WORD ON THE STREET
One of the world’s favourite naked roadsters, the Triumph Street Triple, arrives in its next-generation avatar with more cee-cees, more power and a lot more attitude
IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS SINCE TRIUMPH Motorcycles decided to make a leaner streetfighting version of their celebrated Daytona supersport racer. The first-generation model won hearts and showroom battles and the next one made its way into more global markets and even more hearts. This, then, is the thirdgeneration model, and it aims to be even better.
The first priority was sharper performance from a lightweight build. And they’ve done well. There are 80 new parts in total, including a new bore and stroke. The new three-cylinder engine is now 90-cc larger at 765 cc. It packs a new crankshaft, new pistons, new connecting rods and a balancer shaft, with Nikasil-plated aluminium cylinder walls. It runs a 12.65:1 compression ratio. A new slip-and-assist clutch takes charge of delivering the power to the gearbox, which gets revised first- and second gear ratios for improved acceleration. There is a choice of exhaust finishes, both of which aim to improve the soundtrack. There’s also a new airbox for improved flow, not to mention it also saves 1.7 kg in weight.
The 2017 Street Triple is available in a choice of three flavours, each with a unique character as well as setup and power output. The Street Triple S is the first of the lot with a focus on being the perfect all-rounder for everyday use. The triple produces 113 PS at 11,250 rpm with 73 Nm of torque at 9,100 rpm here. The next is the Street Triple R, which is a fine blend of power and performance, an essential road-focused streetfighter. In here, the triple delivers 118 PS at 12,000 rpm with 77 Nm of torque at 9,400 rpm. Finally, there’s the Street Triple RS, which is a potent track-tool just as much as a road-legal streetfighter. It packs the most power at 123 PS, coming in at 11,700 rpm, with the same 77 Nm of peak torque arriving higher at 10,800 rpm.
The list of features begins with ride-by-wire throttle with five riding modes, ABS, switchable traction control and a revitalised onboard computer on the S, with the R also inheriting those features but with switchable ABS and switch-cubes with a five-way joystick. The headlamps get an LED daytime light signature and the instrumentation is a five-inch full-colour TFT unit. The RS, meanwhile, also adds a quick-shifter and a lap timer.