Triumph Street Triple RS 2017 — Specifications

Can a British triple truly compete with the outrageous Austrians and the sharp Japanese? With the Street Triple RS, Triumph clearly decided to send a message: here, we don't just aim to look good in back alleys. By increasing the displacement to 765 cm3 for this generation, the Hinckley factory hit the mark, offering a mechanical foundation that serves as the basis for subtle annual evolutions, which can be found on the Triumph Street Triple RS 2021 or more recent models. But let's get back to the essentials: this 2017 RS version is a statement of intent.

Beneath lines that might seem restrained compared to the seductive KTMs, the beast hides a track temperament. The three-cylinder engine, inherited from the Daytona but reworked, produces 123 horsepower at 11,750 rpm and a high-mounted torque of 77 Nm. With a dry weight of 166 kg, we approach the power-to-weight ratio of a pure sports bike. The comparison with the KTM 890 Duke R vs. Triumph Street Triple RS is inevitable: where the Austrian focuses on monstrous torque and an exuberant character, the British bike emphasizes finesse, fluidity, and a unique howl characteristic of the three-cylinder that becomes addictive at high RPM. It is a machine for those who like to work the six-speed gearbox and keep the engine boiling.

The chassis, for its part, is a lesson in efficiency. The aluminum beam frame, the wheelbase of 1410 mm, and the 41 mm Showa BPF fork at the front ensure surgical precision steering. At the rear, the Öhlins STX40 shock absorber offers fine adjustment and impeccable reactions. One could quibble about the absence of a complete Öhlins fork, a choice that keeps the RS in a reasonable price bracket compared to the competition. The brakes, radial Brembo M50 calipers clamping 310 mm discs, are of exemplary power and feel, reinforcing this feeling of total control. The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires, standard equipment, complete a hyper-sport profile.

On the saddle, the riding position is engaged but not extreme, the 810 mm seat offering a good compromise. The 5-inch TFT dashboard is a success, clear and configurable, with its exclusive Track mode. The electronics are complete: switchable traction control, selectable ABS, an assist clutch, and even an up/down quickshifter as standard. Everything is there to exploit the machine safely, whether on the road or for a track day. Fuel consumption is around 4.7 L/100 km, making the 17.4-liter tank quite adequate for dynamic outings.

So, who is this Triumph Street Triple RS 765 for? Certainly not a beginner, nor a rider who is simply looking for a roadster for everyday use. It is the tool of the perfectionist, the demanding globetrotter who regularly borders on the track, of those who value agility and pure feel over raw numbers. Its price, around €11,700 at the time, positioned it as a premium and targeted alternative. Today, looking for a used Triumph Street Triple RS, especially a model like the Triumph Street Triple RS 2018 or 2019, remains an excellent calculation to acquire a machine with a character that is already very accomplished, whose DNA endures in the Triumph Street Triple RS 2023 versions. It does not forgive mediocrity, but rewards talent with unforgettable generosity and sound. Proof that sport can dress in naked without losing its soul.