Test Ride, Blog, review & Pictures
Triumph updated the Street Triple for 2020 and it's now the best it's ever been!This R version sits in the middle between the standard and the more track focused RS. So in addition to the stock riding modes, there's now a fully customisable Rider mode, use it to set up your preferred traction control and power level, as well as an up-down quickshifter.
A set of new modern and aggressive looking headlights, side panels and one of the best looking tails I've ever seen!
The revised Inline-Triple engine now feels more responsive even though it makes the same power at 116 bhp and 77 nm of torque.
The suspension is now Showa and fully adjustable front and back. While the brakes are Brembo's M4.32 monobloc four-pot and they are phenomenal!
The only real downgrade from the previous R model is the dash. Now it's part-analogue, part black-and-white LCD instruments. Although it looks a bit dated in 2021 it's perfectly adequate and switching between modes is intuitive and quick. It certainly isn't a deal breaker for me or most.
Now considering the Street Triple R is a naked machine I was surprised about the overall comfort and wind protection. The little flyscreen does its job pretty well actually. The stock seat is wide and fairly padded, while the controls set-up is sporty, the handlebars are in a neutral but dynamic position. A very well thought through riding stance to please both active and passive riders.
The same could be said about the suspension set-up. It's very plush over bumps but so composed and direct while cornering.
I must admit: I'm not the most spirited rider; but you know what? I rode this Street Triple R harder than I thought I was going to. This is thanks to the level of confidence this bike inspires. It's almost like it wants you to push yourself and your limits at times. The front dives a little too much when braking hard, but again that doesn't intimidate. Dive into a tight corner a little too aggressively and it magically just follows the line with little effort.
But don't get it twisted, if you give it full throttle the traction control cuts most of the spinning but the front-end will come up!
I wouldn't recommend it to new riders, although if kept in Rain mode the power cuts down to 98 bhp and it feels very smooth.
But when I made use of the top end (since it red lines at 12,000 rpm) it's nothing short of exhilarating! Especially thanks to its deep triple soundtrack from the stock exhaust!!
The Triumph Street Triple R is one of my favourite naked bikes of this year and I highly recommend you come check it out. Now available at Bolton Motorcycles for only £8,495.00.
Gianluigi Mango
GM MOTO
