2021 Triumph Street Triple R Review | How Much Better is the RS Model? (Comparison)

[@PetroHead]

Now its your turn... R or RS model and why? Comment down below! Grab some merch: www.petropowered.co

[@ChaseJasperDown]

I’m not necessarily partial to one on the other but you bought the RS so I’ll go with that one. Lol!

[@obionecoyle3295]

The RS 👍 Got one, just running it in 👌

[@mr.sunshine665]

At first, I was hesitating between the R and the Rs.. but I chose the Rs finally because with the accessories that I wanted on my Street Triple from Triumph catalog, the R was reaching the price of the Rs without having tft dash and all of those little details that makes the Rs just perfect 👍🏼

[@yonniboy1]

MCN tested the R against the RS, the R was faster 0 to 60 mph and 0 to 100 (due to maximum torque being produced lower in the rev range), at over 100 the RS got up to top speed quicker but both bikes are restricted to 149 mph.

[@clarencearriola]

Amazing vid! Thanks for the upload. Definitely cements my decision to get the Triple R. Also yeah I agree it's mainly a street daily rider for me. Also R version has the Low Ride Height. Beautiful bike indeed. Can't wait to get mine. On a black version

[@trevb464]

Hi A UK subscriber here.... Really enjoy your content. Took delivery of my R about a month ago. Still running in at the moment, but absolutely loving it. Moved from a CB650R and love the lighter weight and seat height of the Triumph. (I have the lrh version). It feels a lot more nimble than the Honda and just a lot more premium. It's way more bike than I am rider for sure! Keep up the great reviews etc. Atb Trev

[@iaminfinitiplus1]

Thanks for the comparison! You helped me seal the deal with my first bike! I always stop at Clayton’s coffee shop when I visit Coronado!

[@jimmy_with_a_K]

I got my R a year ago andi can say that this bike is not a beginner bike. I started riding in ‘99 and even for me with al my years of experience i can say that i can not use its full potential. You can adjust the rear and front suspension the same, not only the springs tension. For the rest, a good and honoust review. Keep it up 👍

[@Zweefduiker]

Define beginner bike….. Maybe for US drivers it is. As your formal driving training looks much different than for drivers from the EU….. I am from Europe myself and could immediately go for open license due to age (24 or over). Otherwise any new rider is restricted from some years. Before I took my lessons I did not ride any motorcycle before…. But had extensive experience riding bicycles. And that helps. Did my lessons on 75hp Suzuki SV650. And lessons were strict. And immediately after getting my license I rented a Honda CBR650 for a small weekend trip to find out what it is like to ride a motorcycle by myself. Had no issues at all with that bike and kinda liked it. But I was looking at Triumph all the time and wondered what a three cilinder would feel like. So I did a few test rides on Trident 660 and Street Triple RS (due to lack of an R being available). With the RS I had no problems at all. The Trident was also very very nice to ride, but felt I would grow out of it too soon. Liked them both much more than the Honda. As a result of both test rides I made up my mind and bought the Street Triple R as my very first bike a little over a month ago and took delivery two weeks later. Reason I went for the R over the RS (apart from the cash) is that i did not want to spend the extra bucks on the RS for options that are mostly useful on the race track, and I preferred the analog/lcd dash over the tft one. And as you say, the power difference is not that big. So far I do not regret that choice. Got the first 200 miles in last weekend and am now hoping for better weather so I can get past break in period asap, or at least go past 5k rev limit. It doesn’t look good for the coming days as the weather is atrocious, but days are getting longer now and hopefully I get a few good days during the coming weekends. Anyways, still consider myself being a beginner rider. So far no issues with the R at all and like everything about it. It is very easy to ride if you don’t drive like a maniac. I do have break in period however to really grow into the bike but until now the experience has been great…. And I also know that the bike has more potential for me to unlock. Heck, it can probably do much more than I am ever capable of myself. So I will not get bored of it.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Its a cool looking bike and it looks pretty well finished. Good to see an American into British bikes 👍🏻

[@johnpadre8999]

That was a great honest assessment. I’ve been contemplating between both and this might have helped make a decision. Great job man.

[@PetroHead]

You're welcome ☺️

[@gertjanweststrate7267]

Useful review, i like to hear and see the difference of such bikes. Love it! Grtz from 🇳🇱

[@Ninja-400-girl]

Thanks for the comparison between the R & RS. This will help me decide between getting either one.

[@Mannygoalie3587]

Correction the rear suspension is fully adjustable.

[@meganlauren4106]

Thank you for your videos, including this one. I was going back and forth between the Duke 890, 2020MT09 and then this bike. I’m going to buy the R over the RS now because this is my second bike, I don’t think I’ll be hitting the track too often and this is more than enough for the street. The quality of Triumph is so obvious now that I’ve seen this in person. The headlight is growing on me for sure.

[@PetroHead]

You’re welcome 😉

[@benfarr6049]

I think if you get the r over the rs it will always be nagging at you, I should have just got the rs

[@oneleaf6884]

@@benfarr6049 are service cost the same on both bike or the RS costs more ?

[@benfarr6049]

@@oneleaf6884 same service costs, there is a major one at like 10miles or so but up until like it's basically oil changes. I sold my rs already, here in Texas where I'm at it's to hot and the roads are boring.

[@oneleaf6884]

@@benfarr6049 LoL, I definitely get you on the road part 😅 Was there any problem with the bike for you selling it ? Or just a personal choice ?

[@davemadden4028]

Trading my Sportster for a new Triple R in April. Thanks for the comparison.

[@joecampos5333]

Hello, I just picked up a Street Triple R 4 mos. ago and I live in the OC and Love the bike. Just wandering do you still have any of the aftermarket exhaust??? or did you have to give them back? Great Videos on the bikes !!

[@PetroHead]

Sold

[@TheAJSS126]

Have seen some comments regarding value retention. Resale on the street triples is very solid, An RS will be a bit better in the long run. When it comes to private party people will value a little extra money for the suspension, dash, brakes, etc. I just purchased a 2018 RS w/ 5700 miles for $8000 in florida. Less than 1k miles on the new tires, both rear cowl and passenger seat, frame sliders, triumph brand led turn signals, evotech tail tidy, and a few other minor things. Fantastic deal and helluva bike for that money. Realistically won’t lose much over the course of the next 5-6 years. I sold my model year 2012 base street triple for $5000 in 2021. So I will most definitely be okay with losing $2-3k over the course of another 5 years. Likely even less as the bikes are on different levels technology and performance wise. Even new, 12,8 to 5-6 in a decade is phenomenal

[@Striker50_]

Got rid of my Daytona a few years ago. Torn between the Triple R or the Trident 🤯 $8,500 for that is a bargain!

[@kyles.4039]

Thank you for this man! Keep the good content going!

[@PetroHead]

You’re welcome! 👍

[@seb81123]

Thank you so much for the video I looked for about a year ! Also you helped dothe final choice for the R - I will go to race track one day but 99% of time will be road. Also I’ll go for the lrh version - you have put an end to a cornelian dilema ! Thanks from France bro ;)

[@blakeleupp3725]

The rear suspension on the R models are fully adjustable just not a high end ohlins

[@SquireSCA]

The RS makes more power, has better suspension, etc... It's not much more money... But if cost is an issue, get the R, pay $15 for TuneECU and remove the throttle restrictions and turn the R into the RS power output.

[@ultimatemassive9501]

Just picked up a 2022 R model. It's an absolute weapon, especially coming from a Royal Enfield 650. Got a great deal on a used model with 2400 miles. I opted for an extended warranty, which I'm kind of regretting after reading how trouble-free they are, but I still got a great deal and some extra peace of mind.

[@PetroHead]

what did you pay for it OTD excluding warranty?

[@ultimatemassive9501]

@PetroHead it was $9765 out the door before the extended warranty(2 years). $500 of that was due to being a bit upside down on my trade in.

[@PetroHead]

Thanks.. just trying to gauge what I could get for my RS.. shes being put up for sale next week (most likely buying new one)

[@ultimatemassive9501]

@PetroHead mine was by far the cheapest example I was able to find, and it was local. Honestly, it was a bit of an impulse buy, but I don't regret it. Hope you get a good price!

[@PetroHead]

@@ultimatemassive9501 ill prob list for 12K and end up selling for 11k... not bad considering I only paid 12.5 USD OTD. It has some nice goodies on it though... and it's been ridden by me... that has to be another 1K added benefit to user.. haha.. j/k

[@lakshven]

Really useful comparison. I am from India and having confusion to choose 2023 Street Triple R or RS. After watching this video I have finalized with Street Triple R. Any how I am going to use on the roads not on the track. So thanks your comparison. Keep doing.

[@jakubwrobel2942]

I Got this R version as my first bike. Its lot of fun :)

[@reeverguitar]

I own the 2021 Street Triple R and you can set the Rider mode to have "Track" throttle mapping, TC, and ABS. Pretty much performs like the track mode on the RS.

[@PetroHead]

Sport and Track mode on the RS are the same throttle mapping. The only difference with Track mode is less electric interference.

[@JeyM]

Hello I red that the 2021 Street Triple R didn't have a Rider Mode, only 3 modes without personnalisation. Am I wrong ? I'm currently in the process of choosing the R or the RS and the only thing I don't like on the R is the master cylinder (that I can change myself) and the absence of Rider mode.

[@reeverguitar]

@@JeyM The 2021 Street Triple R has the following modes: rain, road, sport, and rider. The street triple S only has 2 modes. The street triple r does not have track mode, but you can configure rider mode to use the track throttle mapping and the track abs settings.

[@PetroHead]

@@reeverguitar Sport and Track are same throttle mapping. Track has less electronic interference. (on the RS)

[@JeyM]

@@reeverguitar Thanks for the precisions ! I think my choice is made. The M4.32 a more than enough for the road. Already have them on my Hypermotard 1100S.

[@dougalmanzar]

Another terrific review!

[@patrickmyers6645]

I have a 2019 R and at least with that year model I don't think it's necessary to pay the extra money. Like petrohead was saying it just depends on what you want to use it for. If you ride primarily on the street then the R is perfect.

[@PetroHead]

This pretty much summarizes 95% of riders.

[@karsteng1809]

I did test both intensivly, in my view the Showa shocks are even better for street riding. The RS shocks even with adjustment are a little too stiff

[@Supernova12034]

oh that beach is so beautiful - cuts away to city traffic

[@PetroHead]

Sorry, next time..

[@vasilyvaganov4379]

Thanks for interesting and straightforward overview. Would you advice Street Triple R as a first bike for beginners with short experience (a few months)?

[@PetroHead]

Not really.. 100hp is a lot. Buy an N400 or R3 and ride for 6 or more months before dropping big money on a powerful bike.

[@ScottD1]

Great video. Would you say the RS could in theory also be a commuter bike? NYC

[@PetroHead]

Sure

[@ChaseJasperDown]

Lot of great information. Great review!

[@JorgeAsapche]

Are you sure the shock is not fully adjustable? Looks like the same one in my 2018 R, which is fully adjustable

[@PetroHead]

I made a mistake

[@JorgeAsapche]

@@PetroHead no problem, thanks for clarifying. Great vid!

[@shreyanschougule1298]

Nice comparo...👍🏻 Triumph is any time better than Kawasaki z900 and any other bikes in this class

[@sompobutama3761]

Life is good PetroHead nice beautiful ocean and weather being riding Duke 390 I’m thinking upgrade to Street triple R or Trident 660 tuff decision you alway give great info and video thanks for sharing be safe 🏍🙏

[@PetroHead]

You’re welcome 😉

[@DatOldeBiker]

Thanks for your review and comparison to the RS version. I enjoyed your commentary and the views. I thought both bikes had fully adjustable suspension front and rear? So the RS has a little more horsepower (can you really tell when riding it?) The RS also has higher spec. forks but as you said really for track enthusiasts with experience. I'm surprised anyone would have something as fast as this as a first bike. :>)

[@PetroHead]

Yes, you can really tell how much of a difference 5hp makes.. I think the mapping on the R version is down tuned because it’s the same exact engine.. tq/hp differences are really noticeable. But like I said.. unless you’re an expert or a track day enthusiast, stick to the R model. PS: I would NOT recommend R for the new rider. It’s still too much.

[@marekarek741]

I have R Lowered version with couple of extra accessories. Sooner or later I'm going to buy propably LV Carbon Exhaust. Riding on brand new motorcycle is boring, because I can't pass revs limits so I'm like a turtle, but sooner or later I hope that the bike will be a rockstar. Do You recommend any engine oil for the first service? Maintain service guy told me that they're going to put Motul 7100 10w40 and I'm not so sure about it. Cheers from Europe and thanks for all videos with Triumphs!

[@PetroHead]

Not really sure about oil, go with what dealer recommends. As for break-ins... they are kind of a myth... just ride it normally.

[@marekarek741]

@@PetroHead 600km after me and only couple of times by revs went up by my terrible gear change :| I'm trying to ride as the manufacturer recommends to not push hard with engine / speed. I'm not sure to be honest why during shifting down with QS I feel that my motorcycle acts weird / shakes. Is it because my revs are too low ? any ideas or simply once again my gear change is on rookie level...

[@PetroHead]

Low rev shifting up or down shouldn’t be an issue.. it won’t be 100% smooth really low in the gears all the time but it shouldn’t be unsettling the bike.

[@stevegabriel6982]

Appreciate your take on these two models, but it's R for me. Why? Because this will be 2nd bike, won't be doing track days, like old school tachs, really no big differences street riding, less dough from the get go which leaves room for mods.

[@jimbo1485]

I have a 2019 RS. For an extra $1500 AUD you get a lot. Saying that, I don’t have the skill to even make the most out of a ninja 400 and the R would have been more than enough.

[@PetroHead]

Bingo! For most people.. even the R is a lot of bike.. So why waste the money? Instead, get better gear and a nice exhaust.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Well said. Better gear is critical. Ive lost count of seeing guys on big bikes wearing shorts and flip flops and no gloves. Its incredibly dangerous!

[@PetroHead]

All my gear combined is more expensive than my first bike and my first bike (RC 390) wasn’t cheap! It ended up saving my life.

[@markjacobs3956]

R vs RS on track... Depends on jockey.

[@PetroHead]

Depends on "skill"....

[@sabyasachipradhan1431]

Love from India... I like this bike bro very much.. hoping to own someday.

[@giovanniricci4369]

Hi! Very useful content as always, thank you. I’m also here to confess I eventually betrayed Triumph: I’ve been eaten by the Beast 😀. Yeah, after not even 1 year I decided it was time to go a few steps higher in range and traded the Street RS away for a KTM 1290 super duke r, she’s coming next week. I confess your review of the 890 may have played some role on that. Ride safe and good luck for your search of a new place. Cheers !

[@PetroHead]

Peer pressure got to ya eh? haha.. enjoy and ride safe bruh! 🤘

[@giovanniricci4369]

@@PetroHead that’s it 😉thanks!

[@jamesbthejoke5614]

Does the RS get cruise control? Honestly any bike over $16900AUD with ride-by-wire should have it, from factory. In Australia it’s often an hour or two on flat/highway roads before you get anywhere fun.

[@PetroHead]

No man.. that’s one of my major complaints about it.. 🤦‍♂️

[@jean-yveslegall2562]

I would be happy to have your opinion about the resale in a few years. I thought the RS would be more interesting especially with a modern dashboard first and perhaps with an Olhins rear suspension and better Brembo calipers for the front wheel. Thanks ;)

[@PetroHead]

Resale is pretty good... especially in todays used market. The RS is extreme performance oriented.

[@jean-yveslegall2562]

@@PetroHead I'm not sure about my choice between the R and the RS 🙄

[@TheAJSS126]

Resale on the street triples is very solid, An RS will be a bit better in the long run. When it comes to private party people will value a little extra money for the suspension, dash, brakes, etc. I just purchased a 2018 RS w/ 5700 miles for $8000 in florida. Less than 1k miles on the new tires, both rear cowl and passenger seat, frame sliders, triumph brand led turn signals, evotech tail tidy, and a few other minor things. Fantastic deal and helluva bike for that money. Realistically won’t lose much over the course of the next 5-6 years.

[@KellerFkinRyan]

are you based in socal? this looks like SD to me.

[@pasquip]

What is better, MT09 sp 2021 or street triple r? Thanks for the answer...

[@oneleaf6884]

If money is not a problem, SP offers a cruise control and heated grips more. SP's seat position seems to make you be part of the bike while riding. Whereas, RS seems like you are seating a bit on top of the bike, yet can control it easier on turns.

[@pasquip]

@@oneleaf6884 thanks man, just another question: is the torque difference a lot?

[@oneleaf6884]

@@pasquip you mean the question by by a spec sheet or the difference of torque feel while riding ?

[@pasquip]

@@oneleaf6884 the feeling while riding...

[@oneleaf6884]

@@pasquip although the clutch cable running over the instrument cluster seems kinda annoying, the only nit pick I dislike along with the stretched frame holding the headlight with the main chassis while viewing it in side view, wished they shortened the length of the neck frame a bit 😅

[@mateuszmorgiel6452]

Will I make a mistake if I buy this bike for my first one?.

[@PetroHead]

This applies to all makes / models kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2Ong6KOfK2VqKc

[@joshslade3594]

8:10 to answer your question: everyone

[@fabienwade27]

Do video of mt 09 2021

[@PetroHead]

Yes, its coming soon!

[@whirlwings]

what happen to the R6? we get lesser video from it!!!

[@PetroHead]

I've been meaning to do an update video... the a**hats that are working on it are slow and lazy... they only operate via email and I am losing patience with them. When I make the update video, I won't be saying nice things...

[@bernas8508]

👍👍👍

[@gingchurcher6668]

It's not a beginner's bike I've been riding 30+yrs Harley's to gsxr1340cc Hayabusa your obviously not that experienced

[@thatonedudemike3259]

I spy The Star Of India?

[@benfarr6049]

Besides the motor, the brakes alone make the rs worth the extra money. The extra 2k is nothing people will spend that in mods in no time anyway

[@johnbanks9392]

Sorry to post a negative comment, this is the first time I've watched one of your videos and the constant jump cuts are extremely annoying. At least try and complete a sentence in one cut!

[@PetroHead]

No problem 😉

[@OneRichMofo]

You do realize you don’t have to say the full name of the bike every time right? You can just call it RS. Like this video can be turned into a drinking game where you take a shot every time you say “Street Triple RS” and people would die in the first half of the video.

[@PetroHead]

There is a lot that I could do differently. Thanks for your input 👍