After launching the all-new Street Scrambler retro-naked street fighter in India in August, British premium motorcycle manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles on Monday expanded its product portfolio with the launch of a top-spec model of its popular naked motorcycle, the “Triumph Street Triple RS” in the Indian two-wheeler market. To recall, Triumph Motorcycles unveiled their new Street Triple range in the UK earlier this year in three variants– Triple S, Triple R and the top-end Triple RS. Out of these models, the entry-level Street Triple S has already made its debut in the Indian bike market a couple of months ago and the bike is now retailing in India with a price tag of Rs. 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
However, the 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS model has been launched in India with a price tag of Rs. 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom, Pan India). The company has already started accepting bookings across 14 authorised dealers in India for the Triumph Street Triple RS trim against a token amount of Rs. 1 lakh. Besides this, the British bike maker has also announced its plans to expand sales network to 17 in the country by opening three more dealerships in Goa, Mangalore and Gurgaon.
The new Triumph Street Triple RS comes packed with a wide range of new features and performance upgrades including all-new 765cc engine series, revamped design, updated suspension, a 5-inch full-colour TFT instrument cluster, switchable traction control, LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL), various riding modes and a lighter chassis. As for body colour, the bike comes in two new body shades including Matt Silver Ice or Phantom Black Metallic.
Commenting on the launch, Mr Vimal Sumbly, Managing Director, Triumph Motorcycles India Pvt Ltd, said, “The new Triumph Street Triple RS is a force-machine that delivers in terms of performance and style. It is the most explosive and adrenaline-charged Street Triple ever. It’s built to be at home on the track, and a weapon on the road. We are the fastest growing premium space right now in the country. India is our focus market and we will keep on bringing in new models into the country.”
Design wise, the naked and muscular Street Triple RS gets an evolved design from its predecessor. The new Street Triple RS gets a new frame, double-sided swingarm, an Ohlins STX40 adjustable rear monoshock and a fully-adjustable Showa Big Piston forks up front, which claims to deliver an improved stability and overall handling at higher speeds. The motorcycle gets a sharper rear end along with some cosmetic changes such as a new bodywork, redesigned twin-seat setup, flyscreen with integrated air intake, rear heel guards, a new engine cover, radiator guards and mudguards. The new Street Triple RS also comes equipped with a wide handlebar, a 5-inch adjustable TFT instrument panel, a beefy fuel tank (17.4-litre), 17-inch 5-spoke strong alloy wheels, two bug eye-shaped headlamps with integrated DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps), fancy looking indicators and an LED tail lamp as well.
Talking about its power and performance, the new Triumph Street Triple RS is powered by a 765cc liquid-cooled, 12 valves, DOHC, in-line three-cylinder engine that generates 121bhp of peak power at 11,700 rpm and 77 Nm of maximum torque at 10,800 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed transmission that sends power to the rear wheel via a slipper clutch and a quick shifter. The bike rides on 5-spoke strong alloy wheels, which are shod with 120/70 ZR17 tyre at the front and 180/55 ZR17 tyre at the rear. The naked streetfighter sits on the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, fitted as standard. The super sticky Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres are ideal for use on difficult surfaces and provide extra grip and better control over muddy, scratchy and patchy roads under all weather conditions. Dimensionally, the Triumph Street Triple RS measures at 2,065 mm in length, 1,085 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 1,410 mm. The bike has a seat height of 825 mm and weighs 166 kg (kerb weight).
In terms of safety, the Street Triple RS comes with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) technology as standard in India and switchable traction control with five riding modes including Road, Rain, Sport, Track and Rider. The suspension duties are handled by a fully adjustable Showa 41 mm upside-down big piston front forks with 115 mm of travel and an automatic preload adjustable Ohlins STX40 adjustable rear monoshock with 131 mm of travel. Braking duties are performed by the dual front 310 mm floating discs with Brembo 4-piston monobloc calipers brake and a single rear 220 mm disc with mono piston Brembo caliper brake. Switchable ABS comes as a standard equipment (both units) for ensuring maximum safety.
In the Indian two-wheeler market, the Triumph Street Triple RS will compete against the likes of the Ducati Monster 821, Kawasaki Z900, Aprilia Shiver 900, Yamaha MT-09 and the MV Agusta Brutale 800.