The most powerful Triumph Street Triple RS is revealed

The new-for-2020 Triumph Street Triple RS looks to set a new standard in the sub-1000cc naked bike class, thanks to Moto2-spec engine updates, more power, more torque, and improved rideability.

The new bike also features a revised electronics suite with improved riding modes, GoPro connectivity, and turn-by-turn navigation.

We’re currently on the launch of the new bike (7th – 9th October) so stayed tuned for our first impressions this week. 

Triumph Street Triple RS (2020) Key Features:

Engine:

• Euro5 update to the 765cc triple engine
• More peak torque, at 79Nm at 9,350rpm, plus 9% higher mid-range torque
• 9% more mid-range power, peaking at 123PS at 11,750rpm
• More responsive throttle
• New free-flowing silencer delivering a crisper, more distinctive sound
• Smooth, refined gearbox, with slip and assist clutch

To push on in 2020, the Street Triple’s been given the once over by Triumph’s Moto2 engine development team. They managed to increase peak and mid-range torque, thanks to a redesigned exhaust system and revised exhaust cam timing. Helping to make those improvements even more clear is a 7% reduction in rotational inertia, with Triumph claiming to make a big difference in immediacy.

One of the more visible changes to the 2020 model is the new, angular looking exhaust system. Triumph has adopted a twin catalyst system for the new bike, and it works in harmony with a newly designed intake for improved pick-up and sound.

The gearbox on the Street Triple has also been on a diet, with backlash gears being ditched, and a new short ratio first and second gear for improved acceleration – not that quick acceleration was even a problem on the old bike!

Styling

The 2020 Street Triple RS is the biggest visual change to the range since the 2012 facelift that saw the bug-eye headlights go. For this year, Triumph isn’t going quite as extreme but, like with any iconic motorcycle, even small changes will divide opinion.

The new lights feature LED daytime running lights that sit within the eyebrow of the new unit. Triumph is claiming the new set up is lighter and whiter than before.

The bodywork has to been changed, with a more angular look to the bike. The side panels, belly pan, and flyscreen are noticeably more aggressive-looking.

The 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS is available in Matt Jet Black with Aluminium Silver and Yellow decals, or Silver Ice with Diablo Red and Aluminium Silver decals. Both paint scheme options include hand-painted Diablo Red wheel pinstripes and an Aluminium Silver rear sub-frame.

Chassis

• Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc front calipers
• Brembo MCS ratio and span adjustable brake lever
• Single piston Brembo rear caliper
• Fully adjustable Öhlins STX40 piggyback reservoir RSU
• Showa 41 mm upside down big piston forks
• Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres
• Slip and assist clutch

It’s business as usual for the new bike in terms of braking and suspension hardware, it still features the same high-spec parts as before, with Öhlins, Showa and Brembo headlining what is already a formidable set up for fast road and track riding.

Equipment

• Enhanced TFT functionality
• MyTriumph connectivity system pre-enabled (Bluetooth module required)
• New Triumph Shift Assist, up and down quickshifter
• Five improved riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport, Track, and Rider configurable
• Adjustable ABS
• Switchable traction control
• Self-canceling indicators
• Ride-by-wire

The dash is now installed with the MyTriumph connectivity system, although a separate Bluetooth module will need to be bought separately. The system allows the user to control any GoPro cameras synced to the bike. It will also provide riders with turn-by-turn navigation. The Street Triple RS now gets the Triumph up/down quickshifter as standard, working in harmony with the shift assisted slipper clutch.

The riding modes have been tweaked to suit the bike’s broader spread of torque and increase in power; the riding modes assigned to the new bike have been completely redesigned. The modes adjust throttle response, ABS and traction control settings, and can be changed on the fly. Rain mode restricts power to 100PS for enhanced safety and control.

Triumph Street Triple RS (2020) specification