Triumph Street Triple 765 R 2023 Review

As a lover of big-bore naked bikes, I was initially concerned the 2023 Triumph Street Triple 765 R might not prove as entertaining as higher-horsepower fare – how wrong I was… Triumph triples have always been renowned for their wonderful character, and the Street Triple 765 R is no exception.

With a solid power-to-weight ratio and wonderfully refined build quality, the Triumph Street Triple 765 R may be a ‘mere’ middleweight and also a base-spec model, but as an overall package it won’t leave too many riders wanting more.

The three-bike Triumph Street Triple range comprises the entry-level Street Triple 765 R reviewed here, the mid-spec (and 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year finalist) Street Triple 765 RS, and the exclusive flagship model, the Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition. The range was recently updated for the 2023 model year and now boasts several updates and enhancements.

Key improvements to the Street Triple 765 R include a revised 765cc triple that delivers modest increases in power and torque, as well as the arrival of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that upgrades the safety suite to include cornering ABS, cornering traction control, and wheelie control. The engine mods, along with a freer-flowing exhaust, are said to deliver improved engine response and acceleration, while the ride modes are said to feature “more dynamic throttle maps”.

The Triumph Street Triple 765 R also comes standard with a bi-directional quickshifter, a slip/assist clutch, a choice of four ride modes, and multifunction instruments with TFT display, making for one very compelling middleweight streetfighter package.

Priced from $18,090 ride away, or $18,390 ride away in our test bike’s Crystal White colour scheme, the Triumph Street Triple 765 R is well placed amongst its reasonably diverse array of competitors. Those rivals include the Aprilia Tuono 660 ($21,490 ride away), Ducati Monster ($19,700 ride away), Honda CB750 Hornet ($13,532 ride away, ex-Melbourne), KTM 890 Duke R ($20,760 ride away), Yamaha MT-07HO ($14,699 ride away), and Yamaha MT-09 ($17,399 ride away).

It is also $2500 less than the mid-spec Triumph Street Triple 765 RS which, though featuring the same build quality and IMU-enhanced rider safety systems, scores an extra 10hp, up-spec suspension and brakes, and an additional Track ride mode.

At the top of the Street Triple 765 tree, the limited-edition Moto2 edition is priced from $25,290 ride away and features a high-output three-cylinder engine, full Öhlins suspension, clip-on handlebars, and exclusive paint schemes, among other premium features.

The 2023 Triumph Street Triple 765 R sees output bumped by 2hp and 3Nm over its predecessor. Now with 120hp (88.3kW) at 11,500rpm and 80Nm at 9500rpm, this bike feels strong and willing well up into the rev range.

The triple-cylinder engine is a unique beast – smooth like an inline four-cylinder and yet with hints of a twin’s thump. Progressing rapidly through the rev range, the engine reaches its crescendo at an 11,500rpm redline but changing at 9000rpm is all you need to bring a huge smile of satisfaction, before effortlessly hooking the next cog via the slick and responsive quickshifter.

Weighing in at 189 kg (wet), the Street Triple 765 R coped effortlessly even with my 110kg/190cm frame on board.

While the updated model essentially sports the same look as its predecessor, the gains are in the detail, with various technology, chassis, and geometry tweaks all adding up to a noticeable evolution.

The Street Triple 765 R has fully adjustable Showa suspension front and rear as well as Brembo brakes, with twin 310mm front discs complemented by a 220mm disc at the back. The 765 R scores Brembo M4.32 four-piston calipers up front, instead of the Stylema calipers found on the 765 RS and 765 Moto2 Edition. Still, we have no complaints regarding the power and feel provided by these lower-spec stoppers.

The 17-inch, five-spoke cast-alloy wheels are shod with Continental ContiRoads rubber, with a 180/55ZR17 rear and a 120/70ZR17 up front. Grip is excellent, the tyres delivering confidence across a varying range of road surfaces.

Now with an IMU, the Street Triple 765 R comes with an impressive suite of electronic rider aids. With optimised cornering ABS, switchable cornering traction control, and wheelie control, the Triumph Street Triple 765 R provides all the confidence you need to back its impressive capability.

The 765 R also comes with four ride modes – Rain, Street, Sport, and Rider – with the latter essentially a custom mode that allows you to tailor various parameters to your preference. Switching between modes is all accomplished at the press of a button.

While I played around with each at various points while the 765 R was in my care, I usually opted for Sport mode, with its higher shift points and performance bias.

With beautiful flowing lines, a nicely sculpted seat, and a slightly tucked riding position, the small reach to the 765 R’s ’bars delivers a ride position that is sporty yet far from extreme. Throwing a leg over the 826mm-high seat was easy, the bike immediately feeling comfortable.

It’s a compact package, for sure, and around town it’s nimble and agile. Lane splitting is a relaxed affair despite the wide handlebar. But while the 765 R proved a thoroughly competent commuter in the city, the flowing roads of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula beckoned.

It was here where a spirited roll of the wrist showcased the other side of this bike’s talent – it’s just a blast on a winding road. The revs climb quickly and the intoxicating exhaust note becomes increasingly visceral. Yet throughout the 765 R remains surefooted and stable, no matter what digits are flicking up on the speedo.

Yes, it’s a naked bike, but some may want to consider a small screen to deflect some of the wind’s blast. That said, it’s fine for cruising along at the legal limit on the freeway, and you’ll be enjoying yourself too much to care when attacking a twisty road.

On the Mornington Peninsula’s flowing backroads, the 765 R is truly in its element. Bursts of throttle, judicious application of the brakes, subtle steering inputs – the 765 R is fluid, responsive, and utterly addictive. This is truly where this Triumph is at home.

While it’s difficult to find fault with the Triumph Street Triple 765 R, there are a few aspects that, if addressed, I feel could make it even better.

The Bluetooth-compatible TFT screen is quite small – the 765 RS and 765 Moto2 Edition each get a larger 5-inch display – and the font size when scrolling menus can be difficult to read.

To accommodate the new and sleeker fuel tank, capacity has been reduced from 17.4L to 15.0L. Triumph claims a range of around 330km for the bike but that’s not a figure I was able to achieve. I recorded an average economy of 5.5L/100km over a mix of riding, which equates with a safe working range of around 250km. Still, it was never meant to be a touring bike, and the regular refueling stops will at least give you a chance to stretch and let your heart rate settle!

Finally, the Street Triple 765 R only comes in a somewhat limited choice of two colour schemes: Silver Ice or the premium (add $300) Crystal White, as reviewed here. The RS gets the striking Carnival Red or Cosmic Yellow hues, while the Moto2 gets the brilliant Triumph Racing Yellow or Crystal White with yellow highlights.

The 2023 Triumph Street Triple 765 R is a ripper of a bike – supremely capable without being intimidating, hugely playful, and all backed by a superb soundtrack that will keep you coming back for more.

And while it’s the entry point to the Street Triple range, the 765 R still shares much of the tech and all of the torque and sublime styling of the mid-spec RS.

For anyone who loves sports riding, be it on the track or road, this feisty and spirited middleweight serves up thrills by the mile.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 120hp (88.3kW) at 11,500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 80Nm at 9500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slip
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Twin-spa aluminium beam with two-piece diecast subframe
Front suspension: 41mm Showa inverted Big Piston Fork (BPF), fully adjustable, 115mm travel
Rear suspension: Showa monoshock, piggyback, fully adjustable, 133.5mm travel
Front brakes: Twin 310mm floating discs with radial-mount Brembo M4.32 four-piston monobloc calipers
Rear brake: 220mm disc with single-piston Brembo caliper
Tyres: Continental ContiRoad – 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 189kg
Seat height: 826mm
Wheelbase: 1402mm
Fuel capacity: 15L

OTHER STUFF
Price: From $18,090 ride away ($18,390 ride away as tested)
Colours: Silver Ice or Crystal White
Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres