Triumph Street Triple 765 R Review: A 'Marmite' A2 Compliant Delight

• Price: From £8,995
• Power: 118.4 bhp / 88.3 kW ( at11,500 rpm)
• Torque: 80 Nm ( at 9,500 rpm)
• Engine: 765cc Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder
• Weight: 189 kg (wet)
• Seat Height: 826 mm
• Fuel Capacity: 15 litres
• A2 Licence Compatible: Yes (with restrictor kit)

There are some bikes that you ride and instantly forget. Then there are bikes like the Triumph Street Triple 765 R, machines that stay with you long after you hand the keys back. I had the Street Triple for three weeks, and in that time it managed to surprise me, excite me, and make me wonder: is this the best A2 compliant bike you can buy?

First Impressions

The Street Triple has always been a bit of a cult favourite. It’s a bike with a reputation: sharp handling, a screaming three-cylinder engine, and that distinctive styling that has divided opinions since day one. I’ll admit, I was never a fan of the bug-eyed headlights. But after living with this bike, I’ve changed my mind. Once you ride it, the look just clicks. Pair that with the new orange colour scheme and it’s one of the best-looking naked sports bikes out there.

Like Riding a Fighter Jet

The best way I can describe the 765 R is that it feels like riding a fighter jet. The moment you twist the throttle, the bike comes alive. The engine loves to rev, the quickshifter is buttery smooth, and the gearbox is classic Triumph: precise, satisfying, and confidence inspiring. It’s not just about speed though, it’s the way the bike delivers it. The Street Triple feels alive beneath you, but never intimidating.

City, Country, and Everything in Between

Over those three weeks I rode it everywhere. In the city it made dirty commuting through central London almost fun: light, nimble, and easy to thread through traffic. Out in the countryside it’s a completely different animal. The handling is razor sharp and the chassis gives you confidence to push harder and harder through corners. What impressed me most was its versatility. It’s sporty enough to thrill on a back road but comfortable enough to sit on the motorway for an hour plus without any drama.

Surprisingly Practical

You wouldn’t expect a naked sportbike to be practical, but the Street Triple 765 R makes a strong case for itself. Taking a pillion was easier than I thought and the ergonomics mean you can actually use it as a daily bike without feeling like you’ve been folded into a race crouch. It’s sporty, yes, but Triumph have managed to strike a sweet balance between performance and comfort.

What Could Be Better?

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the dash could do with an upgrade. A full TFT screen would be a welcome addition, especially given that competitors are upping their game in this department. But that’s a minor gripe on what is otherwise a near perfect package.

The design of the bike is also a bit of a point of contention among riders - the head of the bike conjures up images of a mantis. For some, the classic dual headlights make for a more aesthetically pleasing look, but I will say that the angry bug headlights are considerably more sporty and streamlined. As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Verdict

After three weeks with the Street Triple 765 R, I came away seriously impressed. It’s fun, fast, and forgiving — a rare mix that makes every ride feel special. It looks incredible, rides even better, and proves that Triumph still know how to build a bike that connects with riders on every level.

As a first step into bigger bikes, it makes a very strong case for itself. Compact, light, and agile, it inspires confidence in newer riders while still delivering the kind of performance that keeps things exciting. With nearly 120 hp on tap, it’s not a bike you’ll outgrow quickly, and that balance between usability and power is what really sets it apart.

For many riders, the danger with a first big bike is progressing faster than the machine can keep up, but that’s not something you’ll face here. Where mid-power options in the 70–80 hp range can start to feel underwhelming once you’ve found your rhythm, the Street Triple 765 has more to give. It’s approachable enough to get you started, yet rewarding enough to grow with you, and that’s what makes it such a standout choice for novice A2 or full licence holders. 

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Right now Triumph have shaved £1,000 off the price of the 2023 Street Triple 765 R, which makes it an even more tempting package. If you’re looking for a machine that can handle city streets, countryside blasts, and motorway miles with equal ease, all while putting a massive grin on your face, this could well be the best value A2 compliant bike on the market today.