The exhausts closely resemble...
The exhausts closely resemble those of the larger Speed Triple.
Though the motor has been retuned for better lower-end torque it doesn't struggle in the least and actually seems to pull just as hard as the 675. Wheelies in the first three gears should be expected thanks largely to the reprofiled cams that allow for improved bottom end and midrange.
Running with bigger bikes on twisty canyon roads will likely see the Street Triple out in front thanks to its 675 chassis that's extremely rigid and behaved-which is typically uncharacteristic of the other bikes in this class that can feel sloppy and confused at times. Despite the swingarm pivot point set 2 millimeters lower in the frame than on the 675, the rolling chassis remains largely unchanged.
A restyled Daytona 675 dash...
A restyled Daytona 675 dash tells the tale.
But the $675 question seems to be who this bike is really designed for. Does a friendlier seat height and softer suspension mean that this is just a strong entry-level bike-designed with a female rider in mind? Absolutely not. Though the motor obviously isn't quite as mad as the larger 1050cc Speed Triple, it retains the torquey character that will loft the front wheel easily and help rip away from traffic lights as easy as any liter bike. The airbox snarl is one of Triumph's most impressive yet, and with some aftermarket pipes this thing will sing like nothing else on the road. The smaller cubes also mean that insurance rates will be a hell of a lot friendlier too.
Unlike the early spy shots seen in January of 2006, the bike has been redesigned and released as its own entity-not simply a stripped-down 675. There was consideration and preparation during the early stages of the 675's design and prototyping to allow it to donate itself to a naked version in the future. Such items like the fairing brackets were designed to be hidden so that when the 675 took its clothes off it would remain clean and tidy. But it was largely due to Triumph Italy's suggestion that the Street Triple should echo the Speed Triple instead of the 675. The bigger bike is a classic in Italy, and this smaller sibling should follow suit.
At first glance the dual exhausts suggest the Speed Triple's influence, and though they're mildly different they hint that this bike is more "little Speed Triple" than "naked 675." Lighting duties are split from the two donors with the rear coming from the 675, but it's the directly passed-down Speed Triple headlight and flyscreen arrangement that really give the Street Triple its stance and attitude.
With it's competitive pricing at $7999, it's a sensible option for riders looking for an alternative to a supersport 600, yet something still competent to provide thrills and cause some commotion. The very spirit of the Speed Triple has been captured in a smaller and more nimble package that will certainly catch out quite a few unsuspecting plastic-clad race replicas.
Under the Influence
The Street Triple very closely resembles the Daytona 675, but with a softened riding position and lower ride height. An early clay model spy shot shows its shape coming together.
Vital Info
Weight: 367 pounds
Max power: 108hp@11,700rpm
Max torque: 51ft.lbs.@9,100rpm
Top speed: 135 mph
The grazing sheep weren't...
The grazing sheep weren't too concerned, but you'll be happy to know the Street Triple can hang with the big bikes.
Though there are a lot of...
Though there are a lot of borrowed parts, the Street Triple creates its own identity.
Even the slightest scratch...
Even the slightest scratch means it goes in the trash.
We feel sorry for whoever...
We feel sorry for whoever gets that motor.
The public expected a naked...
The public expected a naked Daytona 675, but Triumph had other ideas. The end result is a smaller Speed Triple in appearance with the sportbike handling characteristics of the 675. It's sort of the best of both worlds for naked-bike enthusiasts.