The Triumph Speed Twin 900, formerly known as the Street Twin, has consistently been the best-selling model in the Bonneville family. This review delves into the updates for the 2025 model year, exploring whether Triumph’s “more modern, more sporty” interpretation enhances this already popular machine or dilutes its winning formula. Join us as we uncover the changes and assess if this updated Speed Twin 900 is indeed a better bike.

The Heart of the Beast

Triumph has wisely chosen to keep the engine largely unchanged, and for good reason. The 900cc high-torque parallel twin remains a gem, perfectly suited to the Speed Twin 900’s intended purpose. While not the fastest in the Bonneville lineup, its ample torque, delivered low in the rev range, provides effortless acceleration from a standstill. The engine’s smooth operation, pleasant feel, and beautiful exhaust note, thanks to the 270° crank and Triumph’s tuning expertise, contribute significantly to the riding experience. Although a sixth gear would be beneficial for more comfortable motorway cruising, the 5-speed gearbox is more than adequate for city riding, commuting, and spirited country road blasts, continuing to be a major strength of this model.

Chassis Upgrades

Significant changes have been made to the chassis for 2025, aiming to inject a more sporty and engaging feel without compromising the comfort and stability that have made the Speed Twin 900 so popular. The tubular steel frame remains, as does the 18-inch front wheel, contributing to its retro aesthetic. While it won’t handle like a pure sportbike, back-to-back comparisons with previous generations reveal a much more enjoyable experience on twisty roads. The brakes receive a notable upgrade with a larger 320mm disc and a Triumph-branded four-piston Brembo caliper, offering a more reassuring and potent stopping power. The suspension also sees a significant improvement, with the adoption of Marzocchi upside-down forks and twin piggyback shocks at the rear, providing a slightly firmer, sportier ride that still maintains a good level of comfort.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a shorter 15mm aluminum swingarm results in a reduced wheelbase, enhancing agility. The new wheel design is also lighter, contributing to less rotating and unsprung mass, further refining the sporty feel and making directional changes feel more effortless. While the stock Michelin Road Classic tires might not inspire absolute confidence in damp conditions, this is a consumable that can be easily swapped out for personal preference.

More Spacious and Comfortable Ride

One of the biggest selling points of previous Speed Twin 900 generations was its exceptionally low seat height of 765mm, making it incredibly accessible for newer riders and those with shorter inseams. However, for longer journeys, this could leave riders with limited legroom. Triumph has addressed this for 2025 by raising the seat height by 50mm to 780mm and incorporating slimmer footpegs that, while mounted in the same position, effectively lower the top of the pegs by another 6mm. This combination creates a more spacious and comfortable riding position for longer durations.

The slightly taller saddle height also aligns better with the bike’s new sporty persona. For those concerned about the increased seat height, Triumph has thoughtfully slimmed down the subframe and seat, resulting in a narrower standover width, which can still allow shorter riders to comfortably reach the ground. Additionally, a low seat option is available in the accessories catalog, which reduces the seat height by 20mm to 760mm, even lower than the previous generation. Overall, the revised ergonomics offer a more natural and comfortable experience for the majority of riders, enhancing the bike’s all-around usability.

Technology and Style

In keeping pace with competition like the Ducati Scrambler, Triumph has updated the technology package on the Speed Twin 900. Gone is the single analog dash, replaced by a modern digital cockpit featuring an inverted LCD at the top and a small TFT display at the bottom. This new setup offers a wealth of menus and additional functionality, especially when paired with the accessory connectivity module. The switchgear has also been updated to accommodate these new features, but the intuitive layout makes them easy to navigate.

The inclusion of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is a significant upgrade, feeding lean angle data into the rider aids. This means that traction control and ABS are now cornering-sensitive, providing an added layer of safety, particularly noticeable in the damp conditions encountered during the test ride. A minor quibble is that cruise control is an optional accessory, not standard, which might be expected on some more affordable Triumph models. Aesthetically, the Speed Twin 900 receives subtle yet effective updates. The headlight is flatter with intricate new brackets, and the addition of a daytime running light enhances its premium feel. This more chiseled theme continues through the redesigned tank, side panels, and engine covers, culminating in a more slender tail section and minimal taillight, creating a more consistent look with its larger 1200cc sibling.

Conclusion

The 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 900 proves that evolution, rather than revolution, can be a winning strategy. Triumph has successfully refined an already excellent motorcycle, enhancing its sporty capabilities, comfort, and technology while retaining its accessible nature and undeniable charm. This updated model is a testament to why it remains the best-selling Bonneville, offering a compelling blend of style, performance, and value that is hard to beat.

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