April 2024 - Current
"If I can't ship the Shadow out to Vietnam, what's my next option?"
After a few years of riding, I feel I have more experience and know myself better, so choosing my next bike was easier. "It's time to go back to Triumph" I thought, and the choices were simple - the T100 or Speed Twin 900. The latter was the more sensible and felt more 'me'. In comparison, the Speed Twin was compact, just the right size for urban and long rides, versatile, easy to ride and, a great platform to personalise over time.
Linh taking a nap on the ST
There is a common saying that in a motorcyclist's life, there's always that one bike you won't ever forget. I am fortunate enough that all three of my old bikes left unforgettable memories and impressions on me. The Triumph pay a homage to them in subtle ways, such as - black headlamp with yellow lens and leather 'x' (Cadwell), wrapped leather grips (Cadwell/Shadow), wrapped exhaust pipe (Cadwell), cross-switched custom seat by Tom Hurley (Shadow), Motone LED indicators, brackets, tail-light, touch-up parts (Bobber), TEC slip-on exhaust, uprated front fork springs, bar-end mirrors (Cadwell), and side light. I had the tail-tidy kit installed before but wasn't great for muddy and rainy days (poor Linh who sat pillion!) so took the stock rear fender, made a custom bracket to hold the Motone tail-light and fixed the license plate. A much cleaner, subtle change that is also practical. I later swapped the Michelin Classic tyres for Pirelli Scorpion Rally Str. These are more 50/50, perfect blend for street and tricky terrain while touring.
In May 2025, my partner and I ventured on a month-long trip across Vietnam. It would be our first together, and Linh's first time exploring the country on a big bike (you can find highlights of the trip here Not only was the Triumph reliable throughout the trip, it proved what I believed the bike to be - the perfect all-rounder. Smooth engine, subtle burble exhaust notes, and fantastic mileage (I squeezed around 280km / 173 miles out from the 12 litre tank before refueling).
At times, riding two up with the big Motowolf bag on the back was a squeeze and uncomfortable after about 150km. This was just us pushing the limit of the bike, seeing how far we can go, how much we can load up and accepting the Triumph as it is (certainly not an adventure bike). Despite this, there isn't any other bike I would rather travel the country with than my own.
The Triumph is a long-term bike. I see myself refining, changing, improving it little-by-little as time progresses. When Linh eventually has her own bike (we're looking at you, Royal Enfield), we'll be setting off on new road trips again in the next year or so. For now, the Triumph remains the daily urban rider, a trusted companion.
