2016 Triumph Street Twin (Bonneville) bike review: Better than a Ducati Scrambler?
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- The Triumph Street Twin is the first model to emerge from a totally revamped and newly categorized family of models wearing the iconic Bonneville badge. Jon Quirk sees if this junior Bonneville now has the modern touches to match the Ducati Scrambler, our Best Retro bike of 2015.
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I've had mine for a few months now, and know it's quirks and perks.
In a word: Cupcake. It's the do everything, never gonna punish you bike. If I sold my R6 crotchrocket (speed and looks), R1200 adventure bike (camping), Dyna hog (freeway cross country cruiser), and Silverwing maxi-scooter (in-town traffic warrior), I would never sell this. It does nothing better than those four, but it does ALL of it, and never wears me out.
Cons: It's expensive, and so are Triumph accessories. Stock seat is not what you would call "plush", like on pre-2016 Triumphs. Short seat height (but I'm over 6'). I feel the radiator is slightly inadequate, and it can get roasty by your boots quick. You're not going to win any drag races, but you won't be falling behind either. Stock mirrors SUCK, and should be swapped for bar ends immediately. You'll only really see your elbows.
Pros: The greatest clutch on Planet Earth. For only having 5 gears, those gears WORK with that torque. You don't need the tach, it's almost impossible to stall it out or lug the motor. Insane mileage. Can be changed into any configuration with ease. Low-down, light chassis weight, easily flicks into corners like a sport bike, but not unstable. You'll catch yourself putting a knee down out of habit sometimes. I feel passengers are very safe to ride this with me, because I don't have to worry about managing the bike, ever. I can focus on the road. This bike is suitable for old vets looking for a sweetheart of a ride, and would actually be a fine bike for MSF classes, right next to the 250cc learner bikes. It's that forgiving and effortless, but with a hint of power and speed.
Looking to downgrade from my ZX10r. I need something more comfortable yet has enough grant. With all the motor it has 80s HP sure isn't impressive.
@@Dansk55 54HP 2016> models, 64HP with the 2019 version
I have a 2015 Ducati Scrambler with a Mustang aftermarket seat. I sat on my friend's Speed Twin and you could almost blindfold me and I wouldn't know the difference. The ergonomics are so good on both bikes if you like small and easy-to-ride bikes. Honestly, I think the Speed Twin is probably a more sensible buy based on probable reliability and a simpler engine design. Both bikes are awesome. The sort of bikes I'd been waiting around for years to materialize. Retro but modern. And small and fun.
Triumph scrambler
I've got one. Compared to the outgoing Bonneville it rides better, handles better, looks better, the fueling is a huge improvement to. It sounds wonderful and is just great to ride. Really pleased with it.
Mike Rostron ...I had a 2012 Bonneville t100, and the ride was too firm ! Does this bike have a softer ride ? If it does, I may trade for one !
Saving up for mine. Tried one and fell in love.
I'm a big car guy, and the only bikes I would sort of own are sports bikes, but this thing is just so beautiful. Retro bikes are too cool
I took a test ride here in Canada, Toronto. The bike is awesome, exceed my expectation. Next week hopefully I will take a test ride Ducati Scrambler.
Love it. I agree, the design and attention to detail is excellent. The lack of tachometer is odd to me, don't like that omission.
+godfatherNYC Agreed...seems to be a bit of a trend with designers. I dont get it, speedo but no Tach....crazy on a bike!
Love the bike though.
+chaseybears Might be because you don't necessarily need to rev it out to get going, so seeing a redline is sort of pointless. All the torque is down low. Most "high torque" bikes seem to be going that direction lately.
+Rene Tucker I could easily counter every point you're trying to make, but I guess it's just a design trend and a preference for some. Still really impressed with this bike.
And Water Cooled.Not my choice really..
EURO 4 its killing the aircooled engine, when the EURO 5 regulations will come, things will get tough. you might see even Harley davidson go to watercooled engine's if they want to continue to sell in EU.
I had the ST as my pin up bike for most of 2016 with the semi-avowed intention of buying one towards the end of the year for the southern hemisphere summer...right up to the moment where I took a Ducati Icon Red Scrambler for a test ride and was sold on several things...the riding position (OK...not that dissimilar to the ST but I'm a fan of that Street Scrambler wide bar semi upright stance), the lighter weight and the extra horsepower (off top of my head I think you're down roughly 20kgs and up 20 horsepowers - both figures are significant on their own...put together they get quite compelling). Plus I could spec the Icon with spoked wheels whereas Triumph were all over the place regarding the availability of spoked wheels last year and there was no deal available ex Triumph in terms of ordering the bike with spoked hoops and trading the standard wheels back in whereas when push came to shove Ducati were happy to give me a dollar allowance on not taking up a "performance" muffler promo option and putting those dollars towards spoked wheels. And the final kicker for me was the aesthetics...Ducati's designers looked like they had actually done a bit of work and come up with something stylish, a little bit quirky but still ever so practical whereas Triumphs design team had simply given a generation of old Bonnevilles a fresh but essentially the same look. To be honest I'd be happy with either the ST or the Scrambler in my garage - both at the same time would do quite nicely thank you!
A solid street/highway bike. Most riders need the grunt pulling under 70, not so much the ton end. If it had a 6th gear, there would be calls for a 7th too. We always want a bit more.
my dream bike
All the Bonneville range are cool . Triumph puts a smile on you face .Loved by young and old .
Better than the Scrambler from Ducati. Much more soul on it.
Like most english automobiles, it looks boring, bloated, and outdated -- both from an aesthetic and engineering aspect. I realize this is supposed to be a retro bike, but c'mon... it's got the personality of a boiled potato.
+paradigmshift7 you are entitled to your own opinion, but it's only that.
Cristobal Torres
Oh yeah? Let's try putting it against an objective test. Name me one british built car or bike sits atop of it's respective class/ pricepoint in performance. Ill give you a hint, there are none.
+paradigmshift7 Temper. Temper.
paradigmshift7 objective? how Germanic! how about how things make you feel? we win there old bean.
Got this one about a month back in India. Simply great!
Great review.......thank you, I bought one and love it.
I found it a more exciting ride than the T120. The T120 felt like a cruiser. But the scrambler is a lot more exciting to ride.
Keep the Street twin for a cruisy Sunday and the scrambler for hooning around, In my opinion.
this is my dream bike
I can't help thinking the scrambler looks like a Van van on steroids, I had this thought when I stood next to one, and can't un-think it. This Triumph is a fine looking bike.
Fun, frugal & practical, it's a brilliant motorcycle. But wonder why they didn't give a 6th gear.
Visakh Asok It's a city bike.
Agreed...A 6th gear would make a lot of sense.
Visakh Asok it's geared pretty high. I have ridden one. Couldn't imagine needing 6th gear, even on the highway
All reports are that this engine is so torquey, and the gearing so well matched, that there is simply no need at all for a 6th gear whatsoever.
You mean Champion style plug caps ...... nice review....
I'll pick this over a scrambler any day.
And still those of us in the United States who bought this bike, are still waiting for Triumph to release those "150+ accessories" for sale through the dealerships. Sigh....
To my mind the "new" Street Twin wins the modern day "Retro" Stakes hands down. It's as if one of Baldricks cunning plans has finally come off...big time! The slightly bizarre but pretty much inconsequential aspect of the retro competition between the big marque players is that whereas Triumph's retro lineage reaches clearly back to the 1960's the Ducati retro scrambler is an ode to what? A few small capacity single pot scramblers that it produced spasmodically and in quite small numbers and then not at all since 1971! That's not decrying the Ducati Scrambler doesn't have it's attributes but it's like falling in love with a beautiful belladonna because her mother in the 1960's was the gorgeous film star Gina Temptesunini (who if you google will find never existed).
Think they have done a grand job love the retro style 👍🏻
Excellent review. Cheers Jon
triumph is always classic n feel good motorcycle 👍👌
Yes! I've been anxiously awaiting this one, Jon I love your reviews. Greetings from the States!
+Siper2 Thank you for watching and for your continued support! Hopefully we'll have a T120 coming in soon, too. I'm not sure whether you'd need the extra capacity, but will reserve judgment until I have ridden it. Best, J
+Jon Quirk I'd personally love a Thruxton R with T120 ergos. I suspect someone will figure that out. :) Looking forward to more from you!
it is cooler than Ducati
Also forgot to add: the front mudguard stops short of the radiator so that all the crud from the road sprays nicely onto the radiator. How long before road road stones puncture the radiator?
Stuck between this and the T100. Can someone point me in the right direction?? I saw that the seat height was longer in the t100 but surely that can't be the only difference!! Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Vickram, The T100 offers extra punch, but do you need it? The Street Twin is a more affordable entry point into the Bonneville range.
Vikram Venkatesh thinking about T120
Don't the T100 & ST have the same 900 horsepower free donk? Is the T100 geared differently perhaps to deliver some punch? AS you say..."do you need it"? How many BAB's are there riding around on sportsbikes but only using a fraction of the power available?
loving the premier helmet
Great review! How tall are You?
John's height is 180cm about 6ft
What is the general consensus about the street twin being a first big bike and used as an all year round commuter bike?
I tried a monster 979, ducati scrambler, speed tripple, gsx750r and the street twin, i braught the street twin
It's a great bike with a lot of options for custom parts
Having ridden both the Scrambler and the Street Twin, for me the Scrambler is edging it possibly because it has one or two rough edges because the Triumph feels just a little bit too sanitised. I've yet to try the T120 though and that might work for me, although I can't see why it's so heavy.
Looks even better with spoked wheels! Unfortunately Triumphs website doesn't yet allow you to see the bike with spoked hoops.
+Terry Leach What!?! Where have you seen that? I would love the wirespokes! Please tell me!
+John Mård - Hi. If you look under the "Accessories" tab on the Triumph website you should be able to see the factory options for either standard or black chrome spoked wheels for the Street Twin. Standard chrome is £500.00 per pair and black chrome is £650.00. As yet the "Configurator" section of the Triumph 'site does not let you add the spoked wheels to the pictorial specification. NOTE: I'm told some countries Triumph sites don't even list the spoked option in the accessories section. I can dig out the part numbers for the items if you need them.
Super! Thank you so much! I'll have a look this very instant! And if I can't find them, I'll get back to you. Thanks! :-)
Best video review for this bike
Love his reviews
Nice looking bike
Can you please review the royal enfield interceptor 650cc
Amazing. they are finally getting the weight back down to what a Norton was 40 years before. A Triumph will never be a Norton
+Thomas Elliott My 1976 T140V Triumph Bonneville 750 beat a 1975 Norton Commando 850 in a back road cafe style race. So in my opinion it's good a Triumph will never be a Norton. Who likes to lose?
BTW my Bonneville raced from January 10th, 1977 till 1987 against every bike on the roads of Long Island and won every race , that's 10 Ten consecutive years and not one loss. I raced everyone because they were out to put Triumph out of business.
Came out in 1992 and raced and beat brand new Kawasaki GPZ 1100 Ninja and 1000 cc Honda V4 Interceptors. By 1992 my motor was clapped out with worn out valves and rings. But she still handles the same and I kept her completely stock except for changing out the high rise bars that my brothers father in law bent, with a drag bar. Took off the heavy mufflers and removed the foam seat cushion to lower my center of gravity,. She sit's around 20 feet from me as I type this. Where is your Norton?
I re read your comments so: BTW my Triumph 750 weight from the factory with all fluids except gas was 395 lbs I'm sure that;'s lighter than your Norton that you no longer have! Once I removed the heavy mufflers my guess is the weight was down to 365 lbs.
+Thomas Elliott BTW I have never in my life had bad thoughts about Norton. They are an esteemed motorcycle manufacture with a storied place in history. I am a man who places tremendous value on English Motorcycle History. So I wish I never ran across your post and also that I had never replied to you. For me to say anything at all bad about Norton means I fell for your stupid comment and my temper got the better of me.
you are a self capitulating moron. Fuck off.
+Thomas Elliott the idiots who have triumphs also have penises so small they do not need a tacho. Absolutely squeamish and girly.
Could have done with how it performs on a motorway, wind etc, and how the engine actually performs.
Do you prefer this or the T120? I can't decide between these two. From what I've seen the Street Twin is lighter and more nimble, but would you rather have the T120?
Great review mate. Now for a cup a PG Tips
Gorgeous bike.
can low saddle be a problem for an high person?? maybe for its uncomfortable position
Thanks for video,how tall are you?
nice review as always..whats the tank range
thanks
+Bike Life "2.07"?
+captainengland Approximately 200 miles under normal riding conditions.
+Jerry Whatshisface ya kiddin me.200 miles for a 900.soinds fab
cheers :)
I have one too. Just picked mine up last weekend. Haven't gone through a full tank yet however both Rider Magazine and Motorcyclist Magazine confirmed approximately 200 miles under NORMAL riding conditions. We shall see if I can duplicate that.....
+Jerry Whatshisface great keep us informed.
terry
Thanks for review,how tall are you ? i’m looking for a bike ,i really like street twin and street cup. Not to small?
My problem with the Ducati Scrambler: the center spring. It's not retro enough for me, like they tacked some retro parts onto a Monster chassis. Plus, while you can get spoked wheels for the Scrambler, they don't come with chrome rims. Too modern, too Italian for my tastes. It's fine if the Scrambler performs better than the Street Twin, comparative performance isn't my highest priority.
The Street Twin does it for me with the side springs and the optional spoked wheels with chrome rims. The only thing that Triumph doesn't offer is peashooter mufflers, which is too bad. I'm hoping there'll be some aftermarket peashooters soon. I also don't like the factory colors. I'd choose the cheapest color to save a few bucks so I can strip the paint off the tank and repaint with something more my taste, like green. But still, everything I don't prefer about the styling on the Street Twin I can change. It's all about those side springs though, that's what makes it look just right to me. Every review I've read and watched says it's great fun so I can't lose with the Street Twin.
Is this smoother and more fun than the previous T100 or is the T100 smoother?
spoked wheels an option? couldnt see that on Triumph website...
I just bought this bike used.
Probably cooler than the ducati
You should review the royal enfield classic 350 redditch edition.
0:20 i think i've got the exact same watch. Is it the Tag Heuer Carrera Fangio edition?
This test and the video was shot in Brighton and Hove?
Hey I thought both wheels are 18 inch??? mistake in the video??
90% of england reviews are in... wet weather.
+Auto Trader does the street twin sound better and louder than theold Bonneville?? pls reply thanku in advance
the title says "Better than a Ducati Scrambler?" but you barely mention the contrast between the two. It is a shame as there are a million tests of this bike and I was very interested in a comparison.
wow that's a beauty
after the helmet,his hair still looks good ,whts the secret of it :D
Think they have stylist at the set because they are making a video
+warlock9445 There is no stylist on set... he's just lucky his hair behaves well. :-)
+Cafe Sportster the trick is you have to use real grease in your hair. I wear Murray's Pomade or Dax Wave and Groom in my hair and I wear a full face helmet. My hair stays combed and not messed up (for the most part) thanks to not being afraid of having your hair full of wax and oil. Surprisingly, this doesn't destroy helmet liners. Most of the wax stays in your hair, even in hot weather. They'll get dirty after a year of use, but you can clean it out with dish soap and a wash cloth.
+luketrash
If in the USA, Brylcreem works for this, too.
+luketrash wow ! best answer , thank you
Nice looking bike.
looks much nicer than the scrambler
I wish they made this with the 1200 motor and the twin gauges from the 120. I like the 70's looks of wheels and exhaust on this bike.
Great video.How tall is that guy. I know the seat height is 29".
+Steve Smitherman Hi Steve, thanks for watching. I'm 6ft and felt comfortable for a day of riding.
I prefer the Scrambler Ducati. I'm Italian :D Viva l'Italia.
Why is it almost 50 pounds heavier than the 2019 Scrambler 1200?
Waiting for new t120 review
excuse my ignorance but, this will replace the T100? It has not arrived yet to my country (Mexico) until July 2016. I have the money to buy the t100 but Im hanging on 'til these arrives. So much difference in price?
Thanks
+Aaron Rodriguez yes this replace t100. Don't buy T100
I rather have the Yamaha SRX than the Ducati scrambler. It is way balanced with the specs.
What jacket are you wearing?
Somebody tell me what's the brand of his shoe? Plz
Yes, cooler than the Ducati!
I am really, really thinking of buying one of these (or a Thruxton 900).
But i want to know, do these vibrate? Do they have problems with breaking parts? Are they reliable motorbikes?
I have a Street Twin, they do not vibrate at all, feels most at home around 70-75 mph
Thx a lot man. Iv been so out of touch with bikes for so long time now. Im thinking of buying this Triumph, they were always a dream bikes to me. Do you have yours for long?
I just picked up a Thruxton 900 for less than the price of s Street Twin.
I've owned a triumph speedmaster for the last three years. I'd doesn't vibrate,I've had on issues with it and nothing has fallen off.
lee flemwell j
This or the new Guzzi V7 III?
What boots are you sporting?
Really interested in getting one. I have a 2010 street triple now. I wonder if this bike is powerful enough for touring (highway) compared with my triple.
+Yi Zhang
Fjr is a better option...
+νικος γιώργος Well that's a typical touring bike. But the main reason for me over touring styled bikes is aesthetics. I do like naked/retro styled bike, as long as they are smooth and powerful enough for daily riding and casual long-trip journeys. But thanks for the input!!
+Yi Zhang
Sorry, i was making fun of you comparing two competely different bikes...
If you really like the retro looks go with the twin, it's powerful enough for touring, just don't expect the triple's power.
Or just buy the bonneville t120.
νικος γιώργος It's not that I am "comparing" them. I am simply trying to change to a new bike that's more retro and touring friendly.
Had many fast bikes, my bonneville black 08 was my favorite...
Can't imagine how good the new ones are...
I'm 6ft 2 would I look odd driving this in as am I to tell
And I forgot to add the dual brakes up front from the 120.
cooler than the Ducati scrambler ? absolutely.
I prefer the triumph
Is that jacket brand new?
what kind of jacket is that
The Jacket is a Lewis Leathers 445 Super Monza
l think this looks way better than a ducati scrambler ,when l think of classic bike this is it
Whats that Car at 4:30..!!..?
It's a Nissan Figaro.
thx
+Auto Trader whats the top speed of the street twin??
about 110
Is that in miles per hour, or in kilometers per hour??
That's quite a difference...
R2k2 miles per hour obviously multiply 110X1.6 you will get the speed of this bike in kmph 👍
Probably there is a little bit more soul in this than in a ducati... how they look is a subjective opinion, they are both really beautiful but..... the ducati is way much more fun and playful to drive
What is the car on the left at 4:29? Anybody?
+Aleksandar Andreev Nissan Figaro
scramblers cost of having the valves done? £600. So Triumph going to be much cheaper to run
how much difference are we talking about
not sure cristo, need bit of research to your local suppliers/workshops
Every time he says it's British all I can think of is that's it made Tai factories
I can see that I'm going to be going against the tide on this, but I think it's dull as dishwasher in just about every way. It looks mundane at best and, contrary to what the presenter says, it sounds as exciting as a ride on lawnmower.
No better than the 790 (great cams in 01) or the 865. T120/Thruxton way over priced but great bikes nonetheless.
Is it fair to compare a scrambler to a standard? I think not..
+TheMatteoStudios The Scrambler is a light scrambler at best and mostly Ducati's entry-level standard bike.
People are very likely to cross-shop them (entry-level bikes from higher-end brands).
Is a scrambler not in the traditional standard ergonomic position?
Good point. Thanks for feedback.
omg 900cc 200kg and only 55bhp?
triumph is downgrading bikes now...
rather get a street triple for 107bhp and lose the exhaust for the 3in1 go about to 180kg
yea more of a cruiser than the scrambler.
best la... (Y)
No tach?? Well I'm fooked then
For the money Triumph demands they could get rid of the ugly seams on the gas tank.
Will own when I get my full license
Ducati got nothing