The naked bikes or more precisely what we call them - roadsters are not everybody’s game especially in the market like ours, where buyers are more inclined towards the fully faired sports bikes. But, this market scenario is somewhat changing as naked bikes have created a space, though niche for themselves. One such motorcycle is Triumph’s Street Triple S that is not only lighter but also more powerful than the predecessor making difficult for not falling in love with the bike. The base model of Street Triple lineup takes on the ante of 2018 with the new engine, revised bodyworks, frame tweaks, electronically loaded and what not. But, does the new Street Triple carries the same raw and fun personality like its predecessor? Time to find out.
Design & Features: First things first. Being a naked bike, the new Street Triple S has minimal body covering, right from cut-down fender and beefy front end. The overall design of the bike is more or less similar to its predecessor continuing the aggressive and decisive looks. The main frame body remains unchanged while minute changes are seen on the rear sub-frame. Moreover, the tank shrouds are now smaller in size. The dual LED headlights and cowl takes inspiration from the new Speed Triple. The sharp body lines gives an accentuated appeal to the profile while the masculine 17.4-litre fuel tank remains untouched.
The rear section of the bike continues to flaunt the sleek design and sharp panels. Another highlight of the motorcycle is the new gullwing swing-arm whereas the alloys are borrowed from the previous model. The bike, though also comes with new parts like the twin seat is new, and a new shorter exhaust muffler.
The updated LCD instrument panel on the new Triumph Street Triple S is also a familiar unit which now features a bigger analogue rev counter and small digital readout displaying details like gear position, selected riding mode, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meter and fuel consumption. The significant jump in the features section is the inclusion of the new electronics package with switchable traction control, ride-by-wire and two riding modes - Road and Rain.
Engine and Performance: Moving to the powertrain, this is the department which has received the most significant change as it gets new engine that is based on the Triumph Daytona's motor likewise its predecessor. However, the bore and stroke on the new engine has been increased as the cubic capacity is increased from 675cc to 765cc in comparison to the outgoing version. The new 765cc, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder engine brings a lot of power and torque taking performance to whole new level. The new motor has increased the power by approximately 40 percent and peak torque by 30 percent with max power going over 111 bhp @ 11,250 rpm and 73 Nm of peak torque @ 10,421 rpm respectively. The gearbox too has seen improvements with slicker gears shifts wherein shorter first and second gears proffers a quick acceleration. Moreover, the top-gear now can pull as low as 45 kmpl eradicating the hectic task of riding in the city traffic.
Ride & Handling: A windy road and an agile bike this is what you need on any given day. The previous generation Street Triple was certainly one of the most comfortable motorcycles in the market and the new generation has certainly raised the expectations. The seating position definitely has improved from the previous model and foot pegs are also repositioned to give it a sportier appeal. The new generation Triumph Street Triple now has more convenient handlebar with mounted button for accessing the functions.
The deceleration duties on the motorcycle are well handled by 310mm dual front floating discs clubbed with Nissin two-piston sliding calipers and a 220mm fixed rear rotor with Brembo caliper which is the same as seen on the predecessor. On the safety, the standard ABS equipped on the current generation is ‘always on’, that means, you cannot switch off the same. However, this provision was offered on the previous gen model. Further adding to the safety aspect is the traction control which is switchable, however, is not independent of the riding modes offered – Rain and Road. Another highlight of the bike are the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres that provides an ultimate grip while riding at any speed.
Verdict: Triumph’s top-spec Street Triple RS is already on sale in India which retails at Rs. 9.32 lakh (ex-showroom India) that is certainly slightly pricier than the base variant. With a price tag of Rs. 9.19 lakh (ex-showroom India), the Triumph Street Triple S is considerable upgrade over the previous model and certainly looks attractive on the first glance. Being the lightest Street Triple currently on offer and definitely more powerful one, the Triumph Street Triple S makes a good middleweight option for experienced riders.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 08, 2018 07:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).