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Are the Triumph Speed Triple bikes that good?


OhioBob

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After watching this...it makes me want to test ride a Triumph Speed Triple. Anyone had experience with these machines? Are they twisty road worthy machines? Or should I stick with my idea of street fighting a sportbike, possibly a CBR 954RR or 08+ CBR1000RR or maybe a SV1000S turned into an N?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te0V71sGoxA

Thanks in advance.

OhioBob

Edited by OhioBob
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step 1) find a smoking deal

step 2) ride bike and see if you like it

step 3a) like it? keep it!

step 3b) don't like it? you got a deal so you can sell at a deal to break even or try to make a little money on it to try something else

this logic only works on used bikes. If you buy new, this is NOT the way to go

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YES! they are awesome bikes...fast, agile, wheelie machines and the original hooligan bike. cant go wrong...unless you buy one of the new fucked up trianglularpolygonalfucktared headlights!

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...unless you buy one of the new fucked up trianglularpolygonalfucktared headlights!

Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that look (on more than just this bike) is awful...

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Yep, live in "the boro". raised south of here in Lawshe. Love the country roads around here. Just amazing. I be so lucky. :)

As for the triple, what years should I be looking for or maybe easier to say avoiding?

Yes, I too think the new headlights are just a crime against it and the designer that thought it was a good idea should probably be shot.

I have always liked the twin round headlight look whether on the Speed Triple or Buell.

Edited by OhioBob
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Plusses:

+More fun than should be legal on wheels

+torquey motor makes you feel like a hero

+unique bike that won't be mistaken for a cbrgsxrninjawhateverrocketboybike

+brakes on the later models are outstanding

+comfortable enough for 12 hour days on twisty roads

+the sound is beautiful

+single-sided swingarm makes tire changes and cleaning so easy

+an easy 15 more horsepower on the later 200X models can be achieved with the right pipe and a tune. (get's you close to 130 at the wheel).

+free tuning software is available.

Minuses:

-hard to ride it legally. It begs you to use only the rear wheel

-motor is not up to current 1000cc sportbike standards in horsepower

-a total lack of wind protection beats the crap out of you at high speeds (it's naked, duh). Windshield options look stupid, in my opinion.

-the upright riding position that makes it so comfortable is a compromise for sport riding. It feels not-quite-right trying to ride it at a really fast pace.

-the non-R suspension leaves some to be desired. It's adjustable, but for some reason I've never gotten to work quite right yet.

-Odd type of single sided swingarm means you will sometimes run into trouble getting a tire put on and balanced.

- doesn't fare very well in a crash. Be sure to get some protection.

-shifting is a little British feeling

-electrics are a little odd at times- does not like to start hot

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Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that look (on more than just this bike) is awful...

I think we are in the majority... there must have been some italian guy taking over design that day in Hinckley:lol:

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I loved my S3 - It was an absolute blast to ride, and was comfortable enough to go all day. It was also quite the looker with a few modifications:

829814920_YppGx-M.jpg

The only real issue I had was with the suspension. From what I read, the damping ports were extremely small which cause extreme harshness on everything but the smoothest roads. I believe the newer bikes (08+) are a bit better in this regard.

As far as backroad prowess goes, I never felt like the bike was holding me back from going quicker.

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MJ 88,

I should be getting my BD DS kit (in black with mini turn signals), new battery, new black plastics (to black it all out) and a few other things today. After that I will still be waiting for my wheels and Brembo brake kit, chain, etc. from another company. This summer is going to be epic. I can hardly wait. Arghhhhh... LOL

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Clip ons change the whole feel of the bike. Inspires tons of confidence,in the twisties but that comfort goes away. I chose comfort myself.

I too think the new bike looks like ass.

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Clip ons change the whole feel of the bike. Inspires tons of confidence,in the twisties but that comfort goes away. I chose comfort myself.

I too think the new bike looks like ass.

I'm going the clip-on route. It's never felt right to me, taking it all the way over... something in the balance feels wrong. I'm hoping clip-ons help with that.

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