Triumph Street Triple RS Review (2020)

Originally published: 9^th October 2019. Updated 22^nd February 2023 with owner reviews and Michael’s UK roads review.

Inevitable changes were required for the latest generation of Triumph’s Street Triple range in order to comply with the Euro 5 emissions regulations that are coming our way at the end of this calendar year.

Can you believe we're already three years down the road since the awesome 765cc three-cylinder mid-capacity naked arrived with its hoopla of so-called game changing proficiency? And what a sublime sensory sensation it turned out to be with a smart combination of power, comfort, agility, sound and gadgets.

Triumph has since taken the opportunity with the 2020 variation to tweak the styling and tech as well as the engine. Cleaner emissions without losing power has got motorcycle engineers the world-over earning their crust and while Triumph has initially unveiled just the updated RS model from their 2017 range of three (S, R and RS), the men from Hinckley have not discounted any more to follow.

However, the press riding launch took place in Southern Spain with a chance to ride the revised three-cylinder howler on both road and track, and we were firmly focused on the new RS.

2020 Street Triple RS Price

Here’s a bit of good news, the Hinckley folk haven’t added a bean to the existing price tag of the 2017 model, meaning that the 2020 version complete with new goodies will cost £10,300 when it hits UK dealerships in November. Bear in mind that is only a £400 increase since the 2017 model was introduced. The only addition on the test bikes were heated grips just in case of a little early morning chill on the press ride and even though these are after-market, they still look integrated within the handlebar layout.

Just two colour schemes are on offer; Matt Jet Black (with aluminium silver and yellow decals) or Silver Ice (with aluminium silver and Diablo red decals).

Engine, gearbox and exhaust

Working nine to five doesn’t cut it when it comes to complying with European legislation in the form of emissions regulations, and the Triumph team haven’t been resting on their laurels since the outline of Euro 5 was presented. A nip and a tuck was not going to cut the mustard so an overhaul in the engine with a new exhaust cam and intake duct plus reengineering on the crank shaft, clutch and balancer have all created a beautifully refined motor with more oomph in the mid-range. It’s one of those engines with its own character that if you got on blindfolded it’d be recognisable. Of course, the aural pleasure from the yowly howl of the triple from its low underslung exhaust is both recognisable and joyful in equal measure.

The outgoing ‘R’ model was the bike of choice for many from the three-part range. Its alternative engine characteristics to the RS concentrated on mid-range torque and throttle response as opposed to focusing on the power and track-related performance of the top-spec model. So, for 2020, Triumph retuned the engine to achieve the top end power but also to give it the mid-range torque too, combining the strengths of the outgoing R and RS models. The start point for which was a free-er flowing exhaust system to get to the Euro 5 emission standards, not that the outgoing model was particularly ‘dirty’. All engines will require catalysts and Triumph has engineered the exhaust to include a second catalyst (as opposed to increasing the density of core on the original) for more flow and allowing them to go further with the tune of the mid-range.

The compact and narrow engine has been developed by the same team who have created the same 765cc triple as used by the entire Moto2 World Championship grid, as well as the new Daytona 765, meaning that over the last couple of years the team has been able to look at how the motor responds to different levels of tune. So, you can thank the likes of Alex Marquez and Sam Lowes for the quality of performance from the new Street Triple RS. Seriously, the data provided at each race meeting and test session is analysed by Triumph engineers and the results affect the road-going version of the same base engine.

The 765cc motor loves a rev or two but you don’t need to rip the throttle back to get from A to B, it covers the ground rapidly. It spins up through the revs quickly, sometimes too quickly and the embarrassment of the rev limiter can be found but I blame the lack of a traditional rev counter on any of the four options of display for that. The new digital version doesn’t give you a sense of where the red line is. It’s the only bit missing from an otherwise excellent TFT screen that puts it miles ahead of any rival, and on a par with the very best in motorcycling, that of the BMW S1000RR.

The bike may be the lightest in its class but it’s the engine that is its signature making the Triumph user friendly and easy to ride at low speed with a divine throttle connection and fuelling. While there’s plenty of pull to get juices flowing and adrenaline pumping from 4000rpm onwards. It’s more than capable of big speeds too; on track at Cartagena and the digital dash read 210kph (c.130mph) at the end of the long start/finish straight and that was only in 5^th gear. There was more to come.

Worthy of note too is the upgrade to the ‘Gear Assist’ system, or ‘quickshifter’ to you and I. It’s now fitted as standard, operating both up and down the ‘box and it’s a fancy system – smooth as you like with no change in pitch of the bike when up or down shifting and not one missed gear throughout the 70km road ride or three track sessions.

Power and torque

With those engine amends, over 4000rpm is where there’s more power and more torque; while peak power of 121bhp at 11,750rpm is up by an unnoticeable fraction, it’s the 9% extra boom in the mid-range, c.8000rpm that’s where the changes can be enjoyed. Meanwhile, an extra 2Nm of torque, up from 77 to 79, is reached 1650rpm lower than before at 9350rpm and that of course helps with the thrust out of a corner with an accompanying big handful of throttle.

2020 Street Triple RS Economy

Claimed figures of an economy in excess of 54mpg will be accurate, because manufacturers can’t just make it up, though on the enthusiastic road ride section of the press launch, my figures were closer to 45mpg which, considering the type of on/off throttle and thorough testing that was going on, still isn’t complainable. The 54mpg figure is down on the 2017 model by 6mpg and in all likelihood can be blamed on the Euro 5 and the subsequent engine/exhaust amends.

Handling, suspension, chassis and weight

Beautifully sprung Showa forks and Ohlins shock with just the right amount of damping (for my 6ft, 14st frame) means sashaying around the Southern Spanish curvy mountain roads is both swift and rewarding. The Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyres are an excellent OE choice, as they were on the 2017 bike, and compliment the sporty nature of the RS. And they needed to be with double TT winner Gary Johnson at the head of our group on the road section of the press launch. Progress was certainly being made and the bike more than stood up to the pace. That said, British roads in winter – or frankly anytime there’s a downpour – will require a little more wet weather performance than the Supercorsa’s.

The Street Triple is at home on both road and track thanks to its unchanged chassis and top end components all assisting in the supple handling and quick steering. Keeping a predictable line around the constant radius second and third gear corners on track, and having faith in the rubber and suspension conveys masses of conviction while the Showa BPF forks and Ohlins STX40 shock combo soaks up most of the Cartagena bumps with impressive assurance.

An 825mm seat height is just right for me, allowing for a comfortable reach to the high and wide handlebars, whereas the footpeg position has the ideal compromised location allowing for leg comfort while not scratching the tarmac at a decent amount of lean angle. 

Weight hasn’t changed either – 166kg when dry (Triumph doesn’t tend to offer wet weight) is the same now as it was on the outgoing RS despite the catalyst addition. That has been off-set by reducing weight within the engine.

2020 Street Triple RS Brakes

Euro 5 means mandatory abs which is of course considered a safety feature and only those giving it some serious beans on track may notice a little interference. Road ABS and Track ABS have alternative parameters but even the Track ABS must be road legal according to the rules.

The Street Triple RS comes equipped with the same twin 310mm floating discs with Brembo M50-4 piston radial Monobloc callipers on the front and a 220mm single disc on the rear as the 2017 model, and they performed perfectly offering a firm initial bite with smooth lever application, assisted by a uniform amount of engine braking all the way.

Styling

Triumph took the opportunity while upgrading the engine and electronic components to also update the styling. An all-LED twin headlight set-up comes with DRL lights, as is the signature look of a naked Triumph of which some are fans of the distinctive appearance, others see a frown or a set of bug-eyes. The back end has completely changed, the side panels around the radiator too (which remind me of a set of 1980’s shoulder pads) and they do a cracking job of weather protection in combination with the sculpted fuel tank with space to tuck your knees in.

Some social media commentators have been quick to knock the ‘plain jane’ styling and the same colour scheme as before but Triumph has tellingly put plenty of effort into the flowing lines from side panels to the fuel tank shape and back to the even more sporty looking tail unit. The shape and size of the machine and its seat unit especially allow for a comfortable riding position and easy access to the mass of handlebar-mounted buttons which are all very well if you’re familiar with Triumph’s of the last three years but will take a little getting used to for the newcomer to the marque’s most recent motorbikes.

Rider aids and extra equipment / accessories

Of the five Riding Modes, ‘Rain’ is the only one that restricts power, taking it down to 98.6bhp. The others – Road, Sport, Track and the bespoke ‘Rider’ mode can be adjusted to suit the chap or chapess in the saddle. Each mode adjusts throttle response, ABS and TC settings.

Traction control can be switched off which I found increases the mid-range poke even more on track. There’s no restriction or intervention although a little more caution with the right wrist is advised. The modes have their own switchgear button and can be changed on the fly, although not into Track mode unless stationary – and then if Track mode is selected and the ignition is switched off, it’ll reset back to Sport or Road. 

Never seen before on a bike scrolling LED indicators are among the 60+ official accessories as is a fly screen visor, machined mirrors and a host of luggage options. Plus, a Bluetooth module allowing for phone, music, sat nav or GoPro operation.

Rivals

There’s plenty of feisty middleweight naked competitors sniffing around the Triumph cage with variations in performance, comfort, style, equipment and price but here’s our pick for the three main players; a twin, another triple and a four-cylinder: 

It’s easy to compare price and performance and draw conclusions but do consider the specification, electronics and top brand components, and if you can test them back-to-back that’ll offer the most obvious way of comparing how they ride and how they suit you.

2020 Street Triple RS verdict

A glorious masterpiece from Triumph. Not only has it faced up to the Euro 5 emission regulations like a boxing competitors at a weigh-in, the firm has delivered a knock-out blow by making an already excellent middleweight roadster even better. The boosted mid-range, slick gearbox, classy electronics and dashboard mixed with some top spec components have resulted in a comprehensive and versatile machine.

Yes, I would prefer some neater cabling and perhaps a more traditional rev counter but those elements shouldn’t deter any rider from enjoying the highly effective and stand-out chassis and engine.

Three Four things I loved about the 2020 Street Triple RS …

• Magnificent engine versatility and sound
• Crisp gearbox and quickshift combo
• High spec components inc. Pirelli, Brembo, Ohlins
• Quick steering and adaptable chassis

   

Three things that I didn’t…

• Only two fairly uninspiring colours
• Array of leads, cables and wires across the handlebars and dash
• They’d sell by the bucket load if the price started with a 9

UK ROAD TEST (Jan 2023)

It’s been more than three years since I last rode the 2020-spec Street Triple RS, and I hadn’t realised how much I’d missed it. That was at the above press launch with 50% road and 50% track at Cartegena in Spain, so I’d also not ridden the bike in the UK, and the so-called ‘real world’.

Its stature doesn’t exude intimidation, yet what lies beneath holds enough purpose, poise, precision and plumes of power to get every nerve peaking. Needless to say, I was uber keen to introduce it to the back roads of Northern Cambridgeshire. Mother Nature had other ideas in the shape of -5 degrees Celsius.

One week later and an increase in the temperature by 10 degrees felt tropical so off for a 150-mile motorway-biased blast with Rain mode engaged due to the unnatural conditions a set of Pirelli Supercorsa had to endure.

Power is culled but also, seemingly, is the ‘quick’ part of quickshifter. The change felt clunky, stunted and with too much ignition cut – this wasn’t how I remembered the lightweight supersport hunter. Then again, it was the middle of January and the grimy state of the A14 wasn’t exactly Spanish circuit smooth, dry, or grippy.

What I did recall is the very natural riding position which didn’t overload the wrists and shoulders considering it’s sporty nature. The triple engine is narrow allowing a convenient knee position too – and even with a tank bag positioned on the pillion seat, the shape and width of the saddle allows for easy access.

Let’s fast-forward to several days later when the nasty salt had been washed away. The tyres were never going to be pushed yet the Street Triple’s other main modes were engaged: first Road, followed by Sport. At 6ft tall, this streamlined, diet-friendly middleweight (the bike, not me, obvs!) has an ideal riding position for me. The pegs are high enough to offer plenty of ground clearance but don’t provoke leg-stretching, while the handlebar width and distance away from me offer a natural upright position when required, but allow me to get all ‘Hicky’ when I feel like it on the A and B-roads.

The highlight of the machine is its rideability – a mixture of its light weight, speed of turn and the aural combination of three-cylinder pitch, induction sucking, and exhaust rasp that match the speed of the bike as the continual swathe of power keeps your eyes peeled and sharply focused. Mid-range performance is really tasty, as is the front-end feel and clinically accurate fuelling/throttle feel.

Standard suspension setting is a little firm and fast on the rebound over the bumpiest of Fenland back roads which, for the gentlemen riders, can get you wincing. Getting reacquainted with the multiple display options on the TFT may take some time for a new owner… if you can see it through the cables that block your view.

The price is now £10,995 vs. the £11,295 for the 2023 Triumph Street Triple RS with upgrades including a more powerful engine, new chassis settings, electronics and styling updates, which focuses it as a serious rival to the likes of the KTM 890 Duke R, Kawasaki Z900 RS, Yamaha MT-09 and, of course, Ducati’s Monster. On paper, it seems the 2023 machine is worth every one of those extra £300.

Jared from Ayrshire

Model: Street Triple RS, 2020 (owner from new)

Riding for: 38 years

Any modifications? Screen, radiator guard, tail tidy, scrolling indicators, paddock stand bobbins, heated grips, Kriega luggage straps, bluetooth module, Optimate plug

Annual mileage: 1,000 miles

The Triumph Street Triple 765RS is as close to perfection as you can get in a middleweight bike. The engine is ridiculously good, and the bike is so light and useable that it makes the engine seem even better. The build quality is inarguably good and the sheer amount of top-notch parts fitted as standard means that there's very little you need to do to make it better. As I get older, the riding position suits me better than a sports bike would, and for such a tiny and agile performance bike, it's remarkably well behaved and comfortable. It's a gentleman's hooligan bike at heart. I bought mine brand new and have enjoyed every hour I've spent with it.

Tim from Derbyshire

Model: Street Triple RS, 2021 (owner from new)

Riding for: 40 years

Any modifications? Scorpion titanium red power exhaust, Evotech tail tidy, Monimoto tracker

Annual mileage: 3,500 miles

I can’t honestly find anything bad to say about my bike, I previously owned the original 675 Street Triple R in 2009 and I have to admit I regret to this day trading it in, swapped it for a Suzuki GSX-R600, kept that for two years then bought a KTM 790 duke, I was contemplating the updated MT-09 but never tried one, always going to be a Triumph. OK there’s not the advanced electronics, but I’ve been riding for 40 years and managed fine, can’t fault the suspension and brakes and the MPG is brilliant avg 50 mpg, my dealer is Pidcock Triumph, Long Eaton and the customer care, service and back up is fantastic. I can’t think of anything I could replace it with at the moment, bloody love it!

Darren from Buxton

Model: Street Triple RS, 2021 (owner from new)

Riding for: 40 years on and off

Any modifications? Delkevic exhaust, Evotech tail tidy, Rad guard, crash protection, Triumph screen

Annual mileage: 3,000 miles

Had an MT09SP before this and like to change every 3yrs. Looked at new 09SP, Tuono 660 and the KTM 790 Duke, The RS wasn’t on my list. Tested the SP but the build quality was awful, had a test booked for the Aprilia but it was “unavailable” on the day. Called in at Triumph on the way home and saw the RS. Fell in love with the looks and the build quality there and then and booked a test ride for the next day. The RS doesn’t have as much torque as my previous bike but revs a lot higher, you have to be more engaged in the ride than simply twisting the throttle and hold on. The RS is light and nimble in the bends, but happy cruising down the motorway. It’s the first bike I’ve ridden 300+ miles in a day and not felt like I’ve been hit by a bus! Even on factory set suspension, you get plenty of feedback, I’ve not had mine professionally set, but those who have claim it’s even better. The Brembo brakes are just stunning, never had anything like them before. The ABS and TCS can be a little too sensitive kicking in when all’s normal.

Antony from Suffolk

Model: Street Triple RS, 2021

Riding for: 24 years

Any modifications? Screen and race can

Annual mileage: 4,000 miles

This bike gives you so much confidence and flatters my riding. It’s reasonably comfortable, a great chassis and that induction roar on full throttle is sublime. Electronics are good but need a bit of fiddling so they aren’t too intrusive. The dashboard is nice but isn’t overly clear all the time, you can’t see all the info you want at a glance could really do with an update to help with this. Build quality seems good so far and have had no problems yet.

2020 Street Triple RS - Technical Specification

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