Showing its stripes

Triumph’s Street Triple RS is a sweet machine to ride as we took it for a spin.

THE Triumph Street Triple RS 765cc has been receiving rave reviews and I want to know why. A glance at the machine does not see much change on the exterior of this bike, compared with its predecessor.

The new Triumph Street Triple family consists of the Street Triple S, R and RS. Each variant is different in terms of power, performance, technology and suspension.

The minute I sat on the Street Triple RS, it was déjà vu.

The bike reminded me of the previous Street Triple model which I personally felt was too hot to handle.

Sitting position on this midweight bike is less aggressive compared with other naked bikes; thus it is very comfortable for a person like me who is six feet tall.

The saddle is firm and comfy; making it ideal for any long journey.

However, there is not much space for the pillion rider.

The design of the instrument panel on the bike is simple but the information displayed is comprehensive.

The 5-inch LCD instrument panel on the RS model is simply stunning, and this replaces the analogue dials.

Data shown on this display are riding modes, odometer, trip meter, ambient temperature, fuel gauge, fuel range, gear position, engine mode and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

It’s easy to use and to ensure that the screen is readable in all weather and lighting conditions, the LCD automatically adjusts its back-lighting.

The minute I thumbed the starter and got the bike to life, I only needed open the throttle a little to get the bike moving.

Usually a torquey bike of this sort will jerk in this instance, but not this Street Triple RS.

On the Sungai Besi highway, I was clocking the legal speed limit; but I must say the bike was begging me to push it harder as it is really powerful.

I was very tempted to push the tachometer needle into the red line but resisted.

But being a responsible rider, with a heavy heart, I decided not to turn the public road into a race track.

The machine is at its best when its engine reaches 7,500rpm.

There is an abundance of power on this mid-weight machine that got me wondering, how the bike will perform if I twist the throttle right to the end.

I guess the answer is obvious. It’s like sitting on a fully loaded missile tearing through the roads of Kuala Lumpur.

The RS is fitted with five riding modes - Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and Rider.

I could control the throttle response and manage the ABS and traction control according to my needs, and had lots of fun testing the riding modes on the endless twisties and corners of Kuala Klawang, followed by the Karak Highway.

In Kuala Klawang; I experienced heavy rain, and I turned on the Rain mode which helped to keep the bike planted on the winding roads.

I was clocking 100kph at a few wide corners and the bike was able to hold the line well.

There were no unwanted skids and the sensation while riding under wet conditions, was simply awesome.

Even with the heavy downpour, the RS was able to glide through different corners without any drama at all.

The light feel and the nimbleness of the RS made the bike very suitable in such a difficult environment.

Being in its element, my job was only to countersteer the bike to the left and right; the rest was handled by the bike. The wide handlebar made it much easier to control and manoeuvre the bike.

The technical corners and the hairpins were no match for this machine.

This would not be possible, without the Ohlins rear shock and Showa front forks working in perfect harmony with the RS’ chassis.

Meanwhile on the Karak Highway, I got the Road mode on and the bike performed flawlessly.

The light clutch and smooth gearing, be it gearing up or down, definitely deserves two thumbs up.

The bike was planted as a rock when I encountered strong crosswinds. On the few occasions when huge trucks overtook me at high speeds, the RS was not affected at all.

The sturdy chassis kept the bike straight all the time without any wobble.

The brakes have enough stopping power to bring this “road missile” to an instant stop.

However, the bite of the front brake bite is more aggressive compared to the rear brake’s.

Thus, it is very important to any new owner to understand the characteristics of the RS’ braking system.

This is not a major concern, once you get the hang of it.

The Street Triple RS is an explosive, exhilarating, agile and intuitive performance street motorcycle that guarantees 110% satisfaction.

Its athletic ability, be it on the street or track, is simply wicked.

Suit up and give the RS a try.