Triumph Striple - now or wait?

**ggreen** · 12th February 2014, 12:09

Hi guys,

I currently have a Suzuki LS650. It is a good bike given it is LAMS approved, and has been great to learn on. However, I have "fallen in love" with the Triumph Street Triple (preferably the new "R"). I could easily sell the Suzuki and purchase one of these bad boys, however, there is one thing holding me back - I am only on my restricted. I have about 12 months left to go until I get my full, and I dont know if I can hold on that long (patience is not my strong point).

I am contemplating just doing it anyway (fuck it). End of the day, I rode around for 6 months on my learners without a L Plate and didnt once get checked, so what are the chances of walking home ..... I am almost at the stage of thinking it is worth the risk! In terms of risk there is obviously the fines and demirits that may come if pulled up and no insurance I am guessing?

Obviously the biggest "risk" is not coping with the increased power given my limited experience. I am not too worried about that given that i have put on over 20000km in eight months, but you dont want to be over confident either (I wouldnt even be contemplating a 1L Jap bike at this stage).

Does anyone have any views on this, and/or the 2014 Triumph Triple R (everything i have read about it is complimentary, and the time I have spent on one has impressed me, but I only have my LS to compare with!).

**Grizzo** · 12th February 2014, 12:32

oh deary, deary me.

**EJK** · 12th February 2014, 12:38

10CHAR!!!!

**tristania** · 12th February 2014, 13:31

You are going to love the Striple. Seriously. If you ease into it, the extra power isn't a problem. It's a versatile bike and I see them being used as commuters also. Comfy for long trips too. I haven't ridden the "R" version but I read it has better brakes and a sportier suspension and the first gear on the 2013 onwards is slightly taller. I can't comment on the legalities of riding it on a restricted though... I think it will make you smile, but you already know that

**HenryDorsetCase** · 12th February 2014, 13:36

What a wuss. Be a man and buy a Speed Triple R.

In for a penny in for small bike shaped crater in the landscape somewhere I always say.

**BuzzardNZ** · 12th February 2014, 13:37

You'll have problems with insurance.

**Banditbandit** · 12th February 2014, 13:38

Yeah .. you're gonna love the bike ...

The risk is not that you will get picked up on a learners licence ... the risk is that you will get picked up speeding and then they will check your licence ...

So - if you think you can spend 12 months riding a street triple and NEVER speed then get the speed triple ... (I seriously doubt I could do that ... they are too much fun ... )

**BigAl** · 12th February 2014, 13:50

I'd go for it, just don't ride stupidly and you shouldn't attract attention.

The striple is a fun bike to ride, I rode the R last weekend after jumping off an MV F3.

Suspension, brakes and throttle control was better on the striple which I'd have over the F3 unless I lived next to a track.

Also plan to test the MT09 in very near future.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 12th February 2014, 13:57

Originally Posted by Banditbandit

Yeah .. you're gonna love the bike ...

The risk is not that you will get picked up on a learners licence ... the risk is that you will get picked up speeding and then they will check your licence ...

So - if you think you can spend 12 months riding a street triple and NEVER speed then get the speed triple ... (I seriously doubt I could do that ... they are too much fun ... )

Here's a thing about that. I was riding very quietly back to work in my lunchtime one day and a po po (the one and only Mr Ratuscat I believe) pulled me over. He's quite a big intimidating man, and I am a little weasel so instead of saying "Oi, Carnt! Wot yew pull me ova 4 I din' do nuffink!!" I chatted him up a bit, showed him a bit of leg and whatnot. ... anyway, our date isn't your concern.

But what he did say to me was instructive. They pull over a lot of motorbicyclists because three in ten of the ones they pull over have an incorrect class of licence for the bike being ridden. Easy friggin pickings and why make it easier for them.

Plus if OP is trying to borrow money to finance this thing, he has to have comprehensive insurance. And one of the questions he WILL Be asked is "do you have the appropriate class of licence to ride the vehicle you have asked us to insure". Guess what OP? If you lie and say yes it entitles them to keep your premium and then not pay out on any claim. And when you inevitably ride the thing into a building, piece of public art, lake, river or other motorist, you run the risk, as an uninsured driver, of having to repair their Bentley.

My serious advice: suck it up princess.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 12th February 2014, 13:59

Originally Posted by Banditbandit

So - if you think you can spend 12 months riding a street triple and NEVER speed then get the speed triple ... (I seriously doubt I could do that ... they are too much fun ... )

agreed: can't be done.

OP should buy a Duke 390.

**tristania** · 12th February 2014, 14:06

Nah, get an orange one.. with a ventura rack.. and ride that sh*t around Akaroa

**Tazz** · 12th February 2014, 14:07

Spend some money on a quick trip to Raro and skip the last 12 months/go straight for your full

**HenryDorsetCase** · 12th February 2014, 14:08

Originally Posted by Tazz

Spend some money on a quick trip to Raro and skip the last 12 months/go straight for your full

Is that still an actual thing?

also:

[youtube]siwpn14IE7E[/youtube]

**Larksea** · 12th February 2014, 14:13

yeah my first thought was yeah f it why not man.

heck what are the chances, I have been pulled over once in my life in my car and never on my bike.

But then it hits, big thing is that if anything happens and your insurance company finds out you dont have the correct license for the bike you will get nothing. That could be very very bad.