Hi everyone! I am the latest newbie! I will start off by 'cursing' Triumph for building such amazing bikes! I have no idea what to get!!! I'm going to go crazy! Ok, at least narrowed it down to two. Speed Twin or 1200XE. Very different I know, but would like to hear some thoughts if anyone is interested to share. Thanks in advance, and greetings!
Hi n welcome me and my partner are just waiting to pick up our S/Twins as we only ever ride on tarmac, but i would go and ride both if unsure.
I've ridden both. They're two completely different bikes to ride, the Speed Twin reminds me more of my Speed RS than a Bonnie to ride, likes a bit of speed and quite firmly sprung. The 1200 XE is definitely different, quite tall but not top heavy like some other tall bikes though, I liked it but suspect I'd enjoy an XC more with the slightly lower seat height, but that's a personal thing. They're so different, a road test will fairly quickly tell you which is your personal preference with these two.
Hi Johan & Welcome to the Forum, try and get decent test rides on both if you can, then go with your gut feeling.
Thank you for the welcome reception and comments given! So, I live in Dubai and there is no Triumph dealer! I am however able to import the bike through a licensed Triumph service center. I hope Triumph can change this situation soon. I agree the best is to wait it out until I can test ride them both somewhere. In any case I'm pretty confident that I couldn't really go wrong with either. I've owned a Triumph before and have been biased ever since. I appreciate the support you guys! I will check in soon with the final decision, so stay tuned! In the meantime I will really just have to soul search what kind of ride suits me best at the moment. Cheers!
Hi and welcome, I am the owner of said XE, it is the best bike I have owned ( I have had a few, don`t tell the wife exactly how many) I have ridden the speed twin it is a great bike as well. The scrambler 1200 XE just suits me and my needs more than the speed twin, I am 6 feet tall and love the height and feel of the XE, and I think the engine suits the bike very well. Which ever one you decide on I am sure you will be happy with.
Hi Johan, welcome, just a few facts that might be useful, the ST engine produces 96HP the XE 89HP, dry weight of ST 196kg the XE 207kg so power to weight ratio firmly with ST, also seat height ST 807mm, XE 870mm, a bit tall for a short arse like me, anyway I just purchased an ST around a month ago and am loving it, its a lovely bike to ride, looks great, handles really well and has plenty grunt about it, what more could you want. Good luck with your choice whatever it turns out to be.
I have made up my mind! Just ordered and payed the deposit on my very own SPEED TWIN!!!! Thanks again for the support and advice. I will post them pictures when she arrives (in about 6-8 weeks).
Congrats, good choice, sure you will love it sadly for you though the next month or two are going to be a real drag waiting on your new baby being delivered
Hi, iv'e a few thoughts on which bike would be best. Iv'e ridden the Speed Twin and was very impressed with it although I didn't like where the side stand was as it tucks under the silencer too much and didn't like the clock layout, but liked the low seat height and everything else. I haven't tried the scrambler as I found it too tall as i'm 5'10''. The only thing I would say about the Scrambler is the cleaning of the exhaust and spokes as I had a Street Scrambler and found cleaning it was a pain in the butt as the silencers run very close to the engine and frame which you can't clean properly when all mucked up. So I would go with the Speedy unless you like cleaning and have a step ladder!
Hi Rob! Thanks for the reply. Good practical info you've shared. I'm aware that the side stand on the Speed Twin can be a bit 'hidden' indeed. I will comfort that thought with the clean image it will give whilst riding though. I have ordered the Speed Twin and it should be on its way very soon. Regards,
