Between 2017 and 2020, the Street Triple R was generally considered the best of the family, for driving on the road. This is because it combined the excellent dynamic qualities conferred by its racing origins (the DNA is that of the Daytona) with a gentler set-up on bumps and, above all, a fuller engine at medium speed.
Then the situation changed: the Street RS MY 2020 improved in the back by equating the brilliance of its less exclusive sister, relegating the choice between the two to a matter of price and image. The question today continues along this line. The 2,400 euro difference is justified by the contents and makes the top version more attractive; but as far as road driving is concerned, both make sense and respond to somewhat different needs. The RS is focused on effectiveness, the R takes comfort and immediacy into greater consideration.
Basically, they have many touchpoints. The engine is elastic, full at every rpm and bad at high speeds (10 HP of difference is quite a lot, it’s true; but just as “pulling” 120 HP is galvanizing anyway), the throttle response is very good, the sound is exhilarating, gearbox and clutch are promoted and the vibrations are especially perceptible at the handlebars – not in an annoying way but a lower intensity certainly wouldn’t hurt. The chassis is precise; perfect ergonomics. The R, however, is first of all a little “softer” in its set-up.
This makes it a bit less rigorous, even in the context of bikes that invite you to tackle corners at full throttle, and moderately gentler on the connections. Furthermore, she has a slightly less sporty triangulation. A less high pigtail has the effect of a slightly lower load on the wrists. You also have tires with a different and totally road philosophy (Continental ContiRoad). They are less generous in terms of grip but better in terms of handling. Overall, it’s a fun and effective naked proposition at an attractive price. Agile, reassuring and fast, it is also equipped with a good braking system. Where, perhaps, more could be expected from her is in the instrumentation chapter – a little cheap in appearance compared to that of some competitors. And it’s a pity that cruise control is only available as an accessory for the RS and Moto2 versions.
