Triumph Street Triple RS: A Ride That’s Smooth as Butter

The Street Triple RS On The Street

I had the chance to ride the 2021 Triumph Street Triple RS during a special press ride at the IMS Outdoor Show in Carlisle, PA and it left a lasting impression! Right from the start, I felt like I just hopped onto the smoothest motorcycle made to date. It felt like it could be an electric bike. I actually couldn't believe how smooth it was. Triumph has nailed the balance between sporty aggression and everyday comfort, making this bike feel both exhilarating and refined in such a classy way.

Cornering on the Street Triple RS was confidence inspiring and the bike feels planted. Throttle response is excellent! Sound is…well it’s a stock exhaust, but it still sounds great.

Acceleration and Comfort

Acceleration was another highlight. The 765cc triple-cylinder engine delivers power in a way that feels effortless yet exciting! Twist the throttle, and the bike surges forward with a refined yet aggressive punch. It never felt overwhelming, just perfectly tuned for both spirited riding and city maneuvering...and so so smooth

Ergonomically, the seating position was spot on, comfortable enough for longer rides but aggressive enough to give you that sporty, connected feel. The bike felt light between my legs, making it easy to handle, whether carving through corners or navigating tighter spaces. The seat height sits at 32.5 inches which puts me on my tippy toes at 5 feet 4 inches. This is something I'm used to and one of the reasons I ride with riding boot that have a hidden heel inside.

The seating position is comfortable for longer rides. The mirrors are positioned just right for great visibility behind you as well. These are full mirrors and they don’t feel like an afterthought on the Street Triple RS which I really appreciate.

Some Key Specs:

Engine: 765cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder

Power: 121 hp (90 kW) @ 11,750 rpm

Torque: 58 lb-ft (79 Nm) @ 9,350 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed with a quickshifter

Frame: Aluminum twin-spar chassis

Suspension: Front: Showa 41mm fully adjustable Big Piston Forks (BPF), 115mm travel. Rear: Öhlins STX40 fully adjustable piggyback reservoir monoshock, 131mm travel

Brakes: Front: Twin 310mm floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc calipers. Rear: Single 220mm disc, Brembo single-piston caliper.

Electronics: Ride-by-wire throttle, 5 riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control.

Weight: 366 lbs (166 kg) dry

Seat Height: 32.5 in (825 mm)

Always wave to other bikers, it’s the rule.

Comparison To My Favorite Middleweight Naked Bike: the MT-07

The 2021 Triumph Street Triple RS and the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 both fall into the middleweight naked category but offer very different riding experiences. The Street Triple RS, with its 765cc inline-triple, delivers 121 hp and 58 lb-ft of torque, revving higher and offering a more aggressive, refined powerband, while the MT-07’s 689cc parallel-twin produces 73.4 hp and 49.4 lb-ft of torque, focusing more on low-end torque and an easygoing power delivery. The Triumph comes with high-end components like Brembo M50 brakes, Öhlins suspension, and a quick shifter, making it sharper and more track-focused, whereas the MT-07 keeps things simpler with KYB suspension and standard ABS, prioritizing affordability and everyday usability. The Street Triple RS is the better choice for riders seeking precision, premium features, and top-end performance, while the MT-07 remains a favorite for those who want a lightweight, torquey, and engaging ride without the complexity or cost of higher-end components.

Impressive Tech

The Street Triple RS comes packed with advanced tech and electronics that enhance both performance and rider convenience. It features a full-color 5-inch TFT display with customizable layouts, ride-by-wire throttle, and five riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and Rider-configurable) that adjust throttle response and traction control settings. The quickshifter allows for seamless clutchless upshifts and downshifts, while cornering ABS and switchable traction control provide added safety without being overly intrusive. LED lighting, a keyless ignition option, and smartphone connectivity through “MyTriumph” Bluetooth further modernize the riding experience, making the Street Triple RS one of the most tech-forward bikes in its class. We expect nothing less from Triumph…

My only regret with the Street Triple RS is not having it available for a long term review. This bike can give track enthusiasts a run for their money and satisfy commuters and city riders as well.

Some Final Thoughts

The 2021 Triumph Street Triple RS, priced at $12,850 USD, delivers an impressive balance of high-end performance, premium components, and advanced technology. Its sharp handling, powerful 765cc triple, and top-tier electronics make it a standout choice for riders who want a more refined and track ready naked bike. While it comes at a higher price than some competitors, the level of engineering and features justify the cost for those seeking a premium middleweight experience. Oh, and did I mention it's buttery smooth. 🧈