CUP’S ANOTHER TRIUMPH WINNER
The name Triumph holds a special place in the hearts of motorcyclists, especially those from Britain.
Ironic really, as the firm was started way back in the 1880s by a German named Siegfried Bettmann.
Herr Bettmann originally sold bicycles and sewing machines – until colleague Moritz Schulte persuaded him to get into manufacturing.
Moritz was clearly a far-sighted chap, because one of the things he got pal Siegfried to produce was a motorbike.
And in 1902, the company produced its first machine – more of a bicycle fitted with an engine, really – at the new Triumph plant in Coventry. The rest, as they say, is history. The company came pretty close to disappearing a few times and has had a few different guises, but Triumph holds the record for the world’s longest continuous production of a motorcycle.
Nowadays, the firm produces machines which feature all the very latest technology and design, but it also taps into all that heritage and the affection for the brand to create bikes which reflect that.
One such bike is the Street Cup.
It’s a slightly odd name, but derived from the club racing scene of the 1960s and reflects the “urban sports” category into which this machine falls.
Retro-style bikes have been popular for a while now and Triumph shines in this market, with its Bonneville and Street Twin ranges performing particularly well.
The Street Cup is a stripped-down, cafe-racer style machine which is clearly influenced by the superb Thruxton – although Triumph insists it is not a Thruxton-lite.
It looks great – “Ace” handlebars, bullet seat, fly screen, cafe racer-style seat cowl, twin clocks, black engine covers, sporty footpegs and bar-end mirrors.
The chassis and rear suspension have been tweaked so when you get on board you sit slightly higher and more forward than on the Street Twin.
On the road, the high-torque 900cc parallel twin – making around 54bhp – is a delight, smooth and sweet-sounding through all the gears.
The slightly steeper rake means it rolls easily and confidently through the bends, almost encouraging you to push on a bit.
Stopping power, with just a single front disc, is adequate, and adjustable brake and gear levers are always welcome.
I loved the Street Cup – it’s a pleasure to ride, it looks fantastic and it’s well priced.
And it also proves that Triumph’s reign
continues…