2020 STREET
TRIPLE R GETS
MAKEOVER
A
fter the announcement of the updated
Triumph Street Triple RS late last year, we knew
it was only a matter of time before the real hero
of the Street Triple lineup – the R – got a refresh too.
Just announced for 2020, the updated Street Triple
R sees the inclusion of an up/down quickshifter as
standard, a more responsive 765cc triple cylinder
engine as well as other updates.
Included for 2020 is an aggressive new attitude and
refreshed styling inspired by the top specification
RS model, meaning the new Street Triple R features
all-new bodywork for this year including fly screen,
air intake, side panels and seat unit. Compared to last
year’s model, these are more angular and sporty,
giving the bike cleaner, more contemporary lines,
and a distinctive new look.
The fly screen and air intake are now much more
pronounced, echoing the shape of the new twin
LED headlights, which have a striking new style with
prominent position lights, giving a much more
distinctive front end and increased visibility.
Also new is a compact new silencer (remember the
Street Triple has an underslung exhaust rather than
the twin under seat cans of the larger Speed Triples)
and new shape mirrors with increased adjustability
which have also been restyled to enhance the
aggressive new look of the Street Triple R.
There are also two new paint and graphics schemes
available in the form of Sapphire Black or Matt Silver
Ice. Both schemes feature Diablo Red and Aluminium
Silver decals, hand-painted red wheel pinstripes and
that signature Street Triple R red rear subframe.
Updated for Euro 5 compliance, the Street Triple
R’s 765cc engine retains its world-renowned, class-
defining performance and now becomes even more
responsive, delivered by a 7% reduction in rotational
84 KIWI RIDER
inertia. Triumph says this brings exceptional low
down and mid-range torque for a completely addictive
ride. The Street Triple R delivers peak power of 116hp at
12,000rpm, and a peak torque of 77Nm at 9400rpm.
Refinements to the airbox and exhaust system for this
new generation, meeting Euro 5 regulations, deliver a
crisper, purer sound, with an even more distinctive tone.
Just like the top-spec RS model, the Street Triple R has
a six-speed gearbox with short first and second gear
ratios, and features a slip and assist clutch, meaning
no rear wheel lockups on hard downshifting and a
lighter touch at the lever.
Braking comes in the form of high specification
Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial monobloc front
calipers, with an optimised brake pad compound for
improved bike and feel. On the rear, the Street Triple R
features a Brembo single piston sliding caliper.
The suspension is high spec with Showa 41mm
upside down, separate function, big piston forks and
a Showa piggyback reservoir monoshock. Both are
fully adjustable for preload, compression damping
and rebound damping.
Tyres from the factory are Pirelli’s road-focused all-
weather Diablo Rosso III.
In terms of technology, the Street Triple R now has
the Triumph Shift Assist up and down quickshifter
fitted as standard, reflecting customer feedback, and
adding genuine road and track capability. The Triumph
Shift Assist enables smooth, comfortable and quick
gear changes without the use of the clutch, without
needing to reduce the throttle.
There are three riding modes – Road, Rain and Sport.
These adjust throttle response and traction control
settings and can be selected while riding via the Street
Triple R’s LCD instruments. Rain mode restricts peak
power to 100PS.