Comments/opinions on Triumph Speed Triple

[Dooly]

Anyone here own a late model Speed Triple, say, 05/06 etc?
Whats your opinions, thoughts etc?
Would they suit someone my height 5'7?
Anything would be good to know.

I'm in the market....:yes:

[kiwifruit]

Trumpy raves about his one, im sure he will be along soon :yes:
they are a cool bike in my opinion and should be sweet for your height.
I look forward to seeing how you get on

[Dooly]

Trumpy raves about his one, im sure he will be along soon :yes:
they are a cool bike in my opinion and should be sweet for your height.
I look forward to seeing how you get on

I've narrowed my choice down to a Speed Triple or a Ducati S2R or S4R Monsters.
Its time to get naked.:yes:
And first time, non Jap bike.

[kiwifruit]

oooo! the monsters are cool! have you riden one? Ive always wanted one myself

[Dazza]

I've narrowed my choice down to a Speed Triple or a Ducati S2R or S4R Monsters.
Its time to get naked.:yes:
And first time, non Jap bike. Bwah, there's only one non Jap naked bike, but hey I'm Biased :rockon:

[Dooly]

oooo! the monsters are cool! have you riden one? Ive always wanted one myself

Only an old 900 mid 90s.
Was ok at the time.

[Squeak the Rat]

I've narrowed my choice down to a Speed Triple or a Ducati S2R or S4R Monsters.
Its time to get naked.:yes:
And first time, non Jap bike.

The monster is garuanteed to turn my head, I love the look and sound of those things. The speed triple is supposed to be a great bike to ride. Some nice choices you've got there, I'll be interested in the outcome!

[The_Dover]

Speed Triple's look cool, better than that tractor shite.

Either that or a Brutale. You're a short arse and so is Finn and he rides a Brutale.

[Dooly]

The monster is garuanteed to turn my head, I love the look and sound of those things. The speed triple is supposed to be a great bike to ride. Some nice choices you've got there, I'll be interested in the outcome!

Looking at all factors in my personal opinion, the Triumph is the best value for money comparing power, looks, technology in the bikes, at about 21k with the Ducs ranging from 22k to 27k.
Plus there is a Triumph dealer in my area whereas I'd have to buy out of town for a Ducati, and having a local dealer to buy off, service, warranty seems good to me.
But fuck knows really.........
Its fun looking and comparing things.

[Shaun]

Speed tripple mate

[Squeak the Rat]

Given the diff in price and the better engine in the trumpy........:scooter:

[The_Dover]

Speed tripple mate

did you go to school shaun? your spelling is atrocious.

[Squeak the Rat]

He meant to write have some speed and a tipple

[MSTRS]

He meant to write have some speed and a tipple

Ooooh...I know where this is going....

[Shaun]

did you go to school shaun? your spelling is atrocious.




NO, Well Yes once! and now go away wanker and get a job, instead of bludging of our welfare system

[MSTRS]

Hey Dooly - did you want me to go test ride the Speed Triple for you??

[The_Dover]

now go away wanker and get a job, instead of bludging of our welfare system

hey man, what's the use of being an immigrant if I can't rip off all the hard working kiwis out there??

[Big Dave]

Anyone here own a late model Speed Triple, say, 05/06 etc?
Whats your opinions, thoughts etc?
Would they suit someone my height 5'7?
Anything would be good to know.

I'm in the market....:yes:

Well mr dooley - I agree, naked bikes are my much favoured choice these days.
And the S3 is a wonderful bike. Sports bike performance with a harder/hooligan/outlaw kinda 'cred'. Wheelies and stoppies on demand and you can take one anywhere.

HB has a good bunch of blokes in the RAT group too - it's an added bonus with the brand that I really enjoy.
Ride one. I think AMPS have a demo.

[Dooly]

Hey Dooly - did you want me to go test ride the Speed Triple for you??

I can manage thanks.:laugh:
But I'll pop in and tell ya all about it.:scooter:

[Dooly]

Well mr dooley - I agree, naked bikes are my much favoured choice these days.
And the S3 is a wonderful bike. Sports bike performance with a harder/hooligan/outlaw kinda 'cred'. Wheelies and stoppies on demand and you can take one anywhere.

HB has a good bunch of blokes in the RAT group too - it's an added bonus with the brand that I really enjoy.
Ride one. I think AMPS have a demo.

I had a bit of a search before on the forum and read a post where you said a mate had one and he had quite a few extras etc.
Do you know what mufflers etc to use, and I quite like the cover over the rear of the seat too.

[Big Dave]

I had a bit of a search before on the forum and read a post where you said a mate had one and he had quite a few extras etc.
Do you know what mufflers etc to use, and I quite like the cover over the rear of the seat too.

Triumph do race cans which are loud. Micron do nice work. Mark at Neptune is a craftsman. Plenty of choice.

The seat cowl is a genwine part. have to ask a deler.
there is much bling available.

[WRT]

Bwah, there's only one non Jap naked bike, but hey I'm Biased :rockon:

Dazza's right, there's only one naked bike - Tuono (http://www.aprilia.com/modelli/road/modello.asp?id=67)! Dunno why he's biased tho, he's got the wrong one . . .

[Dooly]

Triumph do race cans which are loud. Micron do nice work. Mark at Neptune is a craftsman. Plenty of choice.

The seat cowl is a genwine part. have to ask a deler.
there is much bling available.

Cheers.
I have Neptunes on my VTR, very nice well finished product.:yes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Only opinion I can offer on the new Speed Triple is that the seat seems very high (I am a short arse and notice these things)... that was as compared to the Ducati. My 900 Hornet is also quite high feeling as well. fine once moving but if you are short in the leg (I am) then it can be a drag.

Of the three you have mooted, my personal pick (based only on my opinion and reading road test reports) would be the Ducati S2R: heres why:

I think its the nicest looking (red with the white stripe :thumbsup: )
engine has useful characteristics where you ride it most (good tractable power, and also its prettier without the radiator etc)
S4R much more expensive and sure its faster, but IMO an unfaired bike isnt so much about pure speed etc. basically you pay a lot for not much extra function.

for that money call it $20k, your choices are very wide: you've obviously considered Buells, Moto Guzzi's (those Griso's are NICE) and even H-D ... (also those Aprilia Tuonos are $20k at present (theres one in Eric Woods at that price anyway)

have fun with the choice: there is no "wrong" answer here.

[The_Dover]

there is no "wrong" answer here.

that's cos there's no honda option.

[Jimmy B]

Dooly,

Havent ridden one but went for a spin on Saturday with a mate that has the 1050cc. In the past he has owned Harleys, Buells and Ducati. Currently he has the ST and a Blade. He really rates the ST and riding with him I can see why. Tonnes of grunt, real presence on the road and stunning in that burnt gold colour. You could do a lot worse, go get one ya hooligin:done:

[Dooly]

Of the three you have mooted, my personal pick (based only on my opinion and reading road test reports) would be the Ducati S2R: heres why:

I think its the nicest looking (red with the white stripe :thumbsup: )
engine has useful characteristics where you ride it most (good tractable power, and also its prettier without the radiator etc)
S4R much more expensive and sure its faster, but IMO an unfaired bike isnt so much about pure speed etc. basically you pay a lot for not much extra function.

for that money call it $20k, your choices are very wide: you've obviously considered Buells, Moto Guzzi's (those Griso's are NICE) and even H-D ... (also those Aprilia Tuonos are $20k at present (theres one in Eric Woods at that price anyway)

have fun with the choice: there is no "wrong" answer here.

Yeah the S2R would of probably been the Duc pick.
I like Buells but find them too high for me, as my stuffed L hip struggles to pivot to swing aboard a high bike.
Never been a fan of Moto Guzzis, and could never see myself on a H-D, but I quite like the new 1200 sporties.
As for the Aprilia, never really thought about it actually, maybe because the Duc and moreso the Trumpy appeals more.

[Dooly]

that's cos there's no honda option.

I might have to sell my Honda, or hide it at the back of the shed, if the Triumph wont talk to it.:lol:

[Dazza]

Dazza's right, there's only one naked bike - Tuono (http://www.aprilia.com/modelli/road/modello.asp?id=67)! Dunno why he's biased tho, he's got the wrong one . . .

I see I should've been more specific, it's not from Italy, it's made in Austria "Mate":dodge: Mate of mine has just traded his 03R for a 03 Tuono Racing, must say, very nice with all that Carbon fibre bling but definately different riding position to the KTM. Have ridden an 04 Factory, so the newer motor has got more broom up top, need to ride 06 Tuono though as a comparison.:yes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

that's cos there's no honda option.

as you know, the Honda Hornet 900 is still the best value new motorcycle available for sale in this country at present. even with the new price of $12k.

when it was my money that was the choice I made.... and no regrets.

legendary Honda reliability, great performance, and value for money.

and with its new suspension, it rules completely.

Thank you for your input though.... :done:

:Punk: :scooter:

[The_Dover]

but it still makes you look a bit poofy, doesn't it?

[HenryDorsetCase]

thats OK, I am bisexual anyway, big boy.

my you are looking fiiiiiiine today. mmmm hmmmmmm..

[sp3ed]

I have one and it is bloody fantastic. Previously had the Daytona 600 and SV650, (gradually working up in power.)

Never ridden a Duke, but hear that you have to have another bike to ride for when the duke is broken, and I much prefer the look of the Triple anyway.

Triumph accessories are expensive, but then there are alternatives. On the exhaust front I looked at a number of options but every one seems to use a normal length can which screws the looks of the back end, but I ended up getting these from Red Racing. Ok I had to sort out the import myself but they still good on cost, and they sound great. And if you want to be considerate have an insertable baffle.

http://www.gegbike.com/modelli/triumph/speed%20triple/speedtriple.html

Only thing I'm not keen on is the fact that the dashboard remembers your maximum speed, which could be a bit embarrassing!

[sels1]

Looking at all factors in my personal opinion, the Triumph is the best value for money comparing power, looks, technology in the bikes, at about 21k with the Ducs ranging from 22k to 27k.
Plus there is a Triumph dealer in my area whereas I'd have to buy out of town for a Ducati, and having a local dealer to buy off, service, warranty seems good to me.

Thats all good reasons to buy the Triumph. Go for it, you wont regret it.
And as BD says, the Triumph owners in your area are good sorts, they have regular rides and social events. (Their last ride was up to watch Kiwibiker Trackday at Taupo last weekend)

[Dooly]

Thanks everyone for the input.
I should add the missus does'nt like the look of the Ducati, so thats a small factor I guess.

I think its fair to say I'm leaning heavily towards the Triumph now.
Very.:yes:

[Dooly]

Forgot to ask, is there anything that you can buy to tidy up the rear end where the number plate goes, like to make it smaller, better looking etc?

[MSTRS]

A skilsaw?

[terbang]

Gosh a speed triple thread and ZRXer hasn't been here.. He has one and I have ridden it. For fanging around it is an absolutely awesome bike that looks real nice in a strange, stark naked, sort of way. Its the answer I reckon.

[Dooly]

A skilsaw?

Yeah, that'll do.:done:

[Scouse]

Gosh a speed triple thread and ZRXer hasn't been here.. He has one and I have ridden it. For fanging around it is an absolutely awesome bike that looks real nice in a strange, stark naked, sort of way. Its the answer I reckon.Thats cos I only just got home Now Dooly do yersel a favour and buy a Speed Triple I've had mine since April and Its the best bike I have ever ownd Fuckin fantastic brakes power is on song from the word go I owned a Kawasaki ZRX1200R before the Speed Triple some one recomened I try one out so I did and from that moment I had to have a Speed Triple everone that I have let ride mine have been Impressed with the way it delivers its power I swaped a ride with a mate that had a 900 hornet I could not wait to get my bike back and Paul promptly sold the hornet there is a reason why they sell for only $12,000 and that is cos they are fuckin depressing to ride

[Nutter34]

I saw a Speed Triple in Nelson with a Zard pipe.... Looked good.

[Scouse]

I'll bet it sounds the biz to

[Big Dave]

I saw a Speed Triple in Nelson with a Zard pipe.... Looked good.


Schwing!!!!

[TONO]

Trumpy raves about his one, im sure he will be along soon :yes:
they are a cool bike in my opinion and should be sweet for your height.
I look forward to seeing how you get on

Trumphy has got a speed 4 not a triple, you still on the whisky????:gob:

[Motig]

I like them both Dooly, out of my range tho. Only thing that would put me of a Duc is it appears to need a lot of looking after ie servicing regularly and belts done every 2 yrs no matter whether its been used a lot or a little in between. Either way I'd take whatever one you buy me:dodge:

[Lou Girardin]

Speed Triple all the way. Would you really want a bike (Ducati) whose electrics give up in a heavy dew? Besides, I heard one go past work today and the dry clutch sounded like a gearbox in it's death throes.

[kiwifruit]

Trumphy has got a speed 4 not a triple, you still on the whisky????:gob:

ekk! sorry :innocent:

[bane]

Thats cos I only just got home Now Dooly do yersel a favour and buy a Speed Triple I've had mine since April and Its the best bike I have ever ownd Fuckin fantastic brakes power is on song from the word go I owned a Kawasaki ZRX1200R before the Speed Triple some one recomened I try one out so I did and from that moment I had to have a Speed Triple everone that I have let ride mine have been Impressed with the way it delivers its power I swaped a ride with a mate that had a 900 hornet I could not wait to get my bike back and Paul promptly sold the hornet there is a reason why they sell for only $12,000 and that is cos they are fuckin depressing to ride


how excited was Steve, obviously ready to unload when someone asked this question!

Possibly the longest sentence ever to appear on KB (well technically still not a sentence without a full stop...) - even managed to diss a Honda in the same breath.

back on topic now - go the speed triple.

[sAsLEX]

Gosh a speed triple thread and ZRXer hasn't been here.. He has one and I have ridden it. For fanging around it is an absolutely awesome bike that looks real nice in a strange, stark naked, sort of way. Its the answer I reckon.

I reckon the short pipe out the side looks quite good


What about <img src=http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/gallery/photo/0,2540,249218,00.jpg>

They get good reviews!

Still tossing up between faired and naked for my next bike will have to go test riding a few I think

[BarryG]

Not a new one, but an '02 new to me, and I LOVE it. So much grunt (and mine's the 955) and so much character. There is so much you can do with it to make it unique to you, too, which is always going to involve emptying of wallets, but that's for any bike. Triumph stuff is good, but there are a lot of alternatives. Check out triumphrat.net, T595.com altho' they're inhabited by the already converted.
I find it hard to think about ever changing it for something bland, so the drawback is it limits your options for the future :laugh:
Try it, mate, I think you'll like it.
Cheers
Barry

[Dooly]

Seems the general opinions are all for the Triumph.
I spoke to the dealer a few days ago and they were sending me info.
I will then have to decide and get one ordered I guess, but I'll go over and see them. I dont want another bike till early January, as I have a small farm to move in December, to our new place we brought, so dont need the temptation to ride, ride, ride till things are done!:yes:
Had a good think about it last night.

Triumph it is.:yes:

[XP@]

Not ridden one, but rode with one for some of the 1000 miler, looks like a good bike, and it was a pleasure to ride with. They look bloody cool, for a road bike.

[El Dopa]

Forgot to ask, is there anything that you can buy to tidy up the rear end where the number plate goes, like to make it smaller, better looking etc?

Yes. Try "fender eliminator" "speed triple" in google. There's a few companies that do them.

Here's one.

http://www.british-customs.com/store/triumph-motorcycle-parts-accessories/mad-doctor-speed-triple-1050cc-fender-eliminator.html

Unfortunately, no-one seems to do any aftermarket stuff to tidy up the fugly front lights and dash. The Triumph aftermarket flyscreen looks like a plastic turd stuck on the handlebars.

Typical Brit engineering - the bike as a whole is beautifully styled, but for me it's really let down by these two little things. I'd love to buy one, but I'd end up spending a couple of K straight away on aftermarket bits to tidy it up.

[Dooly]

Yes. Try "fender eliminator" "speed triple" in google. There's a few companies that do them.

Here's one.

http://www.british-customs.com/store/triumph-motorcycle-parts-accessories/mad-doctor-speed-triple-1050cc-fender-eliminator.html

Unfortunately, no-one seems to do any aftermarket stuff to tidy up the fugly front lights and dash. The Triumph aftermarket flyscreen looks like a plastic turd stuck on the handlebars.

Typical Brit engineering - the bike as a whole is beautifully styled, but for me it's really let down by these two little things. I'd love to buy one, but I'd end up spending a couple of K straight away on aftermarket bits to tidy it up.

Cheers for that.

I'm having a look at a 2nd hand one tommorrow, 2 yrs old, possibly a ride to see if I'm comfortable on it etc.
If all's well I will most probably order a new one due in January in the bright green new colour.:yes:

And I know what you mean about spending a bit to tidy a few things up.
The fender thingy, a seat cowl spring to mind first.
I dunno about the flyscreen thing. In some ways I'm wondering could it look better with some plastic like on a fairing screen molded in somehow at the top.

[Big Dave]

In some ways I'm wondering could it look better with some plastic like on a fairing screen molded in somehow at the top.

Wash your mouth out.

The trick to a tastey S3 is what you take off it. not put on.
it's the naked - minimalise it.

[TerminalAddict]

but weren't you trying to sell my panniers for the S3 at big boys toys? :nya:

[Big Dave]

but weren't you trying to sell my panniers for the S3 at big boys toys? :nya:

No way Jose. I was telling you about removing the mufflers IIRC.

[TerminalAddict]

yeah so the boss didn't go for the wee back seat :( .. so I'm shopping around for bike number 2

[Dooly]

Wash your mouth out.

The trick to a tastey S3 is what you take off it. not put on.
it's the naked - minimalise it.

I think it sounded worse than I meant.
I was thinking joining the pointy bits of the fly screen up across with tinted plexi or something, to bring a straight look instead of the two sharp points.
But then again until I see one in the flesh, who knows.

[MD]

You can't go wrong with the Triumph Dooly. I've sampled a few of the nakeds and the Triple was one of the best. The KTM was the absolute stoppie king but that thimble of a petrol tank must be hurting their sales (sorted with the 2007 model). The Moto Morini has the most grunt of all of them I think (140hp!) and is also one of the best lookers and was fun to ride. The naked class seems to have so many good choices, especially if you want to go non-Jappo. If I was in the market for a naked it would be down to flipping a coin between the Triumph, Morini or Super Duke.
Like someone else said above, I find those bug eyed S3 headlights the weak link in an otherwise stunning bike.

[The_Dover]

I rode ZRXER's trumpet last night and gave him a go on "The King".

Verdict.

what a fuckin weird little bike. not as free revving or manic as I'm used to but a hell of a punch when you twist the grip, instant on really but then no significant build up afterwards.

I really struggled in the twisties with the huge change in riding position, I was fuckin "boomer" slow, but Steve can hustle it and I expect given the punch and responsive controls that it would be a hoot once you adapt.

[Dooly]

Tested a '06 one this morning. Had under 2000kms on it.

What a really fuckin nice bike.
Did'nt go too far or too long, but it felt so good for me.
I felt much more confident on it than my VTR1000. It felt easy to throw around and the grunt was wicked.
Nice sound too, even stock standard.
The ride position was very user friendly on my smashed up bones, and thats the key for me.
The missus loved it too, but tbh it would'nt of mattered if she did'nt.:whocares:

So I confirmed the order for an '07 one in the new bright green colour, due in mid January which suits me fine due to us moving and sorting stuff/stock out etc etc.
Ordered a seat cowl with it, but no screen.
We talked about exhausts, but we'll see when it arrives.
Did'nt really want a nice distraction over that period before January, or I may of been tempted on the black one I rode this morn.
Actually I was VERY tempted on the black one!

[Big Dave]

Actually I was VERY tempted on the black one!

*uck the future.
Live for the now.
The world might end tomorrow.

Very cool!

[MD]

Choice move Dooly, congrats. How can you wait??? I'd be off on the black one now, like BD said, ride now!

[Dooly]

Choice move Dooly, congrats. How can you wait??? I'd be off on the black one now, like BD said, ride now!

We're right in the throes of getting ready to move from our 10 acre property to a bigger one we've brought.
With that entails moving stock, machinery, hay, chooks, pets, 5 motorbikes, tractor, plus all the usual household stuff.
Plus we'll be owning the property for a few weeks before the buyers of our place take over. Thats because I have to do some fencing and other stuff before we move the animals across.
Plus having bridging finance for the full amount of the new place for a few weeks is quite nasty, so I have to get stuck in.
I really dont need the distraction of a new Speed Triple in the garage dragging me away from stuff I gotta do.
I have the VTR there if I need a blast........but somehow, after today.....it aint the same.:yes:

Can't fuckin wait tho!!!!!!!!!!

[Clivoris]

Way to go Dooly. Sounds like you will be living large when it arrives.

[Big Dave]

Can't fuckin wait tho!!!!!!!!!!

This is all understandable.
Make sure when you get the bike that you are put in touch with Mr Gerald 'Sprocket' Coady - your local RAT man.
One of the finest and truest ****s you'll ever want to ****in' meet. My ****in oath!
Word.