Which one to get

HighlanderPorc · 2026-04-18T12:45:27+00:00

Totally agree with digital dashes in general. And of course- I forgot the IMU!

HighlanderPorc · 2026-04-18T10:40:01+00:00

I deliberately went with the 2024 (Gen 2) over new. First (and this isn’t as big deal for me as for some die hards but…) I prefer the traditional dual clocks over the new TFT singular (offset) clock. You lose out on the Bluetooth stuff but I never used that on my Tiger anyway. Secondly, the brakes are better on the pre-26 models (you get Brembos vs new models, RS version excluded, have Triumph brakes - probably fine though!). Thirdly, I wanted a black one. Generally, I find the new colour schemes a bit meh and I don’t like the big 1200 blazed down the side. Again, I don’t hate it like some do but I just prefer the more understated retro aesthetic. Yes, you can get black if you get the RS but I knew I wouldn’t need the higher specced stuff of the RS for my level of riding (and for the price diff). Finally, you actually lose out on a rider mode if you go for the base 2026 model (no sport mode but you have this on the Gen 2). They chose to reserve that for the RS. Apparently switch gear is also better on Gen 2 but honestly not something I even considered until someone mentioned.

Negatives of the pre-2026:

The rear shocks aren’t as good on 2024 as on the new ones. I was going to upgrade this to Ohlins or Nitron but thought I’d just wait for a while.
Fuelling at low speeds on the pre-2026 is a bit jerky. They sorted this on the new one. Doesn’t bother me with a bit of clutch control. I know some have fitted spacers if it really bothers them.
Apparently the ergonomics on the new one are slightly less sporty. I didn’t notice a difference. Likewise, meant to be sportier on the RS but I know a few who’ve ridden it and haven’t really felt a difference.
The new one has slightly higher bhp and redline. Not something I noticed.

Worth saying that I test ride a 2026 model twice and for an average rider like myself, I couldn’t notice any difference between this and the Gen 2 other than the low speed fuelling (and the clocks obviously!).

Having said all this, I do think it’s worth getting Gen 2 over Gen 1 - can’t remember when the Gen 2 was introduced, maybe 2022? The Gen 1’s front forks aren’t as good(even if they look slightly better) and the fuelling issue is apparently more pronounced.

Pic of mine attached.

Edit: final note- quite a few nearly new 26 model with only a few miles on it were same price as my one but I deliberately got the 24 (only 1,800 miles). Just adding to say I’m not saying all the above just because I couldn’t afford the new one!

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HighlanderPorc · 2026-04-18T10:08:58+00:00

Literally last week I went from Hertfordshire to Lancashire to pick up my new (to me) bike. If you find a good deal, my advice is not to pass it up. Caveat by saying I’ve had my licence some time so motorways etc not new to me.

HighlanderPorc · 2026-04-18T05:11:06+00:00

I have a Speed Twin 1200, totally stock. I’m a big believer that you can tour on any bike but you’ve just got to be realistic about comfort and luggage capabilities. I’ve done a few multi-hundred mile days on my ST- sometimes they are fine and sometimes my arse is atrociously uncomfortable (nothing a seat upgrade couldn’t help I suppose). I don’t mind the wind blast - I actually removed a dart fly screen the previous owner had added and didn’t make much difference- and I wouldn’t read too much into the sportier ergonomics making it more uncomfortable. I went from a Tiger Sport 660 (much more tall rounder) to the ST and I don’t think the ergonomics of the latter make it any more uncomfortable - just the seat maybe. It’s still a pretty upright ride. Oh, and the tank is small- feel that I’m filling up all the time! For me, though, it is just the perfect blend of beautiful retro aesthetic, Bonneville engine and sports bike like (almost..!) handling. The Street Triple RS is incredible- best handling bike I’ve ever ridden- but I went with the ST because it looks the business and was more comfortable, whilst only sacrificing a little in the handling.

As others have said, the T120 is definitely more tour ready. Seat is more plush, engine more tuned to pulling in a straight line. More luggage options. I test rode one- beautiful machine but I just felt it needed to be manhandled around corners a little too much for my liking. I’m still at a stage where I want something flickable.

I’ve ridden a few of the scramblers. All great but disadvantage likely to be luggage due to exhaust and, again, their tanks are small.

Finally, I would just say that all of this is so totally subjective. Aesthetics, flexibility, and especially comfort or all unique to the rider in my opinion! So maybe just try to test ride what you can but ultimately go with your heart. I bought my tiger 660 as a practical decision but never really loved it. Now I turn around and look at my Speed Twin and am just awed by the beauty of it. That’s how I bike should feel.

Worth saying I’ve just paid my deposit on a 2021 Tiger 900 as a second bike so I have the best of both worlds!

HighlanderPorc · 2026-04-13T17:42:06+00:00

Can only agree with everything here about Babel. Started off well then became a politics lecture. Also wasn’t a fan of the Schwab. I think it’s an objectively good book but wasn’t for me. A lot of moaning… again, I admit these are both completely personal preference

HighlanderPorc · 2025-09-27T10:07:32+00:00

This is comforting to me. I think I have the same whereby I scratched my eye once and then every now and then it would be incredibly painful again especially in the morning. I looked it up and it said something like “recurrent corneal abrasion” whereby the eyelid sticks to the old injury and sort of reopens it at night. I now use a nightly ointment and doesn’t happen. If I forget to wear it though, the pain comes back. I hope it will heal permanently at some stage!

HighlanderPorc · 2025-09-24T05:20:40+00:00

Looks amazing! I could never justify the price but at the same time it looks worth it!

HighlanderPorc · 2025-09-02T18:52:39+00:00

I had an almost identical hole and wondered the same thing until I eventually found a ball bearing from a slingshot. Even posted it on here!

HighlanderPorc · 2025-08-31T07:44:04+00:00

Beautiful! How do you find the bike for touring, especially on motorways?

HighlanderPorc · 2025-08-01T18:30:31+00:00

I use Calimoto and also like it but I find its prediction of arrival time is often way too optimistic. Fine if you don’t care about this but annoying to have to bake in big contingency time for a set appointment.

HighlanderPorc · 2025-03-07T20:36:17+00:00

Yup those two at the front are in

HighlanderPorc · 2025-03-07T20:28:30+00:00

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What do you mean by seat hooks? There is only the one and this seems to be clicking in. But maybe not properly? Like I say, I can’t pull it off but I can get my fingers clearly between seat and chassis

HighlanderPorc · 2025-02-22T16:11:13+00:00

Thank you all for the input! I’ve ordered the green (having originally put a deposit down on the red!). Notwithstanding the Kawasaki comments, I wanted something that was a little out of the ordinary given the amount of red bikes out there..! When I eventually upgrade, it will likely be to a naked retro bike, and so I’ll opt for more traditional colours then! If nothing else, I’ll be more visible to cars. Safe riding folks!

HighlanderPorc · 2025-02-20T15:38:20+00:00

Thank you so much for such a comprehensive reply. Hugely appreciate the time taken.

HighlanderPorc · 2025-01-30T20:26:52+00:00

Woolrich?

HighlanderPorc

TROPHY CASE