Triumph announced the new 2020 Street Triple in October, but it came as a surprise that only the RS model was announced. We knew a new A2 compliant model would be coming, however, nobody knew much until now.
The Hinckley based firm has so far simplified the 2019 line up of R, R low height, S, S A2 restricted, and 765 RS to just the S and RS. This allows Triumph to minimize the expense of variation, while still allowing the bikes to be customizable. Low seat height, exhaust packages, and overall comfort configurations are all aftermarket options.
Read about the gen 1 Street Triple 765RS
rear view – Image from Triumph 
front side view – Image from Triumph 
front profile – Image from Triumph
A2 regulations rule out a restricted 765 Street triple
The new 660cc A2 compliant engine delivers 47Hp and 60nm torque at 5,250rpm. The S will be factory restricted, but it can be dealership unrestricted. It should make 94Hp in its full power mode. Due to A2 license stipulations, any bike over 94hp cannot be restricted down to meet A2 criteria. This ruled out the RS’s 765 engine and meant that Triumph’s 660 engine has been used instead.
Despite being an A2 bike, Triumph hasn’t skimped on quality. Nissin front brakes, Brembo rear, full ABS, Showa adjustable suspension, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III’s all come as standard.
Visually, the Street Triple S carries on the same trend seen on the new RS. Dual LED front headlights and DRL’s, angular, aggressive bodywork, and a better dynamic screen. Sadly no thin-film transistor like the RS. Stylized air intakes and side panels give looks to the aggressive middleweight naked.
By keeping a stylish and quality A2 model available, Triumph has secured a market segment, claimed in 2016/2017. Simplifying the roster for 2020 makes it easier for assembly, less = more.
How do the new Street triple models compare?
Visually, both the Street Triple RS and Street Triple S appear similar, the same fly screen, headlights, and general styling. There are tell-tale signs such as the lack of the belly pan and bar end mirrors. These are an easy upgrade through the aftermarket options if desired. The exhaust on the S differs from the RS, by not having the carbon fiber end detail and different fittings.
Triumph has made it clear that the S is a ‘younger brother’ to the RS model, with fewer features. Most of these can be added as an option from their list of 65+ customizations. This list includes LED scrolling indicators, up and down quick shifter, Arrow slip-on and tail tidy.
The Street Triple S enters the A2 ring packing a punch and carrying extra style points. That does impact the price which weighs in at £7900. This makes it more expensive compared to its Japanese rivals like the Z650 and MT-07. However cheaper than other alternatives like the 790 Duke. The additional advantage over its rivals is the extra power in unrestricted form.