Traded the Griso in on a Speed Twin

[Dave Swanson]

NOT   

But I did have a great time at one the of the best Triumph dealers in the country, Team Powersports in Janesville, Wisconsin, test riding the new 2019  Speed Twin and 1200 Scrambler with a buddy this afternoon.

I loved both of the new Trumps.  The Speed Twin was excellent and quite sporty.  I also rode the standard 1200 Scrambler with the non Ohlins suspension that also has a lower seat height than the high zoot version which is more friendly to my inseam.    The standard 1200 Scrambler was very comfortable.  I felt like I could ride the Scrambler all day and night.  The Speed Twin was comfy also, just not as much.   When riding along at 80 mph on the Scrambler not only did it seem effortless, but the wind blast did not feel severe.  Not sure why that is on a naked bike?  The standard 1200 Scrambler I can touch down on the balls of my feet, the high zoot version I am on my toes.    The Speed Twin I can easily flat foot.

I also must say that although the new 1200cc Triumph mills seem to be excellent motors they pale in comparison to the character and grunt of the 1200 8v in the Griso!    If the owner of the shop was crazy enough to offer me an even trade for the Speed Twin (never happen of course)  I would not have taken him up on it.  The Griso is that good, not taking anything away from the excellent new Triumph products. 

[usedtobefast]

Whew.    Was worried about you for a moment there. 

One thing I like about the Griso, no traction control, no ABS, up to the rider to ride it correctly.  With the KTM 1190s & 1290s I've tried I feel like I'm not gelling with the electronics ... TC lights blinking, shift lights blinking, some bumpy pavement and the ABS is kicking in when not really needed ... just annoying. 

Did the Triumphs show any signs of that over protection nanny-ness? 

[Dave Swanson]

Whew.    Was worried about you for a moment there. 

One thing I like about the Griso, no traction control, no ABS, up to the rider to ride it correctly.  With the KTM 1190s & 1290s I've tried I feel like I'm not gelling with the electronics ... TC lights blinking, shift lights blinking, some bumpy pavement and the ABS is kicking in when not really needed ... just annoying. 

Did the Triumphs show any signs of that over protection nanny-ness?

We only did about 20 miles over good roads and didn't notice anything that annoyed.

I heard the same complaint as yours from an owner of a Ducati Multistrada.  I guess the Duc's dash is always blurting out some kind of warning, and fairly often he gets an error light that the dealer has to clear.  It sounds annoying.  Not sure if I could deal with all that.

The Griso is a keeper. 

[Bulldog9]

Whew.    Was worried about you for a moment there. 

One thing I like about the Griso, no traction control, no ABS, up to the rider to ride it correctly.  With the KTM 1190s & 1290s I've tried I feel like I'm not gelling with the electronics ... TC lights blinking, shift lights blinking, some bumpy pavement and the ABS is kicking in when not really needed ... just annoying. 

Did the Triumphs show any signs of that over protection nanny-ness?

That's one of the things I love most about the GRiSO. I am in control. I get the reasoning and 'benifit' of ABS & TC, but if I could buy without, I would. Frankly the only time I have ever used it on my Norge, Stornello or MGX was TESTING" to see how it feels. Technology is a good thing, but robs of the experience and lowers general riding ability/skill IMO.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

That speed twin is mighty appealing, we are going down to test ride one in greenville sc next weekend.

[Dilliw]

That speed twin is mighty appealing, we are going down to test ride one in greenville sc next weekend.

If you buy an hour further will Get you to Ridge Motorsports.  Good guys

[Muzz]

  man you!

You had me in disbelief right up until I clicked on the thread.   Sounds like a good time was had by all.

[blackcat]

Guzziowner and I stopped at his local MG,Triumph,Aprilia dealer in Goshen,NY this morning to look at some bikes and I sat on the BR Green Thruxton. Very nice bike and I could see selling a few bikes.......

[Daleroso]

You're right Dave about the differences. I'm finally down to 2 bikes. An '18 t120 Bonnie set up for the longer ride with comfort seat, detach Leatherlyke hard bags, trunk, detach windshield, cruise & its few ride control features. Easy, enjoyable to ride.
Aaah, but the '17 Griso beetled & Ropered is another sensation altogether.
Love'em both & generally choose which one based on 2 factors. Where I'm going & my mood.

[dxhall]

I too like the look of the new Triumphs, particularly the Street Cup.  What stops me from checking one out is the horsepower numbers - the Street Cup is only 54 hp.  My Guzzi LM V must be 80 or 90 hp, and outside of the power difference, I would expect the LM V to handle about the same as the Triumph.  The Triumph would be an appearance-only purchase, which to me isn’t worth doing.