Triumphrat

Evoking · 03-12-2006, 11:52 PM

Getting nice out and I'm getting the itch more and more to buy a bike. Since I'm looking for a bike with character, torque, sound etc. the 955i seems like the best bang for the buck.

I was also considering an SV1000. I have ridden an SV but never a 955. I know the 955 has more hp but which one feels more poweful at seat of the pants? Also, when I sit on the GSXr 1000 it fits so perfectly and seems so light I'm wondering if I need to forget about character and just get one of these.

Anyone ever owned full on jap liter or Ducati superbikes? Do you now feel like you're on a boat when riding the 955? I thought I wanted a K1200S or R for but I think the I4 might not keep my attention long enough.

What about underseat exhaust? Who makes one? How come I don't see a lot of pictures of bikes with underseat on this forum?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

AK955 · 03-13-2006, 05:45 AM

Well I can give you my comparison between my 955 and my modified Ducati 996. I also used to own a '98 Daytona T595, the 955's predicessor, as well as a Ducati 748.

I really like them all! I put Heli bars on all them and am equally comfortable on each. I do feel like riding the Ducati is a bit more fatiguing tho. I love the torque and bass note of the twin as well as the narrowness of the tank and precision steering. The steering on the 955 seems just a bit more relaxed.

The 955 is smoother riding and has a smoother engine and a little smoother shifting. This sounds funny but the triple really is right between the twin and an i4. IMO a 4 is just TOO smooth for my interest. I also have the aftermarket Triumph carbon high pipe on mine. It's got an awesome bark when you get on it!

Depending on where you live, you may want to consider dealer location or your rapport with each one for future purchases and service.

Just like everyone else, I like being unique! I've just never been very attracted to the UJM's. Anything will move your body. Go with which ever one moves your sole!

Good luck and have fun, MH

fivehundo · 03-13-2006, 01:03 PM

The first thing I will tell you about the Daytona versus the SV and the Ducati is that it is far more comfortable. I realize that is usually a sort of subjective type "To each their own" kind of criteria, but it seems to be obvious on the Daytona. The seating position is not as aggressive on the Daytona and the tank is more sloped than either of the others, so I find it to be far more comfortable.

With the Daytona, you have a few pounds on the others. I think dry the daytona is about 410lbs which is about 30-40lbs heavier than the SV or Ducati (I believe). However, what you sacrifice in performance, you get back with stability. In turns, the Daytona is smooth as silk whereas with the Ducatis I've ridden (748 and Monster) they are real "Floaty" in the back. They handled great but it just seemed as if any little thing (bumps, throttle inputs, etc.) would pitch it around pretty good. It could just be that a torquey, high compression V-twin is behind the throttle, but if your not used to it, it can be a little unnerving...

As far as sound, there is nothing that sounds like a triple. It is a distinctly different sound than a twin or a four and you will get noticed for it. If you're into aviation, look at it like this: V-twins and I-4s are the norm, like radial engines or a boxer style motor that Cessnas have. They sound okay but they're common. The Triple is like hearing a P-51 or a Spitfire with that Merlin V-1650 for the first time. Different and awe inspiring....

For under-seat exhaust systems, check out Wolf. They post on here sometimes so maybe "The Wolf" with be coming directly (Pulp Fiction Fan?). There is another one too but I forget who it is exactly. Blue Flame might be it....

There is nothing wrong with the SV or the Ducati. I almost bought an SV 650 before my daytona but in the end, I'm sure I made the right choice. Good luck!!! :-D

[ This message was edited by: fivehundo on 2006-03-13 15:46 ]

AK955 · 03-13-2006, 06:31 PM

Quote:

On 2006-03-13 11:03, fivehundo wrote:

As far as sound, there is nothing that sounds like a triple. It is a distinctly different sound than a twin or a four and you will get noticed for it. If you're into aviation, look at it like this: V-twins and I-4s are the norm, like radial engines or a boxer style motor that Cessnas have. They sound okay but they're common. The Triple is like hearing a P-51 or a Spitfire with that Merlin V-1650 for the first time. Different and awe inspiring....

Wow! I never heard it put like THAT before! Very well done! Except, I don't know where YOU live but most of us don't get to hear the sound of the Italian Symphony eminating from an aftermarket equiped Ducati THAT often!

fivehundo · 03-13-2006, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Wow! I never heard it put like THAT before! Very well done! Except, I don't know where YOU live but most of us don't get to hear the sound of the Italian Symphony eminating from an aftermarket equiped Ducati THAT often!

You mean the clanking of a dry clutch that vaugely resembles the sound of a bus-boy dropping a tub full of dishes? Yeah, it's true; Ducatis certainly make a sound all their own... :roflmoa2:

All jokes aside, any of the machines you're looking at are great bikes but it really depends on what you are looking for. I'd say the worst of those choices would be the Ducati. As far as racing goes, they're great but typically, race bikes are torn down after races, tuned up and then rebuilt. Maintainence on any 4 valve ducati (748,749,916,996,998,999) is a nightmare!!! It calls for valve adjustments regularly and they're not cheap. If you're a pretty handy mechanic (and you trust your work) you might be able to make it work.

For overall enjoyment I'd say get either the SV or the Daytona. :upthumb:

[ This message was edited by: fivehundo on 2006-03-15 17:10 ]

fivehundo · 03-13-2006, 06:57 PM

Woops, sorry bout that. I thought you were Evoking there for a minute... :chug:

silvoor · 03-14-2006, 08:44 PM

Interesting. The SV1000 was ultimately my second choice but I was considering both. There is no wrong or better decision. If you feel a bike fits perfectly you need to come up with reasons not to buy it. MOTORCYCLIST magazine reports similar performance figures for both bikes - at least for street riding.

garysol1 · 03-15-2006, 10:18 PM

maybe I am the minority but I find my Daytona to be uncomfortable. Could be I am just short of arm but I find the bars to be too long of a reach and to low for me. My Skyking risers did the trick to fix that issue though. The engine is fun

Lots of midrange and nice topend to boot. I find I can ride 5,000 to 7,000rpm and have all the power I need in the twisties. The bike is not what I would call flickable when compared to say a R1 or GSXR but if ridden with a firm hand will hold it's own. I don't consider my Daytona to be a "SPORTBIKE" as much as I do a GT style bike or maybe I would classify it as a very sport sport tourer. All in All.....I do enjoy my bike, especially for the money spent.

flatspins · 03-15-2006, 10:36 PM

I love my '02 CE ,500 to 700 mile days are just right and I've gone 1000 once or twice with no major complaints. I really like the howl of the triple in full song, and even if the bike and I both carry a few extra pounds I still like to go squid hunting on the curvy roads, more than one has admired my tail light as it pulls away.

Brooksie · 03-22-2006, 10:40 AM

As an introduction to large bore sporting bikes, I love the Daytonas. As mentioned earlier, they are very much a sporty sport tourer. I was very surprised at how comfortable the bikes are. It took some getting used to the riding position on them, but it really helps fight back fatigue by have the sport position. Hand, wrist and shoulders get a little work out, but that just takes getting used to, especially on the 955i. Going from a Bonneville that is understandable. I am very surprised at how comfortable the 955i is and can't wait to get it out on a long ride this spring.

[ This message was edited by: Brooksie on 2006-03-22 08:41 ]