Triumph Speed Twin 900 Bike Review: A New Classic Look

Triumph Speed Twin 900

• Price: From £8,795
• Power: 64 bhp (at 7,500 rpm)
• Torque: 80 Nm (at 3,800 rpm)
• Engine: 900cc liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel twin
• Weight: 216 kg (wet)
• Seat Height: 765 mm
• Fuel Capacity: 12 litres
• A2 Licence Compatible: Yes (with restrictor kit)

The Triumph Speed Twin 900 is an entry-level modern classic Bonneville, and has always been a bit of a sweet spot in Triumph’s lineup. It’s retro, but not old-fashioned. Simple, but not basic. 

Updated in 2021, Triumph has given it a subtle but meaningful update to keep it fresh and maybe a little more fun.

This latest version keeps all the character of the outgoing model while tightening things up just enough to stay fresh in a competitive market.

So what’s it like to ride?

A familiar friend, slightly sharper

Triumph hasn’t overhauled the Speed Twin 900, and that’s a good thing. What they have done is refine. New suspension gives the ride a touch more control, and styling tweaks (including a revised tank badge, updated seat materials, and LED lighting) freshen up the look without straying from the bike’s classic identity.

Out on the road, those changes are subtle but appreciated. The new suspension (twin shocks with preload adjusters) offers better feedback and confidence when leaning through bends. It's still more roadster than café racer, but it feels more composed when you decide to have a bit of fun.

You get the same smooth, torquey 900cc Bonneville twin that delivers its power low in the rev range - perfect for relaxed Sunday rides, urban commutes, or newer riders still finding their rhythm. It’s not fast in the traditional sense, but it’s responsive, which makes it far more usable day-to-day than a lot of other, more powerful bikes.

A weekend with the Speed Twin 900

Over a long weekend, I took the Speed Twin 900 through town centres, open B-roads, and everything in between. What stood out most was just how easy it is to live with. The upright riding position, mid-set pegs, and wide handlebars make it incredibly approachable, whether you're threading through traffic or stretching its legs out of town.

At 6'1", I never felt cramped or hunched, and the seat stayed supportive even during longer stints in the saddle. It’s surprisingly roomy for a modern retro, though taller riders might start to feel the effects of the slightly high peg position on extended rides (I could imagine a bit of knee bend fatigue creeping in over time).

Filtering through traffic was effortless too, and with plenty of low-down torque on tap, you’re rarely left scrambling through gears in stop-start conditions.

Despite its classic looks, the bike feels really modern. Throttle response is smooth, the clutch is light, and gear changes are positive. It’s the kind of bike that doesn’t demand anything from you, it just quietly gets on with the job and lets you enjoy the ride. That said, hit a stretch of potholes, and the rear suspension can feel a little harsh. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you might find yourself easing off and wishing for a touch more give at the back.

A new classic look

One of the Speed Twin’s biggest selling points has always been how it looks  and Triumph hasn’t messed that up. You still get that timeless retro styling with modern touches like LED lighting all around. The new headlight and taillight blend in well with the rest of the design, adding functionality without clashing with the vintage vibe.

Tech that blends in, but works hard

They’ve also included some new tech into the updated Speed Twin, including a revised digital dash. It’s the kind of stuff that doesn’t shout at you while you ride but quietly works in the background to make the whole experience feel more secure. And while some might miss the classic analog dials, the new display gives you more info in a compact, easy-to-read format. You can toggle through riding modes and tailor the level of electronic help, which adds versatility whether you’re commuting in the rain or heading out for a fun weekend blast.

There’s also updated switchgear that feels more refined and intuitive to use, especially when navigating the dash menus on the move. The latest model benefits from improved LED lighting all around too—not just for visibility, but for a cleaner, more modern look. USB charging under the seat is a practical bonus for anyone running sat nav or a phone mount. 

While none of it feels over-engineered or showy, it’s exactly the kind of everyday tech that enhances the ride without getting in the way.

Final thoughts

At just under £9,000, the Speed Twin 900 is good value for what you get. It’s not the most powerful or high-tech retro bike on the market, but that’s kind of the point. It’s easy to ride, easy to love, and it now handles better than ever without losing its laid-back charm.

If you’re after a bike that looks like a classic but rides like something modern (and won’t overwhelm you in the process…!) the Speed Twin 900 is worth serious consideration. It might just be the ideal retro for the real world.