In a move sure to excite fans of British motorcycles, Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, the exclusive and official distributor for Triumph Motorcycles in Malaysia, has officially announced the availability of the Triumph Street Twin. A brand new addition to the ‘Bonneville’ range of bikes, the Street Twin is the entry-level model in a completely revised and updated line-up featuring the Bonneville T120, T120 Black Edition as well as the Thruxton and Thruxton R.
A brand new engine
The Street Twin is powered by a new 900cc ‘high torque’ liquid-cooled parallel twin. A 270-degree firing order allows for super smooth running and despite the retro-inspired looks, fuelling is via a ride-by-wire throttle and advanced fuel injection. As the name suggests, 80Nm of torque is delivered at just 3200rpm, which is 18 per cent more than what the old 865cc engine used in Bonneville T100 had. There’s also 54bhp delivered at 5900rpm and it’s directed to the road via a five-speed gearbox assisted by a slip-assist clutch.
Advanced electronics and a new chassis
While the new engine may take the spotlight on the Street Twin, Triumph has also given it a new frame and suspension along with a wealth of electronic safety nets. The tubular steel cradle frame is mated to 41mm Kayaba front forks and twin Kayaba rear shocks (adjustable for preload). The riding position is relaxed and the 750mm seat height ensures lots of rider confidence when taking corners and riding slowly through traffic.
ABS brakes are now standard and thanks to the new engine management system, traction control is also included, which is a massive improvement on the old Bonneville. Handling is further enhanced by the use of a 150/70 R17 rear tyre, up from the 130-section rear hoop on the old bike, though the front is now a bit narrower with a 100/90 R18 hoop.
Infused with the spirit of the Bonneville
Despite all the new technology the Street Twin incorporates, Triumph has kept the classic looks of the Bonneville line of bikes. The engine for instance has been beautifully crafted with black engine cases and a very high level of detailing. There’s also a new upswept brushed stainless steel exhaust system, tuned carefully to deliver the unmistakable sound of a genuine British twin. Rubber fork gaiters, cast wheels finished in black and a colour palette of retro-inspired hues completes the look.
Instrumentation is limited to a single gauge, but it incorporates a fully featured digital-display with multiple menus. Additionally, buyers can also add options like heated grips and tyre pressure monitors that can also be accessed by the menu. There’s also a hidden under-seat USB charging slot for those who either want to charge up their phones or run a sat-nav device.
Kits for customisation
Triumph thinks their new Street Twin will appeal to a younger set of Bonneville fans who may be having their first taste of the brand, or more commonly known as well-heeled hipsters. Therefore, it’s also offering three comprehensive ‘Inspiration’ kits to allow buyers to customise the look of their bikes. The Scrambler, Brat Tacker and Urban incorporate different seats, handlebars, sump guards and even slip-on silencers from Vance & Hines so there’s a multitude of options to please even the most fickle-minded biker.
The first of a new range
As mentioned earlier, the Street Twin is the first to arrive from a new range of Bonnevilles. The T120 and Thruxton are also on the way armed with new 1200cc liquid-cooled engines and a wealth of electronic riding aids and engine maps.
According to Dato’ Razak Al-Malique Hussain, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Fast Bikes, “Having already generated positive reviews from the world’s motorcycling media, the Triumph Street Twin will help strengthen the appeal of the classic range of Triumph motorcycles in Malaysia”
“The Bonneville T120, T120 Black Edition and Thruxton R are expected to hit our showroom floors very soon and these bikes will complete the rebirth of Triumph’s motorcycling icons,” Razak added.
The bottom line
The all-new Triumph Street Twin is built at a state-of-the-art production facility in Thailand, which has helped in considerably lowering the price of the bike for Malaysians. At RM55,900 (including GST), it’s the most affordable Bonneville ever and represents amazing value for money when you take into account the wealth of new features it has. We can’t wait to get one for a comprehensive test ride but if you’re already smitten, visit the Triumph Motorcycles Premium Flagship Store at No: 3, Jalan 13/1, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia or call +603-7960 9007 for more information.
Triumph Street Twin
Engine & Transmission
Type: Liquid cooled, 8-valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin
Capacity: 900cc
Bore/Stroke: 84.6 x 80 mm
Maximum Power: 54bhp @ 5900 rpm
Maximum Torque: 80Nm @ 3230 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate assist clutch
Gearbox: 5-speed
Chassis
Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm: Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Tyre: 100/90 R18
Rear Tyre: 150/70 R17
Front Suspension: Kayaba 41mm forks, 120mm travel
Rear Suspension: Kayaba twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel
Front Brake: Single 310mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating calliper, ABS
Rear Brake: Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating calliper, ABS
Dimensions and Weights
Length: 2090mm
Seat Height: 750mm
Wheelbase: 1439mm
Dry Weight: 198Kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12-litre