triumph speed twin 900 great bike hard choiceThe Triumph Speed Twin 900 is an absolute blast to ride. Powered by a punchy, torque-rich parallel-twin, it delivers classic British styling with effortless real-world performance. Everything works exactly the way it should-there are no obvious faults, no strange quirks, and plenty of character right out of the box.So what is the catch? The answer lies in its bigger sibling, the Speed Twin 1200. While the Speed Twin 900 stands strong on its own, it sits directly in the shadow of the larger machine, leaving riders to consider whether they fit the specific mold this bike was built for.The 900 is physically smaller, lower, and very accessible, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a nimble, confidence-inspiring daily commuter. Its low-end torque is perfect for carving through city traffic and cruising backroads without feeling overwhelming.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, the Speed Twin 1200 presents a compelling dilemma. While the 900 is plenty quick, the 1200 isn't drastically harder to manage, yet it offers a massive step up in capability. Upgrading to the 1200 gives you noticeably more power, stronger acceleration across the rev range, a crucial sixth gear for relaxed highway cruising, and upgraded suspension and brakes to match.There is certainly a higher price tag attached to the larger model, but the tradeoff in hardware and performance is hard to ignore. The Triumph Speed Twin 900 is a great motorcycle that does everything right, but if your budget allows for the step up, the Speed Twin 1200 is simply even better.Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.