Reviewed: Triumph Street Twin

Triumph’s entry-level retro roadster was already good, this hefty makeover makes it (almost) irresistible

Triumph’s ‘entry-level’ variant of its Bonneville retro roadster debuted in 2016 and, although easy to ride, packed with classic style and temptingly priced, it wasn’t ‘quite’ perfect – but now it just about is.

The original used the smaller, 900cc version of the latest Bonneville’s parallel twin which, combined with classic, if a little basic, ‘Bonnie’ style and an easy-handling, simple, low-slung chassis, added up to a retro that was both easy for novices to ride and, at around £7300, temptingly affordable.

For some, though, it was also a little too basic in terms of equipment, cycle parts and detailing and also slightly underpowered (with just 54bhp) compared to some rivals.

But, thanks to this new version, which has been improved significantly throughout, not any more. Although remaining at the same 900cc, engine revisions have boosted peak power to a far more healthy 64bhp (representing an 18% increase) while better brakes, improved suspension, new clocks and a few styling tweaks further embellish the all-round experience – for £800 extra.

The chassis is improved, too, with uprated KYB 41mm telescopic forks plus a new four-piston Brembo front brake caliper substituting for the slightly weak Nissin of the first generation bikes.

And from the first time you climb on board you’ll also notice the new single dial instrument binnacle, as borrowed from all the updated Bonnevilles and Scramblers this year, which is a significant upgrade, as well. A subtle blend of retro and modern, it’s packed with info (switchable via the ‘Info’ button) and, combined with the new switchgear, allows you to navigate the riding modes (Road and Rain), optional heated grips and more.

And the best bit of all? The sum of all those upgrades gives an added veneer of performance, features and quality to the Street Twin without detracting one iota from its easy, friendly and effective manner.

From the saddle, it’s so low and slim (and reasonably light, too) no rider, of any gender or size, will feel intimidated. 

On the move, the willing twin is as flexible as ever making getaways a doddle and rendering precise gear choice irrelevant. The steering is neutral and totally intuitive; the uprated brakes are sharper; the ride, thanks to the improved suspension; is now more taut and refined and the new controls and clocks are easy to use and read (even if one very slight niggle is fairly small text on the dial).

All in all, then, it’s the perfect introductory retro? Almost – but not quite. Yes, this latest Street Twin is a great improvement on the already decent original but three concerns remain.

First, one thing Triumph hasn’t changed is its fuel tank and, we’re sorry, at just 12.5 litres, or barely sufficient for 100 miles, it’s simply too small for the needs of most riders.

Second, though improved, in stock trim the Street Twin still a little basic. Yes, there are plenty of nice official accessories Triumph would like you to modify it with, but without it doesn’t quite feel like a £8100 bike. Customisation is definitely a thing with the Street Twin though. The accessories allow you to take the bike in all kinds of (style) directions, and it provides a great platform upon which to add modifications.

And third, and perhaps most crucially, in the meantime, Royal Enfield have also come out with their own brilliant, novice retro twin, the 650 Continental GT/Interceptor, which produces an A2-friendly 47bhp, is just as easy to ride and pleasing on the eye (if not built quite to the same quality) yet costs a full £2500 less.

And by that token, yes, the Street Twin’s better than ever, but no longer is it the bargain retro it once was.