[New Triumph Speed ​​Twin 900] A full-fledged roadster from the UK, but with a friendly feel that you can ride in everyday clothes. | Overseas Test Drive Report

New styling and significant improvements to the suspension

The Speed ​​Twin 900 traces its roots back to the Street Twin, which debuted in 2016 as part of the new Bonneville series with a water-cooled engine. Long popular as a simple, easy-to-handle entry-level model, it underwent several minor changes before being renamed the Speed ​​Twin 900 in 2023. It was rebranded alongside its big brother, the Speed ​​Twin 1200, and continues to this day. Now, as the 2025 model, it has received a major update.

The engine is Triumph’s traditional vertical twin, a water-cooled, parallel twin with a displacement of 899cc, producing a maximum output of 65hp at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 80Nm at 3,800 rpm, retaining the same performance as the previous model. Meanwhile, the suspension has undergone significant evolution. The front and rear Marzocchi suspension features a new inverted fork in the front and a piggyback twin shock in the rear. The new lightweight wheels are fitted with Triumph-branded four-piston radial calipers and large 320mm discs for enhanced braking performance, while the swingarm has been changed from the previous steel to a cast aluminum type, shortening its length by 15mm, enhancing rigidity while also improving cornering performance. The frame also features a newly designed, lighter and slimmer rear section, slightly increasing the caster angle and trail, resulting in agile and confident handling. While the previous model still offers two riding modes, “Road” and “Rain,” the new model also comes standard with lean-sensing cornering ABS and traction control, further enhancing safety.

The design has also been completely redesigned. The headlights are now compact, full LED, and a slim fuel tank and classic bench seat have been newly adopted. The exterior design has been revised to integrate the fuel injection cover and side panels, and the engine covers have been made slimmer and the silencer has been made more compact, resulting in an overall sporty and modern look.

Test drive impressions

Light and sporty while retaining the traditional flavor

The bright orange and blue accents on the white background are eye-catching. The bike’s sleek appearance gives it a more modern and nimble feel than the previous model. The seat height is 780mm, 15mm higher than before, but the slimmer front of the seat actually makes it easier to reach the ground. The higher handlebars and lower footpegs offer a natural and relaxed riding position. The weight remains the same at 216kg, but the sleek body, low center of gravity, and ample steering angle ensure that the ease of city riding that’s been a hallmark of the original Street Twin remains intact.

The high-torque vertical twin crankshaft delivers a pleasant, uneven pulse from the 270-degree crank, delivering powerful torque that propels the bike off the road even in higher gears. The wide-ratio five-speed transmission provides a long-lasting acceleration feel, and the visceral pulse and emotional ride feel may even surpass its bigger brother, the new Speed ​​Twin 1200.

The classic ride feel of the orthodox body structure with 18-inch front wheels is still alive and well, and the old-fashioned rear-steering style of sitting firmly back in the seat and maneuvering by shifting your weight while leaning with the wheel feels right. At the same time, the improved front and rear suspension and swingarm have also given the bike a more refined, modern ride feel. In particular, the increased grip of the rear suspension and increased rigidity of the swingarm mean that it is stable even in high-speed corners when the throttle is opened, and it turns better than you’d expect in tight low-speed corners. It’s hard to give up the firm front response and generous handling of the previous model, but the new model is as light and sporty as it looks.

An authentic British car that you can easily drive around in everyday clothes

The standard Michelin Roadracic tires also left a good impression. They offered a solid, rigid feel, allowing me to lean confidently into corners under load, and they provided surprisingly good grip even on slippery, dusty roads. I think the performance of Marzocchi’s new suspension played a large role, but they consistently provided a stable and comfortable ride regardless of road conditions. The brakes, with a single disc at the front, were gentle, but the braking power was satisfactory, and in fact, speed control was easy in urban areas. The Rain mode, which smooths out the power output, and the lean-angle-adaptive ABS and traction control are a tremendous benefit, especially on winding roads in my first experience. On the highway, it’s a pleasure to ride the abundant torque without increasing the RPMs too much. I thought the 5-speed transmission would be difficult in fast-moving European conditions, but in fact, I was able to cruise at 120 km/h with ease. The new meter conveniently displays speed, RPM, and mode at a glance, making it easy to check driving conditions. The wind pressure is strong, but it’s still at a level that’s sufficient for a neo-classic bike.

I personally like the classical atmosphere and gentle ride of the previous model, but I would recommend the new model to those looking for a sophisticated style and modern riding. In any case, the Speed ​​Twin 900 is an authentic British bike that can be ridden casually in everyday clothes and enjoyed for a wide range of purposes, from city riding to short tours.

Detailed explanation

Main specifications

Specifications – Speed ​​Twin 900