Triumph Street Triple 765 RS test: the right number

Menus

• Numerology
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Departmental and National
• Circuit
• Braking
• Convenient
• Consumption
• Conclusion
• Video test of the Triumph Street Triple RS

Numerology

French bikers are difficult, some would say. False, shall we say. They are experienced amateurs who prioritize quality and performance. This is why Triumph is betting more on the RS displayed at € 11,600 than on the R and S within France.. It is also to mark the spirits and maintain the myth that the RS will arrive the first on our grounds, as of March. The S, sold for € 8,900 will follow in April, while the R at € 10,200 will be delayed until May. Finally, young drivers will be able to afford the A2 version (660 cm3 and 48 hp) from June and against € 8,500.

Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

Discovery

We have already widely presented the new street triple range, so let’s take a look at the 765 cc engine which is the heart of this novelty. A highly anticipated mechanism, which is said to be used in moto2 from 2019, even if Triumph denies it and says "it’s just a rumor". We have already known this kind of denial at the time of the takeover of Ducati by Audi, so there is no smoke without fire. Or, let’s look at how the engineers went about gaining 90 cm3 and going from 106 to 123 cannons on the RS. This mechanism is based on the evolution of the engine of the short-stroke "Daytona II". It shares the lower housings and cylinder head, valves included. The internal dimensions go from 76X49.6 to 78X53.4 mm. To increase the bore, the old jacketed block had to be replaced by a new one-piece aluminum foundry unit, treated with nikasil. Thus the cylinders can touch each other. This explains why Triumph did not go further in increasing the displacement. This economic choice limits investment in tools. The new 765 has a lower stroke than the formidable MV "tre pistoni" (79 X 54.3) which now cubs only 33 cm3 more. Note that Triumph does not seem to plan to replace the 675 Daytona with a 765 version, for lack of a too confidential market. But never mind, the Street 765 has a brave heart without a doubt. In the engine chapter, also note new camshafts, a "dynamic" airbox which breathes between the headlights and a new exhaust. Add an anti-dribble clutch and a shifter (which only works by going up the gears) and you have a mechanics worthy of a sports car, failing to have an authentic one in the range. The specific power, which nevertheless reaches almost 161 hp / L, still allows it to retain a torquey character. And it is successful, since from 4000 rpm, the torque of the 765 never drops below the maximum reached by the 675 at high speed. Side cycle, the RS has the best, in suspensions as in braking. More travel than the S (5 mm in front, 7 behind), more settings, radial brakes and messy electronics. A real star of the paddock, but to ride every day. So, precisely, we settle down?

In the saddle

The new curves of the saddle allied to the narrowness of the motorcycle allow you to put your feet on the ground despite the increased travel. Size content, featherweight, 166 kg dry, a decrease of 1.7 kg, the 765 does not immediately impress its owner. On the other hand, if he takes the time to go around before sitting down, he will be pleasantly surprised by the overall finish and the perceived quality. Ok, € 11,600 is not cheap, but the bike is really rewarding. Also enhancing the 5-inch color TFT screen, with handlebar controls. It is readable, especially since we can choose the contrast and the inclination.

The set is very complete as we indicated in the presentation. Other details bear witness to the attention paid to the well-being of the pilot by the manufacturer. Thus in addition to the levers adjustable in spacing, a clever eccentric system controlled by a thumbwheel makes it possible to modify the gear ratio of the brake lever. In fact, we have the choice between the feeling that a master cylinder of 19, 20 or 21 mm in diameter would offer, which in practice gives a more or less hard grip. We also appreciate the presence of heated grips adjustable in 3 levels (optional) and all the controls from the dashboard to the handlebars. A faultless one and we have only one hurry is to hear the purring of the three legs.

In the city

The sound of the three cylinders is discreet, almost too much, you will not be angry with the neighborhood. The new clutch, which requires less effort, makes the city easier, just like the first two shortened gears which favor low-speed evolutions. It takes off smoothly, it almost feels like on four legs. The bike moves without hiccups on idle. You can be sure that, on a daily basis, the 765 will be a wonderful ally for your work journeys. Low, light, narrow, flexible, docile, she obeys the finger and the eye, without forcing her talent. On its handlebars, we understand why the market has gradually slipped from sports cars to roadsters. Compared to this pleasurable experience in a 765 RS, driving around town in a Daytona 675 was just hell. Here at least the position is comfortable and even convivial! Fixed at the end of the handlebars, the small mirrors are effective.

Departmental and National

For once, we narrowly escaped the rain. On the other hand, in the morning on the small Catalan roads, we hardly had any dry sections. The Pirelli Super Corsa combined with the quality suspensions that equip the RS did the job however. We were therefore able to greatly appreciate the behavior of the little Englishwoman. Small in size, but not in performance, or in absolute displacement. Very intuitive, it does not require any effort to get used to its pilot. You immediately feel at home and the bike follows your gaze. We find the qualities that have already seduced us in the city: softness, maneuverability, to which are added predictability and a sense of improvisation. No problem in fact when it comes to changing course on a road made tricky and slippery by thick traces of mud in certain bends. The light weight of the motorcycle allows you to drive relaxed and at a good pace, despite difficult conditions. The engine also confirms all the good that we thought of him. The three-cylinder is really the winning combination. The vigor of acceleration and pick-up reminds us of the virtues of a good power-to-weight ratio. 123 hp might seem fair to some, but combined with 166 kg dry it is worth a lot more. Almost 30 kg all full, but only 2 hp separate the RS from the Z 900 for example. The sensations are there and the electronics make it possible to modulate the behavior "with the finger and the eye". However, this mechanism is so cultivated that we gladly do without all the assistants, except the ABS of course. Besides, although in rain mode, I recorded a nice escape during a very generous opening of the throttle. it would have taken me longer to validate all the combinations and parameters offered by the very wide range of settings.

Circuit

The 765 RS is certainly not a pure sports car, but it has all the fittings and skills. Considering its profile, it is likely to go to test the asphalt on days of driving, to the greatest pleasure of its owner. Three 15-minute sessions on the Montmelo track allowed us to fully appreciate the lightness and rigor of the RS. Whether it is the brakes, the suspensions, or the chassis, everything is in unison and the RS exudes a very nice homogeneity. In addition, at the end of the straight line, at more than 230 meters, as in fast curves, its stability is never compromised. Handy, that’s for sure, but also stable so it’s a real achievement to reconcile the two with such skill. In these extreme conditions, I found the box sometimes a little harsh, despite the presence of the shifter. Likewise, the playful nature of the engine often led me to the switch (12,600 rpm). Otherwise, even more than on the road the lightness of the Street works wonders.

Braking

This is one of the strengths of the RS in this version equipped with Brembo M50. The feeling is excellent, nothing to complain about up front. The ABS is sometimes triggered at the start of braking, when the load transfer is not complete. Then, we can make very strong braking, thanks to him, in all serenity. In the "track" configuration, the ABS is no longer operative behind, as long as the speed difference with the front does not exceed 50%. It can also be completely disconnected. Finally, the rear brake did not seem to me very effective on the road, but it is secondary.

Convenient

Comfortable in suspension as in position, the RS loses a bit of ground over time. After about two hours in the saddle, it seemed to me that the pain was on its way. Just an impression to be confirmed, even if the beautiful has no GT claims.

Under the passenger seat cover (magnificent!) There are a few tools, including a part to easily adjust the suspensions. A "real" passenger seat is supplied with the motorcycle.

Consumption

On our 145 km road trip, we consumed 5.25 L / 100 according to the on-board computer, which our calculations confirm. We then still had 144 km of residual autonomy announced. Remember that the tank contains 17.4L. Quite decent numbers.

Conclusion

With a price that places it well above the Japanese roadsters, the street RS aims higher, it lets its little sister 765 S rub shoulders with it. It does not reach the heights of an MV, in terms of prices. Her thing is balance. Not the bland compromise, not the balance between lightness, ideal power, agility, braking, performance. On its handlebars, we have fun and we wonder if it would really be better to have more horses, but also more kilos … Beautiful, efficient, well finished, it has everything to seduce, starting with its engine . Go and discover it in March at your dealership

Strong points

• The magic of the three-cylinder
• Lightness and agility
• Weight / power ratio
• Successful lines
• Quality of suspensions and braking

Weak points

• duo
• RS version price

The technical sheet of the Street Triple 765

Test conditions

• Itinerary: small varied roads + interurban highways with a little town 145 km + 3 sessions of tracks on the Montmelo route
• Motorcycle mileage: 1150 km at the start
• Problem encountered: Wet road and sometimes mud in the morning

Video test of the Triumph Street Triple RS

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