That said, this new Triumph Speed
Twin is likely to fulfill that life-need, like
very few bikes. First up it’s effortless
to ride. The wide bars give stability
and cornering control. Personally, I’d
investigate some flatter bars because
I prefer the weight of a little lean into
them, but there’s very little I’d change.
The seat height is low at 795mm and the
swoop won’t appeal to all, but I like it. It
is comfortable, allows movement on the
bike, and accommodates a pillion with
ease. My wife became part of this review,
yes. A nervous pillion normally, she really
enjoyed the trip we did together.
The riding position is upright and
balanced with pegs at a good height for
my frame. About 40mm further forward
than on my Thruxton, but comfortable.
I like a little flexion in the knee, and with
my longer legs and shorter top half I felt
engaged and easy on board. The lads
from Triumph NZ also added a couple
of tweaks to the Street and popped on
a tail tidy, changed to LED indicators
and slung on a well-performing FOX
rear suspension kit. Under load this
held form in hard cornering but still
removed all the short sharp jabs that
aggravate my ageing back with firmer
suspension settings. Extras at around
$2k – in my opinion well spent.
Cosmetically, the all black bike looks
pretty fine, and it adheres to our
sporting ethos as well. But it can be a
bit niggly keeping the showroom shine
on the black engine block and casings.
A friend – we all have one – keeps his
in ‘parc ferme’ condition every week,
and it’s easy to hate that guy. But if you
keep ahead of the winter road grime, it
looks a million bucks. Wheel-wise, cast
alloys, as a general rule, don’t thrill me,
it’s a personal choice, but they clean
up brilliantly in a second or two, plus
deliver a firm, surefooted light feel to
KIWI RIDER 55