Used or new Triumph Street Twin as my Harley 48 replacement

I've come across a 2018 model with ~3500 km done. And the price difference between the pre-owned motorcycle & a brand-new unit is quite significant.

BHPian mindshack recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi, the current dilemma totally bogs me and despite reading through the forum, speaking to friends and reading everything around on the internet I can find, I am finally left more confused. So I turn to you, my learned friends, to guide me.

I rode a Harley 48 for 8 years and just sold it this month. The reasons for selling it were:

• I had, for the last few years, done only city commute and could not take on my calf and thigh feeling 'well done' after every ride.
• The service was going from bad to worse and with some horror stories around on sourcing of parts, did not want her to turn into a garage queen.
• I was blessed with a baby girl last year and even a slightly more assistance on safety is now considered very valuable. The Harley was pre-ABS. A basic raw fun machine.

I continue to own a 21-year-old Royal Enfield Electra and the number of times I have found myself pushing it to the garage or begging my mechanic to come and fix it, rightly gets my family to wonder why I still hold it. Love, of course!

But time to find a more user-friendly bike. Primary usage - 90% city riding. Substantially in low traffic and sometimes in high. Approximately 3000-4000 km per year (non-covid times). The wife might jump in as a pillion on weekends and would love to continue to own this till the daughter is old enough to jump on, too (i.e. desire to hold it next 8-10 years).

I have been left wondering, if the Triumph Street Twin is a good replacement, especially for a city commute. I have test ridden the RE 650 and the Street Twin and the latter just made me smile all through the ride. Though I know the RE 650 is a better value for money, for a moment let me live in a dreamland thinking that money is not a consideration and I should ride something that I love and to not settle with RE because it's simply better value for money. Though honestly, money is a consideration as you will see below.

The real dilemma

I have managed to locate a pre-loved (actually twice i.e second owner), 2018 March manufactured with approximately just 3500 km. It changed hands in 2020 once. Major service is currently due and the battery hasn't been replaced in the 4 years. Though the tyres have some life in them, my experience says about 6 years the cracks do start showing and then time to change. The upside being, the bike has a centre stand and dresser bar, both of which put together cost about 35K. The owner is asking for about 6L and with the current major service cost, battery replacement and not too far down tyre replacement I am looking at another 60-70K expenses. This gets me closer and closer to the cost of the new one, which is a stretch for me. I would highly appreciate it if someone could point out if I am missing any more potential costs. Also, is spending 6.5L on this one is worth it? Lastly, what scared me most is when I had a long chat with the service centre, they mentioned new batteries haven't been coming in for a while and tyres are a problem too. Though aftermarket batteries can be sourced, I am not a big fan of parts such as batteries as they are not the most reliable.

Now let's look at the new one, on-road in Mumbai with all these add on is about 11L. But gives me peace of mind, at least for the next few years. Hoping Triumph does not make a dash out as Harley did. As I desire to hold it for a longer period, I am starting to convince myself that buying a new one, even though a stretch makes more sense, but managing to save about 4.5-5 lacs by getting one that has done only 3500 km is too much of something to look away from.

I am sure I am missing a few more things, which you may be able to point out. Any inputs will be highly appreciated and make me take the right decision.

Here's what BHPian redeff had to say about the matter:

The Street Twin is a fantastic bike. No questions asked. The asking price, if a bit negotiable, seems pretty decent.

Do mind the fact that though the bike is gorgeous and has the fit and finish of a queen, she is a bit restricted on power. May I suggest looking at a used Thruxton instead?

Also, I'd be a sorry excuse for a Ducatista if I did not entreat you to check out the Ducati Scrambler range of bikes. Plenty of bikes in the preowned market and are just more 'fun' if you ask me. If you are for whatever reason, considering buying new and spending twelve big ones, please do look around for your options. Every lakh or so, the choice increases. Often, so do the safety features.

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say about the matter:

I think a USED Street Twin represents tremendous value. Many first-time bike buyers enter the space with the Street Twin, go on a bunch of group rides organized by the brand and realize they want to upgrade to a little more. The offshoot is that a lot of this crop, up to within just a couple of years of ownership and often with very modest km on the odo.

The asking price of the above seems all right and slightly negotiable. It is the second owner after all. I think there are some more classics in the market right now, even at Shaman Triumph if I’m not mistaken. Do call them and inquire if you’re looking at more options.

All in all, for a Street Twin, if you look outright, there will be some pretty compelling used options and I’d definitely recommend them for the saving over a brand new one.

On batteries and tyres - I was under the impression that the situation is ok now. Perhaps specifically ask a few dealers in the region if they have stock. Incidentally, Rajendra who’s well known in the Harley circuit as HD’s accessories guy has now moved to Triumph in the same role. Just FYI as you might know him well from your 48 ownership.

Here's what BHPian GoBlue had to say about the matter:

I know this post is asking for opinions on the used Street Twin mentioned by the OP, but we wouldn't be true BHPians if we didn't suggest alternative motorcycles.

Since you're considering keeping the bike for 8-10 years at a MINIMUM, I would urge you to simply ignore this Street Twin and pick up a new Speed Twin. It is not only a Bonnie that you'll love to look at after you park it, but the power/handling could keep you enthralled for a decade.

Whatever extra cash you spend over the cost of this Street Twin will return dividends in terms of unstoppable grins while riding.

While the Street Twin is a good bike, I don't think its power delivery can keep one hooked for a decade (exceptions would surely be there, leaving those patient folks aside). Sure, it can be a good 2nd bike in the garage (say with an ADV or a super-sport), but if it's the ONLY bike, one may feel the itch to "upgrade" after a few years.

There's no way around the simple fact - the Speed Twin's chassis + front/rear 17" setup is more fun than the Street Twin's (different) setup.

Considering the OP already has had a Harley cruiser experience under the belt, the Speed Twin would be a lovely keeper to acquire, and a more fun bike to ride.

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