Triumph Street Triple

One of our all-time favourites in Triumph's 22-strong range, the 675cc Street Triple has never ceased to impress us with its low-down torque, nimble dynamics and overt personality -- three traits that remain strong in this essentially unchanged 2012 revision.

We say essentially unchanged because despite its Dame Edna-esque headlamp treatment, new graphics, dash panel and paint palette, the new Street Triple shares all the same 'know-and-love' parts so highly prized in its predecessor, and after a quick flick through some of our favourite weekend haunts, we're pleased to say the good times look set to continue.

The 2012 Street Triple is still a flickable street fighter with obvious athletic ability when push comes to shove. Developing power quickly in almost any gear, and showing an intriguing surge as the needle passes 10,000rpm (perhaps as a result of the Arrow sports pipes optioned on our test bike), Triumph's lauded triple is as strong as ever, deliciously rorty and as individual as the bike itself -- the perfect marriage, you might say.

Then there's that taut aluminium chassis, which almost feels alive, such is its intuitive hold over proceedings. The frame maintains its composure over unsettling mid-corner moguls, the suspension acting equally fast to return tread to the tarmac at the slightest sign of grievance.

Consequently, Street Triple's handling is focused and completely predictable, the bike's welterweight kerb mass only adding to a mid-size recipe almost any rider is guaranteed to extract the very most from.

Quick turn-in with sustained tenacity from the front end does wonders for confidence, the bike's OEM rubber showing only the faintest signs of letting up as the heaven’s opened. Thankfully a chunky, well sculptured tank gives the legs plenty to hold on to.

Strong brakes back and front don't feel nearly as sensitive as do some of Street Triple's Japanese competitors, but offer instead assertive stopping power complemented by near-perfect modulation, an uncommon but welcome attribute in this increasingly popular class.

If we had to siphon any negativity from the new Street Triple it would be the love-hate headlamp design, which personally speaking, lacks the masculinity of the outgoing bug-eyed model. The revised instrument cluster, too, is little underwhelming, now sporting a pale grey faceplate with softer numerals around the analogue tach.

The digital side of the 'techy' display is still equipped with full-function trip computer, lap timer, gear position indicator and (much smaller) clock. Of course, the programmable blue LED shift lights still dominate the cluster near redline while, on the plus side, the speedo now seems easier to read.

To cut a long story short, there's really nothing new about the 2012 Street Triple, and maybe that's a good thing. But after an already substantial life on the same technology platform we can't help but wonder if such a minor revision be enough to keep this much-loved naked on top of its game...? No doubt time will tell.

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed, close ratio
Final drive: 'O' ring chain
Clutch: Wet multiplate

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