It was nearly ten years since the victory deprived the fairy of the Daytona 675 and created a model that has surpassed the supersport machine it was based on: the street tripled. Although the model has been modified several times, the 2016 model is still shared with most of the original area, launched at the end of 2007, but changed to show the 2017 version. There are now three models, all of which have 765 cc to update the previous 675 cc engine. As well as the basic version – now known as the Street Three S-and higher-spec R models, has a new range-topper triple RS called Street.
Where the previous bike boasted 106bhp from its 675cc engine, the new S version cranks out 111bhp, the R manages 116bhp and the new RS manages 121bhp. The extra capacity and performance comes courtesy of a new crankshaft and increased bore and stroke, fitted to all versions of the bike. In European markets there’s also a smaller 660cc version that’s able to be restricted to just 47bhp and meet ‘A2’ licensing laws for new riders. In line with new European rules, all the versions have ABS brakes meet Euro4 emissions limits, which came into force on January 1st this year. Partly as a response to the changes needed to reduce emissions, all versions of the bike get ride-by-wire throttles. They also feature traction control and multiple riding modes.
The chassis is largely familiar, but there’s a new swingarm and stylistically the bikes get new side panels, exhausts, tail units and headlights. However, there are significant changes from one model to the next. The basic Street Triple S features new clocks that retain the old combination of an analog rpm gauge, counter and digital speed readout. It uses Showa suspension at both ends and Nissin two-pot, sliding caliper front brakes. Riding modes are limited to ‘rain’ and ‘road’ options.
Step up to the ‘R’ version and things get a little more interesting. The instruments are replaced with a new colour TFT display that offers every imaginable piece of information. The suspension is again from Showa, but the forks are the higher-spec Big Piston Front version and the shock is fully adjustable. Braking on the R is done by Brembo four-piston Monobloc calipers and the electronics quotient is upped to include four riding modes, adding ‘sport’ and a rider-programmable option on top of the ‘road’ and ‘rain’ settings. The range-topping Street Triple RS offers even more. There’s a belly pan to mark it out visually, plus bar-end mirrors. As well as its extra peak power, the 765cc triple in the RS gets shorter gear ratios to boost acceleration and a quickshifter to help you make your way through them.
Its front suspension was again improved with the Showa Big Piston Fork, while the rear shock was better and came from Ohlins. The brakes are Brembo M50 radial solid calipers. Engine and ABS brakes get an additional “tracking” mode, the options provided above are already in the “R” model. You choose which version to hook at 366 pounds of body weight. The price should be close to the age of the existing bike and the R version, when the RS will take it for granted when it reaches the dealer in March to spend more. You need to wait until April 5 R model.
