Street Triple 2007: Still a Triumph for road riding

This is the first time in three years writing this column I have seen a Street Triple at my local Triumph dealer... and not found it was sold before I got there!

The Street Triple arrived in 2007, spawned from the 675 Daytona less fairing and with bars rather than clipons, and it has been a sales success ever since (I was told it is the best- selling new bike in the range and used examples rarely hang around). What makes it so special? I took out a 2012 model – the last one with underslung exhausts – with some desirable mods.

Give me some spec

A 675cc four-stroke, three-cylinder engine puts out 78kW/108hp @ 11,850rpm with 68Nm/50lb-ft torque @ 9750rpm, lives in an aluminium twin-spar beam frame. Slowing the svelte (167kg dry/187kg wet) package’s top speed of 139mph are two 308mm discs with Nissin sliding callipers up front with a 220mm disc with one piston calliper at the back.

So what’s it like to ride?

Narrow, it allows riders who might normally struggle with an 800mm/31.5in seat height to get their feet down easily, but taller riders will be fine with the upright sitting position (this bike is fitted with bar risers, a common modification). Pegs are set back slightly from centre, but it isn’t cramped at all. The 675cc triple will give whatever you ask of it. Feeding the power gently, it sat up and took me down the road with no fuss, no bother and no vibrations. In traffic, the riding position and excellent balance made for relaxed trundling. Once clear, controlled opening of the throttle sees power build steadily. Crack it open and be rewarded with an exhilarating induction roar as the ’Trip charges forward.

The jewel in this bike’s crown is the handling, cornering any way you want: hang off, keeping it upright to drive round? We do that sir, glued to the floor. Want to get it leaning? With masses of ground clearance and great poise, it leans and leans. Look where you want to go and it takes you there. Talented riders on a Street Triple would embarrass full-blown sportsbike riders on track days, with the ’Trip roasting them in the corners.

How about longer rides?

No worries. Photos aside, I spent hours in the saddle and got off feeling fresh as a daisy.

Of course, you have to slow down sometime. Piles of control, loads of feel. Can I have the ’Trip’s brakes on my bike please?

Downsides?

I did have trouble locating neutral a few times. And those micro-mirrors? Ugh. They might look cool, but for me didn’t fulfil their prime function.

What nick is it in?

It was clearly loved by its previous owner. Aside from the mods (most of which are useful...), they kept it clean and cared for, with nothing worth mentioning.

What’s it worth?

The dealer is asking £5250 for a 2012 model with 4499 miles logged. My dealer search showed there are a fair few about, with prices ranging from £3299 for a 2010 bike with 38,274 miles under it’s belt to a 2016 model with 608 miles recorded for £7500.