Triumph is renowned for building some of the most iconic motorcycles in the industry, a feat befitting its status as the second-oldest motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production. In business since the 1880s, Triumph experienced a setback in the 1980s when the company went bankrupt. However, a wealthy Brit saved the day, buying the Triumph brand to ensure the company stayed in production.
Without the deep pockets of John Bloor, the used Triumph motorcycles for sale today would look vastly different. They certainly wouldn't include best-selling models like the Street Triple. First introduced in 2007, the Street Triple debuted as a mix of the more potent Speed Triple 1050 and the wildly successful Daytona 675 sport bike. Since then, it's differentiated itself and carved its niche as one of the best naked bikes in its class.
But what makes the Street Triple such a great used bike? What can you expect when you climb in the saddle of this roadster? As your used Triumph destination, SF Moto has those answers and more.
Why Reinvent the Wheel? The Street Triple Is Born
In the early years of motorcycle production, Triumph copied rival motorcycles before developing a design unique to the brand. Triumph tested the waters without excessive risk by not reinventing the proverbial wheel. We see this approach again with the first-generation Street Triple, which debuted in 2007, blending the looks of the Speed Triple with the heart of the already successful Daytona 675.
The 2007 Street Triple appeared nearly identical to the Speed Triple, sharing the same headlight design and double mufflers. Aside from the engine, the most significant difference was the Street Triple's conventional swingarm, a detail only Triumph enthusiasts knew to look for. For power, Triumph detuned the Daytona 675's three-cylinder engine to make it street-friendly for the naked Street Triple, which was marketed as a daily rider. The combination was successful, proving Triumph didn't have to reinvent the wheel to answer rider demands.
The Street Triple immediately garnered acclaim, prompting Triumph to expand the lineup with the Street Triple R in 2008. Where the Street Triple earned its place as an approachable naked bike, the Street Triple R proved its penchant for more power, speed, and performance. Triumph accomplished as much by giving the Street Triple R a fully adjustable front and rear suspension, updated brakes, and a more aggressive stance with a taller seat to embrace its racing heritage.
Notable Changes Over the Years
While Triumph didn't reinvent the wheel designing the Street Triple, the motorcycle manufacturer caused quite a stir by changing the roadster's design in 2012. The second-generation Street Triple ignited controversy when Triumph replaced its signature circular headlights with a more angular design. The redesign was meant to liken the naked bike to modern rivals, but riders balked. Triumph promptly remedied its mistake, introducing the third-generation Street Triple after only a year in 2013.
Produced from 2013 to 2016, the third-generation Street Triple is lighter and more agile than its predecessors. Moreover, these models are recognizable because Triumph positions the exhaust below the engine to improve performance. The Street Triple R also benefited, with Triumph raising the seat and improving the bike's design to make it one of the most responsive motorcycles available.
In addition to the quick introduction of the third-generation model, Triumph added the Street Triple Rx to the lineup in 2015. Inspired by the Street Triple R, the Street Triple Rx differentiates itself in several critical ways. For example, it includes the Daytona 675's angular seat, a belly pan, and a quick-shifter for peak responsiveness at any speed and in any condition.
More Bang for Your Buck: Our Street Triple Recommendations
Buying a used Triumph like the Street Triple is an excellent investment, but some models are more appealing than others. A first-generation Street Triple is a piece of history, appealing to riders looking for a vintage bike that became one of the most popular naked roasters in the middleweight class. However, most riders are looking for something more––more bang for their buck.
Every Street Triple built since 2017 answers this need for "more." We see this in several ways, from the bike's bigger engine to its multi-trim lineup. As a result, these models remain a fan favorite and a top seller on our showroom floor because they offer more performance, distinct style, and newer features at a fraction of the price.
The greatest appeal of a newer Street Triple is its larger engine. In 2017, Triumph replaced the 675 cc engine with a more powerful 765 cc power plant. The change is significant because it gives the Street Triple more horsepower without adding to its weight. Miraculously, newer Street Triple models with the 765 cc engine weigh less than their 675 cc counterparts, showcasing Triumph's outstanding ingenuity.
More Power, More Options
These newer Street Triple models are also appealing because they're available in various models to answer distinct riding, performance, and style needs. In doing so, Triumph ensures riders have everything they want (and more) in the Street Triple family. For example, the Street Triple S is the gateway into the lineup, setting the benchmark for the Street Triple R and Street Triple RS.
Triumph outfits the entry-level roadster, the Street Triple S, with a Showa suspension, two riding modes, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. These features complement the bike's 765 cc engine as it produces 113 horsepower. Climbing the lineup, the Street Triple R is an intermediate bike that introduces more features, like four riding modes, a digital display, Brembo brakes, and a fully adjustable Showa suspension. It also produces 118 hp, setting the stage for the advanced Street Triple RS.
Sitting at the top of the Street Triple family tree, the Street Triple RS is ideal for riders looking for more capability and next-level features in a middleweight roadster. The Street Triple RS is the ultimate performer, producing 123 hp and giving you the necessary tools to harness that power. For example, its fully-adjustable Showa big piston fork complements the adjustable Öhlins rear monoshock to ensure optimal handling. In addition, Triumph sweetens the package and encourages riders to test the Street Triple RS on the track by adding a quick shifter and a fifth riding mode for the circuit.
Riding Never Looked This Good
Triumph got its start building bicycles and sewing machines in the 1880s, eventually turning its attention to motorcycles in the early 1900s. For nearly a century, Triumph made a lasting impression worldwide, lending its efforts to the World Wars. It even made its mark in Hollywood as icons like Elvis Presley, Marlon Brando, Bob Dylan, and Steve McQueen climbed in the saddle, making Triumph a coveted name on American soil.
Models like the Street Triple pay homage to this legacy, making it an appealing option for riders who want a distinct bike that doesn't compromise performance or quality. A used Street Triple does an even better job of this because it makes performance affordable, never forcing you to dig deeper into your pockets for a middleweight powerhouse that's shaped the industry since its debut in 2007.
Of course, there's more to getting in the saddle of the Street Triple. Riding a Triumph street fighter makes you a part of the company's incredible legacy as the second-oldest motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production. With a Triumph Street Triple, you gain access to this legacy. You weave your story as a rider into Triumph's history, expanding the tapestry that's shaped the global motorcycle landscape for over a century.
