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2019 Triumph Street Twin Review | Motorcycle Tests

2019 Triumph Street Twin Review

Motorcycle Test by Wayne Vickers


I admit it, I didn’t actually expect the Triumph Street Twin to be all that different from the deliciously laid back Street Scrambler I’d spent a couple of weeks getting to know and love. Check out my full review here (link).

I mean they share the same engine, gearbox, forks, shock, brakes and frame (almost). I assumed it was pretty much a styling exercise between them… right..? Ahh… yeah nah.

Triumph Street Twin Pics Cover
2019 Triumph Street Twin Reviewed

I mean obviously they’re still quite similar. But the subtle differences combine to make for quite a distinctly different riding proposition. There’s no doubt they’re brothers from the same mother, but they are more than skin deep apart on the road.

Figuring out which one is right for you will depend on what look blows your hair back in terms of styling but also where/how you’re going to be riding it. Let’s quickly re-cap on the common elements we found with the Scrambler for those who shamefully missed my earlier review. Here’s a picture of the Street Scramber for comparison.

Triumph Street Scrambler Cover
The 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler

2019 Triumph Street Scrambler | Reviewed (link)

  • Effortless laid back fun – 100% chilled and ready for grins
  • Silky smooth 900cc Bonneville twin with deceptive helpings of torque
  • Ride position spot on for the classic rider in all of us
  • ‘Small’ overall dimensions, but without feeling cramped
  • Immediately accessible in terms of feel and performance
  • Everything ‘works’
Triumph Street Twin Pics
2019 Triumph Street Twin

Initially, throwing the leg over the Street Twin it felt pretty much the same. To be fair I didn’t even twig that the bars were 50mm wider at first. Not until I tipped into the first corner when it quickly became apparent that I needed to rethink the similarities and differences between the bikes a little further.

The Street Twin is clearly more responsive to tip into corners and much happier on its side. It’s still no sports bike obviously, but is eminently more capable from a handling point of view. It changes direction willingly, no doubt helped by the slightly tighter steering rake and more rounded tyre profile of the Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp, compared to the flatter dual purpose Tourances on the Scrambler.

Triumph Street Twin Pics
2019 Triumph Street Twin

Add that to a more responsive throttle action that gives the bike quite a different feel. Where the Scrambler throttle response is soft, feeling almost delayed off idle at first (which gives it that laid back feel), the Street Twin feels more immediate.

It has a slightly different engine tune, along with that aforementioned different throttle action enabled by the ride by wire techwizardy. The spec’ sheet says that the peak torque arrives 600rpm higher on the Twin at 3800rpm, but that’s not what it feels like when combined with the more instant throttle response.

It feels like another five or six ponies have been liberated. Even though the spec’ sheet again says they’re both dishing out 65 hp. If I was a betting man I’d have lost some coin there no doubt. So it steers better and goes better. What else?

Triumph Street Twin Pics
2019 Triumph Street Twin – The Street Twin offers a significantly different feel to the Scrambler

Well even though it has the same Brembo four-piston caliper (with ABS), it feels like there’s more bite when you get on the picks. At the time of writing I couldn’t confirm if the Twin was running different pads, or it was all down to better tyres and sharper geometry. But the brakes definitely feel slightly more willing.

That’s a lot of ticks already, translating into a more sporting ride. The trade-off is that the bike loses some of the oh-so-laid-back charm of the Scrambler, so it’s really more about what you want out of your bike… It’s still a charming ride, just a different flavour.

Styling wise it’s the more classic looker of the two. A pair of low sweeping pipes (one each side) are well executed, a more pillion ready seat and the absence of protectors on the tank indents translates into a genuinely classy looking machine. From the front in particular, it is a well-proportioned and finished design.

Triumph Street Twin Pics
2019 Triumph Street Twin – Dual low exhausts offer a classic look

It makes me wonder if they started with this design first and then adapted it to the Scrambler, which doesn’t seem to be quite as photogenic from the same angles. That might be a geometry thing, or maybe it’s just my eyes, I’m not sure.

What do I like less about the Street Twin compared to the Scrambler? Well, they both don’t have a whole lot to pick faults at to be fair.

The most awkward thing on the Twin is finding the side-stand hidden down under the sweeping pipe. You get used to it, and there’s no real way around it if you want the pipe right there. Things are getting tough when the side-stand is the only real thing that stands out as annoying…

The suspension is fit for purpose, as long as you don’t start pretending its a bit more sporty than it actually is, then the limits in damping control do start to be felt.

Triumph Street Twin Pics
2019 Triumph Street Twin – A 12L tank offers reasonable range of up to 280km, but is cutting it fine

You don’t get a massive amount of range on a tank. The most I saw over a month’s riding between them was around 280km for a tank, which is ample for this type of bike – it’s no tourer with a 12L capacity. And the accuracy of the trip-meter nearly caught me out too. It’s not mucking around.

I was expecting it would leave some fuel up my sleeve, but it was pretty much bang on. Cue the ‘oh-shit-I-gotta-find-fuel-in-the-tank’ shake from side to side trying to find fuel in the tank as I wobbled the last couple of kays to the servo. Aherm. Nothing to see here folks. Everything’s under control. Not the droids you’re looking for.

These are both terrific little classically styled bikes. I really enjoyed them both. More than I thought I would to be honest. They’re an absolute joy to ride, without needing to be ridden fast for that enjoyment – just the ride itself.

Triumph Street Twin Pics
2019 Triumph Street Twin

They’re excellent in traffic, their small size (more-so the slightly narrower Street Twin) makes them super easy to filter through relatively small gaps with ease. They both look tops, the Twin being the black tie version and the Scrambler being jeans and a white t-shirt.

I’d pick… the Scrambler. I think for its more laid back attitude, ‘soft’ road ability and more edgy styling. But I’d probably ask the shop to sharpen up the throttle action a whisker.

Mind you I do prefer the sharper handling of the Twin. Hmm… I better go for just one more ride before I hand it back.

Triumph Street Twin Pics
2019 Triumph Street Twin

FTR Badge Black CMYK

Street Twin
Press ShotsDP RHS Jet Black x
Specifications
Engine Type Liquid cooled, eight-valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin
Capacity 900cc
Bore/Stroke 84.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio 11:1
Maximum Power 65PS / 64 BHP (48 kW) @ 7500 rpm
Maximum Torque 80 Nm @ 3800 rpm
Fuel system Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Exhaust Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin brushed silencers
Final drive O ring chain
Clutch Wet, multi-plate assist clutch,
cable operated
Gearbox 5-speed
Frame Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke
18 x 2.75in
Rear Wheel Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke
17 x 4.25in
Front Tyre 100/90-18
Rear Tyre 150/70 R17
Front Suspension KYB 41mm cartridge forks with cartridge damping,
120mm travel
Rear Suspension KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel
Front Brake Single 310mm disc, Brembo
4-piston fixed caliper, ABS
Rear Brake Single 255mm disc, Nissin
2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Length 2,090 mm
Width (Handlebars) 785 mm
Height Without Mirrors 1,114 mm
Seat Height 760 mm
Wheelbase 1,415 mm
Rake 25.1 º
Trail 102.4 mm
Dry Weight 198 Kg
Fuel Tank Capacity 12 L
Instruments LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, engine rpm,
odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication,
service indicator, clock, 2x trip, average & current fuel consumption display,
traction control status display, TPMS ready & heated grip ready – controlled by
a handlebar mounted scroll button.
Fuel Consumption 3.9/100km (72.4 MPG)
CO2 Emissions 89.0 g/km

Source: MCNews.com.au

Triumph Street Twin updated | +10hp | New forks & brakes

2019 Triumph Street Twin updated

Café Custom & Urban Ride Kits


For 2019 Triumph are boasting a better than ever Street Twin, with a significant improvement to power, higher spec’ equipment and a higher quality of finish, as well as improved rider comfort and technology.

Triumph Street Twin
Triumph are boasting an improved Street Twin in 2019

First launched in 2016 the Street Twin has gone on to become of the brand’s strongest sellers in the Bonneville range, offering a modern affordable custom classic, blending technology with a retro theme and strong accessibility for a wide range of riders.

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin updates
  • Up 9.8hp to 64hp, 18% more peak power
  • Red line now 500rpm higher
  • 80Nm of accessible torque
  • New Brembo four-piston front brake caliper
  • New higher-specification cartridge front forks
  • Improved rider ergonomics
  • New Road & Rain riding modes
  • New cast aluminium multi-spoke wheels with machined detailing
  • New contemporary logo
  • New premium instrument styling
  • Improved finish and detailing
  • 2 new inspiration kits – Urban Ride and Café Custom

High Torque Bonneville

The 900cc High Torque Bonneville engine benefits from a significant upgrade in 2019, delivering 9.8hp more peak power, taking the total up to 64hp, 18% more than its predecessor.

Triumph Street Twin
A revised engine now boosts power by 10hp and raises the rev limit by 500rpm

This upgrade also brings a higher redline, up 500rpm to 7500rpm, with peak torque of 80Nm delivered low down in the rev range from just 3800rpm. Twin upswept silencers were also chosen to deliver an unmistakeable British Twin soundtrack.

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin

To deliver the higher power and performance, the engine updates include a new magnesium cam cover, new lightweight crankshaft, dead shafts and balance shafts, new mass optimised clutch cover and new lighter clutch.

Triumph Street Twin
Fueling is handled by a single throttle-body and RbW

The standard ride-by-wire brings also offers optimised control from a single throttle body, while liquid-cooling delivers low emissions and fuel efficient riding. High service intervals of 10,000 miles (16,000km) also reduce the Street Twin’s cost of ownership.


Improved ergonomics & chassis

The new 2019 Street Twin also represents a step forward in handling and rider and pillion comfort, now including a new Brembo four-piston front brake caliper, for better bite and feel for greater control.

Triumph Street Twin
A new Brembo radial mount four-piston caliper is now featured, alongside cartridge forks

New higher spec cartridge front forks have also been added, with 120mm travel, aiming to deliver a more comfortable ride.

Triumph Street Twin
Dual rear shocks and a Brembo rear caliper are also featured on the new Street Twin

On top of the higher specification equipment, the Street Twin improves rider ergonomics with a more comfortable seat-to-peg riding position. A 10mm increase to the seat foam thickness also increases both rider and pillion comfort, improving longer distance rideability.

Triumph Street Twin
Greater seat cushioning is also featured, with a 10mm thicker seat

First class technology

The 2019 Street Twin boasts a host of advanced rider technology, including the new Road and Rain riding modes, which adjust the throttle map and traction control settings for the optimum riding experience in all conditions.

Triumph Street Twin
The Street Twin boasts a host of electronics, including RbW, Ride Modes and Traction Control

Traction control is also fitted and switchable via the instrument menu, optimising the delivery of the Street Twin’s torque when traction is compromised. ABS is likewise standard fitment for enhanced rider safety and control, with a torque-assist clutch bringing a lighter touch and feel to the clutch.

Triumph Street Twin
ABS is standard fitment to the Brembo brake systems

A longer LED rear light incorporated into the minimal tail set-up offers a distinctive rear light pattern, while an immobiliser is fitted as standard, with transponder incorporated into the key, for maximum security. A USB charging socket located under the seat also offers convenient charging of personal electronic devices.

Triumph Street Twin
An LED tail light and underseat USB connection are also standard

A new optional Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) accessory is also now offered and ready for fitment.


Contemporary custom style

The Street Twin’s custom character has been enhanced with more contemporary details and touches, the most noticeable being new cast aluminium, multi-spoke wheels with machined detailing.

Triumph Street Twin
Machined cast aluminium wheels

The new Street Twin logo, features on the new side panel and provides a more contemporary look compared to the previous model.

Triumph Street Twin
New Street Twin badging

There is also an upgrade to the instrumentation with a new bezel complete with metallic Bonneville embellisher, plus a new dial face with a premium translucent silver finish and more integrated warning lights.

Triumph Street Twin
The dash has also been updated for a higher quality feel

Several other enhanced details across the bike include new brushed aluminium headlight brackets, new premium foil decal tank badge, new seat materials, leather inspired dual-material construction with tactile feel and durable finish and new machined headlight detailing.

Triumph Street Twin
A number of other details have also been improved across the tank, headlight mounts and headlight machining

These new features join the Street Twin’s distinctive custom looks and features including contemporary black engine finish, signature ‘Bonneville’ finned head and header clamps, single throttle body with aluminium finisher, twin upswept brushed stainless-steel silencers, compact headlight with Triumph bulb cap badge, sculpted fuel tank, minimal mirrors and stylish indicators.

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin

The new Street Twin will be available in three paint schemes: Matt Ironstone; Korosi Red; Jet Black.

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twins

Customisation platform

Triumph’s Street Twin has become a popular starting point for custom builds around the world, with Triumph’s accessory range also offering 140 dealer-fit options for easy customisation. This range includes a range of custom inspired parts, including silencers from Vance and Hines, Fox rear shocks, bench seats, fly screens, rear mudguard removal kits, and  compact bullet LED indicators.

Triumph Street Twin
A wide range of accessories are available for the Street Twin

Triumph have also announced a set of two inspiration kits for the Street Twin, which can be fitted as a complete set. The stripped-back Urban Ride kit and the contemporary urban custom style Café Custom kit.

2019 Street Twin Urban Ride kit
  • Brown quilted bench seat
  • Black sump plate kit
  • Fender removal kit
  • Machined black oil filler cap
  • Black intake covers
  • Waxed cotton pannier in black
  • LED indicators
Triumph Street Twin Urban Ride Kit
2019 Triumph Street Twin Urban Ride kit
2019 Street Twin Café Custom kit
  • Fox rear suspension unit
  • Slip on Vance & Hines silencers
  • Rear fender removal kit
  • LED indicators
  • Machined black oil filler cap
  • Black intake covers
Triumph Street Twin Cafe Custom Kit
2019 Triumph Street Twin Café Custom kit

Specifications

2019 Street Twin
Engine Type Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin
Capacity 900cc
Bore/Stroke 84.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio 11:1
Maximum Power 65PS / 64 BHP (48 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
Maximum Torque 80 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
Fuel system Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Exhaust Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin brushed silencers
Final drive O ring chain
Clutch Wet, multi-plate assist clutch, cable operated
Gearbox 5-speed
Frame Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 18 x 2.75in
Rear Wheel Cast aluminium alloy multi-spoke 17 x 4.25in
Front Tyre 100/90-18
Rear Tyre 150/70 R17
Front Suspension KYB 41mm cartridge forks with cartridge damping, 120mm travel
Rear Suspension KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel
Front Brake Single 310mm disc, Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, ABS
Rear Brake Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Length 2,090 mm
Width (Handlebars) 785 mm
Height Without Mirrors 1,114 mm
Seat Height 760 mm
Wheelbase 1,415 mm
Rake 25.1 º
Trail 102.4 mm
Dry Weight 198 Kg
Instruments LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, engine rpm, odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, 2x trip, average & current fuel consumption display, traction control status display, TPMS ready & heated grip ready – controlled by a handlebar mounted scroll button.
Fuel Consumption 3.9/100km
CO2 Emissions 89.0 g/km

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin – Headlight

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin – Rear Shock

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin – Mirror

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin – Adjustable levers

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin – Headlight

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin

Triumph Street Twin
2019 Triumph Street Twin