[abhi_tjet]

Originally Posted by sachin_cs

I always thought that, if I would ever venture into this price range for a middle weight, I would either go for a CBR650 or Z900, I'm a sucker for that inline 4 note,…
I'm proud to admit that Street tripple R specially in this Sapphire Black shade is my new crush.

My thought process was exactly the same. It should be either in-line 4 or no bike for me.

Then, I test rode a Street Triple RS and everything changed. I just loved the in-line 3 sound track along with the power delivery.


PS - I am yet to test ride an in-line 4. Test ride bike for Z900 wasn’t available when I finalised my purchase.

[abhi_tjet]

15 months of ownership completed today

Clocked 11k kms in odometer couple of days back. Riding in winters is bliss. Not much to update. Bike is running as usual.

Captured this fancy number today in Triumph’s group ride.


Tires at 11k. Good for couple of thousand kms more, I suppose!

Front


Rear


Sharing few pics from recent rides

[abhi_tjet]

12K completed

Bike running nicely and still give the thrills, reason it was bought for
Few clicks from the recent rides .

Welcoming Sunrise




Tamhini never disappoints






12k on the odo

[jrchhabra]

Hi abhi_tjet,
The photos are amazing
I too have Street Triple R (2021 matte gray)
Was very apprehensive about being able to keep the matte finish intact so got gloss ppf applied (Magnus pro dealer in my city did not have matte ppf available at that time)

I installed the arrow exhaust for the previous gen but removed it a month later, the bassy exhaust note of the stock can appeals a lot more to me. Otherwise no issues with the exhaust, it intensifies the characteristic whistle of the triumph triple. The Street Triple R shares the garage with a 2019 ZX-10R.

I feel that the bike (Street Triple R) really bogs down in the top end and doesn't pull as hard as it should after 9-10k rpm (not comparing it to the ZX-10R obviously). Did some digging in the UK forums and the main and probably only change explaining the 5hp power difference from the RS is the throttle map. All the other maps including fuel and timing are the same. The camshaft too is the same. I plan to use TuneECU to write the Sport map of the RS on the R. There are a couple of videos on Youtube explaining the process in detail and since it is only a throttle map the chances of messing up the bike are pretty low (compared to setting the air fuel ratios which vary a bit from every single engine to engine, and getting them absolutely right takes a lot of expertise and a dyno).

Wishing you all the best for all your future adventures with the bike

[abhi_tjet]

Originally Posted by jrchhabra

Hi abhi_tjet,
The photos are amazing
I too have Street Triple R (2021 matte gray)

Wishing you all the best for all your future adventures with the bike

Thanks for the compliments and wishes. Congratulations to you too for the 'R'

I feel that the bike (Street Triple R) really bogs down in the top end and doesn't pull as hard as it should after 9-10k rpm (not comparing it to the ZX-10R obviously).

Strange, I have neither felt the same nor heard from anyone during my interaction with fellow bikers. However, this is my first big bike. So, I should be the last guy to know/feel about this. Keep us updated if you gain something after updating the map from RS.


Street Triple has clocked 13K on the odo recently and latest readout is at 13200 kms.

New Tires
There was a track day event which was to be organized by Triumph India. However, it was cancelled due to less number of patrons. I was planning to join the event and hence pre-poned my tire purchase.

Shopping time
I checked with N Mehta, Swargate as well as Prabhat tyres. Finally, went ahead with Prabhat Tyres since their shop was at more straightforward location. Cost was similar in both the shops. It was a professional job at store. The guy knew what he was doing and I was out in an hour.

Prabhat guys charge 2% extra on card and balancing charge is ₹1k flat.

Cost
Pirelli was costing upwards of ₹43K. Vredestein NS were not available in OEM size and hence went ahead with Vredestein ST in OEM size. Tires are manufactured in last month of 2021. These were properly packed and were opened in front of me. Cost - ₹23K

Performance
I am not able to feel much difference. However, Pirelli's even in its last days after clocking close to 13K kms were sublime in twisties. New ST's just felt same and not 'better'. Since these are touring tyres, I suppose they will last more. Braking, gunning in straights just feels same.

Few clicks while installation

Arrived at store


Balancing being done.


Rear fitted


Front fitted.


Some pics

[abhi_tjet]

18 months of ownership completed

Some observations-

• Bike has completed 13600 kms in this duration.

• It still feels tight and sublime. The suspension and brakes are as good as one can get.

• The 3 modes (Rain, Road and Sport) are actually different. Road mode is the one which should be used in city and makes riding relatively less stressful. It will take some effort to reach and pass 100kmph in road mode which is a piece of cake in Sports. It is the all out mode and fun to use in highways.

• Rain mode is the one which is least used. It’s too sluggish.

• Wind drag isn’t a problem now unless it’s windy. There was a time when reaching 100 seems problematic.

• Quick-shifter is such a boon on highways and ghat sections. Speeding towards corner and downshifting just before taking it, revving while leaving corner and upshifting. All this without clutch usage. Engine sound doing all this is pure symphony to the ears

• Ownership is peaceful with nothing unexpected to report like part failure, etc. Hope it stays same.

• Triumph regularly keeps customer meets apart from weekend rides to keep customers engaged as ‘Thursdays coffee meet’. Full marks to them.

Went for a solo ride towards Poladpur yesterday to mark this occasion. Some clicks-

[hardikj]

Originally Posted by abhi_tjet

My thought process was exactly the same. It should be either in-line 4 or no bike for me.

Then, I test rode a Street Triple RS and everything changed. I just loved the in-line 3 sound track along with the power delivery.

Sweet ride there. I am at this exact point now. I am torn between the CBR650R and the Triple R. 4 cylinder vs 3 cylinder. The only things in the favour of the Honda are 4 cylinders + Fairing. Since it will my first and probably last superbike, I want it to be attractive, hence the fairing vs naked dilemma. Rest all things are in favour of the Triple. I hate the front styling of the Z900 so its not even in the equation. Another strong contender is the ZX-6R but its too hardcore and the uncertainty of its launch is there as well.

[abhi_tjet]

Originally Posted by hardikj

Sweet ride there. I am at this exact point now. I am torn between the CBR650R and the Triple R. 4 cylinder vs 3 cylinder.

So it’s between R and CBR
Both are equally good bikes, priced similarly and will keep you entertained for long time.

Do take a proper test ride before proceeding.
IMO, Street triple with its understated and elegant looks is better value for money(if I can say that - superbike and value for money just doesn’t go together ) because it’s relatively more technologically advanced with ride by wire, riding modes, quickshifter etc supplied as OEM.

However, if little flash is what you want, go ahead and buy a CBR eyes closed. Honda’s simplicity, I assume, is it’s strength. Moreover, a naked bike just can’t get attention similar to a faired one. You are in one happy dilemma.
All the best! Keep us informed.

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by hardikj

Sweet ride there. I am at this exact point now. I am torn between the CBR650R and the Triple R. 4 cylinder vs 3 cylinder. The only things in the favour of the Honda are 4 cylinders + Fairing. Since it will my first and probably last superbike, I want it to be attractive, hence the fairing vs naked dilemma. Rest all things are in favour of the Triple. I hate the front styling of the Z900 so its not even in the equation. Another strong contender is the ZX-6R but its too hardcore and the uncertainty of its launch is there as well.

hardikj, you find yourself in the position that a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts would love to be in. I will add two more points in favour of the Honda - reliability and Hondas overall service quality. I would suggest that you avoid the ZX6R as your first big bike. Get something more all rounded instead.

As a Triumph Street Triple 675 owner, I can tell you that in the real world, the bike often flies under the radar. My bike is black in colour and a lot of the time, at traffic lights, people dont know that a middleweight bike is right next to them. I love that about my bike.

As abhi_tjet rightly said, if you want a bit of pizzazz in your middleweight motorcycle, then go for the CBR650R. You wont regret it!

[GoBlue]

Originally Posted by hardikj

I am torn between the CBR650R and the Triple R. 4 cylinder vs 3 cylinder. The only things in the favour of the Honda are 4 cylinders + Fairing. Since it will my first and probably last superbike, I want it to be attractive, hence the fairing vs naked dilemma. Rest all things are in favour of the Triple. I hate the front styling of the Z900 so its not even in the equation.

The key differentiator between any sub-middleweight naked bike and the CBR650R is exposure to windblast. One must make peace with that before buying a naked bike. Every individual has a varying threshold as to how much windblast is tolerable, it also depends on what kind of average speeds one rides at. Goes without saying that to enjoy the potential of these motorcycles, having a tube of Volini available to massage the neck every once in a while, is a good-to-have for naked bikes.

The CBR650R makes more sense from that perspective, as it has a decent fairing which would give that much more comfort.

Another differentiator is the effort it takes to keep a naked bike looking clean. If one has an OCD for cleanliness and a passion to DIY, then a naked bike works. The 650R is slightly easier to clean given that most of the engine bay is under the fairing.

Refinement wise there isn’t much difference between the 650R and 765R platforms.

[hardikj]

Originally Posted by abhi_tjet

Do take a proper test ride before proceeding.
IMO, Street triple with its understated and elegant looks is better value for money.
You are in one happy dilemma.
All the best! Keep us informed.

Thank you. Will definitely post updates.

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

As a Triumph Street Triple 675 owner, I can tell you that in the real world, the bike often flies under the radar. My bike is black in colour and a lot of the time, at traffic lights, people dont know that a middleweight bike is right next to them. I love that about my bike.

As abhi_tjet rightly said, if you want a bit of pizzazz in your middleweight motorcycle, then go for the CBR650R. You wont regret it!

Yes it definitely flies under the radar if being ridden sedately. Once I mistook it for being a simpler bike from some distance but as soon as he blipped it I knew what it was. I'll be getting the black 650 if I'm buying one, because the red is too flashy.

Originally Posted by GoBlue

The key differentiator between any sub-middleweight naked bike and the CBR650R is exposure to windblast.
Another differentiator is the effort it takes to keep a naked bike looking clean.

Some great practical advice right there. Thank you.

[RiderZone]

Originally Posted by hardikj

I am at this exact point now. I am torn between the CBR650R and the Triple R. 4 cylinder vs 3 cylinder.

Welcome to the club, I'm stuck with the same choice, but leaning more towards the Striple 765 because of the higher ground clearance (165mm vs 130mm). These numbers are from the internets however, and the real world behavior over speed bumps can be quite different. Perhaps Striple owners here could shed some more light on how careful they need to be maneuvering our giant humps.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by RiderZone

Perhaps Striple owners here could shed some more light on how careful they need to be maneuvering our giant humps.

I don’t have any issues over speed breakers with my RS, just slow down and take her over. I have not needed to take any extra care as such.

More than the fairing or naked bike thought process, do take multiple test rides to see which engine character suits you. I thought an in-line four would be better after riding my RS for some time. But it was a big no! I took a test ride of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX and found my RS to be much better (for me) in the power delivery department.

The Ninja makes it’s power higher in the rev range, while my RS has power everywhere. Low, mid and higher revs. Of course the Ninja makes more power because it is a liter class bike but the way it delivers power is not what I want. I find the triple to be more exiting and engaging.

Make sure of what you want before putting your money down.

Cheers

[jungle1212]

First off @abhi_tjet thank you so much sir for your detailed ownership experience, i have been deriving vicarious pleasure from it.
I too am a prospective owner, but I have major concern that is regarding rim damage.

Background
Thanks to work from home, i will be living in Palampur, HP. The main roads ( national/state highways) for the most part are pretty decent but potholes do often surprise you, especially when you're traversing past a blind turn.
The local roads are mostly potholes with patches of tarmac, but they often lead to the most beautiful of places.
I currently own a thunderbird 350x and honestly never worried too much about abusing it. I've taken it from Ramgarh(Jharkhand) to Delhi, most of Himachal, Punjab, haryana and West UP.
I've been lusting after the street triple r forever, and now am in a position to buy it.
Back to the issue
After seeing Rohit Paradkar's review of the street r, i wanted to do a deep dive about the relationship between potholes and sports nakeds. I contacted a few reviewers and other than shumi and Rohit Paradkar who were pretty direct that rims are a weak point in the street triple, the rest just told me to go "slow and avoid potholes". As an absolute newbie I hope current owners like you and @neil.jericho and other former owners can answer some questions
1) What is the actual risk of damaging the rims in real world riding? (Usage mostly in Himachal across all road conditions, with highway shoots to Delhi, I would love to travel to leh/spiti on it but I can drop that idea ).
2) a lot of reviewers said " if you drive fast and hit a sharp pothole it's a risk", Sorry about this but what exactly is fast?? 30-40-50 kmph?

Thank you all in advance!

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by jungle1212

Thanks to work from home, i will be living in Palampur, HP. The main roads ( national/state highways) for the most part are pretty decent but potholes do often surprise you, especially when you're traversing past a blind turn.
The local roads are mostly potholes with patches of tarmac, but they often lead to the most beautiful of places.
I currently own a thunderbird 350x and honestly never worried too much about abusing it. I've taken it from Ramgarh(Jharkhand) to Delhi, most of Himachal, Punjab, haryana and West UP.
I've been lusting after the street triple r forever, and now am in a position to buy it.
Back to the issue
After seeing Rohit Paradkar's review of the street r, i wanted to do a deep dive about the relationship between potholes and sports nakeds. I contacted a few reviewers and other than shumi and Rohit Paradkar who were pretty direct that rims are a weak point in the street triple, the rest just told me to go "slow and avoid potholes". As an absolute newbie I hope current owners like you and @neil.jericho and other former owners can answer some questions
1) What is the actual risk of damaging the rims in real world riding? (Usage mostly in Himachal across all road conditions, with highway shoots to Delhi, I would love to travel to leh/spiti on it but I can drop that idea ).
2) a lot of reviewers said " if you drive fast and hit a sharp pothole it's a risk", Sorry about this but what exactly is fast?? 30-40-50 kmph?

Thank you all in advance!

jungle1212, welcome to the forum! Its always wonderful to find more and more motorcycle enthusiasts joining Team BHP.

I am coming up to 4 years with my Street Triple 675 and so far, I havent had any issues with bent rims. When I bought the bike, I resigned myself to the fact that I have to pussyfoot my way through broken sections of the road. With my Continental GT 535, I had no such worries. In the real world, this careful approach with my Triumph, means that I lose a lot of time when the roads arent the best. Meanwhile, my friends who own Tiger 800s, glide over the very same sections, without a worry in the world. As careful as I have been, there were a couple of occasions where I was caught off guard by a hidden pothole. Fortunately, nothing happened. Divine providence? Good karma?

Coming to the Himalayas, a couple of Street Triple owners have taken their bikes deep into the mountains.

I dont mean to suggest that the rims on sporty bikes are safe from Indian roads. Far from it! A close friend of mine was returning from Dhanuskodi, when his middleweight bike came upon a decent sized pothole. Both the rims on his Honda were bent immediately. The bike had to be put on a rescue vehicle and was sent back to Cochin. Being a Honda, the total damage to the wallet (prior to insurance stepping in) was Rs 20,000. For both rims together. Had it been a Street Triple, a pair of rims would have cost around Rs 1,00,000 (no, I didnt add an extra zero. You read it right...). God bless motorcycle insurance!

Given the local conditions that you mentioned, can you ride a sports naked? Of course you can!
Given the local conditions that you mentioned, should you own a Street Triple R (or any other similar sports naked)? I would suggest against it.

If you have Rs 10L or so, to buy a Street Triple R, it would probably be best to buy a pre-owned Tiger 800 instead. It may not be the bike you want but the Tiger 800 is the bike you need.