Triumphrat

DiscoStew

For reasons we here at Motorcycle.com don't quite understand, American motorcycle enthusiasts don't give naked and standard bikes the love they deserve. A harsh example of this reality is how Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, after only one model year following the first revision of the Z1000, has dropped that bike from its 2009 US street model line-up. Naked and standards just don't do that well in US sales, and that's a darn shame! Don't you people know what you're missing?

More than enough power and abundant useable torque coupled with an open and upright rider triangle are the underlying traits of naked, or "streetfighter" machines. These sportbike-derived scoots offer the same great handling, braking and overall performance that their racer-type brethren do, but in an everyday, usable package.

More: 2009 Streetfighters Shootout: Aprilia Tuono 1000 R, Buell 1125CR, Triumph Speed Triple on Motorcycle.com

TRIIICK

http://www.todaysfinancialnews.com/u...nset-7182.html This is a time to buy stocks not bikes . Batton down the hatches and hope we weather the storm..

Pablo

Unlike the three bikes in this shootout the Z1000, the Honda 919 and the Yamaha FZ1 are sterilized, soul-less bikes that evoke no passion.

02redbird

I have always loved the the speedy, the tbird sport was a close second, sans oem suspension.
Interesting that the S3 dry weight 416 and Mpg 33 still results in a thrilling street machine.
Some crashed Sprints have aspired to become an S3, but the original is the way to go IMHO

__________________
Eric
"You're going too fast young man. Me? fast? I only look fast."

Cowboy

Good read - thanks for posting this! Kinda has me jonesing for a new Triple...

Cowboy

WaltZ

Why, yes. Yes I do know what I am missing. - NOTHING ! -
Since I have often been given license; "To each his own." What the fella said above as "soul-less" is simply, well put. But he may have been kind not to add words like, Fugly, Why?, Stupid Looking, Uncomfortable, Street what?, Fugly - did I use that word already? Leave the LA scene in LA.

When did a Standard, stop looking like a '69 Bonneville, or Sportster, or an early Honda CB450/500/750 '70s style roadster just to name a minor few? You youngins today have no passion or tradition for the roots of bikes with your crotchitchers and CrapMaster 2000s. Who changed motorcycling? When did it happen? I must have ridden through it. Or, maybe the motorcycling public has spoken.? Bye Bye KawiZ.

I say this, just because you allow me to exist. Thanks...

jjolly3

I have recently acquired more on an interest in naked bikes. I have a 2000 Sprint RS that I would not trade for anything else. I am considering making room for either a street triple or speed triple as the economy improves.

silvoor

Who changed motorcycling? When did it happen? I must have ridden through it. Or, maybe the motorcycling public has spoken.? Bye Bye KawiZ.


It was me Waltz. I bought a 69 Bonne new off the showroom floor. In 76 I bought a T160 triple and tried hard to keep it running but traded it on an XS 750. It became a hood ornament on a 69 Chevelle and I learned I can't fly worth a damn. After that it was kind of a blur. When I got my senses back Triumph was gone and the kids needed shoes. Everything had changed and not for the better.

Years later I received an email telling me I owned a Daytona and I better pay for it. No big deal except it was in the Wisconsin wilderness and I was in Atlanta. I never should have got drunk and then rode out alone on the internet. I hitched a ride up and rode it home and left a soon to be old man behind.

I won't let it happen again. Keep the faith brother.

__________________
Never drink alone.
Never ride in a pack.
Always buy a drink for the woman wearing fishnet stockings.

jabberjoe87

On the same note, thats what makes the naked street fighter what it is. Nobody knows what it is, which isn't good for sales by any means so then they won't be made. But naked bikes are appreciated by only those who deserve to appreciate them.

TBSGuy

We older fellas must remember, we had our time to style Our bikes had the with universal adaptabilty to be modify them to be more comfortable and faster.
These NewJacks, with this sportbike style is theirs.
The next Generation will probably be riding the supermotard/adventure types or electric scooters with lap top and Ipod adapters. maybe a few cruisers types will build and ride choppers and ride until their spine snaps
We are the new dinosaurs of motorcycle riders, just like the Ariel, BSA, Indian, Matchless, Norton, riders of the 50's and 60's.
Harley keeps seeling because they market it's traditional look
When we rode we made up our own songs as we rode too.