About to take the plunge and am pretty set on the T100 but just wondering about the Speed Twin1200 before going nap. Am nearing retirement, based London, recently passed test, expect to be a nice weather rider, city riding and getting out into the countryside whenever possible with occasional trips to Devon. The T100 seems perfect for all this but the Speed Twin has a little higher seat (I'm 6'1') (unlike the ST900), a little lighter and better spec. So wondering whether it might be worth checking out - as could be as easy in London but better for the longer trip outside - or is it a step too far for a new rider and perhaps even intimidating although I guess could kept it in road mode to start with. Interested in views. Cheers.
Welcome Steve I would definitely take a test ride before making a decision. The 1200 engine is very powerful but is also quite a refined power delivery that shouldn’t get a new rider in to trouble. It’s also a better bike IMHO. I am 6ft with a 34” inside leg and my old 2017 ST900 was a bit low for me and I think the T100 is built on the same platform.
Slightly lateral but I found the Street Twin (900) a bit lacking so changed to a T120 (1200). Really comfortable and dead easy to ride (but I have been riding all sorts since 1972) where, I suspect, the Speed Twin might not be.
If you're having doubts on your choice you really need a test ride to choose between the two. The ST 1200 is some 12kg lighter but I'll bet it's barely noticeable when you're moving. Don't worry about the extra power, it's an easy engine to tame. I jumped in and bought a Street Scrambler after 40 yrs of riding Jap Superbikes and love it to bits "despite" it's lowly 64bhp! My Kawasaki has over three times that but the Triumph is just so nice to ride!
Hi and welcome, I don't have any sage advice to add to what you have already been given, but welcome to the forum and enjoy your new bike, whatever that may end up being!
Thanks David - I've seen elsewhere that the T120 might be the better more gentle step up if going up to 1200cc - I was slightly hesitating about extra weight even if not a huge difference. Comes back to testing although demo models seem a bit in short supply in London. Thanks.
As has been said you need to test ride the bikes. For me I would suggest you go for the 1200 speed twin (or the T120) as I reckon you would be looking to swap the 900 (which ever platform you choose) within a very short period of ownership.
Sweet was just double checking you weren’t considering Swindon. From my own experience I would avoid Swindon regardless of price or any other factor should a bike come up for sale there
A bit late to the party but like others I'd recommend a test ride of anything you're considering. I was tempted to upgrade to a Tiger 900GT but was worried about being only 5' 10" tall and only 10st in weight. A test ride put my mind at rest and although, yes, the Tiger is slightly heavier to move around the driveway than my RE Himalayan was, it is certainly manageable. Loving my new ride and hope you enjoy yours when you;ve decided what to get.