TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 765 R (2023 - on) Review

Triumph have updated their Street Triple range for 2023. At the top of the tree is the track-focussed Street Triple 765 RS and a new RS-based Moto2 Limited Edition, but that’s sold out already.

More interestingly for road riders is this, the entry level Street Triple 765 R. Like previous R models, it’s the more affordable, everyday Street Triple and for 2023 gets more power, new looks, refined electronics, sharper handling and a smaller fuel tank.

It offers all the thrills of the racier RS at road speeds, but for a useful £1700 less. It’s just as grunty, dramatic, exciting and dances through corners with the same poise and easy precision.

It might not be quite as powerful as the RS, or have its higher spec suspension and brakes, but the R’s slightly softer set-up is often a plus in the real world and its more basic dash is easier to read than the RS’s flashy TFT. Like all recent generation Street Triples, it sounds fantastic, is a cinch to ride and beautifully built.

Now: listen to this bike in our 2023 Triumph Street Triple R video review!

Based on the sweet handling Daytona 675, Street Triples have always cornered beautifully, but road riders often favour the R model with its softer, less racy suspension.

For 2023 the R is crisper steering thanks to new rake, trail and wheelbase measurements that almost mimic the old RS, but its fully adjustable Showa suspension is still plush and controlled.

Brembo M4.32 calipers never lack power and the R now sits on sticky Continental RoadAttack sports touring tyres. Despite its slightly lower spec cycle parts the R is still a joy to ride and will cover ground every bit as quickly as the RS.

It might have supersport performance and handling, but the R is as easy to get on with than ever. The triple’s throttle is friendly at low speed, its slip and assist clutch is light and while the seat is 10mm lower than the RS (but 1mm higher than before), it’s comfy all day, even for tall riders.

Being so light, it’s always manageable, but new 12mm wider bars give more leverage and steering control. The seat is 1mm taller seat (thanks to extra rear ride height) and its new 15-litre fuel tank is 2.4-litres smaller than before. Triumph claims 53mpg and a theoretical 174-mile tank range, which will be around 40 miles fewer than the old R.

Both R and RS Street Triple 765s share the same Moto2-derived engine mods, shorter gear ratios and new single cat exhaust for ’23, designed to boost power and increase thrust.

It’s only mapping that separates the two versions: the higher revving RS has 128bhp and the R makes 118bhp, 2bhp up on the previous model.

Despite the power difference, they both make the same 59lf-ft of torque and are blessed with a chunky midrange, giant-killing acceleration and the same demented bumble bee soundtrack. Ridden back-to-back at road speeds the engines feel so similar, you’d need a stopwatch and a racetrack to separate them.

New throttle maps appear in each of the four riding modes: Rain (restricted to 99bhp), Road, Sport and a new customisable Rider. They add extra gloss to the R’s already polished power delivery.

An up/down quickshifter is standard and the linked, two-stage ABS system gets an overhaul giving a far nicer, more tactile feel at the lever.

There are also four levels of lean-sensitive traction control that incorporate anti-wheelie, plus ‘off’ for one wheel fun. The R’s digital/TFT mix dash lacks the pizzazz and functions of the RS model’s colour TFT, but it’s actually clearer and easier to read at a glance.

Attention to detail and build quality is top draw. Our online owners’ reviews for previous Street Triples, including the latest 765cc engine variants are nothing but glowing.

Not only have Triumph gone to town on the engine, chassis and electronics to stay ahead of its naked sports middleweight rivals, they’ve sharpened their pencils in the price department, too.

The R is slightly cheaper than the Yamaha MT-09, a chunk less than the KTM 890 Duke GP and a massive two grand less than the Ducati Monster.

It might not be as high spec as the RS, but you get a full array of electronic rider aids, an up/down quickshifter, slip and assist clutch, fully-adjustable Showa suspension, Brembos, a digital/TFT mix dash, underseat USB charger, immobiliser and LED lights.

You can lavish your Street Triple with over 50 official comfort, touring and cosmetic accessories, including heated grips (not as hot as they could be), a Bluetooth dash module and a 28mm lower seat.