We’re expecting plenty of new and updated motorcycles for 2020 as the latest round of Euro5 regulations kick in and force manufacturers to make their motorcycles cleaner, but that doesn’t mean that these new bikes will be emancipated, as Triumph are proving with their updated-for-2020 Street Triple.
The range-topping RS version of the ever-popular naked middleweight has been unveiled ahead of the usual Milan Show reveals (we expect the lower spec machines to be debuted there in November) and despite the emissions being all cleaned up, the mid-range streetfighter claims an increase of 9% in both power and torque over the outgoing model.
Using their newfound experience as the official engine supplier to the Moto2 world championship race series, the 765cc triple gains a new exhaust system, with dual catalytic converters, a stubby new silencer and balance pipe designed to tune the power curve and make the best of the Triumph’s traditional creamy torque.
Power is claimed to be up, to 121bhp at 11,750rpm, with 79Nm of torque, with lots of small changes adding up to make a big difference. The exhaust camshaft is revised, while new manufacturing processes on the crankshaft, clutch and balancer have contributed to a 7% reduction in internal inertia and a more responsive throttle.
Styling has been revised, although seen on its own the 2020 Street Triple RS is immediately identifiable as a Street Triple. Triumph say that the RS has ‘all-new bodywork’ which is ‘more sporty’ and ‘much cleaner’. The distinctive headlights have been reshaped to be even more, erm, distinctive and the LED lights are said to be brighter too.
Being the range topper, the RS is packed full of technology. The TFT dashboard has been updated and comes with the new ‘MyTriumph’ connectivity software pre-installed. This allows integration with a GoPro video camera and other Bluetooth devices through a module available as an official Triumph accessory. Five riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Track and Rider) are also revised and are preset to adjust throttle response, ABS and traction control settings. Triumph’s quickshifter, dubbed Triumph Shift Assist, is now standard too. This was previously an accessory and facilitates clutchless shifts up and down the gearbox.
Overall, the spec sheet reads much higher than you’d expect from a sub-800cc machine. A fully adjustable Ohlins STX40 rear shock complements the 41mm Showa forks up front, while braking comes from the high-end Brembo M50 four-piston radial monoblocks. Confirming the Street Triple RS’s high-end credentials, it comes shod with Pirelli’s superb Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres – road legal rubber that’s ideally suited occasional trackdays.
Two colour schemes, matt black with silver and yellow decals or silver with red decals, are available and both come resplendent with hand painted red pinstriping on the wheels.
