Test riding the new Triumph Street Triple RS

The 765cc inline three churns out 123 PS and 77 Nm of twistOver the last few years we have seen a steady decline in the demand for race replicas as buyers have begun to appreciate the comfort versatility and usability of naked middleweight sport bikes One of the machines that is prominently responsible for the growth of this segment in India is the Triumph Street Triple 675 Triumph has revamped the Street Triple and earlier this year the company launched the base variant in India the Street Triple S Not wanting to keep enthusiasts waiting too long Triumph has now launched the topoftheline Street Triple RSOumlhlins monoshock absorbs all the undulations and keeps the bike plantedTriumph has done well to maintain the instantly recognisable silhouette with the most noticeable visual change being the trademark twin headlights that have gone from fivesided to a more rounded teardrop shape The previous generation Street Triple was an excellent motorcycle with great ergonomics and sharp handling and Triumph has been able to retain the excellent riding position and rocksteady chassis from the older model with a slightly longer swingarm bolted onYou can choose from six possible dash layouts PicsSanjay RaikarThe engine is derived from the Daytonas 675 triple but is an allnew unit featuring increased bore and stroke dimensions to get to the 765cc displacement On the RS the inline threecylinder unit is tuned to make its peak 123 PS at 11700 rpm while max twist is 77 Nm at 10800 rpm impressive numbers for a middleweight The Street Triple RS comes with a comprehensive electronics package that includes five riding modes adjustable throttle maps switchable ABS and a multilevel traction control system All of these parameters can be accessed and controlled via handlebarmounted controls that are extremely intuitive while the interface is the muchtalkedabout colour TFT display The rider can pick one of six main screens all of which display a speedometer tachometer gear indicator fuelgauge and riding mode while data like the coolant temperature trip metres distance to empty and a lap timer are displayed along the bottom strip The dash can swivel forward and back so that riders can angle it just right for optimum visibilityThe riderrsquos seat is fairly comfortable but the pillion seat is not The riding modes available on this motorcycle are Rain Road Sport Track and a customisable Rider mode The full 123 PS is available in all modes but it is delivered in a controlled and gentle manner in Rain mode with the power delivery getting progressively stronger as you cycle up through the modes to the Track setting The Rider mode allows you to select your own parameters for throttle response traction control and ABS or completely switch off the electronic nanniesWeighing just 166 kilograms dry the bike felt light and nimble while the excellent throttle response perfect fuelling addictive intake roar and crisp exhaust note had us looking for empty stretches of road on which to wind open the gas The clutch although cableoperated was extremely smooth and precise The seat is nice and roomy while the signature barend mirrors provide a decent rear viewThe Triumph Street Triple RS has been equipped with topshelf suspension components and tyres and the handling is simply sublime The fullyadjustable Showa Big Piston Fork up front and Oumlhlins STX 40 rear shock with remote reservoir would be at home on the racetrack and do wonders for the riders confidence when flicking the bike into bends and the supersticky Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyres provide excellent gripThe new engine has a sweet note and pulls strongly upwards of 3000 rpm But the engine really comes into its own above 7000 rpm which is when a mad rush of acceleration takes over as the tachometer rushes towards its 12750rpm redline With shortened ratios for the first two gears and its light weight the RS gets to tripledigit speeds incredibly fast Twin 310mm floating discs up front are supplemented by the combination of radially mounted fourpiston Brembo M50 monoblock calipers and a Brembo radial MCS 1921 master cylinder with adjustable lever reach and bite ratio This is similar to the braking systems offered on much more expensive superbikes including the R112crore Ducati Superleggera and are designed to provide fadefree braking The rear brake consists of a single 220mm disc and a Brembo singlepiston caliperAlthough we were impressed by the bike there were a couple of small things that bothered us during the ride The 130mm ground clearance is a bit low for our roads The bike also reverts back to Road mode if the key is switched off when in Track or Rider mode and one has to remember to switch back before setting off The mode button allows you to toggle among the Rain Road and Sport modes on the move but to select Track or Rider you must come to a standstill And the tiny pillion seat is not comfortable All things considered Triumph has really hit the sweet spot with this motorcycle by endowing it with a fantastic electronics package best hardware and exceptionally sporty handling Priced attractively at R1055 lakh ex showroom the Street Triple RS makes for an extremely desirable motorcycle and is a worthy successor to the old Street TripleCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news current affairs from Mumbai local news crime news and breaking headlines hereCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates here