TRIUMPH STREET CUP (2017 - 2020) Review

Highlights

  • Retro cafe racer based on Street Twin...
  • ...but this is far more than just a bodykit
  • Sporty riding position

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £300
Power: 54 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight: Medium (441 lbs / 200 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £5,200 - £6,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Triumph Street Cup isn’t going to blow your socks off with raw speed and racing talent.

The Street Cup is actually the Street Twin in disguise - don’t panic, it’s not just an accessory job – but more on that in a bit. The Street Twin has been hugely popular since its launch a year ago, Triumph even say it’s the best seller in the Bonnie range. And that’s because it’s incredibly easy to ride, unintimidating and minimalist with mod-cons; traits which appeal to both new riders and those taking a step back.

So of course Triumph are going to take their winning formulae and extend it into new models, which is what we have here, but that’s fine with us because we’ll get all the benefits of the new Street Twin including new liquid-cooled parallel twin engine, frame, suspension and electronics package (ABS and traction control) and all wrapped up in café clothes. Brilliant.

And we’re not just talking about a yellow jumper here either, Triumph has gone to town on the café components.

Triumph’s design department has done a spiffing job of transforming the Street Twin into a café racer – and they’re encouraging customers to carry on their good work with over 120 accessories.

But that’s enough about the trinkets, components aside the Street Cup’s main difference to its Twin sibling is it’s riding position and handling. It has a sportier riding position for a more agile bike.

Sweeping round the Spanish bends on the world launch in Seville quickly impressed. The Cup’s set-up certainly adds an element of sportiness to an otherwise relaxed Street Twin. Railing round corners is easier than it should be on the Street Cup, the ground clearance has also been increased so you can tip it further than you think it should go.

Overall, it’s essentially still the Street Twin and that’s what makes the Cup such a good bike. The tweaked ergonomics add a sharper sensation to the ride, and despite the dropped bars and raised seat the riding position is still all day comfy (my gentle wrists didn’t ache once). The new bar mirrors are well placed and provide a decent rear view and the overall finish, quality of parts and attention to detail is sublime. Like the Street Twin, the Cup will appeal to a wide audience, which basically includes anyone who fancies a café racer that actually works.

From late Spring 2017 the Street Cup was available as an A2-compliant model.

Triumph Street Cup

MCN spoke to Stuart Wood, the man behind Triumph's retro range, to find out what the bike is all about.

"If you stop and have a look at the Triumph Street Cup you will see there is far more to it than first impressions suggest, and it is actually something we couldn’t have done with a body kit," says Wood.

"The back end is jacked-up and the ergonomics are different so the bike is a little bit sportier in its focus."

Wood says that when you ride the Street Cup and Street Twin back-to-back the differences are clear, adding: "Going the extra mile makes a real difference."

He says the Street Cup experience starts with the ace bars, the seat with its hump and the bike’s overall look. And then you get the new pegs, the paintjob with its hand pin-striped wheels, which is a different colour depending on the bike’s main colour.

"The exhausts intentionally have a single skin header so it blues up nicely at the top,” he continues. “It’s certainly not simply an inspiration kit on a Street Twin, it’s a step above. But it is not a Thruxton.

"The Thruxton and Thruxton R are very different bikes. They’re full-on sportsbikes in many ways with their geometry and components, which isn’t what the Street Cup is about, it is more of a fun bike. At the moment this means you can’t fit the Thruxton’s dolphin fairing to the Street Cup as its bars are more relaxed and that would interfere with the fairings. That’s not to say there won’t be a dedicated Street Cup dolphin fairing in the future."

After you've read this review and checked out our owners' reviews, you may want to join a community such as The Triumph Forum to contact and interact with owners.

The Triumph Street Cup went off sale in 2020. We're not sure whether it'll be replaced at this point.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Triumph jacked up the rear suspension, increasing the seat height by 20mm and pulling it slightly further back. The bars have been dropped making them lower and further forwards. So it’s bum up, head down, which makes for a sportier riding position and a more agile bike.

The rear twin Kayaba shocks (preload adjustable) do a decent job of soaking up the bumps, but anything too gnarly and they’ll throw a wobbly. The front brake is an evolution of the Street Twin’s Nissin twin-pot caliper, which coupled with the floating brake disc has plenty of bite and does a good job of stopping in a hurry. While it has a sportier riding position and feel, it is still essentially a Street Twin. And that means ultra-smooth, easy going riding. There’s no clunk from the five-speed gearbox, the ride-by-wire throttle pick up is silky and there’s plenty of usable and friendly power from the 54bhp 900cc motor. Add its feather light slip-assist clutch to the mix and you’ve got a sweet blend of slick and smooth riding.

On the road with the Street Cup

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Triumph Street Cup is the Street Twin in café racer disguise. So it uses the same ‘High Torque’ 900cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin motor. The 900cc parallel-twin pulls away smoothly.  Triumph reckon the new motor produces 28% more power and torque between 2750-4750rpm than the outgoing model and it’s certainly smoother and more refined with a broader spread of power. They also say it’s more fuel efficient and service intervals have been bumped up from 6,000 to 10,000 miles.

The Triumph Street Cup engine

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The overall finish, quality of parts and attention to detail is sublime. Like the Street Twin, the Cup will appeal to a wide audience, which basically includes anyone who fancies a café racer that actually works.

We've got a single Triumph Street Cup owners' review on the site, and it's a full five stars. The only negative comment was that the brakes could be better.

Riding the Triumph Street Cup

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

At £8,800 it is over £1000 more than the Street Twin, so it totally depends on how much you value the caf racer style. Other rivals include the Kawasaki Z900RS Café, BMW R nineT Racer and Yamaha XSR900.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Triumph has gone to town on the café components. Mimicking the delectable Thruxton range, the Cup gets twin clocks, drop bars, a posh bullet seat and removable seat cowl, fly screen and snazzy bar-end mirrors.

There’s a bunch of other goodies too, such as new pegs, posh headlight mounts, fork protectors and bullet indicators. Exquisite finishing touches like posh decals, badges and two colour options (yellow or black) complete the look and add a further touch of class.  It also gets ABS, traction control and a slip-assist clutch.

The Triumph Street Cup clocks

Specs

Engine size 900cc
Engine type liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel-twin
Frame type Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity 12 litres
Seat height 780mm
Bike weight 200kg
Front suspension KYB 41 mm forks, 120 mm travel
Rear suspension KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120 mm rear wheel travel
Front brake Single 310 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Rear brake Single 255 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Front tyre size 100/90-19
Rear tyre size 150/70- R17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 63 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £300
New price -
Used price £5,200 - £6,500
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year, unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 54 bhp
Max torque 59 ft-lb
Top speed 115 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 164 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2017: Triumph Street Cup revealed, with A2 version shortly afterwards.
  • 2020: Bike goes off sale.

Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH STREET CUP (2017 - 2020)

5 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH STREET CUP (2017 - 2020) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH STREET CUP (2017 - 2020)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £300
5 out of 5 my 2017 SC experience.
27 June 2023 by Charlie pots

Year: 2017

This is my first bike in almost 40 year so I'm and old guy. I put on ST. Twin bars so it's much more comfortable. The bike is fun to ride with just enough power for me. The main problem in the OEM tires. They are horrible and really take away from the bike. I put on Conti.RA3's and the bike has been completely transformed.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

the suspension is adequate for regular riding. I would think for more spirited riding some improvement could be warranted on both suspension components.

Engine 3 out of 5

only because the low RPM jerky engine characteristics bother me a lot. I put on a Booster plug which helped. I think this is blamed on fueling to pass emissions requirements. In any event I find this unacceptable. It makes low speed maneuvering an issue. Otherwise, the engine is a joy.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

no issues

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

just usual maintenance as with any other bike

Equipment 4 out of 5

I like the alcatera upholstery for looks and feel . It's nice to look at but if you want to move around on the seat you have to lift your weight off the seat to do it. Great for grip for those pushing the bike but can be uncomfortable on long rides.

Buying experience: bought used from a dealer

5 out of 5 A few small upgrades greatly improved this little monster
12 May 2023 by Badbones

Year: 2017

Great little café racer for short trips.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Added a variable rate front springs, Fox back shocks.

Engine 5 out of 5

Custom overhead cam added more linear power and horsepower. No more nerfed 900.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 More than the sum of its parts.
24 February 2023 by briangdempster@gmail.com

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £300

Rides every bit as good as it looks. Great Engine and fun handling bike. Not the fastest, but that's not the point. Puts a smile on your face every time you ride it.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Can feel a little under-braked, when pushing in.

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Serving at Triumph dealers is considerably more expensive than qualified independents.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: This is what Triumph dealers do best.

4 out of 5 Triumph Street Cup 67 redg.
12 September 2021 by Pete W

Year: 2017

Great bike to ride, but can give a bit of shoulder ache after a while with handle bar position, but I am 6ft 3” tall. Not over powered, but enough to have fun. Looks fantastic, sounds great, & gives plenty of miles to gallon. Overall love the bike.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Road for 200miles with only one break, so overall quite pleased with comfort of seat, like I said earlier, just a bit of ache with shoulders, but a bit of a stretch & sorted. Easy clutch, smooth engine, great gear change. Not really practical for touring, but didn’t buy for that.

Engine 5 out of 5

Very smooth power, & does not frighten you to death, Not the fastest bike, but again more than enough if you want it

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Bike is 4 years old with 5k miles & still looks mint,, Had no issues since I bought at beginning of June, so owned 3 1/2 months.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Haven’t serviced yet, not due until Feb 2022

Equipment 4 out of 5

Still haven’t decided fully on tires yet, the standard tires tend to get stuck a bit in grooves on road. Kit on bike is great, ABS, ride by wire clutch, traction control, twin clocks, the list goes on.

Buying experience: Private sales, Fortunately great lad I bought bike off, traveled over 200 miles each way to collect bike from Cardiff, from West Yorkshire

5 out of 5
01 April 2017 by Thaistralian

Year: 2017

Extremely happy with the bike. The quality is fantastic and it has bags of character!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes could be better.

Engine 5 out of 5

Full of character

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Webb's of Peterborough were excellent

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