Triumph updates the Street Triple R and cuts the price

And while one historic British motorcycle manufacturer is crashing and burning, Triumph is going from strength to strength, churning out exciting new models including the Tiger 900 and the already-sold-out limited edition Daytona 765.

The latest model to make its debut this decade is the updated Street Triple R, an evolution of the epic mid-spec streetfighter, which is better looking, more responsive and, at £8,900, £400 cheaper than the outgoing model. However, this price cut comes at a cost – that of the TFT dash, which has been replaced with an analogue/LCD unit.  

Sitting above the S and below the range-topping RS, which were both updated late last year, it’s the perfect compromise of performance and every day practicality. In this latest update it has received a facelift, Euro5 compliance and new equipment including a quickshifter.

Despite the emissions update, the Street Triple R’s peppy 765cc triple boasts even better performance, with improved torque in the low and mid-range thanks to a seven per cent reduction in rotational inertia. Peak figures of 116hp at 12,000rpm and 77Nm at 9,400rpm remain unchanged.

Thanks to airbox and exhaust tweaks, the unique triple soundtrack reportedly sounds even better, with Triumph claiming a ‘smoother balance between intake and silencer sound’. And for 2020, an up/down quickshifter joins the slick six-speed gearbox, which boasts short ratio first and second gears for immediate acceleration. This joins the extensive standard equipment carried over from the previous model, which includes Brembo brakes and high-spec Showa suspension, plus all-weather Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres. Of course, as with any Triumph, there are dozens of optional accessories, including new scrolling LED indicators, quick release water resistant luggage, heated grips, adjustable levers and an Arrow silencer.

Stealing style cues from its RS bigger brother, the aggressive new R features entirely revamped bodywork, including a sporty new fly screen atop updated twin LED headlights, angular side panels and tail unit. A compact new silencer and reshaped mirrors also feature on the model, as do two new colour schemes – ‘Sapphire Black’ and ‘Matt Silver Ice’, which offset the signature red subframe. 

Finally, a Low Ride Height version makes the model more accessible than ever, with a 45mm lower seat than standard, at just 780mm, which is achieved in part by a dedicated suspension set-up.