Triumph Street Twin test

Menus

• Gentleman Badass
• Discovery
• Technical
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion
• Colors
• Availablity :
• Standard equipment
• Main accessories
• Brat Tracker Kit: € 1,489.99 gives a more urban and aggressive side to the new Street Twin.
• Urban Kit: € 1,380 gives a relaxed look and an urban and sporty presence to the new Street Twin.
• Scrambler kit (not approved in France): € 2,100, provides an off-road look thanks to the Scrambler “inspiration” kit and its many accessories.

Gentleman Badass

Triumph reinvents its flagship model, the Bonneville, in two versions, 900 Street Twin and T120 cubing 1200 cm3, succeeding the T100. Formerly just charming, the "little one" now dresses sports and adopts a more marked character, thus reviving her story of stylish rebel.

The English production knows, since its origins, to mix elegance and character. Iconic model, the Bonneville has been imprinting its style on motorcycling production since 1959. In homage to the speed record gleaned 3 years earlier on the salt lake of Bonneville, USA, Triumph produced the T120 baptized of the same name. With its inline-twin 649 cm3, set at 360 °, this model will enjoy worldwide success for more than 20 years, making it the flagship model of the manufacturer of Hinkley.

In 2000 the modern version of the old British legend reappears, now cubing 795 cm3. Six years later, the machine goes to 865 cm3, gains injection in 2008 and stick rims the following year. For 2015, the legendary Albion machine is completely reinvented to pass the Euro4 test and extend its range. If its spearhead takes the name T120, cubing 1200 cm3, Triumph does not forget its muse of "medium" displacement, unveiling the Bonneville Street Twin of 900 cm3.

It is in Valencia, Spain, that we have the chance to take the handlebars of the little jewel of the crown of the Overseas Channel. And, from its sublimated timeless plastic to its brand new liquid-cooled block, this novelty does not forget the essential: to seduce.

Discovery

We knew the Bonneville as a somewhat outdated machine, stylish but very classic, smelling a bygone era despite a contemporary design. In short, a real authentic fake of quality, however a little far from a certain marginality that characterized its origins. For his new opus Street Twin, the English icon revisits its history in a more manly fashion, preferring sporty elegance to agreed charm, thus rediscovering the gentleman biker spirit. And even, let’s face it, a seductive badass-style.

Aesthetically, the Street Twin clearly gains in dynamism, reviving a more racy and sporty style, without losing its soul. The design performance is commendable, modernizing the lines without sidetracking them. A notable element, the front optic incorporates the brand’s logo and is dressed in a mat black bowl surrounded by a satin aluminum bezel. Made of the same material, its sturdy support with tapered arms frames it, also supporting the instrument block. In its extension, the large droplet reservoir flattens out, refining its curves of barely marked flats. Its volume is reduced by 4.6 liters to 12 units. The logo side plates disappear in favor of a more modern serigraphy but a chrome screw cap (without support) offset to the right still adorns its top.

Welcoming, the one-piece saddle is dressed in reinforcements and seams and has a slight embossing to wedge the pilot. This seat dominates the curved side covers and covers a truncated mudguard. An ovoid led light concludes the stern, framed by indicators of the same shape.

The whole is based on a very classic chassis, still composed of a steel frame with double cradle, but modified to accommodate the new twin. Indeed, in addition to its design, the mechanics of the Bonneville 900 also evolve significantly, in fact adapting the block of the new T120. But, again, retaining its authenticity. To pass Euro4 standards, the vertical twin switches to full liquid cooling (cylinder head and cylinders) without changing its appearance. The large fins always finely cut the top of the engine, of course helping to lower the temperature. And look for the hoses, the expansion tank…. even the radiator. This is a little more visible than the other elements but remarkably integrated into the upright of the frame. Further down, if you are looking for the catalyst, it is hidden behind the metal shoe, in front of the engine. In short, the novelty plays perfectly its role of old to the finish and impeccable attention to detail..

The vintage style of the block is taken care of by other details such as the crimping rings of the manifolds or the satin-finished and perforated plates hiding the single injection body. The latter is a more compact solution but also less expensive for admission.

On the left side, the casing trim is reminiscent of the old separate boxes. On the other, we find the triangular shape flanked by the logo of the brand. Also note the 900 Bonneville signatures at the base of the cylinders. Finally, fork lined with bellows and double rear shock absorber contribute to the retro image. Higher, mirrors and handlebar weights also feature high-end manufacturing.

Technical

The bowels of the English are very different from the old model. The displacement increases to 900 cm "(+35 units) but drops in maximum power of 55 hp (40.5kW) at 5,900 rpm with a torque of 8 da.Nm at 3,230 rpm…. To be compared with the values ​​of the previous one: 68 hp at 7,500 rpm and 6.8 da.Nm at 5,800 rpm. Either a decrease of 15 units for the first and an increase of 1.2 for the second. This new breath flows into new collectors, spinning towards two satin silencer pointing towards the sky, type cigars elongated with the most beautiful effect. Finally, the mechanics have an anti-dribble clutch, also making it easier to take the lever to select one of the five gears..

Modern, the Street Twin does not forget the electronics, with an injection management by a grip of the throttle type Ride-by-wire and a deactivatable anti-slip. Finally, a USB socket under the saddle allows you to power or recharge mobile phones and other GPS devices..

Few chassis changes with a fork and two Kayaba shocks of the same amplitude thus gaining 14 mm in useful length, with adjustable preload. And for those who want to know more about the technical side, there is the technical file on the Street Twin.

In alloy, the five-spoke split-spoke rims receive elbow valves and Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp wraps. These erasers display unmarked and stylish carvings. Noticeable difference with the T100, the front wheel goes to 18 inches against 19 and keep its 17 units for the propellant element.

Racy and particularly well finished, the Triumph masks its modernity with talent to highlight its powerful aesthetic. We just regret a front brake reservoir and its unattractive hose and too basic turn signals. Details that will be replaced, via an accessories catalog of 150 parts…. There are compact LED indicators, but also cafe racer type saddles, fork heads, new "Vance & Hines" exhausts, "Ace" handlebars…. etc. To go further we will use the rear fender removal kits. Thus Triumph now makes its Bonneville customizable at will, developing the concept of customization in vogue on these born-retro machines. Thus, an attractive object, the Street Twin can build a tailor-made look..

The more conservative can always turn to the Bonneville T100 Black, remaining in the catalog, with air-oil engine and spoked rims..

In the saddle

While the Street Twin gains in aesthetic sportiness, it does not forget about comfort, making it even more accessible. With its 750 mm height (- 25 mm), the seat of the Street Twin would almost compete with customs. In addition to its rear suspension with greater travel, Triumph also announces thicker foams by 25%. An advantage that the accompanying person will taste less because, dedicated to its pilot, the Street Twin loses its passenger handle.

On board, the ergonomics are always natural but slightly more on the front, dynamic obliges. The bending of the legs is natural, the shoes resting on satiny footrests, placed in the axis of the pelvis. Like the rest of the machine, the cockpit exudes quality. This is particularly evidenced by the aesthetics of aluminum plate enclosing the variable-diameter handlebar on the saddles. Discreet, the controls are integrated into the line of the machine and the levers are adjustable in spacing.

Compact, the upper tee is dressed in a mat black coating. A single instrument block dominates the whole. Sleek, it houses the large tachometer but no tachometer. Too bad, an element perimeter or circumscribed to this dial would have been mouthful. However, the massive hand evolves on a pleasant and legible retro graphics. A less obvious quality for the too small LCD window grouping together a lot of information and controlled on the left stalk by an "Info" button. On the odometer menu and two partials, maintenance indicator, fuel gauge and autonomy, average and instantaneous consumption, anti-slip adjustment and clock. Optionally, heated grip level and tire pressure indication are available.

In the city

Previously hidden under the turn signal, the contactor found a more usual and practical place, on the tee. As soon as the mechanics activate, we realize that the ramage is up to the fittings. Heavy pulsations emanate from the exhausts, making the air vibrate powerfully. When stationary, we take pleasure in making the twin roar which, in the towers, belches an intoxicating rumble.

A few meters are enough to measure the engine modifications. The couple is instantly available on the first reports, boosting urban developments. Sound, the box admits a massive mechanism and punctuates the gear changes with a manly snap. However, the controls are very smooth and the steering is intuitive. Likewise, the mirrors are free from vibration, whatever the look. The Twin shows correct availability, agreeing to set off again at 50 km / h in third without too much hiccups. It’s more delicate on the upper gear.

Two kilos lighter than the old one, the Street Twin hides its two dry quintals rather well, placing its masses at the lowest. Agile, the little Bonneville is pleasant to pilot in town and easy to take on maneuvers. Because this model shines very correctly, unlike the family tradition. At ease in traffic, it weaves its way between vehicles where its compact size will allow daily use..

However, the Englishwoman heats up quite quickly during these urban routes. The younger ones will feel their knees rise in temperature because of their proximity to the cylinder head. To cool off the connecting rods, let’s take the Triumph out for some fresh air.

Motorway and expressways

The exercise is of little interest to the handlebars of such a machine, designed to take advantage of more sinuous routes on the couple. The Triumph quickly shows its limits on the straight tape. More than the absence of protection, it is that of power at high speed which hardly encourages to practice the peaks of speed on the priced asphalt. Especially since the box five only amplifies the discomfort.

However, at the legal motorway, the Street Twin pleasantly walks its driver to the rhythm of the rapid pulsations of its block. Ample but discreet vibrations then inhabit the roadster which traces its way towards the horizon. At this pace, it will still be necessary to enter a report to quickly overtake. Always comfortable and showing off course without surprise, the Bonneville 900 Street Twin will give the best of its elegant person on the secondary network..

Departmental

Sporty in appearance, the Street Twin also provides appreciable dynamic pleasure on the road. However, it is not a question here of pure performance but of real mechanical life. The engine inertia is sensitive, the twin showing a consequent mobile crew. We therefore drive on the couple, at mid-speed or the twin delivers a strong character. In addition, maintained within this optimum operating range, the machine benefits from 22% more power than the air-oil version. Coupled with the driving force, this new curve gives the boiler a much more determined personality and a more assertive character. It is a fat and ample functioning, underlined by deep vocalizations, giving a typical temperament to the Briton..

Each relaunch deliciously catapults the Englishwoman between two curves in a hum of Spitfire MK. Maintained within the optimum range of use, the Street Twin provides permanent pleasure, roaring with each go-around, hectic during deceleration. Here again, we appreciate the anti-dribble clutch, limiting wheel locks when entering an optimistic turn with stacking of gears. Once on the angle, the machine remains neutral and follows its course to exit the turn with panache.

The traction control is often not too much to curb this manly temperament, especially when the roads are wet. The Pirelli ride provides flawless grip in the dry and gives roundness and progressiveness to the setting on the angle. On wet roads, they were less convinced but seems to satisfy the performance of the Triumph.

Thus reworked, the legendary daughter of Albion gains a rebellious temperament of an old-fashioned sporty roadster. However, to be efficient and rhythmic, the piloting must be rolled up and the trajectory neat. No need to rush the Street Twin whose chassis does not appreciate improvisation.

If its 18-inch wheel does not penalize too much changes, conventional chassis and large moving masses sometimes bend the direction in tight bends. At a sustained and improbable pace, the ground clearance will recall its limits and the grip of the brakes on the angle immediately straightens the machine..

Led with elegance and dynamism, the Street Twin plays stylish bads boys. Effective, its suspensions correctly filter the defects of the bitumen but are quickly exceeded on the largest compressions.

Over the kilometers, the pleasure of the roadster is exciting, both for its ease and its mechanical vigor. Looking legal, however, it is more pleasant to drive in fourth gear. The flexibility of the twin at low revs is limited in fifth and the revivals less convincing when the road tightens..

Part-cycle

Very classic, frame and suspensions deliver a healthy and dynamic behavior to the Hinkley machine. On the corner, the Street Twin stays on course and quickly emerges from the curves.

Braking

To stop the wheels from spinning, a simple two-piston Nissin caliper bites a 310mm disc. The rear clamp has identical characteristics, gripping a 255mm disc. All under ABS monitoring

As a result, braking is convincing on all occasions, effectively slowing the machine. The simple front disc is sufficient for the task and the caliper delivers powerful and progressive decelerations. The rear offers the same characteristics and an excellent feel to the foot.

Comfort / Duo

The pilot seat is welcoming in the long run and very roomy. Its bulge is appreciable to wedge its seat during the raises. The comfort is more burdened by a damping which is sometimes too dry on bumpy roads. The accompanying person will also have to give you a strong hug, now only having a very efficient strap. A real seducer wheel, we tell you !

Consumption

The Englishwoman is reasonable on the drink, sipping only 4.5 liters at a good pace. This augurs well for a very good autonomy for this type of machine, despite a tank with a reduced capacity..

Conclusion

Now Street Twin, the Bonneville 900 swings brilliantly into the gently villainous vintage roadster. Its sleeker aesthetic and demonstrative mechanics bring it back to a traditional English sport positioning. Remarkably finished, the Triumph fully plays the card of seduction. Cheeky, it even has the luxury of being cheaper than its predecessor, with € 8,900 in Jet Black color. Count 150 € more for the other two black shades and two colors. Finally, accessorization packs optimize its equipment and its line (see below) to offer preparations at a lower cost..

Facing the Briton, the lightweight Moto Guzzi V7s, starting at € 7,999, may appear less attractive and efficient. But Mandello’s Eagle has already planned a replica with its next V9 Bobber and Roamer…. And on the Italian side, we must of course cite the current best seller in the segment, the Ducati Scrambler, from € 8,590 in the Icon Rouge version. Modern and light cycle part characterizes the Transapline. To the sportiness of the latter, the Street Twin responds with a breathtaking classic charm. A successful return to the future.

Strong points

• Unparalleled neo-classical style
• Motor character
• Captivating sound
• Saddle comfort
• Finishes
• Assistance (ABS, anti-slip, anti-dribble)

Weak points

• Hardly readable LCD instrument
• Slightly limited suspensions

The technical sheet of the Street Twin

See: StreetTwin slide show at Bike Shed

Colors

• Jet Black
• Matt black
• Phantom black
• Cranberry Red
• Aluminum Silver

Availablity :

January 2016

Standard equipment

• Ride-by-wire
• Torque-reducing adjustable anti-slip
• Anti-dribble clutch
• ABS
• LED taillights
• USB plug
• Alloy wheels with a black finish and piping
• Fuel tank with chrome cap
• Discreet flashing lights
• LED tail light
• Compact headlight with Triumph signed optics
• Upward curved mufflers in brushed stainless steel
• Sculpted black fairing sides with Street Twin graphics
• Minimalist black mudguards

Main accessories

Brat Tracker Kit: € 1,489.99 gives a more urban and aggressive side to the new Street Twin.

• Brushed steel Vance & Hines mufflers
• A fender removal kit with compact tail light
• A black ribbed cafe racer saddle
• Compact LED flashing lights
• Black "balloon" handles
• A brushed engine guard

Urban Kit: € 1,380 gives a relaxed look and an urban and sporty presence to the new Street Twin.

• "Ace" handlebars
• Brushed Vance & Hines mufflers
• Compact LED flashing lights
• A short tinted fork crown
• A leather and waxed cotton satchel

Scrambler kit (not approved in France): € 2,100, provides an off-road look thanks to the Scrambler “inspiration” kit and its many accessories.

• A high-end Vance & Hines brushed exhaust system ("off road" use only, NOT APPROVED)
• A fender removal kit with compact tail light
• A brown ribbed cafe racer saddle
• Brown "balloon" handles
• Compact LED flashing lights
• A brushed aluminum engine guard

Related articles

• Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS test

  Queen of Hearts Twin of 1200 cm3, 105 hp, 112 Nm, Brembo M50 calipers, Metzeler Racetec RR tires, 16,700 euros A historic sporting legend led by equally…

• Triumph Bonneville T120 test

  Character legend Completely redesigned but faithful to its legend and its aesthetic codes, the Bonneville reinvents itself with talent and efficiency in…

• Triumph Street Cup test

  Sneackers racer The rise of motorcycles known as classics , neo-retro or vintage could not have escaped your notice. These kinds of machines are all the…

• Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black test

  2 cylinders in line, 1200 cc, 77 hp at 6100 rpm, 106 Nm at 4000 rpm, 237.5 kilos dry, from ¤ 14 350 More muscle, more techno, more dark for the Bobber Is…

• Triumph Street Scrambler test

  Cool There is freedom in the new Triumph Street Scrambler. A freedom that comes from afar to take you very far. A freedom that has its roots in the…

• Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster test

  In-line twin, 1200 cc, 77 hp at 6100 rpm, 106 Nm at 4000 rpm, 245.5 kilos dry, from € 14,350 A more modern proposition in the 1200 cruiser segment… Are…

• Triumph Speed ​​Twin test

  Pure roadster The English brand has already presented its many Modern Classic novelties to us with a now large and complete Bonneville family. The update…

• Triumph Trident 660 motorcycle test

  Harpoon the competition 3 cylinders in line, 660 cm3, 81 hp and 64 Nm, 189 kg full made, 7,995 euros In the early 1960s, the Speed ​​Twin was the British…

• Triumph Street Triple S A2 test

  The turbulent English roadster in its version intended for young drivers 3 cylinders in line, 660 cm3, 48 horsepower at 11,000 rpm, 60 Nm at 5,100 rpm,…

• Triumph Street Triple 675 R

  La Rebelle takes up sport Best seller in the midsize segment, the Street Triple R 2013 improves both its plastic and its dynamic capabilities. Direction…