The existing Street Triple RX

And the 2016 Speed Triple

WE’VE seen blurry long-lens pictures and a shot from behind as it disappears – and now we finally get a proper look.

This is the new Street Triple, photographed near a Triumph test facility in Spain.

Thought to have had a capacity hike from 675 to around 800cc, after a Triumph customer survey said it would be ‘above 750cc’, this appears to be the highest-spec ‘RS’ version of the model, with Brembo brake calipers.

Triumph’s survey listed four versions: a 110hp base model with non-adjustable Kayaba suspension; a 115hp ‘R’ version with adjustable Showa kit and radial Nissins; a 125hp ‘RT’ model with touring extras; and the RS, also with 125hp, plus Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes.  

It’s also possible Triumph has equipped the RT with Brembo brakes and that’s the version we’re looking at here, explaining the pillion grab-rail. 

The survey listed other changes including the addition of three riding modes (five for the ‘RS’ model, including a track mode), and a new TFT colour display. It suggested the RT would be optionally available in half-faired, sports-tourer form.

The new fly screen seen here is very similar to the one on the bike’s bigger brother, the just-launched 2016 Speed Triple, incorporating the same air-scoop in the middle. The only version of the current Street Triple to come with a fly screen is the RX, while the base model and ‘R’ version come with bare clocks. 

The headlights seen in the new spy shot look slightly less angular than the existing ones and also appear to have come from the Speed Triple, along with other styling cues including the aluminium guards on either side of the radiator.

The split double-sided swing-arm is new, and more heavily braced than the current one.

The extra capacity is likely to be a reaction in part to the significant engine updates needed to pass Euro4 emissions rules. These changes alone might well have reduced the power of the 675cc motor, but boosting its capacity should more than recoup the loss. Unlike the long-stroke Tiger 800 engine, the Street Triple is likely to gain its extra cubes via a bigger bore.

We’re hoping (and expecting) that hideous exhaust will be replaced by a proper one before development is complete and that the neat bar-end mirrors will stay.  

Expect to see the finished item at bike shows this autumn, for launch in 2017. 

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