Triumph Street Triple 675 R 2013
TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 675 (2013 - 2016) Review
3
Highlights
- A great blend of practicality and performance
- Excellent for newer and more experienced riders alike
- Makes a fantastic secondhand buy
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £380 |
| Power: | 105 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.5 in / 800 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (417 lbs / 189 kg) |
Prices
New N/A
Used £4,200 - £6,000
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)
It would have been difficult for the original Triumph Street Triple 675 to go particularly badly wrong. It was basically a Daytona 675 sportsbike with the fairing ripped off. The howling triple engine is lightly re-tuned to suit its new role but still eager to please. You get sporty geometry, great ground clearance, decent brakes and suspension but with a more-upright riding position.
A major update in 2013 saw more angular bodywork, a new frame and ABS as standard as well as reduced weight, a low exhaust, taller suspension (to keep the exhaust off the floor in corners) and a taller first gear. It was replaced by the Triumph Street Triple 765 in 2017.
We love Street Triples. We always have. They offer such a perfect blend of daily practicality and weekend fun that it's hard to resist having one. Sure, they're not ideal for touring holidays (but that doesn't mean owners don't use them for that) and the windblast will get to you on long motorway trips (take the twisty route instead) but otherwise, they're a do-everything bike.
After a more premium performance Street Triple? Check out our review of the 2013 R model.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: Engine
5 out of 5 (5/5)
The 2013 Street Triple had a lighter chassis and swingarm than the previous model, which resulted in a bike that handled incredibly well and almost floated over bumps. The suspension isn't fully adjustable but it doesn't matter as it's set up so well out of the box. Triumph gave the Street Triple a more generous steering lock and the side-mounted exhaust was claimed to improve the handling.
Lots of owners recommend Triumph's gel 'comfort' seat — the standard seat is a bit minimalist. If you want to carry a pillion, invest in some grab handles — not fitted as standard.
Common modifications: lowering your Triumph Street Triple 675
Lowering kits are popular but according to specialist Clive Wood, they're not the way to go: "I see a lot of bikes and people have bought a kit from eBay, lowered it 40mm and ruined the handling. You don't need to change the dog bones, it's easy to lower the bike enough for most people. With the wheels on the floor, loosen all the bolts in the rear suspension linkages. There'll be a 'clunk' as all the joints settle. Then take a couple of rings of preload off the rear spring. That'll lower the rear by about 25mm. Now move the forks up through the yokes by about 15mm to restore the balance." And it's free!
Engine
Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)
Unlike the Daytona 675, which received a totally new engine for 2013, the Street Triple's motor is essentially the same as the previous model with subtle modifications aimed at responding to customer feedback. The new fuel-injection bodies, ECU settings and higher first gear were claimed by Triumph to give a 30% boost in fuel efficiency under urban conditions, a notorious annoyance of owners. With little else changed on the engine it remains as good as the original with a strong midrange and howling soundtrack.
How reliable is the 2013 Triumph Street Triple 675 engine and gearbox?
Usually reliable but they don't like being thrashed from cold and can end up smokey, rattly and use oil. Make sure you see a bike started from cold — a bit of smoke is ok but should clear. Cam chain noise is very common. Early ones had a mechanical ratchet adjuster and they can sometimes be noisy when cold if between clicks on the adjuster. You can sometimes fix it by accelerating hard in second and then throttling off just as hard - this puts all the slack in the camchain in one place, so the tensioner can sometimes take up the slack by picking up the next notch in the ratchet.
Beware other 'advice' from the internet though, says marque specialist Clive Wood: "One thing I've seen on the forums which scares me is people recommending loosening the CCT fixing bolts, letting the ratchet take up the play then tightening again. That means the ratchet's jumped four or five teeth and the chain will be far too tight."
Later ones are part-hydraulic and should quieten down after a few seconds. The gearbox isn't the slickest but it shouldn't jump out of gear or hit false neutrals. Over-tightening the drive chain makes the shifting worse — make sure there's 30mm of slack in the chain.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)
From launched there were no question marks over the reliability or build quality of the Street Triple and the attention to detail was excellent.
Owners reckoned the finish was either excellent or rubbish. If you look after it (and many owners do), you can keep it looking good, but it won't tolerate neglect. Engine paint, nuts and bolts and exhaust headers all look tatty quickly if ignored in bad weather.
It's worth removing, greasing and refitting as many minor fittings as possible — they can seize remarkably quickly. One important check is to look carefully at the headstock-to-frame welded joints — these are prone to cracking in front-end impacts, so look for cracked paint and if in any doubt at all, walk away.
Value vs rivals
Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)
The Street Triple was excellent value when it was introduced - it really was that good. Even today on the used market they're good value if you're patient and willing to shop around. Its main rivals are the 2014-2018 Yamaha MT-07, 2008-2014 Ducati Monster 696 and the 2012-2016 MV Agusta Brutale 675.
Is the Triumph Street Triple 675 expensive to maintain?
It's no more complicated than any other modern bike to work on and easier than most, as everything's pretty easy to get to. The service schedule's pretty simple — 6000-mile intervals, with oil and filter changed at every service along with full chassis/body fixing check, head bearings adjusted, ECU fault codes checked and cleared, throttle bodies balanced, spark plugs checked and controls adjusted.
Every other service sees valve-clearance checking — important as valves can tighten alarmingly between services — along with air filter, spark plugs, coolant and brake fluid changes. Fork oil's changed every 24k but we'd do it with each 12,000-mile service. It's also worth cleaning and re-greasing head bearings and suspension pivots at the same time.
Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)
As motorcycles go the Street Triple is pretty basic but for 2013 Trumph added optional ABS. That's your lot when it comes to electronics. No rider modes, no wheelie control, no quickshifter. But the Street Triple is so good you never notice all these things - which are almost standard on similar bikes now - are missing.
The standard Street Triple was £700 less than the Street Triple R, with most of that premium attributed to the quickshifter on the R.
Specs | |
| Engine size | 675cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 12-valve, in-line triple, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Aluminium beam twin-spar |
| Fuel capacity | 17.4 litres |
| Seat height | 800mm |
| Bike weight | 189kg |
| Front suspension | Kayaba 41mm upside down forks with 120mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Kayaba monoshock with adjustable preload |
| Front brake | 308mm twin discs |
| Rear brake | 250mm single disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55-ZR17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance | |
| Average fuel consumption | 41 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £380 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £4,200 - £6,000 |
| Insurance group | - How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance | |
| Max power | 105 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 50.2 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 145 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2007: Triumph Street Triple 675 launched.
- 2013: Major update for Street Triple.
- 2016: Model goes off sale.
MCN Long term test reports
Bike of the day: Triumph Street Triple 675
We all know just how good the plucky Street Triple is and this machine, with its original-styled headlights, is today's bike of the day. Seller says "We have an excellent condition Triumph Street Triple 675 in Tornado Red. Fitted with a tinted fly screen, colour coded belly-pan, R and G aero crash p…
Read the latest report
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 675 (2013 - 2016)
3 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 675 (2013 - 2016) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 675 (2013 - 2016)
Summary of owners' reviews | |
| Overall rating: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | 4 out of 5 (4/5) |
| Engine: | 5 out of 5 (5/5) |
| Reliability & build quality: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
| Value vs rivals: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
| Equipment: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
| Annual servicing cost: | £380 |
5 out of 5 No regrets
04 December 2020
Version: R ABS
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £150
I bought this bike after reading all the rave reviews about it, however I was still nervous about its lower power rating compared to my previous Ducati Multistrada and Aprilia RSVR. I live in a mountainous part of Spain and wanted a bike that was light. easy to handle, and comfortable to use for both long and short runs. I shouldn't have worried the bike is fantastic, it dances around the mountains and has loads of low down grunt for the twisty roads and when you come to a straight it is by no means slow, I love it.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
This bike is a good all rounder but for me at its best on the twisty mountain roads, the suspension is excellent, it has enough stiffness to push on around the twisties but supple enough to absorb the bumps. The brakes are great but sometimes I feel the abs cuts in too soon. It would be a very good bike for commuting. I have done some touring on the bike and although it is quite comfortable it's not made for long motorway journeys.
Engine 5 out of 5
I love the engine, the sound is great. There is loads of low down and midrange grunt and plenty of screaming top end if you want it, but I find that I rarely max out the revs, it's much more fun listening to the induction roar and using the grunt.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
The build quality is excellent, there is no evidence of corrosion and the painted finishes are brilliant. The bike has twice failed me. The first time the battery failed (five years old), sorted by a new battery. The second time the alarm/immobiliser failed, apparently this was a recall but as I live in Spain I didn't get the notification. However all it took was a phone call to my previous local Triumph dealer in Newcastle and all was sorted free of charge.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
I have done all my own servicing i.e. oil and filter changes, air filter changes. However the bike is soon due its first major service, valve clearance checks, I will take it to a dealer to do this work. I believe that it's quite expensive about £450. Tyres seem to last a long time and although I don't take much notice of mpg it seems ok. I probably average 4000 per year.
Equipment 5 out of 5
For me the bike doesn't need masses of equipment. I have added a Satnav, USB point and mobile phone holder.
Buying experience: I bought the bike from Hunts Motorcycles in Manchester although I was living in Spain. I traded in my Multistrada, they asked that I send photos and we agreed a price via email. I was worried that they might try to knock the price down when I arrived but no, they honoured the price. we did the whole transaction in about an hour and I rode the Triumph back to Spain the next day. They were excellent to deal with.
4 out of 5 Great first proper bike
07 August 2020 by Martin
Version: R ABS
Year: 2016
Best: engine noise, front brakes, agility, sharpness Worst: ride quality (especially front forks), ride by wire throttle, comfort, gearbox This was my first bike after passing my test. When I first got it, it had a lot more capability than I did. Over 12 months I started to get a lot out of it and I've learnt a lot about bike control riding it.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Brakes are brilliant- feel, power Ride is borderline uncomfortable. Petrol tank limits range to 2 hours in the saddle and that's more than enough in one go. It's an engaging and demanding ride that needs full concentration at all times. Plenty of breaks to top up fluids and energy required
Engine 5 out of 5
Great sound (Exhaust and intake) Good power band Likes revs Not much torque low down so uphill take offs need lots of revs
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
All connections show signs of corrosion despite careful cleaning, Matt silver grey paint is hard to take care off
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Includes MoT
Equipment 4 out of 5
Good looking Arrow option end can looks good and improves exhaust sound On Pirelli Corse Sport tyres from new so no real chance to compare with alternatives
Buying experience: I bought from A1 Moto in York. They were helpful and knowledgeable. I felt that I got a reasonable but not great deal. I paid £6200 in May 2019 for a one owner bike that had done less than 1500 miles in 3 years. Effectively it was a new bike.
4 out of 5 2016 Triumph 675 ST R.
18 July 2020 by Triumphant
Version: R
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £600
Great bike good handling and cornering and brakes. Good acceleration to 130 then that's pretty much it. A 600 Sports bike would be gone. A good general all round bike. Triumph say it has a 17 litre fuel tank but i got mine down to 10 miles left to go and when I filled it took 13.8 litres.! Very disappointed in Triumph regarding this. Still good for 150 miles if not thrashed. Suspension on the R version is quite harsh but it's more stable around fast corners than the non R.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
On the R ride is quite harsh and adjustment does not seem to make much difference. The brakes are good. Never rode with pillion on an ST.
Engine 5 out of 5
Great engine. Good grunt and very flexible. It suits a naked bike well.
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Quality is good. Wouldn't say to Honda standards and the engine cases can quite seriously corrode. My first 2013 ST R had to have the outer cases replaced and it hadn't done huge miles.It also didn't go nearly as well as my more recent 2016 bike. When I took it away from Triumph as a new bike it had a curious rumbling graunchy noise which never went. In truth I should have rejected it so maybe there are quality problems in manufacture. But I am not able to confirm this. Maybe it was a one off.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
For a 12000 mile service which includes valve clearance. As it "only" 3 cylinder I consider this expensive.
Equipment 4 out of 5
A fly screen is a must for me. I would like a much bigger screen. Arrow Can sounds really good. Metzeler M7RR's are a very good match in all weathers.
Buying experience: Dealer in Sussex. No reduction in price.
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Triumph Street Triple side profile
Triumph Street Triple 675 R 2013
Source: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/triumph/street-triple-675/2013/
