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The new 900 Street Twin

5K views 17 replies 14 participants last post by  Whatshisface 
#1 ·
The motorcycle periodicals love this bike. I plan to test ride one tomorrow. I like the bike.

If you own one, or have ridden one, what do you feel are the pro's and con's of the bike?

Does it get buzzy at all? What is the true story on this new machine?

TIA,
Howard
 
#2 ·
I've ridden all the new models and although my preference is the T120, I found the ST to be a great bike. If it was to be used as a daily commuter it would be my choice of them all, however I'm retired and stay away from peak hour traffic so its not an issue. It will sit on 120kph (75mph) all day, smooth as, but with the 5 speed box it's getting up there. The 6 speed box on the bigger one is best for day rides and light touring. The Thruxton is just beautiful, but it kills my old bones and joints after half an hour. This is the reason I'm parting with my V4 Tuono which is a fantastic all round bike for someone who's not a couple of years off 70....lol..
 
#3 ·
here's an extract from my STwin road test notes :

good:
- decent travel rear suspension huge improvement over 865 SE.
- lovely light clutch action.
- a joy to handle.
- fuelling seemed perfect.

not so good:
- mirrors just like 865 SE (I fitted last gen STriple mirrors to my Newchurch).
- front suspension ... I'd want to fit a 110/80R18 (ie. radial) 'cos intuitively I think it would be better ...

so with some better mirrors and possibly a radial front tire it would be perfect!

ps. does not get 'buzzy' and 'true story' is it's the nearest I've ridden to two wheel perfection!!
 
#4 ·
It's been great so far for local, multiple hour rides. I won't use it for longer rides than that because I have a bike better suited for extended rides. It feels even lighter than it is. Acceleration, braking and handling are good unless you're comparing it to a sport bike.

Downside: It's a bit cold-blooded. First start of the day seems to result in a stall. That may cure itself as it gets a few more miles. Once it's a little warm it's gone so no big deal to me. Some of the 150 accessories Triumph brags about in the promotional materials are not available. How long it takes is anybody's guess. I've tried to find a centerstand with no luck; it seems there just aren't any yet. Lastly, if you're tall this may not be the bike for you. It's pretty compact.

The only opinion that matters, though, is yours. Let us know how YOU like it!
 
#5 ·
I have a Street Twin. I think it's an amazing bike. In a market filled with specialized niche motorcycles, the ST is an outstanding all-rounder. You can ride it sporty. You can sit back and cruise. Think of it as a modern retro bike. Or a retro modern bike. Highways, back roads, the occasional fire road are no problem for the ST. It's a little bit Country; it's a little bit Rock'n'Roll.

I find the ST easy to ride. It's peppy and forgiving. The build quality is excellent. The whole package just works for me. It's not buzzy.

As for cons: Somebody has already mentioned the mirrors. The seat is OK, but not great. That's about it.

Let us know what you think after your test ride.

-Alan
 
#6 ·
Love my Street Twin! The low seat height, bench seat, torque - not only great for solo rides, but for 2 up as well.

I can't add much to what has already been said about the bike, but suffice it to say that it is every bit as enjoyable as my old CBR was. And a LOT more comfortable!
 
#8 ·
As I will be 70 this year I decided to buy myself an early birthday present ,this must be one of the easiest bikes to ride its light to move around and with low seat hight means you can push the bike backwards with ease.Under way it's torque from low revs is better than the Bonneville SE I owned before no need to rev this bike hard to enjoy it .The 270 degree engine has a pleasant offbeat sound a bit like a V twin without the vibes ,it will get you to and past the legal limits with ease yet poddle along at walking pace in traffic ,even with a passenger it feels very stable.
Fuel consumption is 60/65 mpg ,so tank range is better than previous Bonneville,the seat is better.The only minuses so far is lack of centre stand ,mirrors which show to much of your arms ( extender brackets solved that ) and inadequate rear mudguard ,but that is next to be sorted.
If this is the last bike I own it will be best all round bike I have owned since starting to ride in the Sixties,it's not perfect but it come close and puts a smile on my face and you tend to make journeys longer to go the extra smiles ( miles)
 

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#9 ·
I really like my Street Twin. I'd ride it anywhere, local or long distance. The stock mirrors were a issue for me as well. If you're taller than a Munchkin, you can't see much beyond your shoulders. Easy fix though. There are mirror extenders as well as bar end mirrors available. In my book; with the factory mirrors being the only negative I have regarding the Street Twin, it was a no-brainer this was the perfect bike for me.
 
#10 ·
I just passed the 400 mile mark on my ST. I like the lighter weight and the High Torque engine...it's a jewel! Shooting out of the curves, it lurches you ahead with authority, and the muffler music is so sweet. I can't imagine anyone wanting to mess with the mufflers, Triumph got it right in the looks and sound dept. I got the optional 60's style plank seat, which sits you up higher, allows you to move all over the place, and is very comfy too. I wish it had a tach. They could have done what HD does with their big twins, putting the digital tach in the info readout area, so you can access it if you want to. I put mirror extenders on too. I can't think of anything else to gripe about, it's a super fun ride, dripping with style, class, and character!
 
#11 ·
Just passed 1,000 miles and love the bike. My last 2 bikes were a KTM 950 SM and a Yamaha FJ-09 and this bike is different (in a good way), feels smaller. Like others noted, the torque and sound are amazing (although the upgraded pipes may be in the future). Comfy up to 80 mph (I've got a Dart screen) for at least an hour (have not done anything longer, yet). Not buzzy at all. Cons: wish the front brakes were duel disc, the rear suspension could be a little better, the gas tank at least 4 gallons, and the comfort after 1 hour may be wanting. I've put bar end mirrors to address the rear view issue many mention and have an Aerostich sheep skin seat cover that will make the seat more comfortable for longer trips. Very happy with the purchase!
 
#12 ·
...the rear suspension could be a little better,...
Measure the eye-to-eye distance on the shocks and compare to the previous Bonnevilles. A pair of adjustable 1kon 7610's ought to work well, especially if you order them for your weight and riding style. Some should be the approximate length. Just my :2cents
 
#15 ·
I had a chance to take a Street Twin for a test ride courtesy of Dublin Triumph.

I ride currently 2011 Bonneville SE, so this was the benchmark I could test the bike against.

Overall - very pleasant experience, but I felt it was lacking something special to justify swapping my current Bonnie for the Street Twin.

I liked the extra torque. Bike was pulling from the very low revs quite nicely. Seating position similar to the old model (maybe a touch less space), bit narrower tank. Clutch action was ultra-light. Fuelling - seamless, but this is where I felt that the bike was almost 'overdone'. Everything was so smooth. Throttle action on opening and closing was absolutely predictable. I gave it some thought and in my opinion the Street Twin has lost some edge. My Bonnie seems more responsive, the engine breaking also seems much better.

I accept that this is entry-level bike, and all I find lacking, makes the bike in reality better and safer (no one wants to lock the wheel on quick downshift, or get the sudden power jerk on the throttle). However - for me, the bike was that little touch too blunt for my liking. I had the same feeling as riding my wife's Deauville - everything is where it should be, but some of the fun is missing somewhere.

That's my two eurocents wort of opinion.

Greetings
Eryk
 
#16 ·
I purchased the ST after riding Large Touring Bikes most of my life. Age has caught up with me enough to have me reduce the size of bike but not bikes all together. This is my first Triumph. I like the bike and will be working on the short comings like seat and "Long Haul" windshield in the future. I have approximately 2K miles on it and some of that is interstate riding. It has done all I have asked it to do. Also need to find a throttle lock/cruise control to give the wrist a brake periodically but with the ride by wire I am cautious as to what to get.
 
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