Triumph Street Triple S 2020 — Specifications

The question is posed, and it haunts more than one motorcyclist seeking a roadster with a strong character without breaking the bank: is it absolutely necessary to aim for the high-end to have fun? With the Triumph Street Triple S, and particularly the 660 version designed for the A2 license, the answer is a clear and massive no. This machine, which is often found used at very attractive prices, is a lesson in realism and efficiency. For a little over €8,500 new at the time, it offered an entry ticket into the English triples family without the salty bill of the 765 RS.

Beneath its almost identical appearance to its big sister, with that predatory gaze and aggressive aluminum frame, beats a different heart. The 660 cc three-cylinder engine delivers 95 horsepower, a power that may seem modest on paper but which, on the road, proves to be exemplary in its liveliness. It is perfectly balanced for the A2 license, able to be restricted to respect the 35 kW limit, but above all, it offers a torque of 61 Nm available early, making acceleration brisk and urban riding surprisingly easy. The reasonable fuel consumption, around 5 liters per 100 km, is an additional argument for those who use it daily. We are far from the horsepower indulgence of the 765, but this restraint is precisely its strength: it is accessible, progressive, and terribly playful.

The chassis, for its part, shares the same athletic base, but the components are adapted to match the philosophy of the model. The Showa suspension, with a 41 mm inverted fork and a mono-shock with preload adjustment only, is well-calibrated for mixed use. It absorbs imperfections without excessive softness. The braking, ensured by two-piston Nissin calipers at the front, may lack bite and feel compared to the Brembo M50s of the RS, but it remains more than sufficient for reasonable sporty use. The dry weight of 168 kg contributes to this remarkable agility, making this Street Triple S a formidable weapon in the city and on winding roads.

Who is it for? Clearly, the young license holder, the urban motorcyclist seeking style and character without the complexity (and cost) of a hypersportive, or even the touring rider who prioritizes agility and fun over pure speed. Its dashboard, mixing an analog tachometer and a small digital screen, may seem dated compared to current TFTs, but it remains perfectly legible and devoid of unnecessary embellishments. The equipment is complete with ABS, traction control, two riding modes, and LED lighting, proving that Triumph has not compromised on safety.

Ultimately, the Triumph Street Triple S, whether it's the 660 A2 or the 765, is much more than a stripped-down version. It is a consistent motorcycle, which fully embraces its accessible positioning without sacrificing the soul that makes the range’s reputation. It brilliantly proves that pleasure is not measured solely by the number of horsepower, but by the harmony of a whole and the accuracy of its sensations. For those seeking a lively, stylish roadster that can be used every day without fuss, it remains, even used, a safe bet and a credible alternative to the often less characterful Japanese competition.