OK, took it out for reasonable ride with a mix of traffic, highway and a fast winding road up a mountain.
I rode my Thruxton to the shop to get the best near comparison. First thing that struck me was the riding position. It really is a Thruxton with high bars. Even though the pegs are forward, because the seat is also forward your legs are pretty much in the same position as on a Thruxton. The bars are up and very comfortable. However, the end result - for me at least, and remember this is just my opinion - is that I felt pushed forward a bit and had a fair bit of weight resting on my hands, which surprisingly was not unlike on the Thruxton. Not uncomfortable by any means but if you’re buying this because you can’t do a Thruxton you’re going to be a little disappointed.
The seat is hard and no more comfortable than the Thruxton seats. I’d be looking to see if any of the Bonneville or (new) Street Twin seat’s could fit.
Performance is exactly Thruxton. I have exhaust, decat and filter on mine so the stock Spd Twin didn’t feel quite as snappy, even with the standard gearing. I’ve also change my front sprocket for the 17t on the T120. I’d really recommend doing that on the Spd Twin, particularly if you’re likely to want to do any trips or highway miles on it. With the standard 16t it’s just a bit buzzy even in 6th and there’s no shortage of torque to cope with the taller cog.
Handling is excellent; really really good. And ride is very comfortable even over bumps and corrugations. The suspension felt a little better than the standard Thruxton set up, probably because there’s a cartridge in each fork leg now instead of just one. The rear felt a little softer than the stock Thruxton shocks. I have changed mine for Bitubo so it’s a bit hard to tell, but the bike seems really well balanced was very planted at speed.
The Brembo/Brembo brakes are fantastic. Not sure they’re actually better than the Nissin/Brembo on the Thruxton but they do seem to grab a bit quicker. Of course the Brembo calipers and floating discs look cool.
Would I buy one? Absolutely.
Would I get rid of my Thruxton to get one? Not for a long time yet, if ever. I think if it had been a quantum leap forward in comfort things would be different, but it’s too similar (IN MY OPINION) and lacks the retro style of the Thruxton to make me want to switch .
I thought this bike would suit people stepping down - or sitting up - from a Thruxton, but instead think it will have more appeal to people stepping up from a Bonneville or Street Twin. They will not be disappointed. I’d be more inclined to put risers and bars on my Thruxton I think.
ps bit of a shame about the seat and peg position and disappointing that heated grips aren’t standard and that a centre stand and cruise control seem to be unavailable.