One of our favourite motorcycles, the Triumph Street Triple 765, has just had a major update. Revised for 2023, the Street Triple R, Street Triple RS and limited edition Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition take Triumph’s proven formula, and dial it up to eleven.
All three bikes featured an upgraded version of the Street Triple’s 765 cc triple-cylinder power plant, more aggressive styling and a smorgasbord of electronic and chassis updates. The ‘base’ model R now makes 120 PS (118.4 hp), while the RS makes 130 PS (128.2 hp). The Moto2 Edition makes the same power as the RS, but ups the ante further with top-shelf suspension, carbon fibre parts and an even more aggressive riding position.
Taking lessons from their work in Moto2, Triumph have reworked the Street Triple’s engine with a 4.7% higher compression ratio, along with new pistons, con-rods and gudgeon pins. They’ve also optimised the combustion chambers and added new valves and camshafts.
The R now makes 120 PS at 11,500 rpm (2 PS up from before), with the RS and Moto2 Edition hitting 130 PS at 12,000 rpm (7 PS up from before). Torque’s been bumped up by 1 Nm to 80 Nm, with the same usable torque curve the Street Triple’s loved for; there’s a tangible increase from 7,500 rpm before it peaks at 9,500 rpm.
The gearbox has been revised too, with shorter ratios for snappier acceleration—so the new Street Triple should be even livelier than it already is. The clutch is a new slip-and-assist unit, and an up-and-down quick-shifter is standard issue. Triumph have also rebuilt the exhaust system from front to back, to increase flow and fine-tune the 765’s unmistakable soundtrack.
Moving to the chassis, Triumph have tweaked the RS and Moto2 Edition with a steeper rake and raised tail to make them nimbler on the road. The handlebars on the R and RS are 12 mm wider than before, while the Moto2 Edition goes all-in with race-style clip-ons that sit forward and low. Seat heights are listed as 826 mm (R), 836 mm (RS) and 839 mm (Moto2 Edition), but there’s a low seat option that can shave 28 mm off of that, and a dealer-fitted linkage that can bring it down by another 10 mm.
As for suspension, the R runs with Showa components at both ends, while the RS gets Showa forks and an Öhlins piggyback shock. Both setups are fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound.
Once again, the Moto2 Edition tops the charts. 43 mm upside-down Öhlins forks do duty up front, with an Öhlins piggyback shock out back. All three bikes have 115 mm of front wheel travel, with 131.2 mm rear travel on the RS and Moto2 edition, and 133.5 mm on the R.
All three are also equipped with Brembo brakes, but the RS and Moto2 Edition both get the company’s high-end Stylema callipers up front and come standard with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tyres. There’s a linked braking system in use too.
Also notable is the Street Triple’s updated ‘gullwing’ swingarm, fitted across the whole range. It’s been developed to optimise both torsional rigidity and lateral flexibility, to improve stability at higher speeds, and to help the chassis feel more confident when you fire it out of a corner.
Moving to the electronics, Triumph has updated the Street Triple’s ABS, traction control, front wheel lift control and riding mode systems. Like with most of Triumph’s range, the rider has control over how much ABS and traction control intervention is employed in each riding mode. The usual ‘Road,’ ‘Rain’ and ‘Sport’ modes feature, along with a fourth, custom-tuned ‘Rider’ mode, and a fifth ‘Track’ mode on the RS and Moto2 editions.
The two top-tier models also get new 5” TFT displays, along with Triumph’s usual Bluetooth connectivity suite, and a lap timer for track-day use. Leaning into its racing influence, the Moto2 Edition’s display has its own Moto2 startup screen as well.
Then there’s the most obvious change: all three Street Triples have been restyled to look even more menacing than before. They all wear redesigned 15-litre fuel tanks with new side panels, and sharper LED headlights that take cues from those on the Speed Triple 1200 RS (with the same daytime running lights too). The front end even features a tiny little headlight ‘spoiler,’ just like the one on the Speed Triple.
The tail’s been redesigned too, and the RS comes with a colour-coded (and removable) passenger seat cover. As for the Moto2 Edition, it’s dripping with carbon fibre trim. And it’s kitted with a gorgeous machined top yoke, with its series number etched into it—because Triumph will only be producing 765 units.
Each version of the new Street Triple comes in a handful of fresh liveries, but there’s really no contest. The ‘Triumph Racing Yellow’ paint job on the Moto2 Edition is by far the most eye-catching. It’s finished off with some trick Moto2 branding on key parts.
Naturally, there’s a wide range of accessories coming for the new Street Triple too, including cruise control on the two top models, heated grips, passenger grab handles, luggage and fly screens. Judging by the official photography, it appears that bits like the license plate bracket and passenger pegs can be ditched easily, which is a boon for track riders.
There’s no word yet on when the new Street Triple will hit South African shores, which models we’ll get (it’s unlikely we’ll see the ‘R’ here though), or what it’ll cost. The only thing we do know is that we’re frothing for a ride.
