Just two years after the last major update to the Triumph, all guns blaze for 2020, giving the Street Triple RS another major makeover.
The performance boost for 2017 really elevates the Street Triple’s athletic credentials well above what we’ve seen before, and pushes the model into the higher end of the market than the previous-generation Street Triple model.The Street Triple RS was bumped from 675 cc to 765 cc in the last update, and now for 2020, the 765 cc engine has been significantly revised for higher performance.
Better manufacturing tolerances within the transmission have now negated the previous anti-backlash gears on the back of the balance shaft and clutch basket.Shorter first and second gears improve performance, while Triumph’s now well-proven anti-skid clutch reduces leverage and aids positive lock-up under acceleration.The up and down quick shifters continue the upgrade theme and are best used when angry.Using a little clutch helps keep things running smoothly when you’re roaming around town.
The challenge of meeting Euro5 specifications has accelerated the pace of engine development programs across the motorcycle sector.Euro 5 also saw Triumph install two smaller, higher-quality catalytic converters to replace the previous single unit, while new balance tubes are said to smooth the torque curve.The exhaust cams have been changed, while the intake ducts have also been revised.
We did, and while peak numbers didn’t change much, mid-range torque and power were up 9 percent.
The 2020 Street Triple RS produces 121 horsepower at 11,750 rpm and peak torque of 79 Nm at 9350 rpm.That peak torque is only 2 Nm higher than before, but between 7500 and 9500 rpm there is a bigger increase in torque and it is really felt on the road.
Engine inertia was also reduced by 7% due to increased manufacturing tolerances by Triumph as the exclusive engine supplier for the Moto2 World Championship.Higher precision machining on the crankshaft and balance shaft is a major factor in helping the motor spin more eagerly than before.
And it does spin so easily that it actually surprises you a little by how responsive the engine is.This resulted in me not using Sport mode for most of my riding tasks because it was actually a bit too crazy.Even small bumps that don’t normally affect throttle position are felt, and that’s the dynamism of this latest-generation engine.The lack of inertia combined with a massive increase in mid-range impulse makes the new Street Triple RS feel a bit like an ADD kid trying to break free.Interestingly, general road duties are best left off in road mode, while track mode is best left on the track… Triumph claims a 7% reduction in moment of inertia, which feels like even more.
The original Street Triples from over a decade ago were a lot of fun, a no-brainer bike to play around with pulling mono or coasting around.By comparison, these latest generation Street Triple RS machines are far more serious, things happen faster, and the sheer level of athletic performance is a long way from the fun little street bike that Street Triple started in 2007 way to go.While the engine’s performance has come a long way, especially in the way it emanates from the basement into a muscular mid-range, the chassis may have taken a bigger step in that time.
The 2017 RS model was further improved for 2020, replacing the previous model’s TTX36 with STX40 Ohlins shocks.Triumph claims it offers better fade resistance and operates at significantly lower operating temperatures.The swingarm is an interesting design with a rather aggressive gull-wing layout.
While I don’t have the tools to measure the temperature of the shock, I can attest that it still hasn’t faded on the rough Queensland trails, and has withstood the rigors of the Lakeside Circuit on a very hot December day.It feels like a premium suspension should have a high-quality damping response that provides great feedback to the rider while remaining plush enough not to beat you to death on junk roads.
Triumph chose a 41mm Showa big-piston fork for the front of the machine.Their engineers claim that this choice was purely based on performance, as their test riders preferred the response of the Showa fork over the comparable-spec Ohlins groupset they reviewed.After a busy few days on the bike, I found no reason to argue with their findings.Adjusting the compression and rebound at the top of the fork legs wasn’t as easy as I’d like it to be, since they’re clearly designed to work on sport bikes with clips instead of getting in the way of a clicker with the one-piece bars on the Triumph.
To be fair, the kit at both ends is good enough in every role, you have to be a very fast and accomplished rider, and then the suspension will be the limiting factor in your own performance.Most people, myself included, run out of talent and ball possessions before the suspension leaves their comfort zone.
Still, I certainly don’t think it’ll be faster on the track than Suzuki’s equally dated GSX-R750.Despite its relative age, the GSX-R is still a very easy-to-ride sportbike weapon, so it actually goes some way to proving that the bare-street Triple RS’ straight-to-circuit performance can even match the legendary GSX-R .
On a tight and challenging back road, though, the Street Triple RS’ agility, mid-range punch and more upright stance will prevail and make for a more pleasing back road machine.
Brembo M50 four-piston radial brakes with Brembo MCS ratio- and span-adjustable brake levers were trouble-free in power and responsiveness when hauling a 166kg machine to a stop.
The bike actually felt lighter than the 166kg dry weight because when I first pulled it off the side frame the bike hit my leg straight as I used more than needed strength.It feels more like utilizing a dirt bike than a regular road bike.
New LED headlights and daytime running lights sharpen the front end’s appearance and combine with a more angular profile to further modernize the machine’s silhouette.Despite its minimalist proportions, the Triumph has managed to fit a 17.4-liter fuel tank in it, which should easily allow for a travel range of 300 kilometers.
The instrumentation is full-color TFT and is GoPro and Bluetooth capable, providing turn-by-turn navigation prompts on the display via an optional connectivity module.The display can be switched through four different layouts and four different color schemes.
Triumph adds a few different layers of film to the display to greatly reduce glare, but I found the default color scheme to highlight each option in sunlight as well as toggling through the five riding modes or ABS/traction settings.On the plus side, the angle of the entire dashboard is adjustable.
Navigation cues and a Bluetooth system with phone/music interoperability are still in the final stages of development and are not yet available for us to test during the model launch, but we’re told the system is now fully functional and ready for activation.
The new seat design and padding make the perch a great place to spend time, and the 825mm height is more than enough for anyone.Triumph claims the rear seat is also more comfortable and has more legroom, but to me it still looks like a scary place to consider spending any time.
The standard rod-end mirrors work well and look good.Heated grips and tire pressure monitoring are optional extras, and the Triumph comes with a quick-release fuel tank and tail pocket.
Triumph doesn’t make any excuses for them to market the Street Triple RS, and the premium kit used throughout the machine certainly justifies its $18,050 + ORC price point.However, it can be a bit tough to sell in the current difficult market when many larger capacity and more powerful offerings are already available.Riders who put their lights first is the right mantra, and clearly desire high-spec suspension and brake components should certainly do themselves a favor and experience the Street Triple RS for themselves.It is the performance leader and the highest quality product in this mid to high volume segment.
Also on the horizon is a LAMS-legal variant called the Street Triple S for new riders with an engine downsized and detuned for those requirements, along with lower-spec suspension and braking components.Specifications for both bikes can be selected in the table below.
Motojourno – Founder of MCNews.com.au – Australia’s leading source for motorcycle news, commentary and race coverage for over 20 years.
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