Triumph Street Twin Review: First Impressions

The British icon makes a return with a brand new engine and a host of technology all wrapped-up with some modern classic styling.

The all-new liquid-cooled, 900cc parallel twin ‘high torque’ Bonneville engine delivers peak torque figure of 80Nm (59 ft lbs) at 3200 rpm, 18% more than the previous model. Triumph also claims it is 36% more efficient than the out-going model.

Triumph’s Street Twin will be in dealerships from January 2016 and faces competition in the form of the Ducati Scrambler, Yamaha XSR700 and Harley-Davidson Iron 883 and it is likely to be priced accordingly, around the £6,500 - £7,000 mark.

The new Street Twin offers Ride-by-Wire throttle, a five-speed gearbox, an all-new chassis and longer travel suspension while ABS, switchable traction control, a slip assist clutch all add to the rideability. The riding position in terms of its set-up has been created for “dynamic handling” – lower seating position and pegs encourage a comfortable ride in more control for the younger, shorter or more inexperienced.

Bike Social’s Michael Mann was invited to the world riding launch in Valencia, Spain. Here are his first impressions:

“The new high-torque engine is vibrant and punchy from low-down. Low-revving and long-gear. 1st and 2nd is all you'll need around town and 5th is almost an overdrive. 

The twin sounds glorious too, especially in a group, burbling along. Single-disc front brake is sharp while the 5-speed gearbox offers a short, precise and reassuring clunk.

The first and perhaps most noticeable part is it's height - the bike has a low seat which is as narrow as the fuel tank as they meet offering a very comfortable position.

We've covered just 35 miles but first impressions are positive, this is very much a Sunday bike. Heavier to turn compared to the Yamaha XSR700 for example but a similar upright rising position ideal for plodding around."

For the full review, head back to Bike Social later this evening.

OFFICIAL TRIUMPH VIDEO:

Are you a Bonneville fan? What do you think of the new version?   or