Five best Triumphs

Triumph is not only among the most famous names in motorcycling - it’s also one of its biggest success stories. Launched in 1902, Triumph became one of the biggest selling motorcycle brands post-WW2 thanks to machines like the Speed Twin, Thunderbird and Bonneville. In the 60s Triumphs were hugely popular in the US and found fame with the likes of Steve McQueen, who famously rode one in The Great Escape. However, Triumph foundered in the 1970s and closed its doors in 1983.
Bought up by businessman John Bloor, an all-new Triumph factory and range was launched in 1990 and, with models like the Speed Triple, Daytona and Tiger and then a retro-themed ‘Modern Classics’ family the brand has gone from strength to strength. Today, Triumph’s line-up ranges from an entry-level 400 single, through class-leading 660 and 765 triples and all the way up to the monster 2,500cc Rocket 3, the world’s largest production motorcycle. It even now competes in Moto2 and motocross. But out of all these which are our five favourites? Read on to find out!

Until recently Triumph’s most novice-friendly machine was a 900cc roadster. That changed in 2021 with the all-new, 660cc Trident and, for 2024, has made a significant step up again with two all-new 400cc singles. The Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are based on the same engine and are A2 licence friendly so accessible to new riders. The 400cc single produces a class-leading 40 horsepower, the chassis is manageable yet nimble, quality and style is classic Triumph retro and, starting at around £5,000, it’s affordable, too. The Speed is the classic roadster with 17-inch street tyres, the Scrambler the taller, roomier dirt style variant with higher, wider bars, 19-inch front wheel and slightly higher price.
Read the Speed 400 review Read the Scrambler 400 X review

The sporty, affordable, middleweight category has become one of the most competitive areas of the market in recent years, sparked in part by Yamaha’s hugely popular MT-07 twin and its appealing ‘first big bike’ accessibility. A raft of imitators followed including Kawasaki’s Z650 and Honda’s latest CB750 Hornet, but Triumph’s Trident 660 stands out in the class for the punchy 81 horsepower of its characterful three-cylinder engine, the typically excellent handling, ‘big bike’ vibe and a level of quality that belies its sub-£8,000 price. There’s also now a faired sport-tourer version, the Tiger Sport 660.
Read the review

Triumph effectively created the ‘retro roadster’ when it launched its first revived Bonneville 800 in 2001. Its combination of modern mechanicals with classic style, easy manners and an affordable price proved such a hit it spawned a whole family of ‘Modern Classic’ Triumphs and rival retros. Today’s Bonneville family has been repeatedly updated and expanded to 11 models and includes Scramblers, Bobbers and café racers but the definitive model is the now 1,200cc T120 Bonneville with classic style, brawny 80 horsepower output and sopme classy touches including switchable modes. Overall it remains an unmatched image and riding experience.
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The Street Triple arrived in 2007 as a ‘naked’ version of the then Daytona 675 three-cylinder sportster and proved an immediate hit for its blend of performance, practicality and price. It grew to 765cc in 2017 and there are currently two variants – the base 120 horsepower R at £10K and hotter 130 horsepower RS at around £11,500. Tempting as the extra power might be the R, with its brilliant blend of performance, day to day practicality, style and value, is more than enough for most.
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The common perception of adventure bikes is big, off-road-styled all-rounders loaded to the gunnels with equipment – and bulk. Triumph’s first Tiger 800 in 2010 - based on an enlarged Street Triple 675 engine - changed that and inspired a whole category of ‘middleweight adventures’. It’s been repeatedly updated since, with the latest now 900cc with 108 horsepower, the latest electronics, TFT screens, accessories galore and prices starting at just over £12,000. They’re so versatile, well-equipped and true to the original ethos of being both manageable and affordable you wonder why you’d ever need anything bigger. Saying that, if you Triumph does also offer just this with the bigger 1200cc version!