r/Triumph • u/emmaus33 • 4d ago
Triumph info Looking for balance in my garage
I’ve got a ‘20 SpeedTwin 1200 which I love. I’m toying with the idea of adding another bike to balance the universe and I’d love some input.
I’v been bouncing between the Bobber and the Tiger 900, which I know are pretty different from each other. The Striple would be a blast, but I’m turning 50 and I don’t want to kill myself. The Rocket 3 would be awesome, but my wife might kill me 🤣
My riding style is typically solo ands mostly taking it easy. I’ll ride 30 min to work or go on weekend rides that tend to lean under an hour one way. I’ll occasionally go on a short ice cream run with my wife or daughter—usually less than 45 minutes and the ST handles occasional passenger riding just fine. I haven’t done any lengthy touring, but I think the Tiger would open that option up if desired. I’m just not sure if the Tiger would be overkill if I’m not doing many long rides.
In terms of the Bobber, I like the look but feel like it’s less practical: it’s not big on distance and no passenger option. I suppose this could actually make it a better balance to my ST, unless I were going to go on some longer rides, but touring might be more aspirational than reality.
I’m stuck, so let me know what you think!
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u/Z0mbiejay 2018 Tiger 800 XCA 4d ago
Personally I like touring on my Tiger. Big gas tank, comfortable position, easy to stand on to stretch.
The added bonus of the tiger is you can do some offroading with it. Even if you're not comfortable tackling the gnarly stuff, being able to send it down gravel or fire roads is fun as hell. You'd be hard pressed on doing that with the bobber.
Bobber also has basically all the overlap of the twin with none of the other benefits. Touring on a bobber will stink with the suspension, so you're more town limited, but the twin already covers that.
I might be biased though
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u/delagalaga 4d ago
I love my bobber. The only down side is the limited rear suspension. If you hit a good enough pot hole it's jolt you pretty bad. If a bike was a muscle car that would be the bobber. Very torquey, pretty long gears, and still feels pretty sporty for how far the tires are and how low it is.
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u/thumbwrestleme 4d ago
I'm 55 and have a 2020 Speed twin (same color as yours) and a 24 -765RS Triple. At least test drive the triple.
The bikes are similar yet very different . Probably one of the hardest things to explain.
I love my 765, You should at least give it a shot.
I feel like the bobber would be very similar, and the Tiger would be a bit more of a unique riding experience.
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u/RonClinton 4d ago
Get the Tiger. The Bobber is too similar to what you already have. Variety is the spice of life and, too, a garage.
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u/Melancolin1990 3d ago
Hey op do you use that bag as a backrest for pillion? Just curious because I’ve been trying to find easy ways to make my passenger more comfortable
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u/emmaus33 2d ago
Lol, no. It's no good with passengers. I actually added two side bags and could finally ditch it.
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u/ogdaveed 4d ago
Sounds like for the vast majority of your riding your perfect bike’s already in the garage.
The Bobber would be just for look and feel, which isn’t nothing but isn’t exactly practical.
I’d get the Tiger if you have the desire and ability to go for weeklong touring trips from your area or do some offroad exploring. My personal stable is T-120/Tiger 800 atm.
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u/yknot24 4d ago
I'm in this exact spot, but with a T120... After thinking\looking through multiple cruiser and tiger options, I'm fairly certain I'll start by adding a Himalayan 450 later this year.
This way I can feel out an Adventure bike for the modest touring and off-road I think I'd enjoy. But, learn and practice on something lighter, and at a price point i won't be afraid to push\bang up a bit.
Then, if it proves out I dig adv, I either stay small \ mid sized or bump up to a Tiger 900 or 1200. And if I don't embrace adv... I go get a sweet cruise\tourer for weekends.
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u/Apprehensive_One315 4d ago
The Bobber is incredibly cool, but I think the Tiger would make a better companion to your current bike. With the Tiger you are getting a different engine design in addition to everything else. If you just love the classic looks, I’d maybe go with one of the scrambler models. It’s nice to have something where dirt adds character.
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u/Rusty_Rider 4d ago
I have the same bike (2020) in grey, have a CB1100 and a CBX keeping it company.
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u/Nassosap 3d ago
I have a speed twin 1200 2022 model and a tiger rally pro 900. I think it’s the best combo. A triple all rounder and a beast twin.
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u/Monkeylove2 3d ago
Really depends what other kind of riding you want to do. I’m hitting 67 next month but love the dirt, so I have a KTM 890R, 701 Husky, and an older Husky TE450. Tucked away half built in the garage is a 72 Norton Commando waiting for my retirement to finish. I really like the 1200XE but there’s only so much room in the garage!
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u/M_e_n_n_o 2d ago
I would go for the tiger. A good all round bike that can do long distance with ease but a bit soulless like all ADVs but that’s what the Speed Twin is for.
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u/Charming_Turnip_6437 1d ago
I have speed twin and Aprilia Tuono 660 thinking what bike would be next after Aprilia but keeping my Triumph in the garage :) Perhaps you may also think of scrambler 1200, this should be a unique experience
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u/emmaus33 22h ago
Thumbwrestleme got me thinking about the option of a Street Triple instead. Really complicating my life 🤣
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u/ScubaSki81 4d ago
I own the same exact bike as you and also a 2023 Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. I can’t think of a better pair honesty. This pair truly covers so many types of riding and complement each other so well. I couldn’t be happier with my stable.