REVIEW: 2016 Triumph Bonneville Street Twin test ride

[@MorebikesUk]

Subscribe today to save money on the print edition of MoreBikes! Click here for our latest subscription offers: www.classicmagazines.co.uk/digital22mb

[@SShakeyBoy]

I bought one about seven days ago. I'm so glad that I did. We had a cold and wet week, so I only have 95 miles on it from one trip to East Hampton (Long Island), NY.She's so easy to drive, after the first 45 miles, I was able to predict how she'd act through the traffic and turns. I love her already. She's cranberry red, and how she turns the heads. So light and nimble, her power comes along strong. She shifts wonderful, finding neutral from first or second gear before stopping at a light was quite simple. Since she is still breaking in, and the engine's tight, she doesn't like 5th gear below 50 mph at all, even to cruise. However, at 50 up she has plenty of power.I keep thinking about her, in the morning it's suppose to be a beautiful day, I can't wait to take her out using my new open half helmet for the first time.

[@kevinrdunn895]

Great review. Classy and honest. To that one person who says; "Buy a Guzzi" and has left Triumph, but now complains about the Bigger Bonny being too much money? Have you checked the price of Guzzi (oh, I mean Aprilia really) lately? Sure the Thruxton R is up there, but what do you expect with Ohlins and Brembo's? The base model 1200 is very affordable [and less than Guzzi] and will be the most sought after! The R will be the dream bike for many, but inspiration for new owners of Bonny's! I say; "great show Triumph", your going to kill it! For those dishing on the new Bonny's, ride one before you comment. Seat of the pants will tell you all! I think the Motorcycle market is maturing, with buyers finally realizing peak hp isn't the big deal, its instant Roll On Power and the feel and smiles it gives you. One reason why Harley has been so successful over the years, they don't sell HP, they sell Torque and usable real world power. Now of course those who ride autobahns and live out west and have areas that they can maintain high rates of speed, yes, your probably right, these kind of bikes may not be for you, but if you are constantly riding at 90+ mph, Triumph has those bikes for you too, There called Trophy's, Tigers, Daytona's, or Speed Triple's! Pick your poison! :)

[@ballicostretch]

Your slider work Hides the oil cooler wonderfully. Beautiful vid. Advertorial over mechanical real-world, real-biker evaluation. Glad you enjoyed your loaner.

[@ziondanny7081]

Infectious enthusiasm! Excellent review.

[@SquidzitAce]

Amazing bike. I just sat on one a few days ago. Fell in love! I've always liked the old Bonneville, just didn't like the way it felt when I sat on it. The Street Twin was a dream!

[@paulylah]

I get goosebumps from this review HAHA. Man you love them hey

[@ziondanny7081]

+paulylah LOL me too!

[@TheSQL-Lover]

Very well made video, great production.

[@NunoMCCII]

Great review thanks!

[@JerryWhatshisface]

Excellent review. Excellent video as well. I understand you were reviewing a bike not making a indie film and you hit it spot on with this video. Only thing I can add, if this is the type of bike (assuming you understand exactly what this bike is) you're looking for - Ride one and you will take one home. Mine arrives (in the States) the second week of March. Thanks for providing the best review I've seen on KZbin regarding the Street Twin.

[@1990-t1j]

I agree. This always was the best motorcycle magazine in Britain.

[@roverchap]

I think Triumph have nailed it with this new bike. Previous retro Bonnies were too heavy and bulky, and didn't really hang together style -wise, but this one really looks the business and is lighter, too. At the price it could tempt me, just got to get my head around all the technology and the idea of a British bike made in Thailand.

[@willyprasetio]

Beautiful bike and well make video, welldone

[@kenshi1204]

Can u do a review of the new Thruxton R ?

[@yvettegrant4182]

What a beautiful video.

[@gsingh5617]

will they still offer those growling Arrows or only Vance & Hines this time? :\

[@SShakeyBoy]

+Gurdit Singh Vance & Hines are available.

[@gsingh5617]

I know they are:|

[@SShakeyBoy]

+Gurdit Singh I know you do. Sorry. My thought was the Arrows were not available.

[@1990-t1j]

The only Bonneville I have lusted after. It's stunning. I love the exhausts. At last, manufacturers are ignoring high-end power in favour of low-down torque. But I won't be getting one. My Buell Ulysses does everything this bike does, only more so, and it's a bit lighter.

[@TheMrSarky]

This is abit random but what brand is that Backpack? I cant remember what that K logo is and its really bothering me great video BTW!

[@MorebikesUk]

+TheMrSarky It's a Kriega - great kit! John

[@chaminda727]

Sounds interesting. I saw some videos even say triumph targets ducati scrambler and guzzi v7 to compete with. Then guzzi's v9 is coming up. I am happy about this competition though as it might form that glory of classic cafe racer, street tracker rock and roll era back again.... rather than having harleys and rival gang crap...

[@SShakeyBoy]

+chaminda premawardana You nailed it. The Guzzi V7 stones are hard to find. Two supposed Guzzi dealers that I visited said they didn't carry them anymore, only one that still did was 80 miles from home, too far for me, to get support. There were a lot of Ducati Scrambler Icons around, but it was funny, that gorgeous looking tank, just didn't do it for me when sitting on one looking down at the tank with the snap on covers, and its rep is it pulls too much at low RPM, all on or off. I was lucky enough to find the Triumph with the paint I wanted in my hometown dealer, already in stock. I was their first sale. The V7's do look awesome though, it's a touch choice between the three, they all got something special.

[@vibrantcorn]

what jacket is that?

[@gwwayner]

The engine finning is not just there for looks; it allows for a smaller radiator to be used. I think Triumph has nailed it with these gorgeous looking twins for the real world of riding on public roads. IMO a lot of motorcycles from other manufacturers are just plain UGLY! And riders are getting weary of the senseless hp wars with grossly over-powered bikes that are scary and useless unless you own a racetrack. There is always a faster bike; who cares? Riders are often more interested in the look and feel of a bike, and a torquey engine with soul.

[@debelt]

Scott, I'd like to know where in the USA it's necessary to hold 90 mph? Dude, really?

[@johnsumser1672]

+D Ebelt Nevada. Cross it some time -- 90 is very conservative.

[@ApexIXMR]

If I may critique the video? Review was great for a great bike. Visually, the cinematography was beautiful. My only complaint was the editing was not great. Lots of re-used shots, shots that could've been cut shorter, too many slow-mos, & too many close-ups of the bike.

[@CaptHollister]

+ApexIXMR You realize that most of the shots were actually provided by Triumph with MoreBikes adding only the voiceover, right ?

[@MorebikesUk]

+ApexIXMR Unfortunately, all the footage of me riding was slo-mo, for some reason! As with most of these videos from a launch, the manufacturer films you riding, and gives you stock footage of statics etc.

[@maksvile]

красивый мотоцикл. обязательно его куплю.

[@luigiscarpelli74]

I don't like how he is driving, but the motorbike is fantastic.

[@jacklinden780]

That's not a road test, that's a Triumph commercial !

[@scottrhymer5110]

I live in a section of the United States where it's almost necessary to be able to hold 90mph. With the decreased horsepower, I'm worried that it will be too anemic to any real speed. It might be nice if that question was addressed. Great about town or in an environment where 55mph is normal, but for the desert states, you need some speed.

[@johnthompson9896]

+Scott Rhymer I agree.............I hope the next models released the Bonneville t120 and the thruxton have at least 100/110 hp otherwise why even bother?

[@MorebikesUk]

+Scott Rhymer You should have no trouble hitting 90mph. The race for higher power is getting a little irrelevant, and the increased torque low down does make a difference with this bike. But maybe the T120 will be better suited - each machine is designed for a purpose, and long distance at speed isn't what the Bonnie is all about. I do recommend you try one though...

[@scottrhymer5110]

+MoreBikes.co.uk Thanks for the response, sir.

[@rstrakovsky]

+Scott Rhymer I guess there are places in the US where you need to be able to hold 90 mph for extended periods of time. But that's certainly not the case for the vast majority of the places where people live and ride. For most of us that's a recipe for a speeding ticket and or trip to the county jail (yes I'm looking at you Virginia). 55 bhb with 57 lb/ft of torque is plenty for most every day riding.

[@CaptHollister]

+Roman S Not to mention that a 55bhp bike can easily run at 90mph and beyond. This belief that you need ever more horsepower has gotten truly ridiculous.

[@MrStevecro]

no offense, but I'd wait to see what non-parochial testers say. The Brits have a reputation for loving their own stuff to pieces

[@MartinSage]

YES, I can't take a British review all that seriously. I understand that they want to support their own. I'm moving to Vegas, Nevada so I understand about being able to ride @90mph all day. The water cooling is a MUST in desert country where temps hit 100+F/33+C

[@london_biker6177]

+Martin Sage I've test ridden this bike and am not quite convinced (as a Brit!). It is true about the low speed torque - it does feel supercharged compared to the last model and it pulls away pretty spectacularly. However I wasn't able to test acceleration in the 50mph to 70mph zone which is sometimes when you need that power. The competitor bikes do keep the high power and high top speed in this category. I'd like to see someone do a 0-100 speed test

[@terryjohn]

What About the Americ-ans.There Harleys.,talk about Hype!!

[@soulfresh10]

big fan of the looks however that tank is too small, and the price tag is too high. esp for the t120 and thruxton.

[@malcolmmathers2690]

rip.. air cooled

[@alex883]

very nice bike but not and harley,

[@chaseybears]

+alexsandro candido Thank God !!!