2021 Triumph Street Twin: Same Wine, Same Bottle, Fancier Labelling

Credit where it’s due, the Bonneville family has to be the main reason why Triumph rose to great heights, just like a phoenix rises from the ashes. Over 3,67,000 units of the modern classic series have been sold since 2001. When the entire product lineup underwent a major revamp in 2015, the Street Twin emerged as a darling for those who wanted the classic British twin experience but in a slightly modern avatar.

It has since gone on to become the most popular motorcycle of the bunch, selling more units than any other model so far. After the mid-life update in 2018, Triumph has made the Street Twin a lot more desirable in 2021.

What's New?

Not a lot actually. The Street Twin remains more or less identical to the 2020 BS6-compliant model that was sold in India. The minor styling tweaks are more of the blink-and-you-miss kind. The cast aluminium rims are machine-finished for a premium touch. There’s a ribbed bench seat with a 10mm thicker seat foam, lending a comfier saddle experience. It has increased the saddle height by 5mm (now 765mm), which shouldn’t be much of a bother for shorter riders.

Also Read: Fewer Triumph Bonnies For India In 2021

The side panel has mesh elements located right below the Street Twin badging, kind of similar to the ones found on the Speed Twin. The throttle body covers and headlight-mounting fixtures are given a brushed-metal finish; the former even has a small black plastic panel neatly integrated into it.

The Street Twin will continue to be available in three shades: new Cobalt Blue, Matt Ironstone, and Jet Black. The first two colour options also receive neat grey-and-white striped decals.

What’s Unchanged?

Almost everything else on the bike remains the same. The 900cc parallel-twin HT motor continues to thump out 65PS at 7500rpm and 80Nm at 3800rpm, peak torque now kicking in 100 revs higher. The engine continues to run with a five-speed transmission, aided with a slip-and-assist clutch. Electronic rider aids are limited to just two rider modes (Rain and Road), switchable traction control, and dual-channel ABS.

Even the double-cradle chassis, the KYB open cartridge fork, preload-adjustable twin shocks, and the braking hardware have been untouched.

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What’s The Price? Who Are Its Rivals?

Triumph India hinted that the 2021 Bonnevilles will hit the dealerships April onwards. We guess the Street Twin will be the first bike to arrive, given its popularity among the Indian masses. We expect a nominal premium of Rs 10,000-Rs 15,000 for the 2021 edition. While there are still no natural rivals for the Street Twin, motorcycles like the Kawasaki W800 (check out our review here) and the Ducati Scrambler Icon (which was launched subtle updates earlier this year) offer a somewhat similar modern retro vibe.

What’s The ‘Gold Line’?

There’s going to be a new limited edition of the Street Twin, called the ‘Gold Line.’ Triumph will be producing 1000 units of the bike, a handful of which shall eventually make their way to India. The Gold Line receives a unique matte sapphire black paint, with the knee recess finished in a contrasting ivory white. The name ‘Gold Line’ is the perfect fit, considering this variant gets hand-painted coachlines on the tank and side panels. Plus, the Street Twin and the heritage Triumph logos are in gold as well. To complete the look, a gold rim tape is present on the new machine-finished alloy rims.

ZigSays

The Bonneville model may not have received substantial changes for 2021, but that shouldn’t discourage you from getting your hands on this truly special riding experience. The Street Twin’s charm is in the way it balances neo and retro ever so delicately. It should be as rewarding a ride as it was in the BS4 times, so what the classic British rumble may be a little subdued now.