2013 Triumph Street Triple | Spied!

A Sharper-Styled Streetfighter

By Ben Purvis

Spied testing in southern Europe, the presumed 2013 version of Triumph’s thrilling middleweight streetfighter retains its core structure but debuts a fresh look and key technology updates to challenge new competitors like MV Agusta’s Brutale 675. Registration data reveals Triumph will stick with the 675cc displacement but power will increase slightly from 105 bhp closer to the little Brutale’s 115-bhp rating.

The controversial angular headlights that appeared last year look less jarring when combined with the new bodywork seen here for the first time. The underseat exhaust has been jettisoned in favor of an attractive, MotoGP-style under-engine arrangement.

A new banana-shaped swingarm provides clearance for the low-mount exhaust. The prototype pictured here is a standard version, but Triumph should offer an R-model with higher-spec suspension and radial brakes. ABS hardware is also visible—with expectation that anti-lock braking will be mandatory on all large-displacement motorcycles sold in Europe beginning in 2016, it’s no wonder that Triumph is designing the Street Triple as such.

With the addition of ABS, don’t be surprised if the Street Triple also gains traction control, a fly-by-wire throttle and selectable engine modes. The newly released Explorer demonstrates that Triumph has this technology available, and it’s expected to quickly spread through the range.