Triumph Speed Triple

[holtjv]

You guys have any opinion on the speed triple? Looking for comments on:

1. fun factor
2. drivability
3. reliability

And whatever else you have to say about it..

I have to say that this thing bones me up quite a bit...

[Scooter]

Jack, didn't you just buy a scooter? You looking for a real bike already?

[holtjv]

Well, you can look at it one of 2 ways...first, my wife is getting used to the idea of me (back) on 2 wheels--I had a 900cc sportbike when we met--and I may be able to progress to a real bike. Or, I'll keep riding the Stella to work and the bike for fun on the weekends.

I do like the way that beast looks though.

Please, no "show your wife who's boss" posts.

When's our next drive, Scott?

[Jim Bremner]

I rode a freinds tiger for a few days, it shares some of the parts ( but is FAR from as cool)

WOW, it's the best motor, tranny, brakes and ride.

I would buy one in a heartbeat. If cash was as easy to come by as it was a few years back, mine would be white.

[creaturecat]

Speed Triple is a fantastic bike. Green for me.

[looneybin]

My neighbor has one (it's black), the only complaint he has is that it runs hot. The dealer told him that is common on those Brit bikes
It also "pops" when he decelerates, which bugs him, but i think it sounds like a turbo - cool.
Oh, the other issue he has is that he has racked up 4 speeding tickets this summer

[Jim Bremner]

everything runs HOT in freshellno!

[Noah930]

Didn't nostatic have one? (And a couple other Pelicans, as well.) Since he's not checking the boards anymore, try PMing him. Seems like everyone I've ever met who's had a Speed Triple has loved it.

[holtjv]

Thanks. I'm also looking at the 675cc as something a little smaller to ease into...

[Rot 911]

The Triple is a hell of a bike, also one very fast bike. Maybe too much bike if you haven't ridden in awhile. The Daytona 675 is almost as fast, but lighter and easier to handle. They also make a Speed Triple 675.





If you want to ask about Triumphs this is the board to post on or search: http://www.triumphrat.net/

I post there under the same screen name as here.

[holtjv]

the S3 675 is the one for me, I think. I've been on triumphrat maybe on an earlier suggestion from you, thanks. Not sure if the bike is out yet--I'll have to head over to the dealer..maybe today???

[Seric]

I rode one a couple years back and while it was a VERY nice bike, I didn't like the abrupt "pop" when you gave it gas and let off the gas. While fun when you are getting "on it", it quickly got annoying (to me anyways) just cruising around town. If this is a daily rider, I would find something smoother.

[JavaBrewer]

I few years ago I owned this 2001 Speed Triple with the 955 motor.


I think the triple represents the best of the twin and inline 4 worlds. Great torque down low and a solid rush past 6K rpm. This motor is gutsy and smooth. When combined with a nice exhaust the bike sounds incredible.

1. Fun factor - oh yeah!
2. Driveability - fast & powerful but still easy to control. Not much/any wind protection above 60 mph so longer rides can beat you down. The newer bikes ('05+) have upgraded suspension and a 1050 motor. I have not ridden one but can only imagine it's better in every aspect over my '01 other than mpg. I routinely got 40-45 mpg but I've read the 1050 goes more like mid 30's mpg depending on hard you twist it.
3. Reliability - the '05 had some issues with electronics and brakes. Read up over at www.triumphrat.net on the sporting/triple forum for the latest scoop.

If I get another bike it will definitely be the S3. No doubt.

[Bill Douglas]

Did someone mention triumph???

[Anton]

Had one, put 10,000 miles on it. Fast, fun, reliable as a Honda. Got bored with it and traded it for a Ducati.

[sammyg2]

My buddy I work with has a triumph sprint. He raced motorcycles as a pro in the 80's.
He says his bike has the same motor that is in that thing. He also says that speed bike will loose your licence.
His exact words, "that's a houligan bike. Always on one wheel or the other".

[holtjv]

Update. Just went to the dealer who has a 675 S3--feels light and narrow, not at all what it looks like. But at 10k with all the dealer prep and tax, I think I'll wait until someone buys one, gets scared, and wants to sell it.

March, I'm betting.

[serge944]

My last two triumph 955s had 46 and 52k miles. The triple engine has an awesome powerband and sounds very good. Triumphs are fairly reliable and not maintenance intensive either.

The speed triple 1050 has been getting rave reviews, as far as I can tell.

[holtjv]

Originally Posted by Anton

Had one, put 10,000 miles on it. Fast, fun, reliable as a Honda. Got bored with it and traded it for a Ducati.

Anton,

Did you get tired of your duck?

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Did someone mention triumph???

Cool! That an old Daytona?