Triumph
Another manufacturer that's turned its back on the tradition of launching ranges at bike shows -instead drip-feeding them over a period of months - Triumph's biggest 2023 news so far is the heavily revamped Street Triple 765 range.
For next year, the line-up is led by a new top-of-the-range Street Triple, the Moto2 Limited Edition, which takes lessons from the company's experiences as the sole engine supplier to the Moto2 championship to become the sportiest Triumph middleweight since the demise of the Daytona 675.
All the 2023 Street Triples get a power boost. The base Street Triple 765 R now makes 118.4 hp (120 PS) at 11,500 rpm, a couple of hp more than its predecessor, but notably arriving there 500 rpm lower at 11,500 rpm. The more expensive Street Triple 765 RS and the Moto2 Edition both peak at 128.2 hp (130 PS), up around 7 hp on the 2022 equivalent. All versions make 80 Nm of torque.
The increases come from a higher compression ratio, revised combustion chambers and new pistons, camshafts and valves. Shorter inlet trumpets and revisions to the crankshaft, balancer, clutch and gearbox complete the extensive engine updates, which help it achieve Euro 5 emissions limits while improving performance, as does a new exhaust system with a single catalyst that's lighter than before.
While the frame is carried over from the old model, the geometry is tweaked with a shorter wheelbase and steeper head angle, achieved by raising the rear end. On the Moto2, the adjustments are more extreme to give even sharper handling, and the Moto2 also gains Öhlins NIX30 forks to join the Öhlins STX40 shock that it shares with the RS. The RS features the same Showa forks as the previous model, and the base R model uses Showa kits at both ends.
The R and RS get wider bars than the 2022 models, while the Moto2 uses low clip-ons for a much sportier riding position, and all versions have a new, reshaped, 15-litre fuel tank.
The RS and Moto2 also get uprated brakes, with Brembo Stylema calipers replacing the previous M4.32 versions, and both gain an additional 'track' riding mode. An up/down quickshifter is standard on all 2023 Street Triples.
Elsewhere in the line-up, Triumph has launched the "Chrome Collection" across its Modern Classics range and the Rocket 3 models. Encompassing ten bikes in total, the models add real chrome coating on the fuel tanks of the Rocket 3 and 1200 cc Modern Classics machines, while the 900 cc Modern Classics are offered with chrome-effect decals on their tanks. While total production numbers aren't restricted, the Chrome Collection will only be available for the 2023 model year, ensuring a level of rarity.
Finally, Triumph has confirmed its plans to enter the FIM Motocross World Championship, starting in 2024 in the 250 cc class and then the 450 cc class in 2025. The bikes that will compete in the series have yet to be shown, but are likely to break cover soon to allow some months of overt practice and development before entering the heat of competition.
Triumph's works motocross team will be operated by the MX ESCA setup that ran Kawasaki's effort for more than a decade before parting company at the end of 2021. Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael remains onboard to assist with the project and the bike's development.
