2023 Triumph Street Triple RS - First Impressions

Ah, the Triumph Street Triple – a machine that exudes raw power and technological prowess, all wrapped up in a sleek and stylish package. First introduced to the world in 2007, this formidable middleweight naked bike has come a long way since its inception. Over the years, it has undergone numerous improvements and refinements, constantly pushing the boundaries of what a naked bike can be.

Fast forward to 2023, and in its current form, the Street Triple is indeed one of the strongest contenders in the naked bike segment. Boasting cutting-edge performance and technology, this machine is a force to be reckoned with. So, when my good friend Marco purchased a brand new 2023 Street Triple RS in the dazzling Carnival Red color, I jumped at the chance to take it for a spin and see what all the fuss was about.

The same razor-sharp handling

Indeed, the 2023 Triumph Street Triple RS is a machine that doesn't skimp on cutting-edge technology. From its advanced suspension components to its top-of-the-line braking system, every aspect of this bike has been engineered to deliver the ultimate riding experience.

One of the key components that sets the Street Triple RS apart is its suspension system. At the rear, the bike is equipped with an Ohlins adjustable monoshock that can be fine-tuned to suit a wide range of riding styles and conditions. This allows the rider to tailor the bike's handling characteristics to their exact preferences, whether they prefer a firmer or softer ride.

Up front, the Street Triple RS gets a fully adjustable Showa fork, which is capable of handling even the most demanding riding scenarios. Whether you're carving up twisty mountain roads or cruising down the highway, this fork provides exceptional control and stability, allowing the rider to push the bike to its limits with confidence.

Of course, all that performance potential means nothing if you can't bring the bike to a stop when you need to. That's where the Street Triple RS's Brembo braking system comes into play. The bike gets Brembo Stylema calipers, which are some of the most advanced calipers on the market. These calipers offer exceptional stopping power, allowing the rider to slow the bike down quickly and with confidence.

An emphasis on cutting-edge technology

It's true that Triumph has finally brought the Street Triple RS up to speed with the latest technology by equipping it with a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for 2023. This addition is something that many riders have been waiting for, as it unlocks a whole new level of performance and safety-focused rider aids that were previously unavailable on this machine.

Thanks to the IMU, the Street Triple RS is now able to offer advanced features such as cornering ABS and traction control. These systems work together to help keep the bike stable and composed even in the most challenging riding conditions. The cornering ABS, for example, allows the rider to brake hard into corners with confidence, knowing that the system will help prevent the wheels from locking up and causing a loss of control.

Similarly, the traction control system helps to keep the rear wheel from spinning out of control during hard acceleration, giving the rider a greater sense of control and confidence on the road. With these advanced rider aids at their disposal, riders can push the Street Triple RS to its limits with greater ease and safety than ever before.

A tried and tested engine

Ever since Triumph updated the Street Triple in 2018 with a 765cc engine, the platform was elevated to a whole new level. The liquid-cooled, inline-three cylinder engine is actually the same one that is found on the Moto2 race bikes, which means that it has been rigorously tested and developed to withstand the most grueling racing conditions.

But what does all of this mean for the rider on the street? Simply put, it means that the Street Triple is an absolute joy to ride. The engine is incredibly responsive and offers plenty of power and torque throughout the rev range. The bike is also incredibly smooth and refined, making it a pleasure to ride in any situation.

For 2023, Triumph has taken things even further by tuning the engine to produce even more power – a whopping 128 horsepower. This makes it the most powerful engine in its displacement class, and one that is sure to put a smile on any rider's face. Whether you're cruising down the highway or carving up your favorite twisty road, the Street Triple's engine will provide plenty of power and excitement

A nearly unbelievable price tag

It's no secret that motorcycles can be a considerable investment, and the Triumph Street Triple RS is no exception, with a starting price tag of P845,000 for the Silver Ice colorway in the Philippines. The Carnival Red and Cosmic Yellow colorways retail for P857,000. However, when you consider the level of performance and technology that the bike offers, it becomes clear that this is an incredibly reasonable price point for a bike of this caliber.

In fact, when compared to its main competitor, the Ducati Monster 937, which retails for P1,045,000, the Triumph Street Triple RS simply outshines the Monster in terms of performance and technology. Not only does it come equipped with top-of-the-line components from Brembo and Ohlins, but it also features a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – just like the Monster – and a host of other advanced rider aids that make it one of the most technologically advanced bikes in its class.

When you take into account all of these features, it's hard to imagine how Triumph was able to price the Street Triple RS this low. Nevertheless, they have, and as a result, the bike offers exceptional value for money. For riders who are looking for a top-tier naked sportbike that doesn't break the bank, the Triumph Street Triple RS is an excellent choice.