New: T100 & T100 Black

8th October 2016

Triumph | 900cc | Ride by wire  | Review | Specs

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Triumph has unveiled two new models to add to its increasingly comprehensive motorcycle armoury. The first is the T100, and the second is the T100 Black [how do they come up with these cool monotone names? - Ed]. Both bikes are based upon the current Street Twin platform, meaning that the engines are the handsome 900cc, SOHC, "high torque" liquid-cooled twins (as opposed to the 1200cc motors on the current 2016 T120s). Twenty years ago we would have committed murder for a motorcycle such as this. And even today we'd probably be willing to indulge in a little GBH if that was the entry price.

These bikes, after all, are so sorted. So okay, 54hp @ 6,120 rpm isn't likely to burst a blood vessel. But you're still looking at an effortless vibration-damped parallel twin capable of hitting a ton or so, offering brisk acceleration, returning 60-odd mpg, with a four-valve-per-cylinder head, ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, and ABS. Oh yeah. Nearly forgot. There's a slip-assist clutch too.

Peak torque pops up at a lowly 3,070rpm with a respectable enough 57lb-ft. Pillion provision is realistic. The Triumph catalogue is stuffed with accessories. And for our money, these Triumphs have almost got the old style-thing cracked. In fact, a few tweaks on the (3.2 gallon (14.5 litre) tank and a little more thought on the frame might just persuade us to buy one. Squint a little, and there's a '59 Bonnie in there somewhere waiting to reveal itself. And check the seat piping. It's a nice little touch that will hit the right classic notes.

The T100 Black (main image top of this page) and the T100 (image immediately above) have arrived with revised frames and suspension. The rear shocks are a little longer, the rake and trail has been tweaked, and the wheelbase is marginally shorter. The saddles are as low as ever, or even lower. The instruments have been revised and are more comprehensive. Cruise control and heated grips are optional. Service intervals are a very creditable 10,000 miles.

And the price? No details yet, but Triumph hasn't gone this far only to stick a huge and unlikely tag on these very attractive motorcycles.

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