Triumph Street Triple S - Owner's Manual > How to Ride the Motorcycle

Stopping the Engine

Caution: The engine should normally be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position.

The engine stop switch is for emergency use only.

Do not leave the ignition switched on with the engine stopped. Electrical damage may result.

1. Neutral indicator (Street Triple RS only)
2. Neutral indicator (all models except Street Triple RS)
3. OFF position on the ignition switch
4. STOP position on the engine start/stop switch

To stop the engine:

• Close the throttle completely.
• Select neutral.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
• Select first gear.
• Support the motorcycle on a firm, level surface with the side stand.
• Lock the steering.

Starting the Engine

Warning: Never start the engine or run the engine in a confined area.

Exhaust fumes are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness and death within a short period of time.

Always operate the motorcycle in the open air or in an area with adequate ventilation.

Caution: Do not operate the starter continuously for more than five seconds as the starter motor will overheat and the battery will become discharged.

Wait 15 seconds between each operation of the starter to allow for cooling and recovery of battery power.

Do not let the engine idle for long periods as this may lead to overheating which will cause damage to the engine.

1. RUN position on the engine start/stop switch
2. START position on the engine start/stop switch
3. Neutral indicator (Street Triple RS only)
4. Neutral indicator (all models except Street Triple RS)
5. ON position on the ignition switch

To start the engine:

• Check that the stop switch is in the RUN position.
• Make sure the transmission is in neutral.
• Pull the clutch lever fully into the handlebar.
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

Note: When the ignition is switched on, the tachometer needle will quickly sweep from zero to maximum and then return to zero (LCD instruments only). The instrument warning lights will illuminate and will then go off (except those which normally remain on until the engine starts - for TFT instruments for LCD instruments). It is not necessary to wait for the needle to return to zero (LCD instruments only) before starting the engine.

A transponder is installed within the key to turn off the engine immobilizer. To make sure the immobilizer functions correctly, always have only one of the ignition keys near the ignition switch.

Having two ignition keys near the switch may interrupt the signal between the transponder and the engine immobilizer. In this situation the engine immobilizer will remain active until one of the ignition keys is removed.

• Leaving the throttle fully closed, push the starter button until the engine starts.
• Slowly release the clutch lever.

Caution: The low oil pressure warning light should go out shortly after the engine starts.

If the low oil pressure warning light stays on after starting the engine, stop the engine immediately and investigate the cause.

Running the engine with low oil pressure will cause severe engine damage.

• The motorcycle is equipped with starter lockout switches. The switches prevent the electric starter from operating when a gear in engaged with the side stand down.
• If the side stand is extended while the engine is running, and the transmission is not in neutral then the engine will stop regardless of clutch position.

Moving Off

To move the motorcycle:

• Pull in the clutch lever and select first gear.
• Open the throttle a little and let out the clutch lever slowly.
• As the clutch starts to engage, open the throttle a little more, allowing enough engine speed to avoid stalling.

Shifting Gears

Warning: Take care to avoid opening the throttle too far or too fast in any of the lower gears as this can lead to the front wheel lifting from the ground (pulling a 'wheelie') and to the rear tire breaking traction (wheel spin).

Always open the throttle cautiously, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the motorcycle, as a 'wheelie' or loss of traction will cause loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Warning: Do not shift to a lower gear at speeds that will cause excessive engine rpm (r/min).

This can lock the rear wheel causing loss of control and an accident. Engine damage may also be caused.

Shifting down should be done such that low engine speeds will be ensured.

1. Gear shift pedal

To shift gear:

• Close the throttle while pulling in the clutch lever.
• Shift into the next higher or lower gear.
• Open the throttle part way, while releasing the clutch lever.
• Always use the clutch when shifting gear.

Note: The gear shift mechanism is the 'positive stop' type. This means that, for each movement of the gear shift pedal, you can only select each gear, one after the other, in ascending or descending order.

Note: For models equipped with Triumph Shift Assist (TSA).

Triumph Shift Assist (TSA) (if equipped)

Caution: In the event of a TSA system fault when riding, the TSA system will be disabled.

Use the clutch to shift gears in the normal way otherwise damage to the engine or gear box may occur.

Contact a Triumph dealer as soon as possible to have the fault checked and rectified.

Caution: Shifting gears must be completed with a quick and forceful pedal movement, making sure that the pedal moves through its full range of travel.

Always take care when shifting gears.

After a gear shift, the pedal must be fully released before another gear shift can be made.

Incorrect gear shifts can cause damage to the engine and transmission.

Triumph Shift Assist (TSA) adjusts the engine torque to allow gears to engage, without closure of the throttle twist grip or operation of the clutch.

TSA is not an automatic system for shifting gears. Gears must be selected and shifted in the normal way using the gear pedal.

TSA works for both up shifts and down shifts of gear. The clutch must be used for stopping and pulling away. The clutch must be used when selecting any gear from neutral, and also when selecting neutral from any other gear.

Triumph Shift Assist will not operate if:

• The clutch is applied.
• An up shift is attempted by mistake when in 6th gear.
• A down shift is attempted by mistake when in 1st gear.
• An up shift is attempted at very low engine speeds.
• A down shift is attempted at very high engine speeds.
• An up shift is attempted during overrun.
• The vehicle speed limiter is active.
• Cruise control is active.
• Traction control is operating.
• If the previous gear has not fully engaged.
• The throttle is changed during a shift.

If TSA does not operate, the clutch can be used to shift gears in the normal way.

For more information on enabling and disabling the TSA functionality.

Braking

1. Front brake lever

1. Rear brake pedal

Warning:

WHEN BRAKING, OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Close the throttle completely, leaving the clutch engaged to allow the engine to help slow down the motorcycle.
• Shift down one gear at a time such that the transmission is in first gear when the motorcycle comes to a complete stop.
• When stopping, always apply both brakes at the same time. Normally the front brake should be applied a little more than the rear.
• Shift down or fully disengage the clutch as necessary to keep the engine from stalling.
• Never lock the brakes, as this may cause loss of control of the motorcycle and an accident.

Warning: For emergency braking, disregard down shifting, and concentrate on applying the front and rear brakes as hard as possible without skidding.

Riders should practice emergency braking in a traffic-free area.

Triumph strongly recommends that all riders take a course of instruction, which includes advice on safe brake operation. Incorrect brake technique could result in loss of control and an accident.

Warning: For your safety, always exercise extreme caution when braking, accelerating or turning as any improper action can cause loss of control and an accident. Independent use of the front or rear brakes reduces overall braking performance.

Extreme braking may cause either wheel to lock, reducing control of the motorcycle and causing an accident (see ABS warnings below).

When possible, reduce speed or brake before entering a turn as closing the throttle or braking in mid-turn may cause wheel slip leading to loss of control and an accident.

When riding in wet or rainy conditions, or on loose surfaces, the ability to maneuver and stop will be reduced. All of your actions should be smooth under these conditions. Sudden acceleration, braking or turning may cause loss of control and an accident.

Warning: When descending a long, steep gradient or mountain pass, make use of the engine's braking effect by down shifting and use both front and rear brakes intermittently.

Continuous brake application or use of the rear brake only can overheat the brakes and reduce their effectiveness leading to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Warning: Riding with your foot on the brake pedal or your hands on the brake lever may actuate the brake light, giving a false indication to other road users.

It may also overheat the brake, reducing braking effectiveness leading to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Warning Do not coast with the engine switched off, and do not tow the motorcycle.

The transmission is pressure lubricated only when the engine is running.

Inadequate lubrication may cause damage or seizure of the transmission, which can lead to sudden loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)

Warning: ABS prevents the wheels from locking, therefore maximizing the effectiveness of the braking system in emergencies and when riding on slippery surfaces.

The potentially shorter braking distances ABS allows under certain conditions are not a substitute for good riding practice.

Always ride within the legal speed limit.

Never ride without due care and attention and always reduce speed in consideration of weather, road and traffic conditions.

Take care when cornering. If the brakes are applied in a corner, ABS will not be able to counteract the weight and momentum of the motorcycle.

This can result in loss of control and an accident.

Under some circumstances it is possible that a motorcycle equipped with ABS may require a longer stopping distance.

ABS Warning Light

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, it is normal for the ABS warning light to flash on and off, Street Triple R - LRH and Street Triple RS models or for Street Triple S (40.2 cu in (660 cc) ) models. If the ABS warning light is constantly illuminated it indicates that the ABS function is not available because:

• The ABS has been disabled by the rider, Street Triple R, Street Triple R - LRH and Street Triple RS models.

• The ABS has a malfunction that requires investigation.

If the indicator light becomes illuminated while riding, it indicates that the ABS has a malfunction that requires investigation.

Note: The ABS operation may feel like a harder pedal pressure or a pulsation of the brake lever and pedal.

The ABS is not an integrated braking system and does not control both the front and rear brake at the same time so this pulsation may be felt in the lever, the pedal or both.

The ABS may be activated by sudden upward or downward changes in the road surface.

Warning: If the ABS is not functioning, the brake system will continue to function as a non-ABS equipped brake system.

In this situation, braking too hard will cause the wheels to lock resulting in loss of control and an accident.

Reduce speed and do not continue to ride for longer than is necessary with the indicator light illuminated. Contact an authorized Triumph dealer as soon as possible to have the fault checked and rectified.

Warning: The ABS warning light will illuminate when the rear wheel is driven at high speed for more than 30 seconds when the motorcycle is on a stand. This reaction is normal.

When the ignition is switched off and the motorcycle is restarted, the warning light will illuminate until the motorcycle reaches a speed exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h).

Warning: The ABS system operates by comparing the relative speed of the front and rear wheels.

Use of non-recommended tires can affect wheel speed and cause the ABS function not to operate, potentially leading to loss of control and an accident in conditions where the ABS would normally function.

Parking

Warning: The engine and exhaust system will be hot after riding.

DO NOT park where pedestrians and children are likely to touch the motorcycle.

Touching any part of the engine or exhaust system when hot may cause unprotected skin to become burnt.

Warning: Gasoline is extremely flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions.

If parking inside a garage or other structure, be sure it is well ventilated and the motorcycle is not close to any source of flame or sparks. This includes any appliance with a pilot light.

Failure to follow the above advice may cause a fire resulting in damage to property or personal injury.

Warning: Do not park on a soft or steeply inclined surface.

Parking under these conditions may cause the motorcycle to fall over causing damage to property and personal injury.

To park the motorcycle:

• Select neutral and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
• Select first gear.
• Lock the steering to help prevent theft.
• Always park on a firm, level surface to prevent the motorcycle from falling. This is particularly important when parking off-road.
• When parking on a hill, always park facing uphill to prevent the motorcycle from rolling off the stand. Engage first gear to prevent the motorcycle from moving.
• On a lateral (sideways) incline, always park such that the incline naturally pushes the motorcycle towards the side stand.
• Do not park on a lateral (sideways) incline of greater than 6º and never park facing downhill.
• Do not leave the switch in the P position for long periods of time as this will discharge the battery.

Note: When parking near traffic at night, or when parking in a location where parking lights are required by law, leave the tail, license plate and position lights on by turning the ignition switch to P (PARK).

Considerations for High Speed Operation

Warning: This Triumph motorcycle should be operated within the legal speed limits for the particular road traveled.

Operating a motorcycle at high speeds can be potentially dangerous since the time available to react to given traffic situations is greatly reduced as road speed increases.

Always reduce speed in potentially hazardous driving conditions such as bad weather or heavy traffic.

Warning: Only operate this Triumph motorcycle at high speed in closed-course onroad competition or on closed-course racetracks.

High speed operation should only then be attempted by riders who have been instructed in the techniques necessary for high speed riding and are familiar with the motorcycle's characteristics in all conditions.

High speed operation in any other circumstances is dangerous and will lead to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Warning: The handling characteristics of a motorcycle at high speed may vary from those you are familiar with at legal road speeds.

Do not attempt high speed operation unless you have received sufficient training and have the required skills as a serious accident may result from incorrect operation.

Warning The items listed below are extremely important and must never be neglected. A problem, which may not be noticed at normal operating speeds, may be greatly exaggerated at high speeds.

General

Make sure that the motorcycle has been maintained according to the scheduled maintenance chart.

Brakes

Check that the front and rear brakes are functioning correctly.

Coolant

Check that the coolant level is at the upper level line in the expansion tank.

Always check the level with the engine cold.

Electrical Equipment

Make sure that all electrical equipment such as the headlight, rear/brake light, turn signals and horn all work correctly.

Engine Oil

Check that the engine oil level is correct.

Make sure that the correct grade and type of oil is used when topping off.

Drive Chain

Make sure that the drive chain is correctly adjusted and lubricated.

Inspect the chain for wear and damage.

Fuel

Have sufficient fuel for the increased fuel consumption that will result from high speed operation.

Caution: In many countries, the exhaust system for this model is equipped with a catalytic converter to help reduce exhaust emission levels.

The catalytic converter can be permanently damaged if the motorcycle is allowed to run out of fuel or if the fuel level is allowed to get very low.

Always make sure you have adequate fuel for your trip.

Luggage

Make sure that any luggage containers are closed, locked and securely installed on the motorcycle.

Miscellaneous

Visually check that all fasteners are tight.

Steering

Check that the handlebar turns smoothly without excessive free play or tight spots. Make sure that the control cables do not restrict the steering in any way.

Tires

High speed operation is hard on tires, and tires that are in good condition are crucial to riding safely. Examine their overall condition, inflate to the correct pressure (when the tires are cold), and check the wheel balance. Securely install the valve caps after checking tire pressures. Observe the information given in the maintenance and specification sections on tire checking and tire safety.

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