Triumph Street Triple R India Launch Soon

[Update: 2020 Triumph Street Triple R Launched In India, head here to check it out.]

• Triple-cylinder motor is rated at 118PS and 75Nm
• Gets features such as ride modes, bi-directional quickshifter and traction control.
• Will compete against the upcoming 2020 Kawasaki Z900 and the KTM 790 Duke BS6.

While there’s been little to no action in the two-wheeler space thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown, one brand that has given enthusiasts something to cheer about during this period is Triumph Motorcycles. A few days ago, it launched the Bonneville T100 and the T120 Black editions. But it seems Triumph isn’t done yet. The Brit bike maker plans to ride in the 2020 Street Triple R by the end of this month for around Rs 9.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

Bugged Vision

With respect to looks, the new bike looks slightly different compared to its predecessor with slimmer LED headlights, a restyled windscreen and a compact exhaust muffler.  Styling is a subjective topic and to my eyes the 2020 Kawasaki Z900 has better presence while the KTM 790 Duke is sharper. As for the British roadster, umm.. it’s a bit odd-ball for my taste. Anyway design doesn’t matter once you’re in the saddle, but be prepared to time travel into the past as a semi-digital instrument console with a LCD display welcomes you. Cost-cutting is a good exercise only when it’s done stealthily and the lack of a TFT screen on a Rs 10 lakh plus motorcycle is absurd. Ok, let’s not judge the Brit just yet; maybe it has some trick up its sleeve, especially with its triple-cylinder motor.

Motor ahead

 Talking about firepower, the Street Triple R’s BS6-compliant engine is rated at 118PS and 75Nm, not bad by any means right? Well, yes, only if the Z900 and the 790 Duke didn’t exist. The Japanese streetfighter’s four-cylinder motor pumps out 125PS and 98.6Nm, while the Scalpel delivers 105PS and 87Nm from two cylinders. Yes, the Triumph trumps the Austrian when it comes to power, but the KTM punches back with 12Nm of extra torque. The Triumph Street Triple S is now focussed towards A2 license owners in Europe and is powered by a 660cc triple-cylinder engine producing 47.6PS and 60Nm  

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Moving on to features, the Street Triple R gets three ride modes, bi-directional quickshifter, slipper clutch, traction control and Brembo braking hardware. Team Green misses out on fancy Brembos and quickshifter, but makes up for it with smartphone connectivity. The Scalpel leads the charge with cornering ABS that is disengageable, smartphone connectivity, launch control and even wheelie control. As you can see in terms of features, the 790 Duke is clearly a step or two ahead. As for the underpinnings, it’s pretty much a template for the segment with a USD fork, linked monoshock and twin disc brake units at the front. You can check the specs in detail here. 

Money Talks

And finally moolah! As mentioned earlier the Triumph Street Triple R is expected to be priced at Rs 9.50 lakh, while the 2020 Kawasaki Z900 is likely to undercut it by Rs 1 lakh. The 790 Duke hasn’t met BS6 emission norms yet. However KTM is working on it and the greener version of the Scalpel is expected to be launched by late 2020 for around Rs 9 lakh (BS4 version was launched at Rs 8.64 lakh). As you can see, the Street Triple R has its work cut out in the company of such fierce rivals. But, the Street Triple R provides a more sophisticated and friendly riding experience, especially in terms of cornering. So if you’re not a very experienced rider, the lower seat height and reassuring handling will give you more confidence. On the other end, if you plan to take the bike for a few trackdays, our suggestion will be to spend the extra Rs 1.50 lakh and go for the Street Triple RS.