Triumph Street Triple R

Just about every comparison test, review and road test ever written of Triumph's naked street fighter has placed it as the primo weapon of choice among its numerous naked rivals -- even back as far as 2008 when we first threw a leg over this bare-chested bruiser. This one's no different.

Benefitting from the highly acclaimed chassis and engine package of its sports sibling Daytona 675, the Street Triple R adds beefier brakes and trick adjustable suspension (also sourced from the Daytona parts bin) to the already impressive Street Triple package, elevating it to a god-like status in its class.

Having recently reviewed the stock Street Triple, I was quickly reminded just what it was I loved about Triumph's awesome mid-sizer, and how impressed I became as the more focused 'R' demonstrated its concentrated dynamic attributes with absolute and menacing assurance. The quick response on turn-in, the tenacity in turns, the fat-as-butter torque curve and endo-inducing brakes quickly stack up to two-wheeled addiction.

Even when the miserable Melbourne weather saw rain soaked roads play havoc with a sensitive rear brake I couldn't help but assert that the level of fun to be had outweighed any niggling trivialities (as few as they are) almost as quickly as the passing scenery.

Punching well above its weight in the 600 to 750cc field, Triumph's cracking triple was detuned for the Street Triple, and, perhaps sadly, nothing changes for the 'R'. Developing the same 106hp (78kW) and 68Nm, the 189kg welterweight accelerates hard both off the line and in-gear thanks to its lower gearing, topping out just shy of 12,000rpm. Though as a previous Daytona owner, I can't help but wonder what could have been were the full 126hp (93kW) and 72Nm given a guernsey.

Behind the Magura-sourced bars 'R' is a cinch to ride. It's not only nimble and relatively light, but also offers a more upright seating position and wide, tapered bars for added push as you tip in. The stocky tank is well sculptured for thigh grip and pegs perfectly positioned when ambitious corner speed calls for lots of lean angle.

That said, and as a result of the revised rear suspension arrangement, 'R' does cop a slight elevation change in seat height (+5mm) when compared to the standard model. But short riders shouldn't be too quick to cross it off the list. At 5'7” I had no trouble finding my feet.

Perhaps my only prevailing concerns were a lack of reach adjustment from the clutch lever and a comparatively subdued stainless exhaust note that lacked much of the howl I so adored from my Daytona -- nothing a set of Arrows won't fix!

Be it the X-factor that bug-eyed front commands, the impressive dynamics or its all-round ability, the Street Triple R is a hoot and a half in city streets and sportsbike slick on winding back roads. As we said back in 2008, it's a must-have bike.

*For a limited time, Triumph is offering a free fly screen, radiator cowl and belly pan valued at $1000 on all Street Triple and Street Triple R models. See website for details.