Triumph Street Triple R 2021 — Specifications

What’s the point of another Street Triple R in a lineup where the S seems sufficiently sensible and the RS is downright wild? That’s the question many asked in 2021. Triumph responded with a pricing scalpel and a slight clarification of roles. The R becomes the option for the demanding rider who wants the substance without necessarily all the folklore, and above all, without breaking the bank. At €9,900, it sets an aggressive benchmark against the Yamaha MT-09 and other Ducati Monsters, offering a technical package that’s almost too generous for its price.

The heart of the beast remains that famous 765 cm3 three-cylinder engine, a powerplant that has digested Euro5 without losing its soul. It still delivers 118 horsepower at 11,750 rpm and 79 Nm of torque, but with even faster revs thanks to reduced inertia. The exhaust has been reworked, and the result is there: that raspy and full-of-character sound signature that has charmed Triumph enthusiasts for years, from the old Street Triple R 675 to the latest 765. It’s a mechanical element that feels alive, far from some sterilized competitors.

On the chassis side, the proven recipe remains in place. The perimeter aluminum frame, Showa front suspension, and Öhlins STX40 rear suspension, Brembo radial brakes at the front... it’s solid, serious. Triumph has even added a quickshifter (clutchless upshifting) as standard, a real plus for on-road enjoyment. The anchoring is firm, the steering is precise, and the 166 kg dry weight disappears after just a few meters. It’s a machine that inspires confidence while communicating a great deal of information.

But compromises were clearly necessary to reach this price. The most visible, and most discussed, is the abandonment of the color TFT screen. In its place, the 2021 Street Triple R inherits a mix of analog and LCD instrumentation, understated and readable, but a little retro in the age of everything digital. A choice assumed by the manufacturer to lower the bill. Riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport) and electronic aids (ABS, traction control) remain present, even if the customizable "Rider" mode has disappeared. It’s the typical compromise of this version: it retains the essential elements of pure technology, it trims the digital comfort.

So, who is this Triumph Street Triple R for? For the motorcyclist who is looking for an agile and lively naked bike for the city and back roads, without the frills of the RS. For those who prefer to spend their budget on fuel and tires rather than on gadgets. It will also appeal to former fans of the 2012 or 2014 Street Triple R who want to comply with Euro5 without betraying the spirit of their machine. It’s an honest, effective, and terribly charismatic motorcycle. It doesn’t hold back with its 825 mm seat height, but it makes every ride lively. In the jungle of roadsters, it remains a formidable and coherent predator.