Last year PH2 was invited to the unveiling of Triumph's new 'modern retro' range. There was the usual fanfare before three bikes were ridden into the room, at which point I confess I was left a little bemused. The
Thruxton R
Bonneville T120
stood out instantly but I struggled to tell if the new Street Twin was actually an old Bonnie 900 or a brand new model.
Is this a bad thing? A blessing and a curse when you have a bike as iconic as the Bonnie - even a brand new model looks like the old one! Make no mistake though, this is a totally new machine.
As with the Thruxton and T120, Triumph has gone to great lengths to hide the Street Twin's technology. Its parallel-twin motor is now liquid-cooled yet the radiator is almost the same size as the old model's oil cooler, thanks in part to the engine's fins. The fuel system is ride-by-wire, which means you get traction control and fuel modes (which is a bit pointless on a 54hp bike) and ABS is standard fitment. And yet, despite all this technology, the Street Twin still looks like the old air-cooled Bonnie 900. Thankfully, it rides completely differently.
Let's face facts, the old model Bonnie was a bit of a wobbler. As well as looking retro, it felt ancient to ride due to poor brakes, soft suspension and a lacklustre motor. Admittedly it was a great bike for gentle runs and, I confess, many of its faults actually helped enhance its relaxed character.
The new Street Twin, on the other hand, takes all the plus points of the old Bonnie but puts them in a bike that stops, turns and handles like a modern machine.
The all-new tubular steel chassis gives you far more confidence in corners than the old model's and, combined with the updated suspension, makes the Street Twin far more poised. The suspension is still set fairly softly, which I like on rough UK roads, but it feels like it has much better damping. Where the old model wobbled and weaved its way around bends the new Street Twin is much more secure. Looking at the shocks it appears as if they have a level of progression built into the springs, and that's how it feels when you hit a bump - the initial jolt is absorbed before the suspension firms up to avoid the wobble. And the engine is also far more engaging.
There isn't much difference in power between the old air-cooled bike and the new water-cooled one, but the new motor feels faster to respond thanks to its 18 per cent increase in torque. And it is this sprightly feeling that sets the Street Twin aside. This is no longer a lazy engine, instead it is one that feel really engaging to ride and, dare I say it, gives the bike far more spunk than the larger T120 Bonnie...
The rest of the chassis is also pleasingly updated, the single front brake is far stronger and ABS equipped, the single clock houses a new gear indicator (there are only five in the box) and the clutch is noticeably lighter thanks to a slip-assist system. All in all, there is little to fault.
I honestly didn't expect to enjoy the Street Twin as much as I did. As well as looking brilliant, it is leagues ahead of its predecessor in terms of handling. The parallel twin engine is in many ways more amusing to use than the slightly muted T120's and it is more than powerful enough to entertain without being too fast.
Rookie rider or experienced hand, commuter or sunny Sunday rider - all should adore this lightweight retro and I love what Triumph has done with its inspiration kits. Does it have any downsides? Like the T120 the larger 18-inch front wheel takes a bit of getting used to and the brake is a little wooden in its feel but, overall, it's a cracking machine no longer limited in performance by a chassis that can't handle the power.
2016 TRIUMPH STREET TWIN
Engine: 900cc parallel twin, water-cooled, 8v
Power (hp): 54@5,900rpm
Torque (lb ft): 59lb ft@3,200rpm
Top speed: 100mph (est)
Weight: 198kg (dry)
MPG: 75mpg (claimed)
Price: £7,350