Triumph Motorcycles Ranked Worst to Best

Few motorcycle manufacturers carry the kind of mystique that Triumph does. Born in Britain over a century ago, Triumph Motorcycles has experienced highs and lows, near collapses, and glorious revivals.

Under John Bloor’s leadership in the 1990s, the brand roared back to life, fusing retro charm with cutting-edge performance. Today, Triumph occupies a unique position: a company that honors its heritage while pushing into modern markets, from café racers to adventure bikes. But not every model has been a hit.

In this ranking, we’ll walk through Triumph’s lineup—from its least-loved machines to the bikes that define the brand at its best.

Triumph Motorcycles Ranked Worst to Best

13. Bonneville Bobber (Worst Triumph Motorcycle )

The Bonneville Bobber is a retro-styled cruiser designed to mimic an American Harley. It has a single solo seat, a very large fat front wheel, leather detailing, and a low, minimalist profile.

Bonneville Bobber

The Bonneville Bobber uses Triumph’s 1,200cc “high-torque” parallel twin (77 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 78 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm), which is tuned for low-end pull.

With only about 77 hp and a curb weight of around 705 lb (318 kg), the Bobber feels leisurely rather than fast. The fuel tank is small (~3.2 gal), and there’s no passenger seat, so its practical range and utility are limited.

In short, it looks eye-catching but offers only “average” performance for its heavy build.

The Bonneville Bobber handles nimbly, but overall it’s built more for style than speed. For most riders wanting bang for the buck, other Triumphs are simply more capable, which is why I place the Bobber at the bottom.

12. Bonneville 900 Series (T100, Speed Twin 900, etc.)

Triumph’s 900cc modern-classic models (like the T100, Street Twin, and Speed Twin 900) exude classic Bonneville charm with retro tanks and twin shock rear ends.

Bonneville 900 Series

Under the hood is a smoothly tuned 900cc triple (or parallel-twin) that makes roughly 64–81 hp.

For example, the 2025 Speed Twin 900’s engine makes 64 hp and 59 lb-ft, much less than the larger 1,200cc Bonneville.

These bikes are tuned to be easy and accessible – perfect for relaxed cruising – but “not exciting enough” for riders who want more punch.

They do come with nice features (LED lights, a TFT display, etc.), but their performance is deliberately mild. At the same time, prices start around $9,995–$11,000, which is fairly high for the power delivered.

In practice, a 900 Bonneville makes a great entry-level or second bike for an older rider who values the classic Bonneville look and a gentle powerband.

But the modest horsepower and premium cost make these models less compelling than many of Triumph’s other offerings, so they land low on our list.

11. Rocket 3 (Storm/GT)

The Rocket 3 (both Storm and GT versions) is Triumph’s biggest and most powerful cruiser.

Triumph Rocket 3

The Rocket 3 packs a massive 2,458cc triple engine that now produces approximately 180 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. This gives it acceleration on par with many sport bikes. However, all that muscle rides on a huge motorcycle – curb weight is about 705 lb (320 kg).

On the plus side, it has top-tier components (semi-active Showa suspension, massive Brembo brakes, wide fat tires) and luxury fit/finish.

On the downside, it’s extremely heavy, tall, and not very maneuverable at low speeds. Its wheelbase is long (66 inches), and the fuel tank is just 4.8 gal, so it can feel like piloting a small ship. With an MSRP of around $25,000, it’s also very expensive.

In short, the Rocket 3 is a thrilling power machine—fun to blast ahead on—but it’s wildly impractical for daily riding or commuting. Its enormous size and cost earn it a low ranking despite its sheer excitement.

10. Tiger 900 (GT and Rally Versions)

The Tiger 900 series are middleweight adventure bikes (GT for street, Rally for off-road styling) that replaced the older 800cc Tigers.

Triumph Tiger 900 series

With a displacement of 888cc, the triple engine makes about 106.5 hp and 66 lb-ft. This is more power than the 800, but still modest by super-tenere or GS standards.

The Tiger 900s come in comfortable all-road packages (upright ergos, long suspension travel, upright windshield) and do a bit of everything well. Weight is substantial (about 228 kg dry, or ~502 lb), though the long-travel suspension and tall handlebars give a roomy feel.

The Tiger 900 feels smooth and tractable on pavement and dirt, but it’s not flashy—you won’t find unpredictable arm-yanking power here, though it does deliver ground-rushing acceleration in a friendly way.

The styling is fairly ordinary for an ADV, and to me it comes across as the kind of bike even a complete beginner could ride, which reflects its relatively tame image.

In summary, the Tiger 900 is competent and versatile (good for riders on a variety of terrain), but its performance and street presence are average. It lands low because other Triumphs in the lineup outshine it in excitement or specialty.

9. Tiger 1200 (GT Explorer & Rally Explorer)

The Tiger 1200 models are Triumph’s large adventure-tourers, directly aimed at taking on the BMW R1250GS. They use a 1,160cc inline-triple that now produces roughly 148 hp and 96 lb-ft. This is very strong for a large bike.

Triumph Tiger 1200

The Tigers carry a rich equipment list: Showa semi-active suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers, cornering ABS, ride modes, etc. Seat height is high (~835 mm to 845 mm), and fuel range is good with a 6-gallon tank. The handling is more sport-oriented than the GS, with sharper steering geometry.

A drawback is cost: the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer lists at $23,795 and the Rally Explorer at $24,895. That’s well above $20k for a middleweight ADV.

Overall, it’s an impressive machine – very fast in a straight line and packed with tech – but its heft and price make it a niche choice.

We rank it here because, despite its strength, the outlay is huge and it only slightly edges the R1250GS rather than fundamentally outclassing it. (Basically, you pay a premium for the Triumph’s triple character and kit.)

8. Speed Twin 1200

The Speed Twin 1200 is Triumph’s “neo-retro” naked roadster that combines classic styling with a modern twin engine.

Speed Twin 1200

The Speed Twin 1200 shares the 1200cc twin (in a more powerful state than the 900) and makes roughly 92–100 hp (dyno tests showed about 92 hp at the rear wheel) and about 78 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial step up from the 900cc Bonneville twins, giving the Speed Twin brisk acceleration.

The Speed Twin 1200 rides with a sporty yet comfortable attitude (upright bar, bit forward-set pegs) and has modern chassis bits (twin disc Brembo brakes).

On the downside, the newest Speed Twin loses some old-school appeal by ditching the dual round analog gauges: Triumph replaced the pair of clocks with one big TFT display, which some enthusiasts lament as a loss of vintage character.

In terms of value, the Speed Twin sits in the mid- to high-$10k range, making it pricier than some pure retro bikes. But its lovely engine feel and cool styling keep it higher than the cruder Bonneville models.

We’ve placed it above those older Bonnevilles because of its superior performance and muscular look, even though it’s still primarily a style-driven cruiser rather than an outright sportbike.

7. Speed Triple 1200 RS

The Speed Triple 1200 RS is Triumph’s flagship naked streetfighter – essentially a light superbike without a fairing.

Speed Triple 1200 RS

The Speed Triple 1200 RS with its 1,160cc triple is the most powerful inline-3 Triumph makes, cranking out about 177 hp and 92 lb-ft. This lets the RS blast to high revs (redline is 10,750 rpm) and deliver supercar-like acceleration.

The chassis is sporty (adjustable Öhlins suspension on the RS, Brembo brakes, aggressive ergonomics) for razor-sharp handling.

However, at a base MSRP around $18,900 (RS model), it’s very expensive for a naked bike, and still trails the latest V4 superbikes (e.g., Ducati Streetfighter V4’s ~205 hp) in outright power.

In other words, the Speed Triple is outstanding by Triumph standards but isn’t exotic compared to the latest superbike-derived racers.

We rank it here because it is indeed potent and fun ( “balanced performance”), but its high cost and stiff competition temper its appeal. It’s a “high-end” Triumph street bike – thrilling, but not by as wide a margin as the hype suggests.

6. Scrambler 1200 (X and XE)

The Scrambler 1200 X/XE are retro scrambler/adventure hybrids. They use a 1,200cc parallel twin (based on the Triumph sport-twin) tuned for an easy power delivery (89 hp).

Scrambler 1200

The XE model in particular has nearly 10 inches of suspension travel at each end, with a 19″ front wheel and long-travel Marzocchi forks. This gives it surprisingly serious off-road capability for a classic-looking bike.

With a seat height of 34.25″ and generous ground clearance, it can handle rough trails easily. I consider it one of the coolest modern scramblers, complete with retro details like brushed-aluminum fenders.

Despite its 503 lb weight, it can charge headlong through tough terrain, and it comes equipped with premium Brembo Stylema brakes and cornering ABS.

Many enthusiasts prefer its blend of old-school style and modern capability to something like the Ducati Desert Sled, which is smaller. It’s more off-road-focused than most modern classics.

The main downside is that its large size and price ($13–15k) may deter typical scrambler buyers.

Overall, the Scrambler 1200 is loved by many riders for its fun mix of style and function, so it ranks in the upper half of the list.

5. Trident 660 / Daytona 660

The Trident 660 and new Daytona 660 are middleweight roadsters/sportbikes that revive Triumph’s nameplate with a punchy 660cc triple.

Trident 660 and Daytona 660

The Trident 660 (naked) makes about 81 hp and 47 lb-ft. It’s remarkably affordable and compact: MSRP starts around $8,595, which is a lot of motorcycle for the money.

Riders praise its smooth three-cylinder engine (strong midrange) and flickable handling.

The Daytona 660 (fully-faired sportbike) uses the same block but with minor tweaks to hit about 94–95 hp and 51 lb-ft.

For example, Rider Magazine measured 95 hp @11,250 rpm on the Daytona 660’s dyno. Both bikes have modern chassis (upside-down fork, decent brakes) but no advanced trimmings like semi-active suspension.

In other words, they aren’t groundbreaking performers, but they deliver sporty performance on a budget. The triple cylinder makes them unique in a segment dominated by parallel twins.

We rank them mid-list because they offer excellent value and fun for entry-level and intermediate riders, even if the spec sheet isn’t head-turning. They’re essentially the entry/mid-market champions of the Triumph line.

4. Tiger Sport 660

The Tiger Sport 660 is the sport-touring variant built on the same 660cc triple as the Trident.

Tiger Sport 660

The Tiger Sport 660 produces about 79–81 hp and 47 lb-ft, giving it more punch than a Versys 650 or similar mid-size twin.

With an upright riding position, aluminum handlebars, and optional luggage, it’s intended as a do-it-all bike (commuting, highway touring, light backroads).

Like the Trident, the Tiger Sport 660 is well under $10k (~$9,695 base).

The Tiger 660 is very approachable and versatile, but also a little boring—it performs its duties capably but isn’t especially thrilling. I’d describe it as having a ‘dull’ character, not because it has any glaring weaknesses, but simply because there’s no wow factor

In short, the Tiger Sport 660 is a competent all-rounder: easy to ride and useful in many roles, but it lacks standout excitement.

We place it above the smaller Bonnevilles because it can handle longer trips and is more modern, but below the purely high-end models since its ride is relatively mild.

3. Speed 400 / Scrambler 400 (Entry Models)

Triumph’s all-new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X (built in partnership with Bajaj in India) are small-displacement entry-level bikes. They use a 398cc single-cylinder engine making about 39.5 hp and 27.7 lb-ft.

Speed 400 and Scrambler 400

The Speed 400 has a retro roadster look (like a shrunk-down Bonneville), while the Scrambler 400 X has a 19″ front wheel and a little extra suspension travel for light off-road use.

Both weigh under 375 lb wet and have low seat heights, making them very accessible.

Crucially, they are very affordable: the Speed 400 MSRP is only $4,995, and the Scrambler 400 X is $5,595. This pricing undercuts most competitors, and the attractive Triumph styling makes them stand out.

I find their power delivery very friendly, and their lightweight agility makes them easy to handle. These bikes sell well worldwide and fill an important niche for Triumph as beginner-friendly models.

They rank high because they hit the sweet spot of being easy to ride, well-designed, and inexpensive. They expand Triumph’s lineup into markets and new riders in a way no other model does, so even though they are small, they’re big in importance.

2. Tiger Sport 800 (Tiger 850 Sport)

The Tiger Sport 800 (often called the new Tiger 850 Sport) is a mid-size sport-touring/adventure bike introduced for 2025.

Tiger Sport 800

The Tiger Sport 800 borrows heavily from the Street Triple, using a bored-out 798cc triple that produces about 115 hp and 62 lb-ft. This provides a very lively powerband in the midrange.

The bike’s ergonomics are upright and comfortable, with a modest windscreen and upright bars, making it ideal for both daily riding and twisty roads. Suspension is fully adjustable (Showa), and braking is strong (good-enough Brembos).

Despite not having the absolute top-shelf components, I find the Tiger Sport 800 feels very balanced, with addictive acceleration, rock-solid handling, and confidence-inspiring brakes. It’s essentially a ‘Street Triple on stilts,’ offering that bike’s fun character but with more comfort and luggage capability.

With a price around $14–15k, it is less expensive than the premium top models and more approachable. Many consider it the best all-round Triumph: fast and agile enough to thrill on a canyon road, yet practical enough for everyday use.

In fact, some riders consider it the best Triumph motorcycle. Its combination of power, handling, and versatility is hard to beat, so it earns the #2 spot.

1. Street Triple 765 (R / RS)

Top of the list is the Triumph Street Triple 765 (R, RS and higher trims). This middling-sized naked sportbike is often hailed as the pinnacle of Triumph’s lineup.

street triple 765

The Triumph Street Triple 765 is powered by a 765cc inline-triple (derived from Triumph’s Moto2 racing engine) that now makes about 118 hp (R version) or 128 hp (RS version) and ~59 lb-ft of torque.

The result is explosive acceleration and extremely agile performance in a very manageable package.

The chassis is world-class: the frame is light, the suspension fully adjustable, and the braking is a high-end Brembo setup.

What really sets the Street Triple apart is its balance of everyday usability and sheer fun. At around $10,000 (for the R model), it delivers “undeniable value for a sporting naked streetbike,” says Cycle World.

It’s fast enough for track days yet comfortable for commuting, and always engaging thanks to the quick-revving engine and precise handling.

The Street Triple’s only real criticism is its fairly modest instrument cluster – some note the RS’s small 5″ TFT (and the base R’s simpler display) is adequate but not as cutting-edge as the bike’s overall performance. Even so, that is a minor point.

In short, the Street Triple 765 combines everything we love about Triumph: exotic triple sound, razor-sharp handling, high-end build, and everyday practicality.

It earns the top rank as the “pinnacle” of middleweight street bikes, delivering the most complete, thrilling ride in Triumph’s lineup.

Final Thoughts

Triumph has produced everything from forgettable cruisers to unforgettable sportbikes.

While some models like the Speed Triple and Thunderbird Storm stumble, icons like the Daytona 675 and Bonneville T120 prove why Triumph is one of the most respected names in the industry.

Whether you’re drawn to the rebellious Thruxton, the monstrous Rocket III, or the timeless Bonneville, Triumph offers motorcycles that combine history, character, and performance in ways few brands can match.

Stephen

Motorcycle mechanic, writer. Interested in motorcycle gear for years. Like to stay up to date with the newest products and techniques of the motorcycle.