Triumph Motorcycles India has launched the Triumph Street Triple RS, the most powerful variant in the Street Triple range. Its chief competitor in the naked segment is the Kawasaki Z900.
Naked performance motorcycles not only look good, but are practical as well. With the new RS variant, Triumph has made sure the Street Triple is every bit at home on a track as it is on the streets. Let’s find out how it performs against its closest competitor, the Kawasaki Z900 on paper:
| Specifications | Triumph Street Triple RS | Kawasaki Z900 |
| Engine | 765cc in-line three cylinder DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection | 948cc in-line four DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection |
| Peak Power | 123 PS at 11,700 rpm | 125 PS at 9,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 77 Nm at 10,800 rpm | 98.6 Nm at 7,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with slipper clutch and quickshifter | 6-speed with slipper clutch |
| Front Suspension | Fully adjustable Showa 41mm upside down big piston forks (BPF) | 41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping & spring preload adjustability |
| Rear Suspension | Ohlins STX40 fully-adjustable monoshock with piggyback reservoir | Horizontal back-link monoshock rebound damping & spring preload adjustability |
| Front Brake | Twin 310mm floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial Monobloc callipers | Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs with four piston callipers |
| Rear Brake | Single 220mm fixed disc, Brembo single piston sliding calliper | Single 250 mm petal disc with single piston calliper |
| Front Tyre | 120/70ZR17 | 120/70ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55ZR17 | 180/55ZR17 |
| Features | 5 riding modes, New switch cubes with 5-way joystick control, Switchable ABS and traction control, 5-inch full-colour TFT instrument console | Dual Channel ABS |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 litres | 17 litres |
| Weight | 166 kg, dry | 208 kg, kerb |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | INR 10.55 lakhs | INR 9 lakhs |
The Street Triple RS makes only 2 PS less from its 765cc engine despite being 183cc smaller, and lacking a cylinder. However, the torque difference is considerable, at 21.6 Nm. The RS also features track-friendly features like multiple riding modes, switchable ABS and traction control.
Also Read: 2017 Triumph Street Triple S launched in India at INR 8.50 lakhs
The Z900’s electronics include only dual channel ABS. One will have to rely on one’s skills to keep the bike under control. It is also heavier than the Triumph Street Triple RS and is ideal for touring. The RS on the other hand apt for the racetrack. The RS justifies its 1.55 lakh premium by offering more advanced cycle parts and electronics. The Z900 will appeal Japanese-motorcycle enthusiasts who are in the market for riding experience, free from the reins of technology.
