Ten years on, the 2016 Triumph Street Twin still delivers classic British style, effortless torque and everyday charm – and today it’s one of the used market’s best bargains...
Ten years in the fast-moving modern motorcycle world can make a bike feel like ancient history. But some machines age differently. Some become more appealing with time. The Triumph Street Twin is exactly that kind of bike – a stylish, easy-going British roadster…
The Street Twin has quietly become one of those “does everything well” motorcycles.
When Triumph launched the Street Twin in 2016 as part of its modern Bonneville family, the mission was clear: build a truly accessible, everyday motorcycle with classic styling, real character and broad appeal. A decade on, it’s clear they met that the brief, particularly when you look at resale prices. The Street Twin has really held its value well. The Street Twin has quietly become one of those “does everything well” motorcycles that suits riders of all experience levels.
The Street Twin captures the essence of classic British motorcycling without feeling like a retro caricature. The proportions are spot on – slim tank, low seat, upright stance – while the detailing remains impressive even by modern standards. The brushed metal touches, clean engine cases and tidy wiring show the kind of fit and finish Triumph became known for during this era.
The riding position is natural, the ‘bars fall easily to hand and the seat is low enough to suit a wide range of riders.
Throw a leg over and the welcoming ergonomics are immediately obvious. The riding position is natural and upright, the ‘bars fall easily to hand and the seat is low enough to suit a wide range of riders. That seat deserves special mention too. It’s soft and comfortable without being overly plush, making the Street Twin a surprisingly good companion for longer days in the seat.
“The 900cc parallel twin is the heart of the Street Twin experience and it remains a cracking engine even today”…
Fire the bike up and the personality arrives instantly. The 900cc parallel twin is the heart of the Street Twin experience and it remains a cracking engine even today. Rather than chasing big horsepower numbers, Triumph tuned this motor for torque and feel. The result is a wonderfully engaging engine that thrives on real-world riding.
Liquid‑cooled parallel twin-cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC, eight-valve.
Twist the throttle and the Street Twin delivers a thick wave of bottom-end torque that makes it feel eager and alive. It pulls strongly from low revs, surges happily through the mid-range and always feels like it’s enjoying itself. Around town it’s effortless. On back roads it’s playful. You don’t need to chase revs to have fun – just ride the torque.
And then there’s the soundtrack. The exhaust note has that deep, grunty character that talks to you with every throttle input. It’s not loud or obnoxious, just a rich mechanical growl that adds another layer of personality to the ride, very grin inducing.
EFI, ride‑by‑wire throttle, twin exhaust system, 900cc, 84.6 x 80mm, 10.55:1 compression ratio.
Triumph also got the basics right where it matters. The clutch action is light, making stop-start riding painless, and the five-speed gearbox is clean and easy to use. The ratios are fairly wide, and while third and fourth gears stretch beautifully through the torque curve, you do occasionally wish for a sixth gear when cruising above about 110km/h. It’s not a deal breaker, just something you notice on longer highway runs.
Where the Street Twin really surprises many riders is in the chassis department. On paper the suspension is fairly basic, but the geometry is spot on and the bike has a natural balance that makes it hugely enjoyable in corners. Steering is light and accurate, with just enough stability to feel planted without dulling the fun. Tip it into a bend and the Street Twin responds eagerly, carrying good corner speed while still feeling relaxed and predictable. It makes you want to go around roundabouts twice!
It’s one of those motorcycles that encourages smooth riding. Flow from corner to corner, ride the torque and enjoy the rhythm of the road. The chassis simply works with you. The suspension might not be premium spec, but it does the job well for the type of bike this is. It keeps the ride comfortable, absorbs bumps without fuss and supports the bike nicely when the pace picks up.
“A simple, charismatic motorcycle that makes every ride enjoyable”…
Braking performance is similarly well judged. The front disc offers ample stopping power for the bike’s performance and weight, with a progressive feel at the lever. ABS is standard and works unobtrusively in the background, providing a welcome safety net without interfering with the riding experience.
The instrumentation perfectly matches the bike’s character too. The simple twin-clock dash is easy to read, uncluttered and refreshingly straightforward. Owners also appreciate how easily the Street Twin can be personalised. The factory accessory catalogue was extensive, and small touches like the optional flyscreen work brilliantly both visually and practically.
Perhaps the biggest strength of the Street Twin ten years on, though, is its versatility. It’s genuinely one of those motorcycles that suits almost anyone. New riders appreciate its friendly nature and approachable performance. Experienced riders enjoy the characterful engine and entertaining chassis. It’s just as happy commuting through traffic as it is carving along a winding country road or heading out for a relaxed Sunday ride.
This bike here belongs to Peter ‘The Bear’ Thoeming. He recently tested some Bridgestone tyres on it for us, as the Street Twin has odd tyre sizes.
A decade after it first arrived, the 2016 Triumph Street Twin remains exactly what Triumph intended it to be: a simple, charismatic motorcycle that makes every ride enjoyable. And that’s precisely why it might just be one of the best used-bike bargains you can buy right now. Check out our Triumph reviews here, and The Bear’s Bridgestone BATTLAX BT46 review on his Street Twin here…
If you have an interest in these fantastic bikes, the one featured in this very story happens to be for sale – it is a 2017 model and one owner, full service history and even comes with a spare set of new tyres. It belongs to long time Rapid Bikes and BikeReview friend, John Marshall. Check out the BikeSales ad here…
Used Market Snapshot (Australia)
New Price (2016): $13,700 Ride Away
Average Private Sale: $8,990 – $10,150
Dealer Trade-In: $6,250 – $7,150
2016 Triumph Street Twin Specifications
Price (New): $13,700 R/A (2016)
Claimed Power: 40kW [55hp] @ 5900rpm
Claimed Torque: 80Nm [59lb-ft] @ 3230rpm
Wet Weight: 216kg
Fuel Capacity: 12L
Fuel Consumption (Claimed): 3.8L/100km
Fuel Range (Claimed): ~300km
Engine: Liquid‑cooled parallel twin-cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC, eight-valve, EFI, ride‑by‑wire throttle, twin exhaust system, 900cc, 84.6 x 80mm, 10.55:1 compression ratio. Gearbox: five-speed. Clutch: assist and slipper, cable operated.
Chassis: Steel tubular cradle frame and twin-sided swingarm.
Rake: 25.1° Trail: 102mm
Suspension: 41mm KYB telescopic forks, non-adjustable; twin KYB rear shocks with preload adjustment. Brakes: 310mm front disc with Nissin two-piston caliper, ABS. 255mm rear disc with Nissin two-piston caliper, ABS. Wheels & Tyres: Cast alloy wheels, 18in front / 17in rear. Tyres 100/90-18 front, 150/70-17 rear.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1415mm
Seat height: 750mm
Overall width: 785mm
Overall height: 1114mm
Instruments & Electronics: Twin analogue/LCD instrument cluster, ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, ABS, immobiliser, USB charging socket.
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