The Triumph Street Twin is a 900cc parallel-twin-powered standard motorcycle that is one of Triumph’s best-selling modern classics. From our 2019 coverage, “The reason for its success, Triumph says, is a mix of entry-level price (for the British brand at least), classic looks, and easy demeanor.” This 2016-introduced ride includes features like Brembo four-piston front brake, two riding modes (Rain and Road), ABS and traction control, LED rear light, torque assist clutch, cast aluminum spoked wheels, ride by wire, USB charging socket under the seat, and an immobilizer (transponder in the key) for extra security.
Its power curve, sound, narrow and light feeling, eagerness to turn, and overall spiritual extension of a vintage Triumph are characteristics that led it to win Cycle World’s Best Standard in 2016.
In a 2016 comparison, we put the Street Twin head to head to the Yamaha FZ-07 and Ducati Scrambler Icon because of their similarity in pricing and the number of cylinders, drawing conclusions that “The Triumph feels physically larger than the Ducati and Yamaha, but it’s not at all ungainly. The seat height is the lowest at 29.8 inches, and the reach to the bars is relatively short. Even so, 6-footers will find themselves plenty comfortable, as will their passengers. The bike feels a tad top-heavy at a standstill, especially with a full gas tank, but that heaviness disappears once underway. Changing direction takes more effort than on the other two bikes, but it’s not Herculean.”
You can look toward the 2020 Yamaha XSR900 and the 2020 Ducati Scrambler Icon as its current model year rivals. Others include the Honda CB650R, Ducati Monster 797, Kawasaki W800, Royal Enfield INT650, and Suzuki SV650.
The Triumph Street Twin was just updated significantly in 2019 (increase in power, ride modes, Brembo front brake, rider aids, and revamped fit and finish detail) to not warrant any significant ones for 2020.