Triumph Street Triple 675 R [2009-2011]: A Timeless Streetfighter Revisited

Introduction

The Triumph Street Triple 675 R isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of intent. Born from the DNA of Triumph’s Daytona 675 supersport machine, this generation (2009–2011) refined the formula of the original Street Triple into a sharper, more focused streetfighter. With its snarling inline-three engine, race-derived chassis, and hooligan-friendly character, the Street Triple R remains a benchmark for middleweight naked bikes. After a spirited test ride through winding roads and urban sprawl, it’s clear why this machine still commands cult-like admiration over a decade after its debut.

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Design & Aesthetics

The Street Triple R wears its aggression proudly. The twin headlights—a Triumph signature since the Speed Triple’s heyday—give it a predatory stare, while the minimalist bodywork exposes the mechanical heartbeat beneath. Matte Graphite, Intense Orange, and Phantom Black color schemes (with gold wheels on the 2011 model) emphasize its industrial chic aesthetic.

The aluminum twin-spar frame isn’t just functional; it’s a design statement, showcasing Triumph’s engineering prowess. Magura’s tapered handlebars and the twin high-mount exhausts complete the streetfighter posture, placing the rider in a commanding, upright position. At 805 mm (31.7 in), the seat height accommodates most riders, though the slim profile might leave taller pilots craving more thigh support during long rides.

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Engine & Performance

The Heart of a Hooligan

The 675cc liquid-cooled inline-three is the star here. With 105–107 HP at 11,700 RPM and 69 Nm (50.9 ft-lbs) of torque peaking at 9,100 RPM, this engine is a masterclass in flexibility. From crawling through traffic at 3,000 RPM to screaming toward its 13,500 RPM redline, the triple delivers seamless power. The exhaust note—a guttural growl at low revs that crescendos into a metallic wail—is pure auditory adrenaline.

Throttle response is immediate, thanks to multipoint fuel injection, and the 6-speed gearbox slots with rifle-bolt precision. Triumph’s engineers tuned this engine for street-friendly torque rather than outright track speed, making it feel explosively quick between 5,000–12,000 RPM. Fuel economy? Expect 5.1 L/100 km (45.9 US mpg) if you’re gentle—but good luck resisting the urge to exploit that powerband.

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Handling & Ride Experience

Surgical Precision Meets Playfulness

The Street Triple R’s chassis is a Daytona 675 derivative, tweaked for street agility. The 41mm Kayaba USD forks (adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound) and piggyback-reservoir monoshock strike a balance between taut cornering and bump absorption. With a 23.9° rake and 95 mm (3.7 in) of trail, steering is telepathically quick—flickable in corners yet stable at speed.

Radial-mounted Nissin 4-piston calipers bite down on 308mm discs up front, offering progressive stopping power. The setup inspires confidence, whether you’re trail-braking into hairpins or navigating slippery urban roads. At 189 kg (416 lbs) wet, the bike feels light on its feet, encouraging mid-corner line adjustments and effortless U-turns.

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Competition

How Does It Stack Up?

The Street Triple R’s fiercest rival in its era was the Yamaha FZ8 (2011), a inline-four naked bike with 106 HP. While the FZ8 offered smoother highway manners and a lower price tag, it lacked the Triumph’s razor-sharp handling and charismatic engine. The FZ8’s non-adjustable suspension and softer brakes left it feeling bland compared to the R’s track-ready poise.

The Ducati Monster 796 (2011) brought Italian flair and a desmodromic V-twin, but its 87 HP and higher maintenance costs made it less accessible. Meanwhile, the Suzuki SV650 (2009) undercut the Triumph on price but couldn’t match its premium components or adrenaline-inducing performance.

The Street Triple R’s closest spiritual successor? The MV Agusta Brutale 675 (2012), which mimicked its triple-cylinder layout but added exoticism (and complexity) at a premium. Triumph’s blend of British charm, Japanese reliability, and track-day agility kept it in a class of its own.

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Maintenance

Keeping the Beast Alive

Ownership of the Street Triple R is relatively straightforward, but attention to key areas ensures longevity:

1. Valve Adjustments: Every 16,000 km (10,000 mi). Clearances are tight at 0.10–0.20 mm (intake) and 0.275–0.325 mm (exhaust). Use NGK CR9EK plugs gapped to 0.7 mm.
2. Chain Care: The O-ring chain demands regular lubrication. MOTOPARTS.store offers premium DID 520VX3 chains for smoother shifts.
3. Oil Changes: 3.1L of 10W-40/10W-50 (with filter). Consider Motul 7100 Synthetic for aggressive riding.
4. Brake Fluid: Flush with DOT 4 annually. Upgrade to braided lines (available in-store) for firmer lever feel.
5. Cooling System: Replace coolant every 2 years/40,000 km. The system holds 2.2L—opt for Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant.
6. Tire Pressures: 2.35 bar (34 psi) front / 2.9 bar (42 psi) rear. Stick with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV for grip matching the R’s prowess.

Pro Tip: The pre-wired ECU supports Triumph’s plug-and-play quickshifter—a worthy upgrade for track enthusiasts.

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Conclusion

The Triumph Street Triple 675 R isn’t just a relic of the late 2000s—it’s a living testament to how visceral motorcycling can be. Its combination of soulful engine character, razor-sharp handling, and streetfighter swagger remains unmatched in the used market. Whether you’re carving canyons or dominating urban grids, the R delivers grins per mile that few modern bikes can rival.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we’re committed to keeping your Street Triple R in peak condition. From performance exhausts to suspension upgrades, our catalog ensures this British icon continues to defy its age. Ride hard, maintain harder.

// Written by MOTOPARTS.store Journalist Team

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Specifications sheet

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