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My 1st year with my 2003 Speed Triple.
Modifications / add-ons:
TORS carbon fibre pipe
K&N air cleaner
Remapped
Michelin Pilot road (rear)
Michelin Pilot power (front)
Renthal streetfighter bars
Gerbing accessory plug for heated jacket liner & gloves
TORS windscreen (left off mostly because I prefer the look)
TORS panniers
Likes:
I can’t help but smile every time I ride it.
Most powerful bike I have ever owned.
Wheelies!
Once it was piped and remapped, throttle is smooth as silk.
Originally I thought the seat was a piece of *****, but as I racked up miles I began to appreciate it. (Still not all day comfort, but I can live with it)
The bike fits me very well, specifically the seat-peg-bars relationship.
I also like how my knees tuck in nicely to the tank. It really makes me feel like “one with the bike”.
The transmission is very smooth. I think it is even smoother when I ignore the clutch in the upper part of the rev range.
Starts with ease (this is the first bike I have owned with fuel injection)
Brakes are excellent (at least for the type of riding I do)
Dan (Service Manager at Southeast Sales in Milwaukee, WI where I go for servicing) has been a great help and a fountain of information. I have been impressed by the service I receive especially given the fact that I didn’t buy the bike from them.
The looks I get, well the looks my bike gets. It is a rare moment when I stop somewhere and someone doesn’t comment on the bike (98% positive).
I have not yet come close to matching the bikes performance capabilities, and most likely never will, but it’s nice to know that I have room to grow without having to upgrade.
I don’t blend in.
Areas which have room for improvement:
Passenger accommodations (or lack thereof). Not that I sit there, but my girlfriend is not comfortable on it and doesn’t feel secure. (if anyone knows where I can get a little backrest for a 2003 please let me know)
Mirrors. Yes I know they are easily replaceable, but why can’t they come from the factory with better rearward vision? Note: I keep mine adjusted where I can see easily into my “blind spot”, and can see behind me if I adjust my shoulder.
My big feet make me a little cumbersome when it comes to the shifter, although I have found this to be more a issue because of my riding boots. When I wear sneakers (rarely) I find the shifter just fine. (time for new boots me thinks)
Overall, I give the bike a “9” on a 1 to 10 scale.
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