Triumph Street Triple 675 R [2013-2016]: A Timeless Middleweight Thrill Machine

Introduction

The Triumph Street Triple 675 R isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a declaration of war against compromise. Between 2013 and 2016, this British icon refined the art of balancing track-ready aggression with street-smart practicality. Sitting astride one today, you’re immediately struck by its taut readiness, like a crossbow loaded with adrenaline. The matte finishes catch light like brushed steel armor, while the asymmetrical headlights glare forward with insectoid intensity. This isn’t just transportation; it’s a 183 kg (403 lbs) manifesto on two wheels.

The Heartbeat: 675cc Inline-Three Engine

Power Delivery That Spoils Riders

The 675cc liquid-cooled triple remains the crown jewel. Crank the throttle at 3,000 RPM, and you’re pushed forward by 68 Nm (50.2 lb-ft) of torque – enough to blur shop windows in second gear. But the real magic happens north of 8,000 RPM when the 106 HP (77.4 kW) crescendo transforms exhaust notes from bassy growl to screaming mechanical aria.

The gearbox deserves praise – shifts click with riflebolt precision. Triumph’s taller first gear (34/13 ratio) means you’re not constantly feathering the clutch in traffic. Cruising at 100 km/h (62 mph) in sixth? The tacho rests at a relaxed 5,500 RPM, the engine humming contentedly at 160.5 g/km CO2 emissions.

Soundtrack of the Gods

Cold starts produce a baritone bark through the 3-into-1 exhaust that settles into a syncopated idle at 1,100 RPM ±100. Blip the throttle, and the mechanical snarl ricochets off concrete walls – a siren song that turns parking garages into concert halls. Aftermarket slip-ons (like Arrow’s offerings) amplify this symphony, but the stock system’s anti-social charm is half the fun.

Chassis & Handling: Surgical Precision

Geometry of Agility

With a 23.4° rake and 95mm (3.7") trail, the Street Triple R flicks through corners like a ratchet wrench. The aluminum twin-spar frame – weighing just 10.5 kg (23 lbs) – communicates every pavement seam through the seat. Push hard into a decreasing-radius turn, and the Kayaba suspension responds:
- Front: 41mm USD forks with 115mm (4.5") travel, adjustable for preload/rebound/compression
- Rear: Monoshock with piggyback reservoir, 135mm (5.3") travel

The Bridgestone Battlax S21 tires (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) offer tenacious grip, though serious track riders might swap for stickier rubber.

Braking: Confidence Incarnate

Brembo’s radial 4-piston calipers bite 310mm floating discs up front, hauling speed with the urgency of a naval anchor. Switchable ABS (a rarity in this era) allows seasoned riders to disable electronic nannies – not that you’ll often need to. The rear Nissin 2-piston caliper provides just enough modulation for trailing into apexes.

Ergonomics & Daily Usability

The Rider’s Triangle

At 820mm (32.3") seat height, most riders plant boots firmly. The tapered aluminum handlebars (740mm/29.1" wide) strike a Goldilocks balance – not too stretched for commuting, not too cramped for canyon carving. After an hour in the saddle, the sculpted seat reminds you this is a sportbike at heart, but gel inserts from MOTOPARTS.store could extend touring comfort.

Tech That Aged Gracefully

The LCD dash remains impressively modern:
- Programmable shift lights (set mine to 12,500 RPM)
- Lap timer for trackday bragging rights
- Gear position indicator (absent on many contemporaries)
- TPMS compatibility (add sensors for ≈$150)

Fuel economy averages 6.92 L/100km (33.9 mpg), giving a 260-300 km (160-185 mi) range from the 17.4L (4.6 gal) tank – enough between espresso stops.

Design & Aesthetics

Form Follows Function... Sexily

Triumph’s designers avoided the "angry robot" look plaguing modern nakeds. The Street Triple R’s aesthetic whispers menace rather than shouting it:
- Radiator shrouds funnel air like gills
- Swingarm’s eccentric chain adjuster doubles as sculpture
- LED taillight traces a minimalist crimson arc

Color options evolved yearly:
- 2013: Phantom Black/Red, Graphite/Red, White/Red
- 2016: Matt Graphite, Crystal White, Matt Phantom Black

The R model’s red subframe and wheel pinstripes tastefully signal its premium status without boy-racer excess.

Competition

How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

| Model | Power | Torque | Weight (Wet) | Suspension Adjustability | Notes
|-------------------|-------------|----------|--------------|--------------------------|-------
| Street Triple R | 106 HP | 68 Nm | 183 kg | Full front/rear | Benchmark handling
| Yamaha MT-09 (2014)| 115 HP | 88 Nm | 188 kg | Basic front | Torquier but less refined
| Ducati Monster 821 | 109 HP | 89 Nm | 180 kg | Non-adjustable | Premium price, desmo service
| Kawasaki Z900 (2016)| 125 HP | 98 Nm | 210 kg | Preload-only | Heavier, less agile

The Triumph’s trump card? Its 675cc triple splits the difference between the MT-09’s low-end grunt and four-cylinder top-end screams. While down on paper specs versus the Z900, real-world twisties favor the Brit’s 52% front weight bias and adjustable suspension.

Maintenance & Ownership

Keeping the Beast Happy

Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 mi) with 10W-40/50 (3.8L w/filter). Use MOTOPARTS.store’s oil change kits with OEM filters.

Chain Care: The 525 X-ring chain needs lubrication every 500 km (310 mi). Our aluminum-oxide cleaning brushes make quick work of grime.

Valve Checks: Every 20,000 km (12,400 mi). Shim-under-bucket design isn’t DIY-friendly for novices.

Brake Fluid: DOT 4 every 2 years. Upgrade lines to braided steel for firmer lever feel.

Common Upgrades:
- Quick-shifter ($250-400) for clutchless upshifts
- CNC levers ($120-180) for improved ergonomics
- Seat cowl ($150) to sharpen the tail

Conclusion: The Eternal Underdog

A decade hasn’t dulled the Street Triple R’s brilliance. It remains the thinking rider’s hooligan – sophisticated enough for daily commuting, yet savage enough to humble liter bikes on backroads. While newer models chase horsepower wars, this 675cc generation reminds us that joy lives in the balance between control and chaos.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we keep these triples singing with OEM-spec components and performance upgrades. Because some legends deserve to stay on the road – preferably sideways exiting your favorite corner.

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Specifications sheet

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