If I am
honest, it has been a while since I had a thoroughly enjoyable time on a
motorcycle from start to finish. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing better
than going for a ride however the Street triple made riding enjoyable no matter
where I was. Whether I was stuck in traffic, navigating our dodgy road network
or even potting along at 40km/h, the Triumph made any riding environment
entertaining. The last time I had this much fun was when I was on the 990 Duke
or the Aprilia SXV450 or when I had a drunken girlfriend.
When the
younger generations amongst us think Triumph, we usually associate it with
tweed, ale, roadside pubs, beards and grandpa. This is probably due to their
traditional English image and bikes such as the Bonneville, Thruxton and the
Scrambler (no not an MX bike). However any 18 year old loony wheelie nut head
can climb aboard the Street Triple and raise their heart rate to dangerous new
levels. I was thoroughly impressed with the entertainment factor of the Street
triple, there was never a dull moment.
The
Streetrip, as I shall now call it, has an upmarket feel. Everywhere you look
there is brushed aluminum and tasteful fairings finished in an attractive paint
scheme. The design is enticing for a naked and Triumph have also included subtle
built in ‘crash bobbins’ (see image below). I am actually surprised
manufacturers haven’t included this in their designs long ago, (perhaps it’s
all the money they make when they have to resell you a set of plastics, levers,
and rearsets after you’ve binned it).
The
Streetrip also possesses excellent ergonomics, a comfortable riding position
and very responsive riding traits. The wide handle bars make changing
directions instantaneous. The brakes are super sharp and ABS will keep you
straight and true over slippery surfaces. However you do feel the ABS working
through the brakes, more so the foot brake.
What is
really impressive about the Streetrip however is the power delivery. There is
amazing low down and mid-range grunt. Whilst in 6th gear you can
easily roll on the throttle from 40km/h and off you go. This is what makes the
Streetrip so attractive to me. Although it has a capacity of 675cc, a 100kg
rider only needs to utilize the low down torque and you are already up to
speed. In fact it is a little like a 3 litre diesel BMW. You never have to
over-rev it to get going. Except with the Streetrip there is no turbo lag. This
is what separates the Streetrip from other 600cc sport bikes where the power is
all at 19 000 000 revolutions per second.
Witches
have been known to cower away in the dark when they hear the scream of a Yamaha
R6 approaching. In fact an R6 came past me the other day with an aftermarket
slip-on. I thought the doomsday prophecy had come to life.
Once I had
my ears stitched back on I returned to the comfort of the Streetrip which
sounds excellent. Even with the standard pipe there is a beautiful rasp, iconic
of Triumphs today. Roll open the throttle and the exhaust barks as it becomes
louder, much the same as a Ferrari 430 when the exhaust valves open.
I am a huge
fan of the Streetrip as an everyday bike. It’s comfortable, quick, economical
and for plus minus R90 000. You can have one licensed and on the road.
That is excellent value for money. No it won’t beat that 600cc howler around the
track, you may need a Daytona for that, but at the same time you won’t need
your spine fused after a ride to your mates place.
Criticisms?
Well there
is a slight vibration that appears as you approach and exceed the 12 000 rpm
range (which your girlfriend will enjoy), top end is not stratospheric and
there is little in the way of electronic riding aids (besides the ABS option).
So if you are looking for an everyday bike capable of taking you to work on a Monday
and through the twisties on Sunday, this is it. You are guaranteed to smile,
that I promise you.
·
675cc
3 cylinder 105bhp 50ft.lbs torque
·
Engine
immobilizer standard
·
Two-year
unlimited mileage factory warranty
·
6kg
lighter than previous model
·
Aluminum
beam twin-spar frame with high pressure die case rear subframe
Pros:
Huge fun
Relatively
inexpensive
Economical
Beautifully
made
Cons:
Electronic
tech (apart from ABS)
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