Triumph Speed Twin 900 (2025 – ) review

Each to theirs and, while it looks fresh, we’re not totally sold on the new Speet Twin 900’s graphics and lairy combination of stripes and colours, though there are more understated black and silver options. Other than that it’s hard to fault the looks of the bike, which started out as a sportier twist on the 900cc Bonneville T100 and has evolved from its original Street Twin branding to Speed Twin 900 to align with its 1200 big brother, which has also just been updated. While not hard to see why the 900 has been a best-seller in the Modern Classics line-up the arrival of the new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X singles meant it was due an update and subtle repositioning. Which is what we have here. To summarise, the appealing looks remain as before but the engine is updated to Euro5+ without any impact on performance, the exhaust has been changed to release a little more noise, the riding position is roomier and suspension, brakes and wheels have all been improved in the name of sportier handling. There’s also a new dash which now has Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C socket. What’s not to like?

The same, but different. The Speed Twin 900’s friendly riding position is essentially unchanged and still unintimidating and natural. Changes include a new frame rear section raising the saddle by 15mm, bars lifted by the same and a fraction further forward as well. The footpegs – now aluminium rather than rubberised – have also been moved to free up a little more space. To mitigate the extra saddle height the new frame and the seat are narrower but, if you think you might struggle, there’s option for a 20mm lower seat position if required. In short, it’s easy, natural and now suits a wider range of physiques. Of course, it’s still an exposed roadster with no weather protection, but accessory flyscreens are available and that’s what you’re buying into, anyway.

As mentioned, as an exposed roadster the Speed Twin is never going to brilliant at everything and we wouldn’t particularly fancy attempting hundreds of motorway miles two-up. But, even so, it’s a decent multi-purpose machine, especially as a first big bike. It’s a great commuter, is sufficiently entertaining and invigorating to be a satisfying Sunday toy, has bags style and is a great basis for further customisation. For what it’s trying to be it’s difficult to criticise.

From its previous role as entry level to the Modern Classics range the Speed Twin 900 now sits between the latest 40 horsepower 400cc singles and much more powerful 1200s. Hence it sticking to the previous 65 horsepower, even with the new exhaust, improved fuel consumption and changes for Euro5+ compliance. Really, it’s about the torque, though. As before the 900 twin is grunty, easy and effective without being massively exciting. But that’s just fine, as is the fact it only has a five-speed gearbox, given it's flexible enough to make this a virtue rather than an issue. Braking is meanwhile improved with a new, Triumph-branded radial four-piston caliper from the new Tiger Sport 660 biting onto an enlarged 320mm single disc assisted by cornering ABS. It’s not sports bike severe, of course, but it’s more than sufficient.

Engine performance may be unchanged but the 2025 Speed Twin 900’s chassis has had a comprehensive upgrade. Apart from the new, slimmer rear subframe, the swingarm is now lighter aluminium and 15mm shorter, the shorter wheelbase adding a touch of agility. The cast wheels are new and also lighter while suspension sees the previous conventional Showa forks replaced with beefier upside-down Marzocchis with new ‘piggy-back’ twin rear shocks from the same. The result, as before, is completely easy, natural and intuitive yet now more taut and accurate if you wind on the pace a little. Sure, there are a few signs of its budget roots in the lack of adjustment in the suspension (preload at the rear is the only thing you can change) and way it can crash over the potholes but, for the kind of bike it is, it’s more than adequate.

If not cheap the new Speed Twin 900 is, after the 400 singles, the next most affordable option in the Modern Classics line-up. Running costs should be reasonable too, the modest power making fewer demands on brakes, chains, tyres and other consumable parts than many. Fuel consumption is claimed to be improved on the outgoing model while insurance is cheaper than most, too. On top of that, Triumph’s reliability and residuals are up on most rivals as well.

The 900cc version of Triumph’s latest Bonneville twin engine has been around since 2016, has been repeatedly updated and refined since, is relatively understressed and has had no significant reliability issues. Although this version has been subtly modernised with the new exhaust and Euro5+ updates we have no reason to expect it will be any different. Chassis-wise, many of the cycle parts have been upgraded and most are well-proven on other models so, again, there is no real cause for concern.

Like all other Triumphs, the Speed Triple 900 comes with a standard manufacturer backed two-year unlimited mileage warranty covering all parts and labour. Standard services are due annually or every 10,000 miles, with the more expensive valve adjustment service due every 18,000 miles.

At the end of the day the new Speed Twin 900 remains a fairly basic, retro roadster so its equipment levels are never going to be lavish. That said, it is an improvement on the old in terms of mechanical parts like the suspension and brakes as well as in tech terms thanks to a new LCD/TFT clock and two rider modes. The new unit also brings Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and a USB-C charger, while the huge range of extras caters to the significant proportion of buyers who choose to accessorise their bikes before leaving the dealer.

It’s not hard to see why the Speed Twin 900 is one of the most popular of Triumph’s Modern Classics and all that made it so appealing in the first place remains true, from the prestige of its badge to the blend of sportiness and approachability that have won it so many fans. The arrival of the 400s now frees the Speed Twin 900 to be a little more focused than before, which has been realised with the improved suspension, brakes and the new swingarm. The result is as friendly and fun as ever, better looking, better equipped and manages that neat trick of cross-generational appeal to both young riders and older ones alike.