Triumph Street Triple 765 RS motorcycle test

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The "Moto2" roadster

3-cylinder engine, 765 cc, 123 HP, 79 Nm, 166 kg dry, € 11,900

Since its release in 2007, the Street Triple has been a real commercial success having signed the rebirth of the 3 cylinder with the general public. Today we are facing the 4th generation of the Triumph roadster through an RS version, the most upscale, now compliant with the Euro5 standard..

Offered from € 11,900, this spearhead of the brand has benefited from the latest advances, to the detriment for the moment of other Street in the catalog. It must be said that we get lost in all these versions of Triple. An R, an S and even a 660 for A2 licenses. Triumph simplifies and guides the choice: the one that sells the best in France, this is the one, the one that works the best, it is this one too, therefore, it is she who will have pieces of Moto2 in it , with genes of Daytona 765. Finally a team of Moto2 which looks at its case at least. Explanations.

Test of the Triumph Street Triple 765 RSTest of the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

Discovery

First of all, let’s come back to the aesthetics of the bike, which is changing significantly despite appearances. The front optic benefits from a facelift making it squinting the optics, while the daytime running lights now bars the "eyes" of the Triple. However, we can keep classic lighting on a single lamp, the daytime lighting becoming less powerful. The cap surmounting it does not change too much shape, while we note a modification of the radiator scoops, with a metallic touch and a sharper design. The rear hull also benefits from a lightening, through an opening of the most convincing.

The new LED headlights of the Street Triple RSThe new LED headlights of the Street Triple RS

Level suspensions, it’s all good and high-end, even if all the elements do not draw from the same brand. The front is thus entrusted to an inverted fork with large pistons (BPF) signed Showa, while the rear returns to the much appreciated Ohlins, through its STX40 mono shock absorber. This brand pleases and reassures, by its sporting sounds and its very positive image. The settings in all directions are of course there, just as it will be possible to choose the level of braking that you want to have.

The Showa inverted fork adjustmentThe Showa inverted fork adjustment

Through the radial master cylinder MCS 19.21 (Multiple Click System), we opt for a variable center distance playing on the braking pressure and the hardness of the sensation in the lever, while the lever distance is always available separately. Be careful, however, the little fingers will have to stretch out, even the lever set on the mini. A very beautiful object that said, signed Brembo. A reference that can also be found a little lower at the fork base, with its monobloc 4-piston M50 radial caliper, a reference in the sporting world. Finally, the TFT instrumentation has benefited from new designs and display modes, even more sporty.

Street Triple RS CommodosStreet Triple RS Commodos

What mainly changes this year is the engine. If it retains the same power and the same torque in absolute terms (123 CV – 79 Nm), they are revised upwards at intermediate speeds. More precisely around 9,500 rpm for torque and 7,500 rpm for power. The gain is thus quantified at + 9%. So 9%, that may seem vague, but to obtain this result, it was necessary to benefit from the experience of Moto2, Triumph being the exclusive engine manufacturer of the category in motorcycle Grand Prix..

The Triumph Street Triple 765 RSThe Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

Rarely have we been able to benefit so quickly and so directly from developments linked to the competition. And that’s good ! Despite the adoption of a second catalyst in the new exhaust, the new block has lost weight and complexity, also lost rotational inertia (better engine response) and won its pass for Euro5, the next evolution of the antipollution standard, wanted of the most castrating and still rare on motorcycles, the manufacturers still benefiting from a little delay to pass Euro5.

Three-cylinder engine is ready for Euro5The three-cylinder engine is ready for Euro5

In this regard and in the event that the pollution tax currently under discussion should fall on the corner of the helmet, the CO2 emission rate is set at 119 g / km for the new Street RS. In addition to this work, the first and second gears have been shortened. It is above all the appearance of a new generation up & down shifter that marks the spirits: it is claimed to be effective in all types of use and no longer only on the track.

The silencer of the Triumph Street Triple 765 RSThe silencer of the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

So many adjustments for this new vintage of the Street Triple 765 RS. All that remains is to gauge and judge the developments.

In the saddle

The wide handlebars tilt the bust forward and spread the arms. Placed at 825 mm high, the seat remains pleasant and accessible thanks to the narrow shape of the saddle in its front part. Although we were unable to test the passenger seat because of the original seat cowl that was fitted and fitted for the occasion, particularly for the track test, the comfort is correct. That being said, we moved around quite a bit on this test and mostly stopped a lot. In 45 minutes of winding road, RAS that said. And at the end of the track sessions, nothing more: the saddle cover is pleasant and non-slippery, which avoids being unintentionally stuck in the backrest..

Wide handlebars ensure a forward positionWide handlebars ensure a forward position

The view to the front is very clear and reveals the variable tilt instrumentation low in the field of view. We will take the time to play with the commodos in order to put the bike to its liking. We polish the four-directional joystick, we tickle the "m" button to choose one of the 5 behavior modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Track and User), we enter the menus to choose one of the 4 display modes, we check the setting of the ABS (non-disconnectable), the traction control (can be deactivated) and that of the engine response (Road or Sport) and you’re done. Finally done. Lastly, the engine modes can be activated while driving and without turning off the throttle. By the way, if we were to take a motorway ride ?

The very complete instrumentation of the Street Triple 765 RSThe very complete instrumentation of the Street Triple 765 RS

Highway

Like any self-respecting roadster, especially as thin as the Street Triple RS 765, we can’t really talk about protection, especially in terms of the legs. On the other hand, the headlight cap allows you to go at 130 without tearing your shoulders or your head, which is all the more appreciable when you are moving around 6500 rpm. An estimated speed, for what we have never managed to read on a tachometer definitely dedicated to glasses wearers up close. Micro indications, indicative bargraph, but just visual … It would have been nice to be able to take advantage of the digital display of the tachometer offered by display mode 4 and the selection of information, if a bug (that the ‘we were told can be corrected by an update) did not disturb the management of engine modes and navigation. At stabilized speed, we take advantage of the purring of the engine, soft and controlled vibrations, while regretting not to see anything clear in the mirrors..

The 3-cylinder ensures good pick-ups regardless of speedThe 3-cylinder ensures good pick-ups regardless of speed

Freeway pickups are excellent at any speed. The engine is indeed very well filled and a 3 cylinder, it has the response.

Departmental

Attention, the Street Triple RS 765 is formidable on the secondary network. On the one hand, you can make full use of the engine range that breaks down at over 12,000 rpm. Then, the suspensions provide an excellent link with the road, proving to be a little firm, but still soft on the attack and above all free of rebound. The responsiveness of the BPF fork, which is faster in the hydraulic transition phases and separates the functions, smoothes out the contours and stabilizes the front as only this technology can do, while the rear mono shock absorber maintains an impeccable attitude. It’s clean, just like the trajectory that you print effortlessly on the handlebars.

The suspensions are a little firm, but effectiveThe suspensions are a little firm, but effective

The Street Triple 765 RS hugs the body, and you don’t hesitate to stick your knee (and buttock) out into a corner. Walking on the road is made possible and reassuring by the quality of the elements. ABS braking is also excellent, although too easily triggered at the rear when using the pedal only. Be careful, it rolls hard! Fortunately, the front end is also capable and considerate, despite the impressive power at first glance. Once again, the engine flexibility works wonders, whatever the gear. On the other hand, we note a small fluctuation in the times around 8,000 rpm. Mainly on the latest reports.

Here again, the engine is very flexible and linearHere again, the engine is very flexible and linear

Extremely efficient, the "triple" block can even seem a little too soft at times, before we understand that it is both under the control of a well calibrated electronics and a distribution of. its linear power, focusing on efficiency rather than demonstration. The Street RS is a considerate motorcycle, let’s face it. Evidenced by its engine brake, very pleasant and present just enough so you don’t always have to use the Brembo set..

The addition of the shifter is a plusThe addition of the shifter is a plus

Lauded by Triumph, the “civil and civilized” up & down shifter finds a good application here. Once the ankle is found, it downshifts quickly and appropriately, if the engine speed is right. The box is quite soft and locks well. Only the rear brake did not quite convince us on the road, with its lack of bite and its tendency to trigger ABS (in line). A phenomenon also observed in the city.

In the city

With its sporty cycle part, the Street Triple isn’t at the party when it comes to turning around in a pocket square. The 23.9 ° turning radius needs a little room, especially to get around town. That said, the balance of the masses, the very lightness of the bike and the smooth engine are valuable assets in built-up areas..

The 6 reaches its limit under 45 km / h, but the 3 legs prefer more dynamic use, one or two gears below to be comfortable.

The Triumph is very manoeuvrable at low speedThe Triumph is very manoeuvrable at low speed

The rear-view mirrors at the end of the handlebars and the wide handlebars can penalize the back-up line at a good pace. At low speed, no problem to steer without even having to put your foot on the ground: the triple watch once again on the grain. Smooth, supple, strong without being too nervous, the reaction of the injection and the ride by wire is flexible in all circumstances and in all modes of behavior, far from the artificial aggressiveness seen elsewhere on competing models. No need to shake to give you sensations !

Flexibility is an added advantage in urban areasFlexibility is an added advantage in urban areas

As proof, the rain mode seemed to us an excellent ally without sacrificing anything to the general comfort. If it clamps the engine to 100 HP and reduces its reactions while increasing the sensitivity of the traction control, it is on the other hand very pleasant to ride cool, while reserving good surprises in the dry.

Less aggressive than some competitors, the Street focuses on efficiencyLess aggressive than some competitors, the Street focuses on efficiency

For the most connected among us, Triumph automatically integrates the Bluetooth connection of the on-board instrumentation with your smartphone. Enough to transform the meter into a multimedia station and a GPS and operate your phone (music and call) from shortcuts to the control unit … thanks to the My Triumph application available on the Apple and Google application stores.

On track

It makes you wonder if Triumph got the wrong name when putting this Street on the market, so much like a Daytona. Narrow, rigorous, easy, light, it lacks nothing to go for a lap on the track, not even the tires! Originally powered by Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, it is a good fit for the circuit. Best of all, it helps improve your lap significantly as you become aware of your real abilities. Largely underused on the road, it shows here an impressive cornering speed for a roadster, albeit a sporty one, while only the lugs on the footrests limit an already substantial angle..

On the track, the roadster reveals a new facet of its personality, more swiftOn the track, the roadster reveals a new facet of its personality, more swift

Freed from its road obstacles (speed limit signs), the engine takes its maximum revs with gusto and shows a good extension from third gear, while the 1 and 2 act as launchers and reel quickly . It is easy to switch to 3 where you imagined the necessary 2, on the fly, while once again benefiting from the availability of the engine and its omnipresent strength. To the point of coming in very hard in super tight sections and correcting a theoretically doomed shot in the sandbox with a "spot on", as you resume your trajectory with a shot from M50. The brakes do not lock in any way at the front, while the chassis handles without flinching. What tool !

The rigorous cycle part makes it possible to take advantage of all the capacities that the 3 cylinder has to offerThe rigorous cycle part makes it possible to take advantage of all the capacities that the 3 cylinders has to offer

If using the track at a high level, consider finding the ABS fuse, which could be intrusive in the event of a lapse of time and ultra-late braking. Only this assistance was exceeded in track conditions and in Track mode. The Shifter, meanwhile, was not even used systematically, especially in the slow and very technical sections of the Cartagena circuit. We prefer a good clutch dosage, whose flexibility and precision have proven to be a valuable means of remaining precise and efficient..

The ABS, even in Track mode, is the only element to limit the chasing of the chronoThe ABS, even in Track mode, is the only element to limit the chasing of the stopwatch.

And to keep a memory of your exploits, the connection with a GoPro Camera is possible from the dedicated and implemented interface. We then pilot it from the commodos.

Cycle part

Without fear and without reproach, the cycle part takes more than any other approximations of driving or piloting, all with kindness and rigor. While you might think that this is wrong, the Street Triple RS 765 is capable of forgiving a lot, as long as you stay focused on its handlebars. Stable, she keeps her line and trajectory, corrects herself effortlessly and accepts as much as possible to go beyond her pilot’s limits if he is in an emergency. The quality and suitability of the suspensions and their tuning offer an excellent compromise, while Triumph has adapted said settings for track use for practice. In general, once the instructions for use have been acquired and its marks made, the Street RS model 2020 becomes a precision weapon.

The Ohlins STX40 shock absorberЦhlins STX40 shock absorber

Braking

Brembo fittings are among the best on the market in this price range. Supported by top-notch ABS that it is no longer possible to completely deactivate, we can simply blame the rear brake for not offering a feeling at the level of the rest. It stabilizes well on a corner, but the rest of the time you wonder what it does, other than pulling on the ABS and increasing the braking distance. Solo use prohibited, opt when possible for the front brake, otherwise more convincing !

Brembo M50 front calipers get the job done, as alwaysBrembo M50 front calipers get the job done, as always

Comfort

Difficult to judge the comfort over such a short distance and in such a short time. The saddle will not have sent us any bad signal to the glutes anyway, while the suspension and tires do wonders in terms of and cushioning the information transmitted to your back and foundation. Admittedly a little firm, for a good cause, the Street Triple 765 RS offers a good compromise for the riders. Travelers, for their part, will surely have to opt for rhythmic driving and good mobility in the saddle to stretch their anatomy. In town, we will appreciate its balance and narrow saddle at the front and comfort at the rear.

The comfort is a little firm without being disturbingThe comfort is a little firm without being disturbing

Consumption

5.2 l / 100 km. This is what Triumph claims. As for us, we were able to see the on-board computer display an average of more than 8 l / 100 km after 3 track sessions and without the odometer having been reset for 400 km (so a bit of road in the process). ). We can reasonably expect less than 6 l / 100 km in use in real life and with sports portions included. All the more interesting as the tank does not follow the current trend and retains a capacity worthy of a versatile and road bike: 17.4 liters. Autonomy is estimated at 300 km, to be confirmed with a longer test.

The 17.4 l tank allows at least 300 km of autonomyThe 17.4 l tank allows at least 300 km of autonomy

Video test of the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

Conclusion

Unclassifiable, the Street Triple RS 765 has the equipment of a sporty roadster 1000, the behavior of a sporty 600 for a price lower than those practiced in these categories. On the other hand, it tops out at the top of the prices for a “middle size” roadster, as they are called..

Triumph Street Triple 765 RS 2020Triumph Street Triple 765 RS 2020

Perfectly equipped, without compromising on quality or performance, it is the missing link. When you look at it, it is the one you need to do everything brilliantly, as you can choose how to use it and how to move around. For informed bikers, of course and with the A license, it is a real technological and mechanical showcase. But like any window, you can walk past and enjoy it for a long time or just pass by. Because it looks too clean, too smooth, too perfect. To find out, you have to try…

Strong points

  • Everything seems possible ….
  • Imperial braking
  • Suspensions at the top
  • Engine efficiency
  • The shifter

Weak points

  • Engine too perfect ?
  • Rear braking can be improved on the road
  • High tariff in absolute terms

The technical sheet of the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

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