‘It feels just like the old model’

Paul Findley Age 32

Height 5ft 11in

Owns 2019 Triumph Speed Twin and 2011 Triumph Street Triple R

“The best thing about the 2021 Speed Twin is the fact it feels just like my older model, which is really important as Triumph could have ruined the bike with the updates. The new model seems to steer a bit better than mine and has a slightly more confidence-inspiring feel from the front end but this could just be to do with the different tyres; mine are getting a bit square now. Interestingly, I upped the preload on my shocks as soon as I bought the bike and it seems like Triumph has paid attention to what owners have been saying, as the rear feels identical. The brakes are better but possibly a touch sharp and it seems like Triumph has cured the squeaky front caliper that annoys me on mine, which is good, but it hasn’t lengthened the sidestand lug, which is really hard to find with your boots on.”

What’s not?

“I’m really disappointed that Triumph has changed the finish on the tank. My bike’s coachwork is hand painted and at the bottom of the tank, under the seat area, is the painter’s initials. I’m never going to meet the chap in Thailand who did it but it’s a lovely touch that the new model’s lacquered-over decals don’t bring. It sounds strange but I also like the gaiters you get on conventional forks, which are missing on inverted items and I think it’s a shame. The engine doesn’t feel any more spirited than mine and, if anything, less midrange pick-up, although my Zard exhaust may be helping boost mine. And I don’t like Triumph’s choice of tyres. Although I don’t aim to ride in the wet, I want rubber that means if I do get caught out, I’m not nervous, which I would be on the RRS.”

Are you convinced?

“Yes and no. If I’m buying a retro bike, I want it to look retro so the inverted forks don’t appeal to me and I’m disappointed by the lack of hand-painted details on the tank. I’d have been happier if Triumph had added adjustability to the

conventional items instead of swapping them for inverted. That said, the 2021 bike is still lovely to ride and has all the heart and soul of mine and I’m impressed by its exhaust note, which is lovely despite it now meeting new emissions laws.” Would you buy it?

“As an owner of a Speed Twin, I wouldn’t buy the new model, simply because it doesn’t feel that far removed from the old bike to justify the extra expense. If it was a full-on R version, with fully-adjustable Öhlins forks and shocks, like the Thruxton RS, there would be a point but as it is effectively just my bike with inverted forks and better brakes, I don’t see the need. Also, I like the look of conventional forks on a retro and I like the fork gaiters. That said, if I didn’t own a Speed Twin then 100% I’d buy this bike as it is still fantastic to ride, looks great and has a lovely natural balance that makes it perfectly suited to the UK’S roads.”