Triumphrat

jstrain · 06-17-2008, 07:23 AM

Hey guys, I hopped over here from the Sprint forum. My dad and my Sprint took a bit of a tumble yesterday. He is fine, but the bike is a bit beat up. We are thinking of keeping the her as a project bike, but in the meantime, I need to get something to replace my 2005 ST.

I had thought about alot of things. FJR, R6, Buell, another Sprint. I think I'm settled on a 675 though. I've ridden one before, and I know I like it. Rather than gambling with those other bikes, I think I'll go with a sure thing. Since I'm keeping the Sprint, I wanted to get something totally different this time. No sense in having two bikes that are really similar. So my questions...

How hot does the 675 get? I know with the underseat exhaust on my Sprint, things got pretty hot during the summer, especially on my rear end!

I figure this isn't a problem as Triumph sells them for the bike, but is there any heat issue with a set of throwover soft luggage? I don't want to melt my bags with the underseat exhaust.

How livable is this bike in real world riding? I'm 6'2''. I use the bike mostly for commuting and an occasional weekend trip. I know its an aggressive riding position, but I've only ridden a demo for about 20 minutes. No idea how I'll feel after a longer ride. I'm hoping a set of helibars will help with things.

Anything else I should be aware of before jumping into this bike? I'm hoping to put on a slip on soon as well, but we'll see how I like the stock sound.

TripleThreat · 06-17-2008, 10:52 AM

I have two 675's, one Street Bike and one Track Bike. I have them both outfitted with the same control setup - WoodCraft GP Shift Rearsets, Woodcraft Clipons and Pazzo Shorty Levers. On the street bike I also have the gel seat and I have the panniers and large tank bag from Triumph. I've ridden a couple of 500 mile days on the bike and I've had no problems with comfort or excessive heat on the panniers. It can be uncomfortable if you are just riding the highway, but if your trips involve the back roads and twisties, you will be fine. Fuel stops range between 120 and 150 miles depending on the tune loaded into the ECM and your riding style, so that helps with an opportunity to stretch.

If your commuting involves stop and go traffic, this is not a comfortable bike for that at all. You'd be much better off with the Street Triple if that is the case. The more upright riding position would be far better in city traffic.

If you are ever considering doing track days in the future, the 675 is a treat at the racetrack.

Good luck with your decision...

Jeff

Will · 06-17-2008, 12:52 PM

My bike is set up almost identically to Jeff's, and I commute daily on it. I was riding it on the track, but went racing and figured I didn't want to kill the Triumph, so it is just a street bike. Getting stuck in rush hour traffic isn't pleasant, but it is just one of those things. The bike does put out some heat, but if you are wearing gear, it isn't any more problem than a good and hot day. I wouldn't want to get stuck in heavy traffic on a 675 wearing shorts, and you would feel the heat through jeans pretty well, too, but either textile or leather trousers do a great job of insulating the heat. I found the clutch puts out more heat than the exhaust anyway, and I have a Jardine can on my bike with the heat shielding removed.

triumphtimes · 06-17-2008, 01:19 PM

What about the height issue. I am also the same height and am testing one at the end of the week. Test rides don't really do justice to any machine or tell the true story. I generally put from 12-15K on a bike a year. I am concerned about the size also with comfort on long trips and from what I've read on 675.net reliability seems to be an issue. I do 1000 mile days on my 955 w/o problems. Anyone tall ride one of these very regularly? Sorry if I butted in on your thread.

TT

TripleThreat · 06-17-2008, 02:36 PM

I'm 6' 0" and have done 500 mile days with no problems. Again, if you are doing all highway miles, this bike is not the best option out there. It shines in the twisties. It's a sportbike, not a commuter or sport touring bike.

If you prefer the ergos and riding characteristics of a sportbike, then this thing will thrill you.

If you are looking for the most comfortable long distance touring bike that will also handle some mildly aggressive cornering, go with something else.

Again, all things I type on the internet are my own opinions and you are entitled to form your own. I am basing my comments on having owned and ridden a 675 for over 2 years and having ridden it in all types of conditions - Commuting, Highway, Long Distance Touring loaded with panniers and tank bag, back road twisties and the race track.

By far, this bike is best at the race track followed by the back road twisties, but it will get by at anything you can tolerate on it.

Jeff

Alekker · 06-17-2008, 02:56 PM

I'm 6'0" and don't have any problems riding the bike, but I'm young and in halfway decent shape. As for the soft sided luggage: I threw my roommates softsided ducati bags over the back of mine and used some nylon cord to hold them in place so they wouldnt float too bad. I put 400 miles on them on a warm summer day and did not experience any melting of the bags or scraping or scratching of the painted bits from the bags. I give it a thumbs up!

triumphtimes · 06-17-2008, 04:50 PM

TripleThreat

That's kinda what I was hoping to hear. The 955 isn't any real treat to tour on either, but it's doable, bigger and fits me well and it's the type of bike I like. I use it for IBA rides as well as all day rides in twistie areas. Being as old as I am, I want a bike that'll do a little of everything. I really think the 675 will be a cool change, just wanted to hear from other 6' or so riders.

Thanks,

TT

Will · 06-18-2008, 12:50 AM

I am an old guy with a trashed back and a repaired knee. And a shoulder missing some parts. I am not quite 6' but I have longish arms and legs, so I have to fold to fit on the bike a bit like a taller person would. Even with all that against the bike and me riding it, I find it comfortable enough for just about anything. I have put in 200 mile days on occasion, but haven't had a reason to ride it farther. I may end up riding it about 400 miles a day a couple times this summer. I find it perfectly ok for everything, but like Jeff says, it is at its best on the track with serious speed through the twisties as a second specialty.