2020 Triumph Street Triple R First Look (6 Fast Facts)

February 11, 2020

Following up on the successful release of the RS model comes the debut of the 2020 Triumph Street Triple R—a lower spec, yet still high-end, edition of the naked sport motorcycle with the Moto2-derived powerplant. There are several functional and aesthetic upgrades, plus a $750 price reduction from last year. Here are the fast facts you need to know.

1. Power output is unchanged on 2020 Triumph Street Triple R, but the inline-3 is more responsive. Triumph has shaved a claim seven percent of the rotational inertia inside the triple, resulting in a snappier throttle response. Also, the airbox and exhaust system (including a smaller muffler) have been reworked for “a crisper, purer sound, with an even more distinctive tone,” according to a Triumph spokesman. Triumph claims a better balance between the intake and exhaust sound output. Peak horsepower stays the same at 116 horsepower at 12,000 rpm with the peak torque coming at 57 ft-lbs at 9400 rpm. These are down a couple of notches from the RS, but it’s not much.

The six-speed transmission and slip-and-assist clutch are now supplemented by an up/down quickshifter. There’s no need to touch the clutch, except when starting off and stopping.

There’s a new look for the 2020 Triumph Street Triple R. The twin LED headlights have a new shape, and they share a similar form to the air intake and flyscreen. The new mirrors get a different look, and enjoy a wider range of adjustment. The paint and graphics have also been updated for ’20.

With the help of Genuine Triumph Accessories, you can turn the Street Triple R into a sport-tourer. This year, the factory is offering sidebags, a tank bag, and a rear pack.

Don’t forget that there’s also a Low Ride Height version. If you’d like, the LRH version of the 2020 Triumph Street Triple R as a 1.8-inch lower seat height. This is achieved through modifications to the suspension, plus a different seat.

The 2020 Triumph Street Triple R is $2050 less than the RS. Even more impressive is the $750 price drop from ’19—more for less is always good. We don’t have a word yet on when the R will hit showroom floors.

Photography by Alessio Barbanti and Grant Evans

2020 Triumph Street Triple R Specs

ENGINE

Type: Inline-3
Displacement: 765cc
Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 53.4mm
Maximum power: 116 horsepower @ 12,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 57 ft/lbs @ 9400 rpm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Valvetrain: DOHC, 4vpc
Fueling: EFI
Transmission: 6-speed
Clutch: Assist-and-slipper
Final drives: X-ring chain

CHASSIS

Frame: Twin-spar aluminum
Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable 41mm inverted Showa Separate Function Big Piston Forks (SF-BPF); 4.5 inches
Rear suspension: travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable, Öhlins piggyback shock; 5.2 inches
Wheels: 5-spoke cast aluminum
Front wheel: 17 x 3.5
Rear wheel: 17 x 5.5
Tires: Pirelli Rosso III
Front tire: 120/70 x 17
Rear tire: 180/55 x 17
Front brakes: 310mm floating discs w/ Brembo M4.32 4-piston monoblock calipers
Rear brake: 220mm disc w/ Brembo single-piston sliding caliper
ABS: Standard