    820E3ABD-8F6B-4A8A-8220-19646B62C421.jpeg
     
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  8. Speedtrip

    Speedtrip New Member

    Dec 10, 2019
    7
    3
    UK
    Thanks for all your replies.

    I guess you’ve confirmed many of the things I’ve been thinking. I’m just not sure I want to take the gamble of swapping the Ninja for the ST without experiencing ownership. As I’ve said having two bikes doesn’t seem right at the moment, but it might need to be for a while at least.

    I shall give it some more thought.

    Thanks again :)
     
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  9. SpeedTwin1200

    SpeedTwin1200 Senior Member

    Jul 21, 2019
    261
    113
    Hampshire
    I’ve just fitted some soft waterproof Khali panniers from Unit Garage in Italy.
    Very good quality, the support frame fits well around my Nitron dampers with the reservoirs and then don’t look bad without the bags. The bags lock in place and look well on the bike. Not yet loaded them up for a proper trip but have used them for a light load so far.

    I think because of the price, and the added EU vat, you’ve really got to want panniers, when a bag on the seat or your back might do.
     
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  10. Jet City

    Jet City Noble Member

    Sep 24, 2018
    522
    343
    Seattle, Washington USA

    Having two bikes doesn’t seem right? I don’t understand that sentence. ;)

    The Speed Twin is a terrific motorcycle. I just spent three days hooning around California on my buddy’s 2005 Tuono Factory and…

    The Tuono is a charismatic hot rod and a pleasure to ride but the STwin is a better motorbike. Check out Bike magazine’s March 2020 issue where they compare the Street Triple, Speed Triple, and the Speed Twin.
     
  11. Stramasher

    Stramasher Senior Member

    Jun 10, 2020
    475
    113
    ex-0141
    Toured Europe 2up on a naked (gsx1400) for years. No problem apart from not fitting into any of my shirts due to developing a fat neck and a crushing Vulcan Death Grip handshake from holding on.
    Now old, lazy and soft I’m on a touring bike.
    More fun when you get somewhere twisty and hot on the Speed Twin I would imagine.
    2 bikes plus is the sweetest. Always got a bike to go out on no matter what.
     
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  12. SpeedTwin1200

    SpeedTwin1200 Senior Member

    Jul 21, 2019
    261
    113
    Hampshire
    I've just taken some photos if anyone's interested in these Unit Garage panniers. They've had the canvass bags out for a while now which I didn't really like, then these waterproof ones came out which work for me.

    c9b.jpg

    c9c.jpg

    ca9.jpg

    caa.jpg

    cab.jpg

    caf.jpg
     
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  13. Avinarant

    Avinarant Well-Known Member

    Aug 19, 2017
    231
    63
    Leeds
    Might be a bit late to this question, however saw this a while ago.
     
  14. Speedtrip

    Speedtrip New Member

    Dec 10, 2019
    7
    3
    UK
    Hi all,

    Having posted this thread some time ago I’ve finally bitten the bullet and bought a new 2023 black ST1200. I guess the answer to my touring question will become clear in the future…..

    Here she is….

    782ACF8E-38AF-4540-BE6B-9C03DD96FA5E.jpeg
     
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  15. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,640
    1,000
    North West England
    Congratulations on your new bike.
     
  16. learningtofly

    learningtofly He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy!
    Subscriber

    Sep 25, 2018
    2,137
    1,000
    Hertfordshire
    Lovely. Have a look at SW-Motech for bags as they do a few for the Speed Twin and are MUCH cheaper than Unit Garage.
     
  17. jackyma09

    jackyma09 Member

    Aug 10, 2023
    22
    18
    New York, USA
    The Speed Twin can handle occasional touring with some additions like a screen and luggage. It's up to you to decide what makes sense for your riding style.
     
  18. Malc Randell

    Malc Randell New Member

    Sep 10, 2024
    0
    1
    UK
    Hi All,
    I'm new to this forum, but not new to biking.
    I just thought I'd add my '6 eggs' worth of info & confirm that the Speed Twin 1200 is great for touring. I've just completed around 2500km in Europe on my 2024 version & other than occasional hot legs in the 30°+ heat, it went great.
    MPG was comfortably 60+ (uk gallon) and even when running on the peage at an indicated 95mph (130kph on sat nav) I still managed 58mpg over 600km.
    I've attached a photo of it in 'touring mode' in case it assists anyone thinking of doing similar.
    I am now thinking about replacing the frumpy silencers though. Has anyone tried fitting Thruxton parts?? (I'm struggling to find options for the Speed Twin)

    20240830_163106.jpg
     
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