Before you just get on this bike and ride, you have to know where it comes from. Your first response might be the U.K. of course, but there’s more.

The Bonneville name is perhaps one of the most famous of all classic motorcycles. The Triumph Bonneville has been in production for over three generations. The first production run started from 1959 till 1983, the second from 1985 till 1988, and the third, in its modern form, from 2001 till 2015. The Bonneville name itself is derived from the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA where motorcycle land speed records are attempted by Triumph and other manufacturers, just to be broken over the years.

Now, in its fourth generation, Triumph has completely revamped the entire Bonneville range for 2016, introducing five new models  – the Street Twin, Bonneville T120, Bonneville T120 Black, Thruxton and Thruxton R.

The new Triumph Street Twin

Built for fun. Built to ride. Built to make your own.

My son and I was given the opportunity once again, to ride and test the new Street Twin and Thruxton R, over a period of 3 days compliments of Tracey and Johann at East Coast Motorcycles.

• The new Triumph Street Twin is our most contemporary, fun and accessible new Bonneville. With its unique character, thrilling engine, distinctive sound, stripped-back styling and dynamic riding experience, the Street Twin is the perfect Bonneville for today’s rider.
• Powered by the all-new 900cc ‘high torque’ Bonneville engine. Delivering much more torque than the previous generation, lower down and across the whole rev range, for a lively, exciting ride and sound you can really feel and hear.

• With its new chassis and suspension, high level of capability, low seat height and incredibly accessible riding position, the Street Twin delivers refined, modern-day handling for real roads in the real world.

• Designed with the spirit of individualism in mind, with clean lines, minimal bodywork, contemporary upswept silencers and a garage load of stylish accessories – it’s the perfect starting point for customisation.

• The Street Twin is one of the five exciting motorcycles in the new Bonneville family – all with 100% authentic Bonneville character, and truly modern capability and performance.

Inspired by the new wave custom scene, the Street Twin takes the Bonneville bloodline firmly into the 21^st century, without losing any of its iconic character.

This is Triumph’s most contemporary new Bonneville; built to slot straight into today’s rider’s lifestyle. It’s built for fun, built to ride with a smile, and built for owners to customise.

Its combination of iconic Bonneville character, stunning looks, thrilling engine, low seat height, dynamic handling and ease of personalisation makes the Street Twin THE most accessible and desirable modern classic available today
– the Bonneville for every rider.

New 900cc ‘high torque’ Engine
The unique character of the Street twin comes to life through the all-new 900cc ‘high torque’ 8 valve, parallel twin Bonneville engine.

As the name suggests, it delivers a massive peak torque figure of 80Nm at a low 3200 rpm, which is an amazing 18% more than the previous model, delivered where you want it – low down and across the whole rev range.

Benefitting from the pinpoint accuracy and instant throttle response of Triumph’s next generation ride-by-wire fuel-injection and engine management system, the Bonneville Street Twin is engineered with a charismatic 270° firing interval for an immaculately smooth, linear power delivery through the smooth five-speed gearbox.

The look of the new 900cc engine has also been beautifully crafted, with stylish black engine cases and a very high level of detailing. Incorporating contemporary engine components alongside signature features from the iconic Bonneville engine to enhance that authentic Bonneville silhouette.

The all-new upswept brushed stainless steel exhaust system of the Street Twin has been developed and tuned carefully to look great and deliver the unmistakable sound of a genuine British twin, with a rich, fruity note to match its lively character, tuned to a level you can feel as well as hear.

Significantly Advanced Fuel Economy
Behind the new 900 engine’s stylish exterior sits a cutting-edge liquid cooling system, carefully integrated to minimise its visual impact whilst achieving cleaner emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency – an amazing 36% better than the previous generation Bonneville.

Dynamic Handling
The Street Twin’s fun, engaging and easy-going riding experience comes courtesy of an all-new chassis and suspension – designed to bring Triumph’s signature ride dynamic of neutrality and agility, and deliver refined and intuitive handling.

Combining a user-friendly low seat, more substantial seat foam, greater suspension travel, a more natural riding position, slim waist profile and fantastic ‘stand-over’ ergonomics, the Street Twin is our most accessible Bonneville ever.

Modern Capability  
The Street Twin sets a new standard of modern capability, with a wealth of rider -focused technology to deliver advanced control, safety and enhanced rider confidence, integrated sensitively and without compromise, to maintain its authentic Bonneville style and character.

ABS: The Street Twin’s anti-lock braking system enhances rider confidence, safety and control.

Traction Control: Taking advantage of the ride-by-wire system, the switchable traction control system optimises the delivery of the Street Twin’s amazing torque.

Slip Assist Clutch: Bringing a lighter touch and feel to the clutch to make it easier to ride, and ride longer.

Ride-by-Wire: Enhancing throttle responsiveness, safety and feel.

LED Rear Light: Incorporated into the classically-inspired tail set-up, bringing a distinctive rear light pattern and power efficiency.

USB Charge Socket: Under-seat USB socket provided so riders can charge up their essential devices.

Engine Immobiliser: With a transponder integrated in the new Street Twin key.

Stylish Single Clock: Feature packed single clock, incorporating a digital menu system.

Riders can add accessories which would also then be accessed via the clock display; including tyre pressure monitoring system and heated grips.

Switchgear: New, elegant switchgear presents simple fingertip controls for easy access to the key features on the clock.

Stripped Back Styling
The Street Twin is an exciting contemporary take on the original Bonneville silhouette, with stripped-back styling, clean lines and minimal bodywork.

Now, it may not be the fastest Triumph, but whether you’re a new rider, an experienced one or even one who wants to get back into motorcycling, the Street Twin could be all the motorcycle you need. It’s a fun bike and a very good all-rounder that certainly lives up to the Bonneville name. Don’t get fooled by heritage – this is a bike with loads of technology updates or improvements and will not depress wherever the two of you may go.

For more information, contact East Coast Motorcycles on 031 5663024