To Speed Triple or not Speed Triple

[davebullet]

I took my first test ride on a Speed Triple yesterday. It was a bad idea. I've put it off knowing if I liked the bike, I'd want to just ride it home.

Interestingly, I had envisaged the bike excelling the SV650 in all areas. What I found is the step up from a 250 to the SV was a lot more than I felt going to the Speed Triple. The good thing is the Speed fit like a hand cover. I was totally at home in the first 5 minutes.

Things I noticed....
- Speedy is nearly as bumpy over rough surfaces as the SV. This was most suprising as I expected a plusher ride... but of course that isn't what a Speed triple is about
- The engine goes mental at about 4 - 5krpm. This is a good thing. It means it can happily chug along below or give you a cardio workout above.
- The brembo brakes make the SV's feel like a sponge is doing the job. They have lovely bite and effortless application
- The Metzler Sportec M3 (?) tyres heated up nicely - even for a mild mannered cornerer like me on a cool day
- Speedy feels much more planted during the corners. Bumps which would cause a bit of headshake on the SV weren't apparent. I put it down to the bigger forks, better suspension and increased weight
- Speedy wasn't as flickable, but could be rider technique / learning to turn her in effectively
- The gearbox literally clunks. Not a negative - call it "gear change aural reinforcement". There is a big movement required to go from first to second. I'd need to adjust the lever down a bit otherwise I'm asking my foot to bend in a direction it wasn't designed to do
- Seat height higher. I can get both feet flat on the ground, but on uneven surfaces Id need to be careful (I'm about 5'10" give or take an inch)
- Well made
- Exhaust note quite a bit different to the VTwin of the SV
- Radiator fan quite noisy at idle / waiting at the lights
- Bloody lovely looking bike (burnt gloss orange)

My dilemma is I can get a good deal on the new bike. My dilemma is because I am trying to justify in my own mind whether I as a rider can use all she has to offer, but also justify whether it is worth 3+ times the used value of my SV650.

If I didn't have the SV650 - the decision to buy would be an immediate yes. This either tells me I've become attached to the SV, it suits my riding style well, or the SV is a really good lilttle bike.

[Gubb]

Don't be a pussy. Get one!

[Latte]

Buy It Now

[Headbanger]

You have already passed the point of no return, No use stressing about it now, Buy it.

or

Deny yourself one of lifes great pleasures.

Your call.

The more you ride em, the better they get.My bike blows my mind everytime I ride it, Slip into the zone so easy and then we fly.

And when I say zone I mean enjoyment, not hell bent for leather speed, and we I say fly I mean...ah fuck,whatever, I just don't mean doing supersonic speeds to attain the enjoyment contained within..

[ukusa]

Don't be a pussy. Get one!

what he said

[davebullet]

Jap bikes just don't have the x factor. The SV is functional but boring.

I just think at the price, for a brand new bike..... it's just too hard to resist......I hate sensibility

[sinned]

I changed from a SV1000s to a 1050 Speedy. It was such a difference in handling on bumpy surfaces and the speedy motor runs and pulls so smoothly from idle.

Some days I wish I hadn't sold it and I may get another. Buy it - you will love it.

Here is my blog on the speedy.

[davebullet]

I changed from a SV1000s to a 1050 Speedy. It was such a difference in handling on bumpy surfaces and the speedy motor runs and pulls so smoothly from idle.

Some days I wish I hadn't sold it and I may get another. Buy it - you will love it.

Here is my blog on the speedy.

A great blog! I'm trying to catchup to the point where (and why) you traded it in for a 'Busa.

Comfort wise, although I was only on the '10 speedy for 45 mins, it seemed like a better standard seat than the SV. Did you end up buying a gel seat for the ST3? Seemed like you did from your blog.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Keep the SV, strip it and go racing in protwins or F3.

buy the Speed Triple.

I am in a similar quandry about a Street Triple R for $15k on le speziale at mo

[sinned]

A great blog! I'm trying to catchup to the point where (and why) you traded it in for a 'Busa.

Comfort wise, although I was only on the '10 speedy for 45 mins, it seemed like a better standard seat than the SV. Did you end up buying a gel seat for the ST3? Seemed like you did from your blog.

I got the seat fixed by Rider Seats http://www.trimit.co.nz/
They did a great job and at a good price.

Story on Busa is there - I decided I needed a fairing for the longer rides.

[davebullet]

Keep the SV, strip it and go racing in protwins or F3.

buy the Speed Triple.

I am in a similar quandry about a Street Triple R for $15k on le speziale at mo

The deals are great. The Street Triple for $13k and R for $15k - great value. I think the Daytona is also $15k. I'm glad Triumph have rocks in their heads

[davebullet]

I got the seat fixed by Rider Seats http://www.trimit.co.nz/
They did a great job and at a good price.

Story on Busa is there - I decided I needed a fairing for the longer rides.

Thanks for the link. Was the 'Busa new? Did you use the same run in technique for the engine? Did you feel it made a difference to the ST3?

(Link for other readers so they know wha the fuck I'm on about: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm )

[Scouse]

Just buy it. Im on my second Speed Triple just about to trade up to number 3 now

[Urano]

mmhhh...
great bike, no doubt.

actually, because of my believes about displacement i'd go rather for a street kitted, but if you're doing the change to feel something "consistently" more on the engine side you could end up without the clue...

so i'd go for the street, but you'll go for the speed.
now let's do it!

[sinned]

Thanks for the link. Was the 'Busa new? Did you use the same run in technique for the engine? Did you feel it made a difference to the ST3?

(Link for other readers so they know wha the fuck I'm on about: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm )

The Busa was a shop demo with only a few kms. It was run in by http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...00#post1842900 . I would not be brave enough to run in a Busa the way the motor should be bedded in. Needless to say it runs beautify.

Re the Speed Triple it ran well, used no oil, and I can only believe following the run in procedure was right. As far as running it in correctly this must be done in the first few kms. If the motor is nursed for the first 50 -100 kms the damage is done. The best you can hope for is the mechanic gave it a good strop in the road test after assembly.