Triumph 900 Street Twin EC1 2022 — Specifications

At Triumph, tradition dictates that machines are named after places steeped in history. Bonneville, Thruxton, Scrambler — names that have been ringing in riders' ears for decades. The 2022 Street Twin EC1 takes the approach one step further by simply borrowing a postcode, that of East London where the City, Shoreditch and Clerkenwell mingle. An area where motorcycle culture pulses as hard as the bass in an Old Street pub.

On the aesthetic side, this limited series goes all-in on a fairly restrained two-tone livery. The tank flanks and side panels adopt a cool stone grey, while the mudguards drift towards a brighter aluminium grey. The combination reappears on the tank, shared with the EC1 logo and the modern Triumph triangle, far from the retro crest of the usual Modern Classics. The result stands apart from the vintage finishes of the range, without falling into ostentation.

Under the paint, no surprises, this is indeed the Street Twin we know. The 900 cc parallel twin delivers its 65 horsepower at 7500 rpm and its 80.4 Nm of torque from 3800 rpm, which is more than enough to reach a top speed of 180 km/h. The tubular steel single-cradle frame, the 41 mm fork, the twin side shocks and the five-speed gearbox remain unchanged. Same goes for the 216 kg fully fuelled, the 765 mm seat height and the 12-litre tank, never generous on this family. The electronics include two riding modes, ABS and switchable traction control, plus a USB port — the bare minimum for a neo-retro at this price.

Speaking of which, the price tag stands at 10,250 euros, about six hundred euros more than the standard Street Twin, and without a single accessory included. The matching flyscreen comes at extra cost. That feels a bit stingy when you look at what the competition offers. The Kawasaki W800 plays the pure retro card with its less spirited but more authentic vertical twin, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 sells for nearly two thousand euros less, and the Moto Guzzi V7 offers a far more distinctive transalpine character. Against them, the EC1 banks on refined finish and modern mechanicals, considerably livelier thanks to its low-end torque.

In the saddle, the Street Twin remains what it has always been, a welcoming motorcycle built for urban commutes and Sunday rides. The reassuring seat height opens the door wide to beginners and smaller riders, while the full torque from 3000 rpm allows for lazy yet effective riding. Track enthusiasts will look elsewhere, as the five-speed gearbox and the single 310 mm front disc pinched by a four-piston caliper don't play in that league. The EC1 is aimed at the meticulous rider, sensitive to the object and its history, ready to pay the price of exclusivity to ride a series destined to remain rare. On that specific ground, mission accomplished.