Street Triple - 2,000km later

**Gubb** · 28th December 2008, 10:27

I've had the bike for just over a month now, and thought I may offer some more thoughts on it after the initial shock of a new toy wore off (but only by a little bit).

Pro's:
- The engine is mind-blowingly awesome. All the torque you could need from way down low, strong right throughout the rev range. It goes in any gear, at any rev.
- The sound. Oh. My. Goodness. The sound.
- The uniqueness factor. I like the fact that it's so different. It looks odd, it has a bizarre engine configuration, it's not Japanese. It's just so different to anything else that is out there (well, apart from the Speed Triple).
- Did I mention the engine?
- It seems so quick taking off at the lights, by the time the lights change (and i've looked out for red-light runners), i'm already across the intersection, tens of meters ahead of anything else. The boi-racers don't seem to appreciate the fact that a stock-standard bike can blitz the rice-rocket that they've poured their personal-loaned-to-the-hilt wallets into.
- It handles 2 up quite well, granted the Missus is tiny, we're are both still relatively comfortable after a few hundred Km together.
- I love the whistle of the induction noise.
- It corners unbelievably well.
- Wheelies are pretty cool but you must choose the time and place very carefully.
- It seems to gather a lot of attention from people, At least 3 or 4 times a day I have people starting conversations about it, or about an old Bonnie that their uncle used to have. It seems to be a brand that everyone know
s about, but not common enough that they get seen everyday.
- It's not a Hyosung.

Con's:
- The seat is not so comfortable for anything over an hour. I will have to try a Gel seat and see if the difference is significantly better.
- Steering lock is abysmal, although the only real time this is an issue is pushing it around the garage.
- Aftermarket bits and pieces (plastics mostly) are horrendously expensive. $800 for a Belly Pan?!?
- Stock suspension needs a bit of tinkering, although it would be no worries at all if I was 30Kg smaller, or 10" shorter.

**Gremlin** · 28th December 2008, 10:37

Depending on the price of the gel seat, you may want to consider Rider Customs, to customise the seat.

I have been thinking about a gel seat for my KTM, but gel seats are sometimes known for warming up and getting squishy in summer. For the record, I haven't done either yet... hoping to do something all together different (specific to ktm tho)

**Gubb** · 28th December 2008, 10:49

$330 plus p&p from the US. I have heard that if left out in the sun all day, a burnt-botty can ensue.

Will have to look into the custom seat. That's Cajun's business isn't it?

**Gremlin** · 28th December 2008, 11:13

Originally Posted by Gubb

Will have to look into the custom seat. That's Cajun's business isn't it?

his father in law or something... but yeah, he's related to it

Their seats are $500 ish, if its a single unit front and rear... Seems to be fantastic results for those that have done them...

**musicman** · 28th December 2008, 14:26

Ah were you up in Wellsford on Christmas Day? I was up there fuelling up with TOTO and Choco and we saw you come up SH16 and go down SH1.

**Gubb** · 28th December 2008, 15:13

Aye, that was me, showing the in-laws around.

**chester** · 28th December 2008, 15:36

Ive just done 1000ks on mine and totally agree with your comments Gubb.
booked in for first service next week.

**EJK** · 28th December 2008, 16:28

I want one!

**trumpy** · 28th December 2008, 16:53

I have the same seat problem with my Speed Four (what is it with Triumph?). I import Orthopaedic gel in sheet form through my company. Later this week I am going to remove the seat cover and insert some gel into the seat foam and then put the cover back on. Hopefully this will ease the pain in my bum....will let you know how I get on.

**Grahameeboy** · 28th December 2008, 16:54

Sounds like my SV..........

**Grahameeboy** · 28th December 2008, 16:55

Originally Posted by trumpy

I have the same seat problem with my Speed Four (what is it with Triumph?). I import Orthopaedic gel in sheet form through my company. Later this week I am going to remove the seat cover and insert some gel into the seat foam and then put the cover back on. Hopefully this will ease the pain in my bum....will let you know I get on.

I "wart" you may do that........

**YellowDog** · 28th December 2008, 16:57

Good review. I got lots of bits n bobs for my Tiger from the USA very very cheap. BUT the NZ$ to US$ was over 80c. It isn't so good now. I find ebay pretty good.

**short-circuit** · 28th December 2008, 19:22

Who's on holiday this week? Any Streety riders feel like a ride early this week? Gubb? Chisanga? Woza? Ranty Dave? I wanna do a few Ks on my christmas prezzie and I fancy some company