Triumph Street Triple R 2018 — Specifications

Imagine a hum that, for over a decade, has irritated the ears of Japanese engineers. It’s not an insect, but a motorcycle: the Triumph Street Triple. With its 118 horsepower released at 12,000 rpm, the 2018 R version embodies this delightful nuisance, proof that the British still know how to concoct magical potions on two wheels. It's the most sensible version of the range, the one that avoids the deprivations of the S without indulging in the extremes of the RS. For around €10,400 at the time, it offered a serious alternative to the Japanese naked bikes.

At the heart of the matter is this 765 cm3 three-cylinder engine. It’s a far cry from the previous generation, the mythical Street Triple R 675, and the gain is palpable. The 77 Nm of torque arrives early, and the curve is exhilarating, linear, with a distinctive sonic character typical of Triumph. The short gearbox of the first gears provides immediate responsiveness, perfect for city acceleration or cornering attacks. With a consumption of around 4.7L/100km, it’s not even that voracious. It's an engine that makes you intelligent, that flatters without ever frightening, a real treat for an aspiring track rider or a demanding touring rider.

Around this gem, Triumph has built a cohesive motorcycle. The chassis, with surprising agility for a dry weight of 166 kg, is paired with fully adjustable Showa suspension. The braking system, with its Brembo M4.32 calipers at the front, is a model of precision and power. The electronics, finally worthy of the name, contribute to the package with riding modes, traction control, and ABS, all of which are switchable. The TFT dashboard, borrowed from the higher-end models, stands out for its modernity. Compared to a Yamaha MT-09 of the time, often considered too raw, the Street Triple R displays a superior finesse and balance.

The design, for its part, has matured. Farewell to the iconic round headlights, replaced by a sharper, more modern look, with LED lights. The line remains recognizable, sporty and muscular, with a seat at 810 mm that suits the vast majority of riders. It is a motorcycle that aims to be both a performance tool and a beautiful object. The technical specifications of this Triumph Street Triple R 765 reveal a well-rounded machine, with no real weaknesses. It doesn't seek a straight-line power confrontation with an MV Agusta Brutale; it prefers overall efficiency.

Who is she? The ideal partner for those seeking a complete sporty naked, without major compromises. It excels in curves, is civilized in everyday use, and its three-cylinder engine gives it a unique soul. Between the youthful exuberance of the first 2009 Street Triple R and the technology of recent models like the Triumph Street Triple R 2022, this 2018 generation represents a perfect middle ground. A test ride on a Triumph Street Triple R from this era is enough to understand why it has made such an impression. It's a motorcycle that doesn't just deal in numbers; it delivers a sensation, the joy of mastery. And that’s priceless.