Looking back, I should have known better. But sometimes the heart wants what it wants, and when I first laid eyes on that Triumph Speed Twin 900 in the dealership, I was completely smitten. The price tag of around $10,000 seemed reasonable, especially compared to the 1200’s $13,595 sticker price. I convinced myself that the 900 would be plenty of bike for my needs. Boy, was I wrong.
Don’t get me wrong—those first few weeks with the Speed Twin 900 were magical. The bike looked absolutely stunning, with its classic British styling and modern touches. Starting it up in the morning sent shivers down my spine. That distinctive parallel-twin rumble from the twin exhausts never got old, and I’d find myself grinning under my helmet every single time.
Around town, the 900 was fantastic. The 65 horsepower felt adequate for city commuting, and the low seat height of 780mm made it incredibly easy to maneuver. The bike felt light and nimble, weighing in at 216 kg, and parking lot speeds were a breeze. I genuinely thought I’d made the right choice.
When 900cc Isn’t Enough
But then came my first real highway experience, and that’s when the cracks started to show. The Speed Twin 900 only has five gears, and let me tell you, that missing sixth gear becomes painfully obvious the moment you hit the interstate. At highway speeds above 75 mph, the bike gets noticeably buzzy, and vibration increases significantly. The engine was working hard, turning higher RPMs than it should for comfortable cruising.
I found myself constantly looking for that sixth gear that simply wasn’t there. During longer rides, the engine noise and vibration became fatiguing, making those weekend touring dreams feel more like endurance tests. One Rider perfectly summed up my experience: “I find the 900 gets buzzy over 75mph. But since I’m not seeking out highways for travel generally, it’s perfect for me”. The problem was, I was seeking out highways.
The Power Problem
The highway issues were just the beginning. The 900’s 64 horsepower and 80 Nm of torque felt adequate until I needed to make a quick overtaking maneuver or merge into fast-moving traffic. There were moments when I’d twist the throttle expecting more punch, only to be reminded of the bike’s limitations. As one reviewer noted, the widely spaced gear ratios meant that “a roundabout that I would normally take in third on any other bike requires dropping down to second or even first on the 900”.
The power delivery, while smooth, lacked the authority I craved for confident highway riding. When you’re sharing the road with American pickup trucks and SUVs, every bit of available power matters for safety and peace of mind.
I started researching modifications to extract more power from the 900, but the reality was sobering. To gain meaningful horsepower, you’d need a full system exhaust, Power Commander, ECU remap, and potentially cam work—and even then, you’re looking at maybe 10 extra horsepower for thousands of dollars in modifications. As one Rider bluntly put it, “Save money to upgrade to a 1200.”
That advice kept echoing in my head, especially when I realized that many Speed Twin 900 owners eventually made the same upgrade. One Triumph enthusiast shared, “I knew within a couple weeks/months of the 900 that I should’ve gotten the 1200 all along.” The writing was on the wall.
Making the Switch
After eight months of ownership, I made the decision to trade up to the Speed Twin 1200. The difference was immediately apparent from the first ride. The 1200’s 103.5 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque transformed the entire riding experience. More importantly, that precious sixth gear made highway cruising an absolute pleasure rather than an endurance test.
The additional power wasn’t just about straight-line performance—it changed how the bike felt in every situation. Highway on-ramps became effortless, overtaking maneuvers felt confident, and two-up riding with my partner was no longer a struggle. The engine now loafed along at highway speeds instead of working hard, which significantly reduced vibration, noise, and rider fatigue.
Yes, the upgrade cost me money. Between the trade-in hit on the 900 and the price difference to the 1200, I was out about $4,000. But here’s the thing—that money bought me a bike I could live with long-term. The 1200’s superior highway manners, additional power, and sixth gear made it worth every penny.
The fuel economy took a hit, dropping from the 900’s 25 km/l to the 1200’s 19.6 km/l, but the trade-off was worth it for the improved riding experience. Insurance costs remained similar, and maintenance intervals are identical between the two models.
If I could go back and do it again, I’d skip the 900 entirely and go straight to the 1200. The extra $3,595 would have saved me the hassle of upgrading later and the associated financial loss.
The Speed Twin 900 isn’t a bad motorcycle—it’s actually quite good for what it is. But for American riding conditions, with our long highway stretches and higher speed limits, the 1200 is simply the better choice. The sixth gear alone makes it worthwhile, but the additional power and torque transform the bike from good to great.
