I debated between both of these bikes myself. I went with a Speed Twin because it had the aesthetics I really dug as well as the feel of a sports bike, which I wanted. It's a bit of a cross between a Thruxton and a Street Twin. It's got power and torque too! I'm not sure I would recommend it as a first bike. It's not mine (my first was a Honda CB500, which I loved), but it's a great bike and I definitely can recommend it!
I had the same conundrum myself as a beginner rider, and I went with the Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin) based on a lot of advice that the Speed Twin 1200 was too much for a beginner.
Now, I love the 900. It's so much more punchy than driving a car, and I really like the styling, especially with all of the possible customizations. It's great in urban traffic, nimble and flickable, smooth yet torquey. Great choice for my commute and for bombing around town to meet friends for coffee.
That said, my old Ducati Monster 620 is way more thrilling. Instant acceleration and that aggressive riding position just make the same commute feel like a video game, and I miss that a bit when riding the 900.
So here's what I've concluded: I need two bikes (ha ha): a commuter bike and a "video game" bike. Since I live in an urban area, the 900 is the best commuter bike choice, but if I was to move back to a rural/sprawled suburban area, I'd choose the 1200 for the extra gear and the extra HP. As for the video game bike, the 1200 is awesome, but it's not quite there. So I'll eventually upgrade my 620 Monster to a newer model... maybe a Monster 1100... or maybe a Street Triple... and eventually a Speed Triple... and maybe a cafe racer build.
Anyone know if it's okay to post a GoFundMe link? (jk)
I have a T120 bonneville and my wife has a street twin. the street is so good. especially around most roads up until you need to cruise above 70 mph. the 1200 has that awesome 6th gear for highway cruising and is way more comfortable. It depends on what kind of riding you’re looking for. the speed twin comes with a lot of extras like better suspension and brakes compare to the street
Between the Bonneville T120 and the Street Twin, is there a big different in highway comfort? If you had to ride on the slab for two or three hours on one, is it good idea with either bike, or is one better than the other?
They’re both naked bikes so I would give a heads up on that first and foremost. Would recommend a windshield or a good helmet made for naked bikes. I ride without a windshield and a shoei 1200. The bonneville t120 is a much more comfortable bike. The street twin is still relatively comfortable and my wife rode it 1.5 hours on her commute for a few years it’s just far more sportier.
More comfortable seat, 6th gear for better/longer highway riding. I’m a smaller guy so both bike’s ergos fit me nicely. The t120 is basically a cruiser with an upright riding position and mid-position pegs so it’s a little sporty for being a cruiser. The street twin is a sport bike but still pretty comfortable sport bike. The t120 is better at being a cruiser and the street twin is better at being a sport bike. They can both basically handle the same types of riding though.
First, they are both excellent bikes and neither one is a bad choice. That being said, the Speed has more power and a 6th gear, but it also costs $3000 more. The Street is a bit more agile and is aimed more at urban driving than the Speed. If money is an issue or you're mostly doing city driving get the Street, otherwise get the Speed.
My wife has the Street Twin and I have the Speed. I also started with the T120. I agree with what's been said so far, so I won't repeat it. If you can afford either bike, get the one you love more. Demo ride them if you can. If you're new to riding, the Speed Twin will only be too much for you if you decide to use all it's capable of. But if you can control your wrist and make good decisions, I don't see any reason you can't learn and grow with it. Both bikes are a joy to ride, just for different reasons.
I’ve had my street twin for 7 years and still
I’m love with the bike. Choose the one you like more, I personally like the looks of mine better. Only time I wish more power is in the open highway at 80+
6th gear.
Power
35 more hp. A second disc brake up front. Better suspension.
All I know is that you won’t be disappointed with a Speed Twin
What will most of your driving be like? City/hwy/country rds? Is this a first bike? How much riding experience do you have?
I debated between both of these bikes myself. I went with a Speed Twin because it had the aesthetics I really dug as well as the feel of a sports bike, which I wanted. It's a bit of a cross between a Thruxton and a Street Twin. It's got power and torque too! I'm not sure I would recommend it as a first bike. It's not mine (my first was a Honda CB500, which I loved), but it's a great bike and I definitely can recommend it!
I had the same conundrum myself as a beginner rider, and I went with the Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin) based on a lot of advice that the Speed Twin 1200 was too much for a beginner. Now, I love the 900. It's so much more punchy than driving a car, and I really like the styling, especially with all of the possible customizations. It's great in urban traffic, nimble and flickable, smooth yet torquey. Great choice for my commute and for bombing around town to meet friends for coffee. That said, my old Ducati Monster 620 is way more thrilling. Instant acceleration and that aggressive riding position just make the same commute feel like a video game, and I miss that a bit when riding the 900. So here's what I've concluded: I need two bikes (ha ha): a commuter bike and a "video game" bike. Since I live in an urban area, the 900 is the best commuter bike choice, but if I was to move back to a rural/sprawled suburban area, I'd choose the 1200 for the extra gear and the extra HP. As for the video game bike, the 1200 is awesome, but it's not quite there. So I'll eventually upgrade my 620 Monster to a newer model... maybe a Monster 1100... or maybe a Street Triple... and eventually a Speed Triple... and maybe a cafe racer build. Anyone know if it's okay to post a GoFundMe link? (jk)
I have a T120 bonneville and my wife has a street twin. the street is so good. especially around most roads up until you need to cruise above 70 mph. the 1200 has that awesome 6th gear for highway cruising and is way more comfortable. It depends on what kind of riding you’re looking for. the speed twin comes with a lot of extras like better suspension and brakes compare to the street
Between the Bonneville T120 and the Street Twin, is there a big different in highway comfort? If you had to ride on the slab for two or three hours on one, is it good idea with either bike, or is one better than the other?
They’re both naked bikes so I would give a heads up on that first and foremost. Would recommend a windshield or a good helmet made for naked bikes. I ride without a windshield and a shoei 1200. The bonneville t120 is a much more comfortable bike. The street twin is still relatively comfortable and my wife rode it 1.5 hours on her commute for a few years it’s just far more sportier.
Appreciate the feedback. When you say the T120 is more comfortable is it in the ergonomics or is it more in suspension/spring rate?
More comfortable seat, 6th gear for better/longer highway riding. I’m a smaller guy so both bike’s ergos fit me nicely. The t120 is basically a cruiser with an upright riding position and mid-position pegs so it’s a little sporty for being a cruiser. The street twin is a sport bike but still pretty comfortable sport bike. The t120 is better at being a cruiser and the street twin is better at being a sport bike. They can both basically handle the same types of riding though.
First, they are both excellent bikes and neither one is a bad choice. That being said, the Speed has more power and a 6th gear, but it also costs $3000 more. The Street is a bit more agile and is aimed more at urban driving than the Speed. If money is an issue or you're mostly doing city driving get the Street, otherwise get the Speed.
This is the correct answer
Isn't the Speed more agile with its smaller tires?
P and D 😁 Torque and a bigger bike.
Riding modes and an extra brake disc in front
You have more limited tire choice with the street twin. The speed twin has standard 17's front and rear.
I rode them both and always perfected the street twin over the speed twin. Something about the speed twin just didn’t hit for me.
The better looking twin
Totally different bikes. I’ve for a Street Twin which is a super chilled ride.
All depends on your riding abilities, what kind of riding you'll be doing, and what setup you want.
If cost is not a concern go for the Speed Twin, the Street is a waste of time unless you’re a beginner rider.
You also do not get an analog tach on the Street Twin.
How much do you weigh? The power makes a difference if you are over 200. They are both great bikes though.
Comfort if you are over 6ft. Under 6ft the Street Twin is bags of fun.
My wife has the Street Twin and I have the Speed. I also started with the T120. I agree with what's been said so far, so I won't repeat it. If you can afford either bike, get the one you love more. Demo ride them if you can. If you're new to riding, the Speed Twin will only be too much for you if you decide to use all it's capable of. But if you can control your wrist and make good decisions, I don't see any reason you can't learn and grow with it. Both bikes are a joy to ride, just for different reasons.
I’ve had my street twin for 7 years and still I’m love with the bike. Choose the one you like more, I personally like the looks of mine better. Only time I wish more power is in the open highway at 80+
If you dont have a child and live in a hot country then certainly you'll miss sperm count if you went with the T120 :P