Hornet 900 vs Street Triple

[Big Dave]

Same @ AMPS

[rogson]

Test ride them both - and anything/everything else that takes your fancy.
Buy the one that gives you the biggest buzz - everything else is irrelevant.

[pritch]

The Triple goes, stops and turns one hundred times quicker than the hornet.

What do you smoke for breakfast?

When I first got interested in a Hornet early '05 it would beat the then current 1000cc sprotbikes to 160kph. When BIKE did a "Fifty Best Handling Bikes of all Time" the Hornet was on the list, one judge had it in his top 10.

Back then the Hornet was featured in BIKE'S "Ten Best of the Best" list.

The Street Triple is a nice wee bike and if they bring out a touring version I might be interested, but seriously a 675 with more grunt than a 919?
"I don't think so Tim."

[Devil]

The Street Triple is a nice wee bike and if they bring out a touring version I might be interested, but seriously a 675 with more grunt than a 919?
"I don't think so Tim."

Heh. I know what you're saying, let me clarify: For the "go" side of things. It's the Street Triple being nearly 30kg lighter that helps the throttle response. It takes off instantly.
Dont mean it'd win in a drag race, but on and off the throttle, squirting through gaps, the Triumph gets up and goes quicker. Plus it just feeeeeeels like a little monster trying to get out when you're jamming the throttle to the stop in each gear riding the upper midrange! (The engine has a whole lot to do with me loving this bike).

[vifferman]

Test ride them both - and anything/everything else that takes your fancy.
Buy the one that gives you the biggest buzz - everything else is irrelevant.

Eggs Zachary.

Unless there is some dark, gnarsty secret about either of them, then that's all that matters. You've obviously narrowed your list down to two - that's not too hard to decide between, surely?
Personally, I think you should add in a few more likely prospects, and have fun test-riding.

[Devil]

Go to the yamaha/KTM shop in albany They have a KTM 690 Supermoto, brand new, $13,995. WP shocks front and rear, Brembo brakes. Cool looking bike.

[Big Dave]

I got no issues with the Hornet - done KR tests on it twice and really rated it both times. Recommended it to several people. Sweetest of front ends. Power and Torque usable in the legal zones. Does everything well. Clearly superior passenger considerations. Better ergos for taller chaps.

The Triumph works a bit harder but it's a heap more 'fun'. Wheelies and stoppies are dead easy and if you want to lift a wheel on exit - whap it on and baby!

It's far more raw boned. Personally I'd need to spend a grand on the suspension. It's a harsh ride on poor surfaces, but it's in keeping with the character of the bike, the set up is xtreme/stunting.

I'd still pick the Street Triple.

Other cool things with the Triumph.

RAT
I've made a a heap of good friends, won Thousands - yes thousands of dollars - worth of kit at the big weekend party that is a RAT Raid held twice annually. Depends on your age group a bit - but not entirely. Great rides. Honda does the red riders too. Don't know any.

The Gear.
I've got a new Triumph classic jacket at the moment and it's the nicest leather and some of the coolest stuff. It's got full Knox armour and is comfortable (and styley) enough to wear as a casual jacket.

Got my first bit of Triumph kit with the Tbird in 1997. Some of it is still in good nick.
The jackets, leathers and all weather stuff is designed for the Euro market. Subsequently it's good for here too.

I give it high praise to say it's comparable quality to Harley stuff. And it doesn't have to be all big logos - like harley, some of it is understated and just well designed and made motorcycle gear.

For the 'Britain of the Pacific' types, the English motifs are more comfortable than the Anime elsewhere on KB - and a subtle star or four (five) under a union jacket is easy to add

Street Cred.
It's even in the name.

Triumph's web site is working nicely now.
www.triumph.co.uk
Choose NZ at the start and all the stuff that shows up is available here and priced in Pacific Pesos.

Jacket pics off it - the nine on the back's story is told on the lining.

[vifferman]

Jacket pics off it - the nine on the back's story is told on the lining.

Ooh! My jacket's got pix on the back lining too! Cartoons that try to explain the process of fitting/ replacing the various linings.

[Batcerb]

I may be biased but ...

See if you can get a demo ride on a Street Triple.

Ill be shocked if you can still think about another bike after that

Done almost 10,000ks on mine, commute on it everyday of the week and then usual weekend mischief - Brilliant.

Its pretty good 2 up, even with a 80kg pillion

[Farab]

Thanks guys, keep it coming!! I'm a shocker when it comes to this sort of thing. Sweating ice blocks the day I got married I was so calm...choosing the right bike: can't sleep, tossing and turning, waking up in cold sweats

I think I need to take my time and test ride more bikes.

Test rode a 2005 ZX6R the other day..what a blast!! Not really suitable for what I want, would be great as an additional fun bike if money wasn't an issue...

The Aprilia Shiver has also caught my eye... As for the Speed Triple..heavy price tag (almost 20K), even at run out prices, for me anyway.

[Devil]

The Aprilia Shiver has also caught my eye... As for the Speed Triple..heavy price tag (almost 20K), even at run out prices, for me anyway.

Mid sized bikes are where the fun is at. You're not missing out by getting the Street Triple over the Speed Triple.

[Bonez]

Or, you could buy a CX500 and have neither.

Must spread the rep around dammit!

[Bonez]

Test ride them both - and anything/everything else that takes your fancy.
Buy the one that gives you the biggest buzz - everything else is irrelevant.

Best advice given so far. If you need to pillion the Hornet might make more sence though.

[Swoop]

A few similarities between the Honda and what Clarkson was saying about "certain brands" of cars. They are quiet performers with few vices and last for ages. For this they get classed as "boring".
I think JC described them as like "a librarian"... dull looking BUT when the hair gets let down, the glasses come off... PHOARRRRR!!! what a ride!

[Devil]

I think JC described them as like "a librarian"... dull looking BUT when the hair gets let down, the glasses come off... PHOARRRRR!!! what a ride!

Except... it isn't.
It's boring because it's a boring ride