Now that Triumph has refined and updated its signature triple-cylinder engine, bikes like the new Street Triple are getting the transplant for 2018 — and just in time too. Ducati and Aprilia already updated their naked street bikes last year and though Triumph looks like it’s a little late to the party, don’t count them out of that fight.
Triumph set to work focusing on efficiency and losing weight to chase performance, rather than playing into the hands of the Italians with an all-out horsepower war. Both the Street Triple S and RS models only get 148 hp (up from 140 hp) and 86 lbs-ft of torque (up from 82) from the 1050cc engine. Instead of making a power play, Triumph engineers turned their attention to the crankshaft and oil system to reduce overall weight and internal rotational inertia, which not only cut down on the pounds but is the source for that extra — albeit minimal — power bump. The rider interface is also updated with a new TFT display where you can toggle through ride modes and dial in the level of traction control and ABS. The RS model gets a unique ‘track mode’ to go along with its more hardcore Ohlins shocks and brakes.
It’s interesting to see Triumph take on the naked bike category with a different approach, but, if anything, it’s refreshing to see the British marque go at it by losing weight, rather than just adding power and calling it a day. We’re going to get to a certain point where there will be a thing as too much power, so it’s quite possible, Triumph is getting ahead of the curve with the 2018 Street Triple lineup.
