Triumph Speed Twin vs Norton Commando 961: Which Is Better?
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUCQ35ucAo4
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUCQ35ucAo4
Triumph Speed Twin vs Norton Commando 961: Which Is Better?
- Thread starter DaveM
- Start date
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I was seriously considering surprising the Mrs with a new Commando on her BDay because of my connection with the British Commandos. Unfortunately the US servicing options are sparse to say the least. The closest Norton service center to me is in Chicago and one or two of them nationwide just closed. Options are very limited.
I don’t know much about this new attempt at standing Norton back up other than I really like them. The ST1200 better be more of a powerhouse or I want my money back. The Commando is definitely a bit of a more refined creature. You tell just by looking at it. It’s targeting experienced Motoheads who want more esthetically.
I’m thinking the Commando is sort of a Street Twin with a lot more money in upgrades(to me they’ll always be Street Twins). Definitely better looking than the Street Twin, and I have to say it… the Speed Twin too, IMO anyway. Better be for what they’re charging.
Beautiful bikes. Stunning. Without watching the video I’d say they must noticeably outperform the Street Twin. They better for what they’re charging.
I don’t know much about this new attempt at standing Norton back up other than I really like them. The ST1200 better be more of a powerhouse or I want my money back. The Commando is definitely a bit of a more refined creature. You tell just by looking at it. It’s targeting experienced Motoheads who want more esthetically.
I’m thinking the Commando is sort of a Street Twin with a lot more money in upgrades(to me they’ll always be Street Twins). Definitely better looking than the Street Twin, and I have to say it… the Speed Twin too, IMO anyway. Better be for what they’re charging.
Beautiful bikes. Stunning. Without watching the video I’d say they must noticeably outperform the Street Twin. They better for what they’re charging.
Be careful what you wish for … I , like many others had to have a Thruxton R when they came out . A year or so later many low mileage ones were being sold by regretful owners and I think they got good $ for them too . Mine still sits in the garage with its new handlebars , expensive , and a more comfortable seat , reasonable , making it more Street Twin like . But I often think a 765 Street Triple would take up less space ?
Know how much you like photos . I call this one “ Happy Grandkids “
Know how much you like photos . I call this one “ Happy Grandkids “
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Why's the Triumph got such an fugly tank? Sixty years ago they had no problems making tanks without the lower seam. Edward turner, its seminal engine designer also insisted on the bright and tasteful colours. That present-day orange wouldn't have passed muster with Mr Turner, I'm sure.
Shame about the parcel rack and eyelash badge though.
The Norton disgraces the Triumph, aesthetically. And that's a large part of motorcycle riding, what the bike looks like.
Shame about the parcel rack and eyelash badge though.
The Norton disgraces the Triumph, aesthetically. And that's a large part of motorcycle riding, what the bike looks like.
That's part of what keeps these bikes so affordable. Entry level Commando's are over $21,000.
It's not expensive to provide a seamless tank.
That price includes shipping.
Above is an example only, made for a bike like mine. I bought an alloy tank from India, it's stunning and wasn't all that much.
It's poor design that's the Hinkley, well Thailand, model's issue. It's 'referencing' the classic bikes. Anything should be better, or at least not worse, than what it's referencing without good reason.
That price includes shipping.
Above is an example only, made for a bike like mine. I bought an alloy tank from India, it's stunning and wasn't all that much.
It's poor design that's the Hinkley, well Thailand, model's issue. It's 'referencing' the classic bikes. Anything should be better, or at least not worse, than what it's referencing without good reason.
Well at $15K vs $21K those perks and little bits of makeup clearly add up. The Speed Twin is a major force in the success of the new "Triumph Motorcycles LTD" and consumer accessibilty was probably a key consideration. That bike could easily pack a $25K price tag with the right gear slapped on it. The choices for an affordable European bike of this type have been slim for quite a while with the RnineT being the big contender. The Speed Twin has at least given BMW a clear run for their money, as well as a couple others. The Japanese have even recently jumped into the "retro" game to grab some of that money and I think the success of the Speed Twin was the impetus.
With the unimpressive factory suspension, rock hard thin seat, paper thin tires, and several other cut corners to assenble a attractive price tag, in addition to that allegedly lackluster fuel tank, Triumph did an impressive job getting a solid peice of kit into peoples' garages seeing how the line has become so successful. I have seen no bad reviews of the bike in spite of all these lower-end components being mentioned in so many of them.
Triumph was also wise enough to maintain that Bonneville ease of modularity so it's not hard to rock that fuel tank, or whatever else it is you want on there. I went with the plain gloss-black tank because I'm a dedicated disciple of "Less Is More." YMMV.
With the unimpressive factory suspension, rock hard thin seat, paper thin tires, and several other cut corners to assenble a attractive price tag, in addition to that allegedly lackluster fuel tank, Triumph did an impressive job getting a solid peice of kit into peoples' garages seeing how the line has become so successful. I have seen no bad reviews of the bike in spite of all these lower-end components being mentioned in so many of them.
Triumph was also wise enough to maintain that Bonneville ease of modularity so it's not hard to rock that fuel tank, or whatever else it is you want on there. I went with the plain gloss-black tank because I'm a dedicated disciple of "Less Is More." YMMV.
I've just had a look at the 2023 Honda range. Didn't realise how expensive, and how unattractive (especially the rip-off Harleys and the monstrous black Goldwing) are.
So, to be fair, Triumph are doing a good job. However, I think it's constructive criticism to point out things, that would cost very little to improve, that could make the Triumph retro models more attractive and more in the spirit of the 60s and 70s models they reference.
Personally, I don't like the overall look of the Triumph retros. Although a couple of weeks ago I saw up close a "more retro" bike, a newish royal Enfield, which looked surprisingly bland and characterless.
So, to be fair, Triumph are doing a good job. However, I think it's constructive criticism to point out things, that would cost very little to improve, that could make the Triumph retro models more attractive and more in the spirit of the 60s and 70s models they reference.
Personally, I don't like the overall look of the Triumph retros. Although a couple of weeks ago I saw up close a "more retro" bike, a newish royal Enfield, which looked surprisingly bland and characterless.
AFAIC, the wannabe Harley Jap bikes don't even factor into this arena. Despite the fact that they'll run forever like everything else the Japanese build, what possibly would motivate someone to rock one of those bikes is beyond me. Could be price, reliability... no idea. Let's be honest, most factory bikes are pretty reliable these days. They don't even really sell those wannabes in Japan. They're dedicated to the western markets, primarily America. This is because of one principle consideration by the manufacturers… esthetics. Personally, I've never even entertained the idea of owning one. You want a Harley, save your milk money and buy a Harley. Same-same a Brit bike, sport bike, or whatever. Yet the Japanese prevail.
Speaking of esthetics- compared to the "bikes of yore," all motorcycles fall a bit flat esthetically these days. There's simply no comparison between most modern bikes vs their ancestors. For Christ sake just look at a vintage Speed Twin compared to a modern one. Apples and oranges. You can't even make an argument, and I for one think the modern Speed Twin is a landmark bike for the age. With the looming death of the Sportster, the modern T100 and T120 Bonnevilles are about the best examples of attention to purity in pretty much any example of westerm motorcycle currently on the rode, with a BMW or two hot on their tail.
If you're a legit vintage Triumph rider these days you're in a class of your own. It's a different landscape out there. I get it that it must be a bit frustrating to see so many of the old school particulars like tank badges and whatnot get sidelined, but at this point it's just business. Be thankful there's still a Triumph and keep in mind that the Triumph that built your bike is not the same Triumph that builds the Street Twin or the Rocket, and this current Triumph has struggled mightily to acheive what they have so far. The fact that Enfield and BSA have stood up, in my opinion, in response to Triumph kicking so much ass after near extinction speaks volumes. Hopefully these companies will grow and maybe those little attentions to detail will become a competitive factor. It's not beyond the realm of possibility… "the more things change, the more they stay the same." These modern "Brit" bikes are living proof of that adage.
Cross your fingers.
Speaking of esthetics- compared to the "bikes of yore," all motorcycles fall a bit flat esthetically these days. There's simply no comparison between most modern bikes vs their ancestors. For Christ sake just look at a vintage Speed Twin compared to a modern one. Apples and oranges. You can't even make an argument, and I for one think the modern Speed Twin is a landmark bike for the age. With the looming death of the Sportster, the modern T100 and T120 Bonnevilles are about the best examples of attention to purity in pretty much any example of westerm motorcycle currently on the rode, with a BMW or two hot on their tail.
If you're a legit vintage Triumph rider these days you're in a class of your own. It's a different landscape out there. I get it that it must be a bit frustrating to see so many of the old school particulars like tank badges and whatnot get sidelined, but at this point it's just business. Be thankful there's still a Triumph and keep in mind that the Triumph that built your bike is not the same Triumph that builds the Street Twin or the Rocket, and this current Triumph has struggled mightily to acheive what they have so far. The fact that Enfield and BSA have stood up, in my opinion, in response to Triumph kicking so much ass after near extinction speaks volumes. Hopefully these companies will grow and maybe those little attentions to detail will become a competitive factor. It's not beyond the realm of possibility… "the more things change, the more they stay the same." These modern "Brit" bikes are living proof of that adage.
Cross your fingers.
A little more on the Norton. Actually A LOT more on it...
