Designed to set a benchmark in capability and handling, the 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS is light, fun, agile and stylish. Dubbed by Triumph as the ultimate performance street bike, it is defined by a distinctive character and thrilling triple engine.
Its aggressive stance is striking. The two LED headlights at the front are streamlined and focused specifically on the road ahead. They set the demeanor for the rest of the bike; purposeful and ready to ride.
Featuring restyled side panels, a new rear unit and a more pronounced fly screen and air intake, the 2020 Street Triple RS offers a sharper, more contemporary look. We were even thrown by the more upright seating position than what we expected, when we jumped on.
It’s quite comfortable though, with the slightly higher handlebars relieving any stress that can be felt on the wrists when riding most sports bikes. A quick glimpse down revealed the all new TFT instrument screen. This made an immediate impact.
The display was clear, easy to read and showed all the info we wanted at a glance. Speed, gear selection, revs, fuel levels, range to empty, time, ambient temp, all there, as well as all the necessary warning lights. It’s super impressive and functional.
Ride mode selection gave us some interesting choices, including Road, Rain, Sport, Track and Rider Programmable. Each mode controls settings such as throttle response, ABS and traction control to optimize performance and suit the rider’s style.
We spent most of our time in Sport as it offered great throttle response, both through traffic and out on the open roads around the NSW Central Coast. We did have to be careful though, given our test period was double demerits.
The power plant is an absolute highlight of the 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS. This bike is quick sure, but it’s usable quick, perfect as an everyday ride, good on the track, and great to blast around on, on a Sunday.
At its heart lies a liquid cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, in line 3-cylinder 765cc motor. Triumph’s Moto2 team had a little play too, ensuring it produces 90.5kW and 79Nm, matched to a 6-speed gearbox which features the very cool Triumph Shift Assist (TSA).
It allows clutch-less up and down shifts and works an absolute treat. We utilised this feature in lots of scenarios and came away feeling like getting back on a bike that required a clutch for changing gears, was quite frankly a bit of a hassle.
A stainless steel 3-into-1 exhaust system provides the motor symphony to the rider, and belts out quite a nice tune for a standard exhaust, especially on the up-shifts. It’s light too, at 166kg, with an 825mm seat height.
The combination makes for an agile and nimble ride. The 2020 Triumph Speed Triple RS feels super light and super grippy when hitting the apex of the twisties, and feels as though it can just keep going through the corner.
It gives super confidence to the rider, inspiring you to push harder and harder on the open road. The same can be applied for riding in the city, thanks to its size, making it super easy to lane filter, with great acceleration from a standing start at traffic lights.
Showa 41mm upside down big piston forks, with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and pre-load adjustment deliver outstanding ride and handling at the front, while Ohlins STX40 fully-adjustable piggyback suspension supports the rear.
Pulling the Triumph up are twin 310mm floating discs with Brembo M50 4-piston radial Monobloc calipers up front, with a single 220mm disc with a Brembo single piston caliber with switchable ABS at the back.
2020 also reveals two new colours, including Matte Jet Black and Silver Ice (our test bike). With ride away pricing starting at $19,800, this bike provides all round versatility and copious amounts of fun.
Our test bike was provided by Triumph Motorcycles Australia. To find out more about the 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS, contact your local Triumph Motorcycles dealer.
