2012 Triumph Street Triple 675 R: The Middleweight Streetfighter That Redefines Fun

Introduction

The 2012 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 sportbike and infused with the rebellious spirit of the Speed Triple, this naked bike is a masterclass in balancing aggression with accessibility. Designed for riders who crave adrenaline without sacrificing practicality, the Street Triple R has earned its reputation as a "do-it-all" machine. Whether carving canyon roads, threading through city traffic, or even dabbling in track days, this bike refuses to be pigeonholed. Let’s dissect why this generation remains a benchmark in the middleweight category.

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Design & Aesthetics: Brutal Beauty Meets Functional Refinement

Triumph’s 2012 update gave the Street Triple R a sharper, more confrontational identity. The most polarizing change? The new pentagonal headlights, borrowed from the Speed Triple. While purists initially mourned the loss of the classic round lamps, these angular units inject a futuristic edge, framing the bike’s “face” like a predator’s narrowed eyes.

Three color schemes solidified its attitude: Diablo Red (a fiery, metallic crimson), Crystal White (clean and clinical), and Phantom Black with gold accents (stealthy yet opulent). Brushed metal finishes replaced previous chrome elements, notably on the exhaust headers and heel guards, lending a utilitarian sophistication.

The riding position is ergonomically golden. The 805 mm (31.7-inch) seat height accommodates shorter riders without cramping taller pilots, while the tapered handlebar—another Speed Triple inheritance—offers leverage for aggressive steering. The LCD dash, with its lap timer and gear indicator, feels purposeful rather than gimmicky.

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Engine & Performance: The Symphony of Three

At the heart of the Street Triple R lies its 675cc liquid-cooled inline-three—a masterpiece of engineering. With 106 HP (77.4 kW) at 11,700 RPM and 68 Nm (50.2 ft-lbs) of torque peaking at 9,200 RPM, this engine is a study in controlled chaos.

Throttle Response & Character

Triumph’s 2012 tweaks included a revised EFI strategy that automatically switches ignition maps based on throttle aggression. Gentle inputs yield buttery smoothness ideal for city commutes, while hard twists unleash a snarling, linear powerband. The result? A Jekyll-and-Hyde personality that’s both civilized and feral.

The exhaust note deserves its own ovation. Unlike the generic growl of twins or the scream of inline-fours, the triple’s soundtrack is a guttural howl that escalates into a metallic wail as the tachometer needle swings toward the 12,000 RPM redline. The twin underseat silencers (stainless steel, because Triumph knows aesthetics matter) amplify the auditory drama without crossing into obnoxiousness.

Fuel Efficiency & Practicality

With an average consumption of 5.1 L/100 km (19.6 km/L or 46 MPG), the 17.4L (4.6-gallon) tank delivers a 340 km (211-mile) range—enough for spirited day rides. Opt for highway cruising, and efficiency improves to an impressive 51 MPG, though few riders will resist the urge to exploit the triple’s upper rev range regularly.

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Handling & Dynamics: A Dance Partner That Never Misses a Step

Chassis & Suspension

The Street Triple R borrows its aluminum twin-spar frame from the Daytona 675, but Triumph’s retuning for naked bike duties paid dividends. The 23.9° rake and 95 mm (3.7-inch) trail strike a near-telepathic balance between stability and agility.

Fully adjustable Kayaba 41mm USD forks (130 mm travel) and a piggyback-reservoir monoshock (130 mm rear travel) let riders dial in settings for everything from glass-smooth tarmac to pockmarked backroads. Preload, rebound, and compression damping adjustments are a godsend for enthusiasts who obsess over ride quality.

Brakes & Tires

Nissin’s radial 4-piston calipers gripping 308mm floating discs deliver stoppies-on-demand power, with a lever feel that’s firm yet progressive. The rear 220mm disc and single-piston caliper? Adequate, though you’ll rarely need it.

Triumph swapped the previous Dunlops for Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa Pros—a dual-compound tire that warms quickly and grips like a gecko. The 120/70-ZR17 front and 180/55-ZR17 rear combo offers razor-sharp turn-in and mid-corner confidence, whether you’re knee-down on a twisty pass or dodging potholes downtown.

Weight Distribution

At 189 kg (416 lbs) wet, the Street Triple R feels almost unnaturally light. Flicking it through S-bends requires mere nudges of the hips, yet it remains planted at autobahn speeds. The cast aluminum 5-spoke wheels (17x3.5-inch front, 17x5.5-inch rear) minimize unsprung mass, letting the suspension work magic over bumps.

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Competition: How the Street Triple R Stacks Up

Yamaha MT-09 (FZ-09)

Yamaha’s 847cc triple offers more torque (85 Nm) and a lower price, but its snatchy throttle and soggy suspension pale next to the Triumph’s precision. The MT-09 appeals to hooligans; the Street Triple R caters to connoisseurs.

Ducati Monster 796

The Monster’s 803cc V-twin delivers character and panache, but its 80 HP and cable-actuated throttle feel archaic compared to the Triumph’s tech-savvy triple. Ducati’s maintenance costs (desmo service, anyone?) also deter budget-conscious riders.

Kawasaki Z800

Kawasaki’s 806cc inline-four packs a 109 HP punch, but its 231 kg (509 lbs) heft blunts agility. The Z800 is a brute; the Street Triple R is a scalpel.

Verdict: The Triumph’s blend of lightweight handling, intoxicating engine, and premium components (adjustable suspension, radial brakes) make it the thinking rider’s choice. It sacrifices raw power for balance—a trade-off that pays dividends on real-world roads.

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Maintenance: Keeping Your Street Triple R in Fighting Shape

Key Service Intervals

• Oil Changes: Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) with 3.1L of 10W-40/50 (API SH-rated). Don’t skip the filter!
• Coolant: Replace every 2 years using ethylene glycol-based fluid. The 1.9L system prefers a 50/50 water-coolant mix.
• Chain Maintenance: Clean and lube the O-ring chain every 500 km (310 miles). Aim for 20-30 mm (0.8-1.2 inches) of slack.
• Spark Plugs: NGK CR9EK plugs need replacement every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Gap them to 0.7 mm (0.028 inches).
• Brake Fluid: Flush with DOT 4 annually to prevent sponginess.

Common Upgrades

• Quick-Shifter: Pre-wired for Triumph’s plug-and-play quickshifter—a must for track enthusiasts.
• Aftermarket Exhaust: Unleash the triple’s full voice with a slip-on from Arrow or SC Project.
• Rearsets: Adjustable sets improve cornering clearance for aggressive riders.

MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations

Stock up on:
- K&N Oil Filters (compatible with 10W-40/50)
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Tires (modern successors to the Supercorsa)
- EBC HH Sintered Brake Pads for bite that matches the Nissin calipers’ potential

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Conclusion: The Street Triple R’s Timeless Appeal

A decade after its release, the 2012 Street Triple R remains a yardstick for middleweight nakeds. It’s a bike that rewards skill without punishing inexperience, thrills without compromising usability, and stands out without relying on gimmicks. Whether you’re a seasoned rider chasing backroad nirvana or a commuter seeking weekday excitement, this Triumph delivers. And when the time comes to personalize or refresh your machine, MOTOPARTS.store has the parts to keep your Street Triple R as sharp as the day it rolled off the showroom floor.

Ride hard, ride smart, and let that triple sing.

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Specifications sheet

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