Just in case anyone is watching this review lately, I have had a 2017 SE for 3 years and 30,000km later this bike has been faultless. 2 up it handles great and as the motor gets a little smoother the older it gets it pulls just fine 2 up fully loaded with gear. I’ve done 6500 km in 9 days 2 up packed to the maximum weight and still getting 50 mpg. This bike may not have the fancy TFT screens but if I wanted to ride an IPad I would do it in my armchair. Plus it’s nice to have a different bike than everyone around where I live in western Canada.
Hi. Great comment. I’m in the market for a Sport tourer and the 2017 Trophy is at the top of the list. I’ve heard the triple is a noisy engine. Have you found that to be true? Thank you!
I have had 2 Trophy SE bikes. The first one bought new in 2013. Went all over Europe & Ireland on it. 29,000 hassle free miles later, traded it in in 2016 for a new black one. Been riding for 41 years. I thought the reference to performance was not particularly understanding what this bike is about. Sure, it doesn't have sports bike acceleration or handling but that's not the point of it. This bike is simply great at loading up and heading anywhere in absolute comfort. It will cruise all day at 100 or you can ride the twisting and country roads at legal but quick pace and take yourself anywhere with all of your kit. My current bike has now done 31,000 miles without so much as a blown bulb. It may be that BMW's overall are "better", but when I tried the 1250, it didn't justify the £6000 plus difference for the same spec as the SE. In the real world, this is as good as a tourer can get at a reasonable price. If you want sport bike performance...buy a sports bike. 😀
Is there any difference between a 2013 and a 2016 model ? There’s one of each for sale here in Sweden. And both has under 20.000 km on the tacho. What is the ”problem” here ?
@@akepettersson4847 no difference mines a 2017 model it’s been faultless and I’m getting close to 40,000km 2 up full of gear all over western USA and western Canada. Been a solid purchase 👍
The Trophy will probably be my next bike (If i can ever sell my tiger 800 that is), it is perfect for Australian conditions, i.e. Big fuel tank, shaft drive, electric screen and big fairing........ 500k between fuel stops is a massive bonus when riding in the outback. Lots of people go on about the weight but Triumph has kept the weight low and central so it doesn't feel heavy compared to my 2006 BMW R1200RT at least, if anything the RT felt heavier because it was top heavy. The Triumph Trophy is a great touring bike designed for very long days in the saddle, 1000 km a day no problems for this bike............................................. Keep up the good work!
You're the first person I've seen in a review to knock anything on the bike at all - Mine is on the way and should be delivered in a couple hours - We'll see how true you are! Good review!
Solid sincere review. So helpful that you mention many other bikes in comparison to this one. Your experience & memory is an asset I've come to depend on from this channel. Thanks.
It's not really made for doing short rides and wicking it up. You spend 10 hrs riding 80 mph and all that comfort and wind protection really proves itself useful. We be deaf doing such a thing on the Thruxies...and I'd have rigamortus!
Oddly, this may be the only negative review I've seen on the Trophy. Of course with only 13 miles on it perhaps some break in time would wake it up. Or you could have set sport mode before you rode it seeing as how performance over comfort is what checks your box.
Another nice honest review. Funny how much of a difference it can make by adjusting the settings. Clever bit of editing at the beginning, who would have thought we were talking about the screen hahah
Thank you for your comment on that Triumph Trophy SE...It did clear my mind about what i want. You're the person that made me like the Tiumph motorcycles (Like faling in love with Triumph Motorcycle)...3 Weeks a go i whent to the dealer and started to talk with the gentleman and i wanted to get myself a Bonneville T120 Black and told him i wanted to do long distance with the bike he said that i was going to be better with the Trophy Se it's more confortable. Ok it's a nice bike Triumph Trophy SE, but i wanted to have your idea about that motorcycle...So i really appreciated your comment, i'll help me doing the right choice..Thk's ...Take care...
Not a problem sir! I'd get a T120 over this every time, but you would have to put up without the creature comforts, but that's not what biking is for me... :-)
Dont call me Sir, my name is Claude...I'm a freind from Montreal and having so much fun watching your video...I've been following you since quit a while now.Sometime i feel i'm the one sitting on bike..Well thak's anyway..
It's rumored at our local Triumph shop that they will be phasing out the Trophy here in the U.S. Also gone will be the Thunderbird line of bikes. They just aren't selling like the other bikes. Thanks for the terrific videos Captain! ~Cheers Mate 🍺
Had her for three seasons and over 20K miles. Liked her, not loved, just liked. Trophy is a great and very comfortable inter-continental touring bike. Twice I did over 1,000 miles a day quite easily. However, for me she had limited character and despite having several performance tuning upgrades, I couldn't connect to Trophy fully. I didn't like front design, she looked like a BMW RT and wasn't unique enough for Triumph motorcycle. I wanted "something Triumph special" and have swapped her for brand new red Thruxton R. This one is a total opposite, charismatic with little comfort...but fun to ride...love it ☠🏍
Huzzah! Very well done that man! I know exactly what you mean especially as I ride the Thruxton too. I know that I might have been a bit unfair about the Trophy but what you say seems to confirm my suspicions that even if you tuned it and tried to upgrade bits of it, it just wouldn't get to where you want it! Enjoy the Thruxton! Thank you for watching and for your useful comment! :-)
Interesting you say that commuting by bike is more tiring than car as I find the reverse is true. While moving in a traffic flow there's more to think about on a bike but when in tightly packed stop-start traffic there's far more you have to be aware of in a car. Thus, I find it's more stressful & tiring commuting by car.
Ah, I see what you mean, but I find that when I am in a car, even in stop start traffic, the fact that I can sit back and relax, maybe not my mind, is relaxing enough... For example, when flying, you have to concentrate pretty much all the time, but you can sit back and relax at the same time... But I take your point... After all, these are just my impressions... We are all different sir! :-) Thank you for watching!
I also may get the effects of car envy butt-hurt when commuting to work - eg. join a 2 lane road from the right into lane 2, signal left to move into lane 1 and immediate reaction from the person behind in lane 1 is to accelerate into the space I was just about to move into. About 1 in 3 times accompanied with horn and hand gestures. :(
Good review Captain, as you say a little behind BMW for touring bike, built in sat nav great idea, £600 for BMW's one (which is too much money, I had to go the eBay way).
Of course! Yes, that would be great on a bike with so much dash space. Then again, it's still cheaper than some BMW RT bikes... But yes, just needs a good update like the other ranges have been given... Maybe next year... Thanks for watching!
As you say CR it needs an update. The problem is they sell so few of them it may not make economic sense to do anything major. Maybe they'll utilise what bits they can from the Explorer but I think it's weight will in the end work against it as to reduce that significantly will probably cost too much and the opposition is either lighter or more powerful which is a shame as it looks a nice bike. The residuals are poor too, though that's great if you buy 2nd hand. Probably an excellent bike to ride round europe 2 up in comfort though.....
one of your best reviews. longer reviews usually are problematic but you did an excellent workup and real world review esp of all the ancillaries. can't wait for a comparison review with the bmw k1600gt. Thx.
I think that is a superb bike in its category. I suspect the adventure bikes are going to be taking over more of the sport touring market. I'll be curious if this one continues to make it.
I'm not so sure... The appeal of Adventure bikes seems to be levelling out at the moment.. Will have to see what weird and wonderful new designs are on the horizon! :- )
going on what you said about how long the tyres will last I ride a bike of similar weight, and I run Avon cobra tyres and get about 6k out of the rear but that with a 1300 torquey v twin
Ah, very interesting... The best I ever got was 10,000 on the rear and 12,000 on the front of my old street triple with Michelin Pilot Road 3s... Amazing tyres, but I really did run them to the metal... I just assume most larger bikes should do at least 6,000 miles as long as you don't just do motorways which artificially squares them off too early... But then again, that's what these larger bikes are for. I just argued myself in a circle! Whoops! Anyway, thanks for the input and for watching! :-)
yeah Hi there captain, well yes I went from the trophy Se to my T120, id had the Trophy for just over two years and it did grow on me alot infact watching your video I felt a bit oh....I wish i had money for two bikes as the Trophy really is good, but yes heavy ! but such brilliant handling for a big bike, alot of money and could be better as you say agreed . i found it did have enough ooomph, the triple 1200 engine is super, but being cossetted behind massive fairing and how smooth the bike is possibly gives an illusion that it is slower than it actually is? Every bike is an adapting experience.
I agree with you that for me, having the wind is part of it... I'm sure it's brilliant for it's purpose, and it did grow on me throughout the morning, but it was just too good at being comfortable that I found it dull... Also, having recently ridden the 1200 explorer with the new triple engine, I knew what a newer 1200 would feel like... If they keep this range, all they need is to put that engine in this and we are off! :-) I hope you are enjoying the T120... Thanks for watching and for the informative comment! :-) TBH!
Please use a steadycam, I'm getting seasick! Moreover a bland engine, no punch whatsoever, it does pull but you don't get the impression it's doing it. And it's very topheavy, try doing a u-turn and it easily topples over. I have had one for 2 years and I got bored with it. Sold it eventually.
That helps, thanks. I'm looking into getting my first bike with a fairing. Only tried a fairinged bike twice and they were having a go on a mates bike. Both sports bikes and I hated them. I've been riding for 40 years in July, now ride a Rocket and my bike before that was a GSX1400, so you can see what kind of bike I'm into. I will never sell the Rocket but I need to add something more comfy for the longer runs and when I don't want to piss off the neighbours, after market exhausts, along with a lot of other stuff. What other bikes like this have more bite to them, my Rocket has over 200 BHP so I do need that boost when I what it. ST1300 and the FJR1300 seem good. Do you recommend anything along these lines to someone with zero knowledge of this type of bike. I'm 6 foot 2 and getting large in my old age:)
@@rufus1346 If you would like to have a sport-touring bike with more bite you could try the Kawasaki GTR1400, or Concourse 1400 as it's called in the US. But the riding position is very sporty on this one. The ST1300 is a good bike too, but I don't like the riding position and it tends to weave at higer speeds. So it narrows down to the FJR1300, good comfort with lots of power too. I am the same hight as you are by the way.
@@TonVerkleijT3 ..I've been reading up on the GT and it sounds like the handling is not in the same league as the ST and the FJR. Very much like the Triumph Troyph but it would seem that it is gutless. I feel I need to get as far away from the sport bike riding position as I can. It just feels wrong to me and very uncomfy on long runs. I have been reading through a lot of replies on sport/touring bikes and many people have mentioned the weave on the ST. Apparently it was down to people over filling their panniers. British police used them and over loaded them, so when they swapped them over for other bikes it gave the ST a bad rep. Or so someone said on a reply I read. BMW sound nice, until they go wrong. Then they will cost a fortune to fix and running cost high. Very classy though:) So far I have come to the conclusion it's between the FJR and the ST. Need to try them out, itching for this lock down to finish here in the UK. Is your name Scandinavian?
@@rufus1346 No, I am from the Netherlands. I would not say Dutch because that's an unpleasant attitude, but I am born and raised there. Luckily we are allowed to go outside and enjoy motorbiking while the mortality- and infection rate is diminishing, but we are not there and a there is still a change of a new wave of infections etc.
@@TonVerkleijT3 ...not really sure exactly what we are allowed to do and not do here. Total mess! This government seem to have got it wrong at every turn. I have been going out on my bike and no one stopped me. If I am allowed too or not, no one seems no know! Largest death toll in Europe says a lot. My dad was born in France and if I could speak French I could get myself a French passport, like my brother. He has lived in France for 12 years now. I'm trying to tell my two sons to learn French and get themselves French passports, this country is going down fast. I believe Brexit is going to be bad and if I'm right I want them to have a way out of this mess!
This is why I love naked bikes, not a lover of windshields, i would rather have the wind hitting all over,, I agree with what you said, feels like you're driving a car at first, especially when you are used to naked bikes. Nice review though, cheers, Paul. ps. which area r u and Phil from, I'm Rayleigh in Essex.
+Slowrider Paul thanks Paul! Phil is in Littlehampton down near Chichester and I'm up in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. Thanks for watching and commenting! 😊
Oh ok, not that close to Essex or to each other, i thought you both were more local to each other as u ride a lot together lately, you'll have to let me know if you ever plan a ride near Essex or Ace café etc be good to ride with you guys some day, keep up the good work with the vids! Cheers, Paul.
Slowrider Paul No problem Paul! We do get about... Phil480 can be found in Northern Yorkshire from time to time! ;-) If you keep in contact via Facebook or Twitter you will get to know if we are planning to ride out for some reason... :-)
Nice review, I am still very tempted by the Trophy or a Pan European. but i am being won over a bit to the triumph due to the extras the murmur of the triple. and i like the gear boxes and clutch on all the triumph,s iv,e ridden. also the cruse control sounds good for those long stretches of motorways. i have considered the BMW but i think maintenance will be very costly and ive herd they have a few reliability issues. on the power side i am happy along it can pull away smotherly and put a smile on my face and has a little bit of carrictor i am happy i am not after a beast that will punish me or try and catch me out. I am trying to remain open even tho i did go into this just after the Honda pan European, but today i had a look at the triumph trophy and was impressed not as refined as a BMW But all well put together and looks like it would be a reliable bike along-st it is looked after. and able to take me into europ on some decent long toures plus have decent service intavuls 10,000 compared to the pan witch ive been told is 4 to 5 thousand witch i am a bit surprised with. if any one has any other suggestions i am open.
From what you are saying, it sounds like you need to take the Trophy for a test ride... The service intervals are good and cheaper than the BMW... It's a good solid bike and seems to be what you are after... If anyone can give any more advice please?? Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment... TBH!
Thanks and yes I am looking at test rideing a trophy in a week or so when work permits. I’ve prity much decided on it and may of found one I am very interested in but I am having to wait for a few weeks till my money is moved into my account so I can go a head, also as said I need to test ride it first. So I am in that period where I carnt do much except resursh and shopping around and test ride.
Great review, Rambunctious. I'm coming away from the bike in a couple of months waiting to for the bike i can retire with more, If that makes sense, the radio and 6 cylinder killed my interest with Honda. As a shorty the favourate style is the least practical, Finger are crossed in the next few years the models will become retirable! Cheers
Ha! They were very good about it really... As far as they are concerned, anyone who now watches my video, shouldn't go on to do the same thing on their test ride! :-)
Hey Captain, I have a question for you? I have two bike I’m considering, the Triumph Thruxton R and the Harley Davidson Roadster. The Roadster is HD’s take on a café racer on a sportster frame. Ideally, I should ride the bikes myself, and make a decision myself, but I decided to go back to school. I not going to jump on a bike till after I graduate, again. The problem I have with HD is it seems like people that review their bikes only compare them with other HD’s. And, I swear HD only competes with themselves. I enjoy your reviews, and want to ask you for your opinion on the HD Roadster. In my opinion both bikes look great, but the Roadster is crap on paper, its better suited to compete with a Thruxton 900. On top of that the Roadster frame is ancient and the engine hasn’t had a major update sense the 80’s. personally, I want to hate the Roadster, but when I look at it, I kind of like it.
I can understand why you like the look of the HD, but it's not just on paper that it is worse. It's older, heavier, and to be honest, there aren't that many bikes that are as good as the Thruxton R that have those looks... a Ducati or maybe a BMW but definitely not a HD. They are overweight and underpowered...
I completely agree with you, the HD is 100lbs heaver, has one less gear, and a lot less hp and torque. I was driving and it hit me, I’ve seen and sat on the Roadster, on a whim, I really need to go look at and sit on the Thruxton R. Nearest dealer is 3 hours away. It was kind of a shock to me that I was giving a HD a consideration, hell the other day I was talking to my grandfather about his 72 Daytona 500. He was even talking about his friend that owned a Vincent Black Shadow, and how he started it as a teenager. I much rather go for the Triumph.
Hey Captain, thanks again for the input. Harley’s do have a lot of character, perhaps that’s why they grab people, probably to much character. A friend and I are going to the Triumph dealer next weekend, looking forward to it as well! Hopefully I get out of school soon, and on a motorcycle. Love the videos, scenery and commentary! Thanks again.
Captain, Tell John Bloor you are in communication with a 50yr American M/Cist who is only waiting for $ to become available to trade HD#1, for Triumph #4. HATE THAT 270 Crank! I don't want my British twin to SOUND LIKE A HARLEY! Give me a 360, ANYDAY! I'm going to trade my 1st American bike, for Triumph #4. A 360 Crank, would FORCE ME- to trade #4, for #5. PLEASE GET THAT TO MR BLOOR.
Im afraid that I didn't do that but the seat is extremely comfortable and so is the passenger seat. With all that spare torque as well, it should be effortless on the motorway. Therefore SHOULD be excellent but I can't claim to have tried so take that with a pinch of salt. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Bd Raidian I have one and ride 2 up all the time across western Canada and the western USA up down the mountains. Been a great bike for touring 25,000kms with zero issues. It can handle a lot of weight more so than most over tourers. When it pours I barely get wet, but when it’s baking hot it sometimes blocks the wind to cool you off.
you should have said "but its not a car madam" and then "are you allowed to walk here?" but your what we in Scotland call being an eejit (its not a derogatory thing ;)) while you're listening to the radio there! I think its a purely motorway bike, useless on twisty roads just a mile muncher nor a sporty thing!
I did sir,I was just busting... I have a 2014 SE that I bought last February,my wife and I put on 9000 miles,the tires will go another 2000 before they will need to be replaced.Ive had one breakdown that was the fault of the ignition switch. unlike my BMW brethren that have had many a returns to the shop.The only grip that I have with the bike is what I think is excessive engine noise.I hope they will add fins or something to lesson the mechanical noise,but the only thing that I would trade it of is a new one!
@@CaptainRambunctious Ive owned a 1050 Sprint GT, BMW K1200LT, BMW R1200RT. The Sprint was more sport than touring. The K1200LT was just plain touring. The R12RT was like those two bikes had a baby - great bike, but it was low on power, and had a few quirks I didnt want to deal with, mainly the poor mirror position and the fear that it would strand me with maintenance issues. I have been in the market for this or a 1400 Concours, but I really miss the cruise control. Unfortunately, the dealer will not allow a test drive.
No, he copied me! :-) I rode this nearly 2 months ago and only just got round to editing it... He happened to be editing his as mine became live... I haven't watched his yet, but will in a bit and will be interesting to see what he makes of it, especially as he owns probably the ultimate tourer, the 1200 GS...
I tried one once and I must say, it's very cumfy. Big, heavy and flickable. Perfect policebike, if you ask me. Would I buy one? Never. I'm into naked models! ;-) And naked bikes!
At what point would you review a new bike then? I could have waited until the demo had done 600 miles, but then there wouldn't be this review... A bit of a conundrum no?
HORNET6 it's a fair point but how else cN I review it? All the proper journalists who ride them in Spain or wherever do the same... unless I ask to borrow someone else's... but then t wouldn't be the latest iteration with the latest gadgets...
1. deep breath 2. It MUST be reviewed 3. It IS a demo bike, so know that if u ever buy a demo bike, by definition it has been caned 4. These modern engines are bulletproof so refer back to #1
Just in case anyone is watching this review lately, I have had a 2017 SE for 3 years and 30,000km later this bike has been faultless. 2 up it handles great and as the motor gets a little smoother the older it gets it pulls just fine 2 up fully loaded with gear. I’ve done 6500 km in 9 days 2 up packed to the maximum weight and still getting 50 mpg. This bike may not have the fancy TFT screens but if I wanted to ride an IPad I would do it in my armchair. Plus it’s nice to have a different bike than everyone around where I live in western Canada.
Hi. Great comment. I’m in the market for a Sport tourer and the 2017 Trophy is at the top of the list. I’ve heard the triple is a noisy engine. Have you found that to be true? Thank you!
I have had 2 Trophy SE bikes. The first one bought new in 2013. Went all over Europe & Ireland on it. 29,000 hassle free miles later, traded it in in 2016 for a new black one. Been riding for 41 years. I thought the reference to performance was not particularly understanding what this bike is about. Sure, it doesn't have sports bike acceleration or handling but that's not the point of it. This bike is simply great at loading up and heading anywhere in absolute comfort. It will cruise all day at 100 or you can ride the twisting and country roads at legal but quick pace and take yourself anywhere with all of your kit. My current bike has now done 31,000 miles without so much as a blown bulb. It may be that BMW's overall are "better", but when I tried the 1250, it didn't justify the £6000 plus difference for the same spec as the SE.
In the real world, this is as good as a tourer can get at a reasonable price. If you want sport bike performance...buy a sports bike. 😀
Is there any difference between a 2013 and a 2016 model ?
There’s one of each for sale here in Sweden.
And both has under 20.000 km on the tacho.
What is the ”problem” here ?
@@akepettersson4847 no difference mines a 2017 model it’s been faultless and I’m getting close to 40,000km 2 up full of gear all over western USA and western Canada. Been a solid purchase 👍
@@colingoldthorpe5918 Thank you 🙏
Ride safe !
The Trophy will probably be my next bike (If i can ever sell my tiger 800 that is), it is perfect for Australian conditions, i.e. Big fuel tank, shaft drive, electric screen and big fairing........ 500k between fuel stops is a massive bonus when riding in the outback. Lots of people go on about the weight but Triumph has kept the weight low and central so it doesn't feel heavy compared to my 2006 BMW R1200RT at least, if anything the RT felt heavier because it was top heavy. The Triumph Trophy is a great touring bike designed for very long days in the saddle, 1000 km a day no problems for this bike............................................. Keep up the good work!
An excellent report and personal comparison with other bikes.. Thank you very much for watching and for the excellent comment.. :-)
You're the first person I've seen in a review to knock anything on the bike at all - Mine is on the way and should be delivered in a couple hours - We'll see how true you are! Good review!
In looking at picking one up as well. How is, or was it?
Which of his criticisms do you feel were most valid & invalid?
Solid sincere review. So helpful that you mention many other bikes in comparison to this one. Your experience & memory is an asset I've come to depend on from this channel. Thanks.
You're very welcome! Thank you! Now that is quite a soundbite for me... Thank you very much... :-)
It's not really made for doing short rides and wicking it up. You spend 10 hrs riding 80 mph and all that comfort and wind protection really proves itself useful. We be deaf doing such a thing on the Thruxies...and I'd have rigamortus!
Oddly, this may be the only negative review I've seen on the Trophy. Of course with only 13 miles on it perhaps some break in time would wake it up. Or you could have set sport mode before you rode it seeing as how performance over comfort is what checks your box.
Nice to see the tpms light on. Mine was never off usually accompanied by the engine management light. Got rid in the end
Yes. I checked the pressures at the end and they were low, so at least it was an accurate measurement for once!
Thanks for watching! :-)
Another nice honest review. Funny how much of a difference it can make by adjusting the settings.
Clever bit of editing at the beginning, who would have thought we were talking about the screen hahah
Ha ha! Yes, I couldn't help laughing when I realised the extra connotation that that could have! :-)
So much electonics & gadgets, I didn't hear you mention the optional LED illuminated ashtray.
Though I could use the LH cubby with 12v socket.
Ah, there are too many extras to mention them all in one 34 minute video! I'd have needed at least 35 minutes! ;-)
It is very cool...
Thank you for your comment on that Triumph Trophy SE...It did clear my mind about what i want. You're the person that made me like the Tiumph motorcycles (Like faling in love with Triumph Motorcycle)...3 Weeks a go i whent to the dealer and started to talk with the gentleman and i wanted to get myself a Bonneville T120 Black and told him i wanted to do long distance with the bike he said that i was going to be better with the Trophy Se it's more confortable. Ok it's a nice bike Triumph Trophy SE, but i wanted to have your idea about that motorcycle...So i really appreciated your comment, i'll help me doing the right choice..Thk's ...Take care...
Not a problem sir! I'd get a T120 over this every time, but you would have to put up without the creature comforts, but that's not what biking is for me... :-)
Dont call me Sir, my name is Claude...I'm a freind from Montreal and having so much fun watching your video...I've been following you since quit a while now.Sometime i feel i'm the one sitting on bike..Well thak's anyway..
Claude Garant Not a problem! Thank you for watching... Glad you like my videos..
It's rumored at our local Triumph shop that they will be phasing out the Trophy here in the U.S.
Also gone will be the Thunderbird line of bikes. They just aren't selling like the other bikes. Thanks for the terrific videos Captain!
~Cheers Mate 🍺
I've heard the same rumour... It's a pity... The thunderbird is an amazing machine and handles so well, nothing like it should!
Had her for three seasons and over 20K miles. Liked her, not loved, just liked. Trophy is a great and very comfortable inter-continental touring bike. Twice I did over 1,000 miles a day quite easily. However, for me she had limited character and despite having several performance tuning upgrades, I couldn't connect to Trophy fully. I didn't like front design, she looked like a BMW RT and wasn't unique enough for Triumph motorcycle. I wanted "something Triumph special" and have swapped her for brand new red Thruxton R. This one is a total opposite, charismatic with little comfort...but fun to ride...love it ☠🏍
Huzzah! Very well done that man! I know exactly what you mean especially as I ride the Thruxton too. I know that I might have been a bit unfair about the Trophy but what you say seems to confirm my suspicions that even if you tuned it and tried to upgrade bits of it, it just wouldn't get to where you want it!
Enjoy the Thruxton! Thank you for watching and for your useful comment! :-)
A good solid review. It won't tempt me away from my Explorer as I love my big comfy Tiger
And so it shouldn't... The Tiger is a much more capable and comfortable machine.
Interesting you say that commuting by bike is more tiring than car as I find the reverse is true. While moving in a traffic flow there's more to think about on a bike but when in tightly packed stop-start traffic there's far more you have to be aware of in a car. Thus, I find it's more stressful & tiring commuting by car.
Ah, I see what you mean, but I find that when I am in a car, even in stop start traffic, the fact that I can sit back and relax, maybe not my mind, is relaxing enough... For example, when flying, you have to concentrate pretty much all the time, but you can sit back and relax at the same time...
But I take your point... After all, these are just my impressions... We are all different sir! :-)
Thank you for watching!
I also may get the effects of car envy butt-hurt when commuting to work - eg. join a 2 lane road from the right into lane 2, signal left to move into lane 1 and immediate reaction from the person behind in lane 1 is to accelerate into the space I was just about to move into. About 1 in 3 times accompanied with horn and hand gestures. :(
G. Bell Well quite... Happens an awful lot!
see on a motorbike it's not lane 1 it's instant filter mode and you avoid that whole situation.
G. Bell precisely...
I concur, it needs modernising in places. The dashboard looks awful to me.
It just comes across as an older bike... An update will do it wonders...
You can't have everything DAMM.
Good review Captain, as you say a little behind BMW for touring bike, built in sat nav great idea, £600 for BMW's one (which is too much money, I had to go the eBay way).
Of course! Yes, that would be great on a bike with so much dash space. Then again, it's still cheaper than some BMW RT bikes... But yes, just needs a good update like the other ranges have been given... Maybe next year...
Thanks for watching!
As you say CR it needs an update. The problem is they sell so few of them it may not make economic sense to do anything major. Maybe they'll utilise what bits they can from the Explorer but I think it's weight will in the end work against it as to reduce that significantly will probably cost too much and the opposition is either lighter or more powerful which is a shame as it looks a nice bike. The residuals are poor too, though that's great if you buy 2nd hand. Probably an excellent bike to ride round europe 2 up in comfort though.....
Agree with you on all points sir... :-) Thank you for watching and for the excellent advice...
What a coincidence - I rode these two bikes yesterday....my reviews imminent!
...and you could have left me some petrol in the Trophy ;0)
Ha ha! Wasn't me gov! We did this in July! Only just got around to editing!! 😊
..cor what a slacker, I rode the beast this time yesterday and my video is already up!!!
Some people have too much time on their hands! ;-)
....not necessarily through choice I might add!
We finally see the Captains face!! Great videos!
Do you? Oh bugger! 😉
one of your best reviews. longer reviews usually are problematic but you did an excellent workup and real world review esp of all the ancillaries. can't wait for a comparison review with the bmw k1600gt. Thx.
You're welcome! Thank you for watching and for the complimentary comment! :-)
Cheers and TBH!
I think that is a superb bike in its category. I suspect the adventure bikes are going to be taking over more of the sport touring market. I'll be curious if this one continues to make it.
I'm not so sure... The appeal of Adventure bikes seems to be levelling out at the moment.. Will have to see what weird and wonderful new designs are on the horizon! :- )
going on what you said about how long the tyres will last I ride a bike of similar weight, and I run Avon cobra tyres and get about 6k out of the rear but that with a 1300 torquey v twin
Ah, very interesting... The best I ever got was 10,000 on the rear and 12,000 on the front of my old street triple with Michelin Pilot Road 3s... Amazing tyres, but I really did run them to the metal... I just assume most larger bikes should do at least 6,000 miles as long as you don't just do motorways which artificially squares them off too early... But then again, that's what these larger bikes are for. I just argued myself in a circle! Whoops!
Anyway, thanks for the input and for watching! :-)
Really would love to have a go on one. Getting too old in my young age!
+Tiger Jim it definitely sounds like it!!
yeah Hi there captain, well yes I went from the trophy Se to my T120, id had the Trophy for just over two years and it did grow on me alot infact watching your video I felt a bit oh....I wish i had money for two bikes as the Trophy really is good, but yes heavy ! but such brilliant handling for a big bike, alot of money and could be better as you say agreed . i found it did have enough ooomph, the triple 1200 engine is super, but being cossetted behind massive fairing and how smooth the bike is possibly gives an illusion that it is slower than it actually is? Every bike is an adapting experience.
I agree with you that for me, having the wind is part of it... I'm sure it's brilliant for it's purpose, and it did grow on me throughout the morning, but it was just too good at being comfortable that I found it dull...
Also, having recently ridden the 1200 explorer with the new triple engine, I knew what a newer 1200 would feel like... If they keep this range, all they need is to put that engine in this and we are off! :-)
I hope you are enjoying the T120...
Thanks for watching and for the informative comment! :-)
TBH!
Please use a steadycam, I'm getting seasick! Moreover a bland engine, no punch whatsoever, it does pull but you don't get the impression it's doing it. And it's very topheavy, try doing a u-turn and it easily topples over. I have had one for 2 years and I got bored with it. Sold it eventually.
That helps, thanks. I'm looking into getting my first bike with a fairing. Only tried a fairinged bike twice and they were having a go on a mates bike. Both sports bikes and I hated them. I've been riding for 40 years in July, now ride a Rocket and my bike before that was a GSX1400, so you can see what kind of bike I'm into.
I will never sell the Rocket but I need to add something more comfy for the longer runs and when I don't want to piss off the neighbours, after market exhausts, along with a lot of other stuff.
What other bikes like this have more bite to them, my Rocket has over 200 BHP so I do need that boost when I what it. ST1300 and the FJR1300 seem good. Do you recommend anything along these lines to someone with zero knowledge of this type of bike. I'm 6 foot 2 and getting large in my old age:)
@@rufus1346 If you would like to have a sport-touring bike with more bite you could try the Kawasaki GTR1400, or Concourse 1400 as it's called in the US. But the riding position is very sporty on this one. The ST1300 is a good bike too, but I don't like the riding position and it tends to weave at higer speeds. So it narrows down to the FJR1300, good comfort with lots of power too. I am the same hight as you are by the way.
@@TonVerkleijT3 ..I've been reading up on the GT and it sounds like the handling is not in the same league as the ST and the FJR. Very much like the Triumph Troyph but it would seem that it is gutless. I feel I need to get as far away from the sport bike riding position as I can. It just feels wrong to me and very uncomfy on long runs. I have been reading through a lot of replies on sport/touring bikes and many people have mentioned the weave on the ST. Apparently it was down to people over filling their panniers. British police used them and over loaded them, so when they swapped them over for other bikes it gave the ST a bad rep. Or so someone said on a reply I read. BMW sound nice, until they go wrong. Then they will cost a fortune to fix and running cost high. Very classy though:)
So far I have come to the conclusion it's between the FJR and the ST. Need to try them out, itching for this lock down to finish here in the UK. Is your name Scandinavian?
@@rufus1346 No, I am from the Netherlands. I would not say Dutch because that's an unpleasant attitude, but I am born and raised there. Luckily we are allowed to go outside and enjoy motorbiking while the mortality- and infection rate is diminishing, but we are not there and a there is still a change of a new wave of infections etc.
@@TonVerkleijT3 ...not really sure exactly what we are allowed to do and not do here. Total mess! This government seem to have got it wrong at every turn. I have been going out on my bike and no one stopped me. If I am allowed too or not, no one seems no know! Largest death toll in Europe says a lot.
My dad was born in France and if I could speak French I could get myself a French passport, like my brother. He has lived in France for 12 years now. I'm trying to tell my two sons to learn French and get themselves French passports, this country is going down fast. I believe Brexit is going to be bad and if I'm right I want them to have a way out of this mess!
are you sure its got cornering ABS????
This is why I love naked bikes, not a lover of windshields, i would rather have the wind hitting all over,, I agree with what you said, feels like you're driving a car at first, especially when you are used to naked bikes. Nice review though, cheers, Paul. ps. which area r u and Phil from, I'm Rayleigh in Essex.
+Slowrider Paul thanks Paul! Phil is in Littlehampton down near Chichester and I'm up in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.
Thanks for watching and commenting! 😊
Oh ok, not that close to Essex or to each other, i thought you both were more local to each other as u ride a lot together lately, you'll have to let me know if you ever plan a ride near Essex or Ace café etc be good to ride with you guys some day, keep up the good work with the vids! Cheers, Paul.
Slowrider Paul No problem Paul! We do get about... Phil480 can be found in Northern Yorkshire from time to time! ;-)
If you keep in contact via Facebook or Twitter you will get to know if we are planning to ride out for some reason... :-)
Hasn’t it got modes? Fast mode, lunatic mode?
What riding mode are you in?
Nice review, I am still very tempted by the Trophy or a Pan European. but i am being won over a bit to the triumph due to the extras the murmur of the triple. and i like the gear boxes and clutch on all the triumph,s iv,e ridden. also the cruse control sounds good for those long stretches of motorways. i have considered the BMW but i think maintenance will be very costly and ive herd they have a few reliability issues. on the power side i am happy along it can pull away smotherly and put a smile on my face and has a little bit of carrictor i am happy i am not after a beast that will punish me or try and catch me out. I am trying to remain open even tho i did go into this just after the Honda pan European, but today i had a look at the triumph trophy and was impressed not as refined as a BMW But all well put together and looks like it would be a reliable bike along-st it is looked after. and able to take me into europ on some decent long toures plus have decent service intavuls 10,000 compared to the pan witch ive been told is 4 to 5 thousand witch i am a bit surprised with.
if any one has any other suggestions i am open.
From what you are saying, it sounds like you need to take the Trophy for a test ride... The service intervals are good and cheaper than the BMW... It's a good solid bike and seems to be what you are after...
If anyone can give any more advice please??
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment...
TBH!
Thanks and yes I am looking at test rideing a trophy in a week or so when work permits. I’ve prity much decided on it and may of found one I am very interested in but I am having to wait for a few weeks till my money is moved into my account so I can go a head, also as said I need to test ride it first. So I am in that period where I carnt do much except resursh and shopping around and test ride.
@@stevoone342 So, what did you end up getting?
Great review, Rambunctious. I'm coming away from the bike in a couple of months waiting to for the bike i can retire with more, If that makes sense, the radio and 6 cylinder killed my interest with Honda. As a shorty the favourate style is the least practical, Finger are crossed in the next few years the models will become retirable! Cheers
I think I understand! Thank you for watching Derrick and good luck with your future choice!
Tis a rather wide beast, I bet they weren't pleased with the pannier scratch - doh!
Ha! They were very good about it really... As far as they are concerned, anyone who now watches my video, shouldn't go on to do the same thing on their test ride! :-)
Hey Captain, I have a question for you? I have two bike I’m considering, the Triumph Thruxton R and the Harley Davidson Roadster. The Roadster is HD’s take on a café racer on a sportster frame. Ideally, I should ride the bikes myself, and make a decision myself, but I decided to go back to school. I not going to jump on a bike till after I graduate, again. The problem I have with HD is it seems like people that review their bikes only compare them with other HD’s. And, I swear HD only competes with themselves. I enjoy your reviews, and want to ask you for your opinion on the HD Roadster. In my opinion both bikes look great, but the Roadster is crap on paper, its better suited to compete with a Thruxton 900. On top of that the Roadster frame is ancient and the engine hasn’t had a major update sense the 80’s. personally, I want to hate the Roadster, but when I look at it, I kind of like it.
I can understand why you like the look of the HD, but it's not just on paper that it is worse. It's older, heavier, and to be honest, there aren't that many bikes that are as good as the Thruxton R that have those looks... a Ducati or maybe a BMW but definitely not a HD. They are overweight and underpowered...
I completely agree with you, the HD is 100lbs heaver, has one less gear, and a lot less hp and torque. I was driving and it hit me, I’ve seen and sat on the Roadster, on a whim, I really need to go look at and sit on the Thruxton R. Nearest dealer is 3 hours away. It was kind of a shock to me that I was giving a HD a consideration, hell the other day I was talking to my grandfather about his 72 Daytona 500. He was even talking about his friend that owned a Vincent Black Shadow, and how he started it as a teenager. I much rather go for the Triumph.
Rob Fabbri It does make more sense, but there is something about a Harley that seems to grab people...
Hey Captain, thanks again for the input. Harley’s do have a lot of character, perhaps that’s why they grab people, probably to much character. A friend and I are going to the Triumph dealer next weekend, looking forward to it as well! Hopefully I get out of school soon, and on a motorcycle. Love the videos, scenery and commentary! Thanks again.
Rob Fabbri You're welcome Rob! Have a great weekend! :-)
Great video, just subscribed
Thank you! Glad you liked it! Quite an older one now.
Captain,
Tell John Bloor you are in communication with a 50yr American M/Cist who is only waiting for $ to become available to trade HD#1, for Triumph #4.
HATE THAT 270 Crank!
I don't want my British twin to SOUND LIKE A HARLEY! Give me a 360,
ANYDAY!
I'm going to trade my 1st American bike, for Triumph #4.
A 360 Crank, would FORCE ME- to trade #4,
for #5.
PLEASE GET THAT TO MR BLOOR.
very nice bike, too bad doesn't seem to grab your heart! thats a big piece of picking a bike eh?
Yes, it is... I still played with it, but not my thing really... I just had the wrong idea to start with...
oh dear you scratched it, was the dealer happy :-O
Dealer was fine about it as it was their fault they hadn't done up the strap as it's a common issue! 😊
How is the trophy for 2up all day riding??
Im afraid that I didn't do that but the seat is extremely comfortable and so is the passenger seat. With all that spare torque as well, it should be effortless on the motorway.
Therefore SHOULD be excellent but I can't claim to have tried so take that with a pinch of salt.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Captain Rambunctious cool. Thank you
Bd Raidian I have one and ride 2 up all the time across western Canada and the western USA up down the mountains. Been a great bike for touring 25,000kms with zero issues. It can handle a lot of weight more so than most over tourers. When it pours I barely get wet, but when it’s baking hot it sometimes blocks the wind to cool you off.
Colin Goldthorpe cool thank you. I’m tired of cruiser style bike. Time to get something better for me and the wife
agreed MT09 Tracer is punchy as hell
you should have said "but its not a car madam" and then "are you allowed to walk here?" but your what we in Scotland call being an eejit (its not a derogatory thing ;)) while you're listening to the radio there! I think its a purely motorway bike, useless on twisty roads just a mile muncher nor a sporty thing!
Very true... That's why I think that I got it all wrong.. For what it's built for, it's excellent... :-)
She was flirting with you Cpn....huzzzah...you still got game!
Don't they all?! ;-)
Happy New Year!
Alternative comment:
Nice vid mate. Cheers.
Ha ha!
A perfect sporty touring bike.
Very true... I think that I talked my way around to that conclusion in the end!
Captain Rambunctious send him this review! I'm sure he will be in familiar territory huhuhu
are you now reviewing trucks?!? :P
coubiakb not yet but if it's good enough for Guy Martin!! 😉
You should go to work for triumph as an engineer. I'm sure they would hire you!😅
Thank you! Although I doubt they’d want me to touch their bikes! I’ve been banned by their mechanic for messing with my bikes! 😂
Turn up the wick,you are spinning the motor too slow.
Roger. Next time!
Out of interest, did you watch to the end where I do?
I did sir,I was just busting... I have a 2014 SE that I bought last February,my wife and I put on 9000 miles,the tires will go another 2000 before they will need to be replaced.Ive had one breakdown that was the fault of the ignition switch. unlike my BMW brethren that have had many a returns to the shop.The only grip that I have with the bike is what I think is excessive engine noise.I hope they will add fins or something to lesson the mechanical noise,but the only thing that I would trade it of is a new one!
I had a triumph sprint GT, good bike, the trophy, no thanks...
I preferred the Sprint too....
@@CaptainRambunctious Ive owned a 1050 Sprint GT, BMW K1200LT, BMW R1200RT. The Sprint was more sport than touring. The K1200LT was just plain touring. The R12RT was like those two bikes had a baby - great bike, but it was low on power, and had a few quirks I didnt want to deal with, mainly the poor mirror position and the fear that it would strand me with maintenance issues. I have been in the market for this or a 1400 Concours, but I really miss the cruise control. Unfortunately, the dealer will not allow a test drive.
@@Joewilliecleveland that’s rubbish about a test ride!! Some excellent info there! Thank you.
Captain, did you and TheMissendenFlyer compare notes and decide to review the same bike in the same week?
No, he copied me! :-) I rode this nearly 2 months ago and only just got round to editing it... He happened to be editing his as mine became live...
I haven't watched his yet, but will in a bit and will be interesting to see what he makes of it, especially as he owns probably the ultimate tourer, the 1200 GS...
It was great to see both comparisons...BTW, your voice and sound levels are better...
Mark Masztal Thank you Mark... Yes, I now edit and lower my volume quite a bit in the edit...
I tried one once and I must say, it's very cumfy. Big, heavy and flickable. Perfect policebike, if you ask me. Would I buy one? Never. I'm into naked models! ;-) And naked bikes!
I could not agree with you more sir! :-) Woof!
Tally Bally Ho!
Woof indeed sir! (just love Black Adder!)
Sorry but at 14 mins I'd had enough! Bashing a new motor and then criticising it for no "oomph" is a really poor show.
Ah well, Nevermind... At least you made it to 14 minutes. But if you'd made it to the end, you'd have got my positive conclusion..
My motorbike :) very nice
it IS very nice!
Caning a new engine...really?!
It's not mine!
At what point would you review a new bike then? I could have waited until the demo had done 600 miles, but then there wouldn't be this review... A bit of a conundrum no?
Captain Rambunctious Oh come on Captain, what sort of attitude is that? It's going to be somebodies. You know a fellow biker!
HORNET6 it's a fair point but how else cN I review it? All the proper journalists who ride them in Spain or wherever do the same... unless I ask to borrow someone else's... but then t wouldn't be the latest iteration with the latest gadgets...
1. deep breath 2. It MUST be reviewed 3. It IS a demo bike, so know that if u ever buy a demo bike, by definition it has been caned 4. These modern engines are bulletproof so refer back to #1
and its cheaper
Mate your plank one hour come back and talk at 30000 child
Excellent
huzzah Capn
Nice bike but the 1400 GTR is more my cup of tea
Fair enough... It did grow on me though.
Too difficult to watch due to poor production standards. 2:11 was too much.
Sorry to hear that. It's about as good as it will get though unfortunately. I keep trying to improve though... Will see...
Thanks for trying though!
Sir ,you cant ride
You need to understand what bikes are for , I certainly wont let you ride my bike .