They are both fantastic bikes. I test rode a ST a couple months after buying a used 2017 T120. For my taste, I’d stay with the T120. It has a more comfortable seating position, and I think it would be more tolerable on longer rides.

As for agility, there’s no doubt that you can flick the ST around like it’s nobody’s business. But I just put new tires in my T120 and I can’t get over how nimble it feels now.

Anyway, my 2 cents. You won’t go wrong either way.




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They are both fantastic bikes. I test rode a ST a couple months after buying a used 2017 T120. For my taste, I’d stay with the T120. It has a more comfortable seating position, and I think it would be more tolerable on longer rides.

As for agility, there’s no doubt that you can flick the ST around like it’s nobody’s business. But I just put new tires in my T120 and I can’t get over how nimble it feels now.

Anyway, my 2 cents. You won’t go wrong either way.




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I did the same test rides along with a Thruxton R and a Speedmaster. I was coming off an 05 Speedmaster which I loved but wanted this 1200 and all the updated tech that came with it. Astetically the Thruxton is my favorite and it was definitely more aggressive but after 10 minutes the weight on my hands made it clear I wasn't meant for that seating position so I rode the rest of the range. I was really torn between the Speed Twin and my T120. Loved them both but my normal riding style is more laid back and I decided I liked the ergos a bit better on the T120 and didn't want to tempt myself into more speeding tickets with ST and went with the T120. At the end of the day I don't think you can go wrong with either so if you have the chance ride them both a couple of times on the kinds of rides you normally do and see which one calls to you.

 

You've got to go with what feels best to you.
I personally would go with the twin because I like the slightly more aggressive look of it.

 

The speed twin also has access to a lot more rubber. I like the more interpretative look of it too. Though I like the look of the T120 a lot too. At least for me the T120 needs to keep with period looking accessories, which was a disadvantage as I’m not confident in the Triumph bags. You are coming to this at an okay time, as there are finally some third party solutions trickling out on the Speed Twin. Hepco Becker have luggage, though it’s pricy.

https://www.hepco-shop.de/en/meinbike/triumph/speed-twin-2019

 

Buy whichever one moves you most......they are both excellent rides. Depends on your budget but you can most likely find a gently used T120 for a good price if you shop around and don't mind a little travel, ST's are fairly new yet so probably not much on the resale market yet. I've not had the pleasure to ride the ST yet but I do own a T120 and if you are looking for a jack of all trades master of none bike then it fits the bill. It will do everything competently but nothing spectacularly, which for me is perfect. And you never get tired of looking at it either...................

 

i like the look of the t120 a lot

 

Own a Speed, never rode a T120.

The Speed is great for around town and some highway riding. It’s not as comfortable as my Street Twin was in terms of seating, and I’m guessing the T120 would have the edge here as well.

Speed has a lively engine. Before I changed sprockets I had some trouble keeping the front wheel on the ground in 1st/2nd/3rd when launching the bike. I don’t think you’ll get that with the T120, but the T120 looks more pillion friendly.

Speed wins on weight and power, possibly the fastest Modern Classic in the lineup.

Looks are completely subjective, so that’s a tossup. For my $$ I prefer the look/potential of the Speed. A few inexpensive mods and your over 100hp (theoretically).

If I rode 2up all the time I would have considered the T120. I’m hoping better seating options will pop up for the Speed in the future.

 

If the Speed Twin was available in 16 when I bought my T 120, I might have gone that way. I like it a lot. And love the 30 lb lighter that it is.

Now, on the T 120, the d-cat made a significant improvement in the feel of power. I went up 1 tooth on the rear sprocket and that made her more fun on the country roads I like to ride.

The tires! Once you upgrade to a legit tire ( I went with Avon Storm 3-d), Madonne what an improvement!

And I keep the old school look of the T 120 I enjoy.

 

Thanks, all. I plan to return to the dealer to ride the T120 by itself; I think it suffered slightly in a back-to-back comparison with the Speed Twin. I also plan to inquire into the possibility of converting the wheels to accept tubeless tires. While I have never yet had a flat, my understanding is that a flat on a tire with tube can be much harder to cope with, both dynamically while riding and simply to repair even temporarily while on the road, than a tubeless tire - any thoughts on that aspect of the T120 experience? The spoked wheels do look nice, though.

 

You're not somehow getting a lesser bike if you choose the T120 over the Speed Twin, just one that's somewhat different in appearance and philosophy. You still get that marvelous 1200cc motor, and the same precise six speed gearbox. In the end, people buy the bike they like the looks of, hoping that it's adequate to their needs and not too hard to live with. It's not an objective decision.

Looked really hard at the Speed Twin, with the thought of possibly trading into one. For me, the T120 turned out to be the right choice. Yes, it's heavier, has less power, and may not handle quite as well. But, the T120 has plenty of power, handles great in the riding I do, and (IMHO) looks great. Comfort is really good because the seating position is just about perfect. The cruise control, center stand, and low grab bar are nice to have, too. These can't be fitted to the new Speedie.

I've never had a flat, and have never had a problem with tubes. For me, that's the bottom line in the tubes v. tubeless debate.

 

I've never had a flat, and have never had a problem with tubes. For me, that's the bottom line in the tubes v. tubeless debate.

I'd have to agree that it's moot if you never get a flat! And while I never have yet, I still carry a small compressor and a plug kit, just in case, in the hope of successful self-rescue if the need arises. I can't help but think that would be an advantage to be desired on any bike.

 

The Speed Twin wasn't an option when I bought last December but I think I would probably still go with the T120. I have ridden the Speed Twin since and you're right it is a little lighter and more powerful but the riding position on the T120 fits me better and it has accessories I have found , top box and windscreen that make it a great all around bike for me. I guess for me it is also a dream come true because I have always wanted a Bonneville! I am sure I could be happy with the Speed Twin too...it's a great bike.

 

It really depends on a two questions:

1) How will you use the bike?

If it is just for canyon runs, short commutes, riding around the city, and maybe a "classics" track day, then the Speed Twin is the bike. You definitely have access to all of the rear tire with the Speed Twin, whereas the exhaust and center stand limits learn angle significantly on a T120. So, no track days with the T120.

If you don't go to the track, however, the T120 does all those other things well, and provides a more versatile bike that you can also ride long distances. Cruise control and highway pegs can be added for comfort on longer rides. I have both.

2) Which one looks better to you?

Neither of these bikes competes with any sport bike in performance, so clearly looks and comfort are super important when buying them. In this day and age, it is fine to decide on buying a bike based on looks because most of them have adequate performance and handling. I absolutely love the look of my T120 black. I find myself staring at it every morning before getting on and riding to work.

I have a T120, and I thought about trading in for a Speed Twin, but I need more versatility and comfort and the T120 can still provide a very thrilling ride in the canyons-- at least for me. So, I decided to stay with the T120. It really is the best all around bike I have ever ridden.

 

These are all helpful observations, many thanks. I think I probably would be better served with a T120, and another test ride may well help reassure me. While the agility of the ST was seductive on a short test ride, as many of you have noted, the T120 seems to offer some real advantages when used as intended. I don't actually ride all that much these days, mostly short rides out for coffee in the morning from time to time, with some longer wandering around more rural areas and the very infrequent overnight or two. My main goal is to find a bike which is much easier to mount and dismount than my current adventure-style ride, and which will be enjoyable when ridden with more brio than a cruiser encourages, but not in the manner pure sportbikes promote, either. I only very rarely exceed 200 miles/day; 30 - 120 mile rides are much more the norm on a combination of secondary roads and freeways, with some twisty backroads thrown in when I can find them.

It's certainly encouraging to see the enthusiasm both ST and T120 riders seem to have for their bikes. That alone bodes well for either one.

 

It's certainly encouraging to see the enthusiasm both ST and T120 riders seem to have for their bikes. That alone bodes well for either one.

Basically, it isn't possible to make a bad choice between the two!

 

Speed Twin!

I'm relatively new here, but as a former Ducati owner, I'd say the Speed Twin. Plus, ABS... going from the Multistrada that might be a nice feature. :wink2:

 

I'm relatively new here, but as a former Ducati owner, I'd say the Speed Twin. Plus, ABS... going from the Multistrada that might be a nice feature. :wink2:

Both have ABS as do all Modern Classics in the lineup........The ST has more ride modes if you are into that and will for sure out handle the T120 if you are running the tight twisties often. The T120 however has some creature comforts such as optional cruise, center stand which are nice to have if you like that sort of thing.... The ST weighs less obviously and is more high strung but sometimes a little more weight depending on what you use it for isn't always a bad thing. The T120 is rock solid on the highway and doesn't get blown around much and is by no means what I would consider heavy in a bad way. She wears here weight well if you know what I mean. And as stated earlier if outright performance is your aim then you should be looking at Speed Triple anyway. Bottom line is either bike would be great, it all boils down to what you need and prefer. I wish money was of no object for me, because I would own both!!! LOL

 

I have a T120 and I’ve ridden the Speed Twin. While the ST is quicker, lighter, has better brakes, etc., the pegs are just a bit too high for me. The T120 is a hell of a good machine, it’s plenty fast for my needs, has optional cruise, which I have, and is overall a very good do-it-all bike. I’d love a ST at some point, but it couldn’t be an only bike for me. If needed, the T120 could be an only bike.

 

Well, today for the second time i sat on all the twins ate the dealer just to confirm what i first thought when i did that a month or 2 ago and sure enough, same result....T120 wins. I wanted to love the speed but it really does feel like a thruxton with a bit higher bars, and i hate that feel. Pefgs are too far back, bars too low, front of the bike is pointing at the pavement and rear is reaching for the sky. If ya like that u r lucky because then you get the HP engine. But i would take the T120 over that engine because i want to enjoy the ride as much as the power. And the T120 has good power anyways.

That said, spoked wheels just might be my most disliked feature on a bike and i'm not sure i could deal with the cleaning, but more then that the inability to pull over and plug a flat a few hundred miles from home or even civilization. Given that i don't know what i'm gonna do. I love my thunderbird more then any bike i have ever owned but i'm approaching 100k and i'm getting to old to deal with the maintenance it requires. But i do love that T120. Even more that sorta neon blue/white T100. Man i'd love to see that tank on the 120 along with some cast wheels. I'd leave a trail of drool all the way home from the dealer. So anyways, the speed is out. If i wanted a thruxton then i'd be all over it but i just don't. Triumph needs to offer cast wheels for the bonnies as accessories at least. Just reading posts at this and other forums it;s obvious a heck of a lot of people want that. Maybe we'll see a cast wheel T120 SE one of these days.

 

Decisions, decisions. The reason I don't have a speed twin now is the cast wheels. I have a 06 bonnie and new thruxton and am looking to thin the herd. I thought the speed twin would help me do that but I love the spoked wheels. I need to test ride a t120 to see how I feel about the 18" front.

 

30.16' N 97.44' W: Georgetown, TX.

 

By strange coincidence (with the author of the original post in this thread), I sold my 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring at the beginning of this season. Nothing wrong with it. Definitely an (if not "the") apex predator of the ADV category (for on road performance, at least). But there were two issues for me that weren't going to get better. One, it's far too much bike for the street. It's like giving pony rides on a thoroughbred. Two, it wasn't my motorcycle soul mate, and life's too short not to find one.

So, I tested a ton of bikes. I won't go into them all, but I thought the Speed Twin was going to be the one. It seemed like the perfect blend of standards like the T100/T120 Bonneville and sportier cafe racers like the Thruxton R. And on paper it's a star: lightweight, Brembos, Thruxton engine, 17" front tire for more "flickability." When I tested it right before my second ride on a T120 — and it proved to be well tuned, solid and precise feeling — I thought it'd be too tough an act to follow. But then I got on the T120 (again), and it just...wasn't.

The Speed Twin struck me as a wonderfully well-sorted machine, but it didn't charm me the way the T120 did. Where the Speed Twin was taut, with abundant engine breaking and the like (logical, for a sportier machine), the T120 was unstressed and just glided down the road like a familiar dance partner. This also came through in the more relaxed riding position and the "plantedness" and stability that comes with greater weight and that 18" front wheel. As I've said many times, it's easy for a bike to be fun going fast, harder to be a joy going slow. The T120 is a bike that lets you slow down to smell the roses, not the need to blow them off their stems as you pass by.

And when you do spot that too-inviting stretch of curvy road that begs for extra, unlike many cruisers, the T120 obliges. The torque, street-appropriate power, exhaust "note" and confident (if not racer) handling make it a pleasure when the pace picks up.

If I lived on the side of one of California's famous canyon roads, I might choose differently. But for the riding I'm able to do, this type of bike that prioritizes character, comfort and cruising is the ticket to maximum contentment. That's why I bought a T120 less than a month ago and it's been bliss. There are tweaks to be made, but it's by far the best bike I've spent time on.

And, it's worth noting that nowhere above did I mention looks, nostalgia, how Triumph did such a brilliant job making the engine look like its mills of old. That's because, while I think "retros" are generally appealing, I have no particular affection for them, nor am I trying to capture some vision from my childhood. I wasn't alive in the 50s-60s.

Certainly, it's subjective and personal, but not a single bike I tried had the T120's magic mix of character/soul and refinement.

 

Speed for a more modern look and the T120 for the classic Bonneville look.

 

Yeah, any Ducati has a lot of rough edges. But it's a Ducati.

 

It was a no-brainer for me: a NEW left-over '17 T120 Jet Black was marked down $3,000, so I was out the door for $9,500 including all misc. charges!
I was tempted by both a Street Twin and a Speed Twin based on color availability and lower weight. But the discount was impossible to ignore and I was also attracted to the included center stand and heated grips.
My thoughts after a week of riding: (1)The performance envelope is irrelevant to me; after 50 years of riding without the slightest mishap (hard to figure after some of my antics in younger days and my tendancy to want to humiliate Harley riders at stoplights) I'm content to relish the massive torque of the T120 and keep things well within 70% of the bike's capability. (2) While I still admire the Triumph color schemes in Tangerine and Aquamarine, the Jet Black is growing on me. I'm falling in love with the Black/Brown contrast the seat provides and I also love the pea-shooter mufflers...how can you really have a retro Bonneville with out Pea Shooters? Maybe this winter I'll try my hand at some minimal gold pin striping on the front fender; or maybe not...I've always taken to heart the line from CS&N "love the one your with".
Don't stress over this, you cant go wrong!

 

@RavenGryffen Where'd you find the small fairing/wind deflector for the Speed Twin?

 

It’s the thruxton one since they have it in the same color for 2019, thruxton mounts too. I think they have it in aluminum. Which would be good for a silver one maybe. Looks like the thruxton r would be the way to go color matched as it is available in silver ice. Dart is cheaper for flyscreens if the color isn’t as important.


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I recently took the Speed Twin out for a test ride at my local dealer.

In a tongue-in-cheek manner, the sales guy referred it as "an old man's Thruxton" and I'd say that's a spot-on description. It's tuned closer to the Thruxton. The riding position is more upright than the Thruxton, but the pegs and foot controls are a few millimeters forward - but not as far forward as the T100 or Street Twin. I like it better - it feels less cramped which will be great on long rides.

I'm in the process of buying a Speed Twin right now in the Silver Ice/Storm Gray color. We'll see how it feels after putting a few thousand miles on it this Summer.

 

I recently took the Speed Twin out for a test ride at my local dealer.

In a tongue-in-cheek manner, the sales guy referred it as "an old man's Thruxton" and I'd say that's a spot-on description.

Pretty funny. I’m definitely not an old man, but I love the stying and performance of the bike. Better to be upright/comfortable and tuck when needed then to be tucked all the time no matter what.

 

I finally test rode both bikes. Like I said in my earlier post I'm looking to down size my collection. I'm also looking for something more comfortable than my Thruxton R. At my height I have to sit back on the seat otherwise my legs are against the tank creases. Having to sit back makes me lean over more.

Love the speed twins engine since I have the Thruxton. The rider triangle is more compact than the t120 but not uncomfortably so for me. On my 06 Bonnie I frequently ride with my toes on the pegs. The speed is more of a sprinter while the T120 is a long distance runner. Instant power with the speed. The T120 you have to twist the throttle more before she reacts but the power is there. The T120 is capable but the speed reacts faster to steering inputs.

I'm leaning to the t120. Capable for a long day in the texas hill country. Relaxed and friendly around town.

 

I'm leaning to the t120...

Great choice! (-:

 

I just returned from a week of riding mountain twisties near Boone, NC on my T120. The bike was wonderful. Tons of torque and agility to get around tight turns and switchbacks, plenty of speed if you need it, and super comfortable (to me) for the long ride home. For this kind of riding I didn’t need instantaneous speed, but rather power, control, and get-up-and-go coming out of the turns. Oh yeah, it looks amazing, too! [emoji16]

Don’t get me wrong, the Speed Twin is a fantastic bike, but it may not be as versatile as the T120.

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About 6 months ago i was going thru the discussion T120 or Speed Twin. I came home with a Thruxton R. Rode the bike 200 miles and thought I had made a big mistake, but then went on a Sunday morning ride. Covered 90 miles over a 2.5 hour time and on two lane country roads. Now I love that bike, no way did I make a mistake. By the way I am a fairly large guy 6' 1" 210lbs , 33inch inseam and 70 years old. No problem ridding the bike but it is a bike for the open road not around town. So I now looking for a short run bike, probably going to try to ride them back to back in the near future. Will be interesting to see which one i like the best. Any additional information would be helpful.