The Triumph Street Twin is the brand’s best selling motorcycle.  Introduced in 2015 as a 2016 model, to replace the Bonneville SE, the Street Twin’s role in the lineup is to widen the marque’s appeal with new riders and those returning to the sport after years away.  The model has proven to be a popular platform for customization as 80% of Street Twins leave the dealership with at least one accessory and some examples have much more to make a new owner’s bike special.

The first version was criticized for being a bit low on power and a front brake that wasn’t strong enough.  For the 2019 model year, Triumph addressed both issues by adding 10 hp for a total of 65 hp, and upgrading the single front disk to a Brembo unit. The 900cc motor got its rpm band pushed another 500 revs to generate the extra oomph and it’s moderately noticeable when the machine is pushed to redline. Torque remains the same at 59 lbs at 3,800 rpm. This provides a nice arc of torque and power between 3,800 and 7,500 rpm.  The Street Twin is not about power, but the extra ponies do help for bragging rights.

The updated machine also has two ride modes – road and rain – and the differences are moderately noticeable. With 65 peak hp, but less lower down the rev range, there isn’t too much risk of spinning up the rear end, except on gravel or potentially very wet surfaces. Traction control and ABS are part of the package and provide a safety net for new riders or surprising situations that might catch any rider off guard.

The front forks and rear shocks are courtesy of KYB in stock form. The fronts are 41mm non-adjustable units and the rears do offer preload adjustment. Bump compliance with the stock front units is decent. The example I rented here has the upgraded Triumph units via Fox, a well known provider to the aftermarket. More about them later.

Stock tires on the Street Twin are Pirelli Phantoms for Triumph. On dry surfaces in a straight line they are perfectly acceptable. Their initial turn-in is decent, but when moving deeper into the edges you feel the limitations. This example had replacement Continental Road Attack 3 tires and they are a major upgrade.

The new Brembo 310mm front brake unit is a welcome addition to the Street Twin. The single disk stops the bike nicely, provides very good feel, and the pressure exerted to stop the bike is low. The brake lever is adjustable. The rear Nissin unit at 255mm is average, but most rear brake units are a supporting character and this one is no different. Coupled with the front brake, the system hauls the machine down with solid confidence.

The Street Twin is a handsome, traditional looking bike and that is what its core buyers want in a two wheeled machine. As with all current Triumph models, the Street Twin feels premium and exudes quality. There are lots of finishing details that look great – at 20 feet and at 6 inches. Wires are tucked away and the paint on the tank shines very well in the sun. The lettering is classy too.

This extra finishing comes at a cost, with a list price at $9,500 before setup fees, taxes, and accessories. Objectively, that is a considerable sum for what the Street Twin offers. Some are comfortable with the price point, while others find Triumph’s move upmarket and its pricing structure frustrating.

Competitors, in what I call the emotional end of the market, also charge a premium “tax”. Harley Davidson is a long standing example and Indian isn’t too far behind. More affordable choices, such as the Yamaha Bolt, provide very good value for money. The most direct challenge comes from the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, with a price point that is $3,000 to $3,500 dollars less than the Street Twin. The Royal Enfield is not premium and it is less powerful.  However, sales have been brisk for this value oriented classic twin. The Street Twin has continued to sell well despite the challenge from the Interceptor 650 and I’d argue it and the Street Twin are in different markets catering to predominantly unique riders. What is clear is each has its place in the bike market.

This particular example, rented through the peer-to-peer platform Twisted Road, has a number of very nice additions that current owners and prospective buyers of a Street Twin should consider. First, the bike has a new set of Continental Road Attack 3 tires, which are a big upgrade over the Pirelli Phantom tires. Initial turn-in is superior and there is much more feel across the entire tire carcass. If there was one upgrade I would recommend, it would be a new set of shoes. I’ve also heard good things about Avon’s AV24s.

Second, the owner replaced the stock rear shocks with Triumph units made by Fox and the pair are worth the money. They provide more control throughout the stroke and simply have more poise over a variety of surfaces. They have the added benefit of additional adjustment on the move with ease. This would be my second upgrade in order of preference.

Third, this Street Twin has the Vance & Hines cans, de-cat kit, and ECU from the Triumph parts catalog. This gave the machine very good throttle response and a deep throated soulful bellow. The cans look great too with their brushed finish. This kit is not cheap, but does certainly add a dimension to the Street Twin.

Finally, there are some farkles – LED turn signals, bar end mirrors, tail tidy – that rounded out the look. Combined with the Ironstone paint, black crackle finish on the engine casings, and black rims, this Street Twin looks really nice. Taken together, the additions added quite a bit to the overall price. But the owner is very pleased with the result and that is what matters.

In sum, Triumph has corrected some shortcomings of the original 2016 model and kept what enthusiasts and buyers of the Street Twin really love.  The machine is a blank canvas for making one’s own, with classic looks, a premium ownership experience, and a Triumph and aftermarket accessories list that will satisfy many who buy one. The Street Twin is an emotional product and I think Triumph has done a great job positioning this machine in a very competitive marketplace.

Should you be interested in renting this Street Twin on the Twisted Road peer-to-peer sharing platform – here is the link:

https://www.twistedroad.com/bikes/us/va/south-riding/2019-triumph-street-twin-slettes/m-me37vge

Happy Riding