Triumphrat

Brooksie · 05-13-2009, 05:35 PM

I am at the point where I am ready to get a new bike, again. Thinking that the race rep thing, while a blast, is just too limiting. Can you guys tell me what your day to day living with the bike is like? I have had four Triumphs and I love them but the hubbub on the new Ducati Streetfighter is hard to ignore. What I'd like to hear is how engine mods help power, how do you like the brakes/suspension on 08/09 models and what you feel makes this bike a better road bike. Thanks!

Stampy · 05-13-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooksie

I am at the point where I am ready to get a new bike, again. Thinking that the race rep thing, while a blast, is just too limiting. Can you guys tell me what your day to day living with the bike is like? I have had four Triumphs and I love them but the hubbub on the new Ducati Streetfighter is hard to ignore. What I'd like to hear is how engine mods help power, how do you like the brakes/suspension on 08/09 models and what you feel makes this bike a better road bike. Thanks!

I'm surprised no one has answerd Brooksie, true the new Duc is the Duck's Nut's as far as Streetfighters go 155Hp, Ohlin's it's got everything going for it except the price!!!I have an 06 S3 Rectech and ohlin's equipped, Micron Can's & remap. In all honesty this bike is all the motorcycle I need and want, and to get it to this spec has been cheaper than buying a new Aprilia Tuono or a Superduke. From touring, to weekend scratching, to just going down the shops for bread she's been rock solid and a blast ( Bread yeah right!! ) As far as brakes go mine have always been superb, suspension was always the S3's weekest point thats why I changed, A lot of people don't and are quite happy with the stock spenders. All I can say is the S3 is very hard to beat price wise and with a couple of grand spent in the right places they are a very hard package to beat all together!!!!

fbristow · 05-13-2009, 10:21 PM

ive got the 08 and I'll probably upgrade the suspension soon and retune after I install the 3 to 1 arrow system but these are upgrades and not necessities. I use the bike as a daily commuter and touring bike and it has been great since day one.

remember that even if you get the streetfighter it won't be long before you want to upgrade something. even though they are both great bikes stock there is always something to upgrade

155hp but when will you ever use that on the street. the streetfighter has got some press saying it is more of a naked track bike than a streetfighter.

oh and the brembos have been great.

they are both great bikes, price seems to the determining factor. personally love the speed b/c I can personalize it with $1000's in mods and still come in under that price of the streetfighter. I went through this same debate in my head a little while ago. I don't envy you

bikewriter71 · 05-13-2009, 10:58 PM

I had a deposit on the non-S SF. Compared to my 08 it is about 25 pounds lighter with about 20 more hp. You cannot argue with that no matter what brand loyalty you choose. The Duc does 10.3 out of the box! I now have lighter Arrow slip ons but you could do the same to the SF.

I'll be getting one when it becomes an 1198. I love my S3 and the fact I got it out the door for $6000 less than the non-S SF. I will never see a track; use mine for play riding and goofing off. In fact, I don't think I've romped on it for a 1/4 mile due to fear of cops and going to jail; it has all the fun I need up to 1/8 mile. It looks great, stops perfectly (up front on the 08, the rear still stops like a Razor scooter with a wet wheel) and has the nicest flattest powerband ever. And people love the looks and sound of it.

The suspension is lacking even though I've set it up as best as possible. I've taken off the stock mirrors and put on Super Duke mirrors (I would've taken the SF rabbit ears off, too). And as mentioned, the Arrow slip ons and a retune.

Truth be known I could have waited the extra month and forked over the $14,995 (dealer does not charge any freight or setup and I don't pay sales tax) but for my needs I went with the 08 S3 and have had zero remorse. There will always be something faster, nicer, lighter, newer. It just came to a point where I had to stop reading mags and forums, and just buy a damn bike and ride. So that's what I did.

listo · 05-14-2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikewriter71

There will always be something faster, nicer, lighter, newer. It just came to a point where I had to stop reading mags and forums, and just buy a damn bike and ride. So that's what I did.

Never a truer statement there. For the price the S3 just plain rocks. It will hang all day with any bike out there on the "street" and look better doing it.

ICON "13" · 05-14-2009, 01:03 AM

E Nuff said...

Bohdan · 05-14-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by listo

For the price the S3 just plain rocks..

It just doesn't sound right... Like you're settling for lesser bike because is cheaper. Same theme in all the other responses. So triple is like Subaru WRX - hell of the car for a price - for somebody who cannot afford Porsche or Ferrari, the "real" performance car.
Truth is, Streetfighter is better bike for premium price. No matter how much you spend on Speedy you cannot upgrade it to SF level. It is real stripped superbike with proper chassis and balanced, premium components. I just got MCN yesterday with introduction ride report - all praises.
Can it be put to the same use as Speedy? It depends on money (again). How many people commute in Ferrari? So if I ever get SF (thinking about it), I'll keep my S3 for daily use, with SF as prized possession and for full fun weekend blast.

gonzojournalist · 05-14-2009, 10:26 AM

Bohdan, you make some valid points and in the realm of people who really ride their bikes, something like the new Streetfighter and it's very expensive suspension may be properly appreciated. I cannot say that for most riders though and Triumph understood this as well and managed to fit us under a better price point while doing it. The factory suspension is great, for a street bike and would take care of a person just starting on the track but it is far from the suspension of a proper race bike or full-fledged supersport.

I love the Speed Triple and even though one of my favorite bikes is a Ducati Sport Classic but the Triumph will always have a place in my heart and I hope to keep one in some form in my stable at all times if I can manage it. For me it wasn't price, if it were I would have purchased a GSX-R as that is the WRX of the motorbike world (exotic performance at a standard price). Triumphs are unique bikes, and may not have the price tag of the Ducati, but they are also not Italian which seems to carry a tax all of it's own even if they run rampant with issues (Fiat... sometimes).

Aside of weight the 955/1050 bikes, it is a fantastic platform that can be modified to any level you'd like. Being that weight is hard to overcome though, I'd say that the new 675 is the best platform from Triumph for racing or ultimate performance.

listo · 05-14-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bohdan

It just doesn't sound right... Like you're settling for lesser bike because is cheaper. Same theme in all the other responses. So triple is like Subaru WRX - hell of the car for a price - for somebody who cannot afford Porsche or Ferrari, the "real" performance car.
Truth is, Streetfighter is better bike for premium price. No matter how much you spend on Speedy you cannot upgrade it to SF level. It is real stripped superbike with proper chassis and balanced, premium components. I just got MCN yesterday with introduction ride report - all praises.
Can it be put to the same use as Speedy? It depends on money (again). How many people commute in Ferrari? So if I ever get SF (thinking about it), I'll keep my S3 for daily use, with SF as prized possession and for full fun weekend blast.

Just to clarify. I meant the price diff between the Duc and Triumph. For ME price does matter and of all the bikes I've owned and ridden I can say the Speed is the best all around bike. It's fast, comfortable and on the street is just great to ride. All my bikes have been Japanese supersports and aside from alittle weight which I really don't notice that much it's better in all regards and looks mean to boot. I'd love to own a Ducati but honestly all the ones I've sat on are uncomfortable and cost too much to buy and service.

jamboa2003 · 05-14-2009, 11:48 AM

Over the last couple of years I have decided and and have bought and sold several late model used bikes. I was tired of buying new, adding tons of farkles and after awhile wanting something else. When you go to sell it some lucky bloke gets the great deal and you took the depreciation hit.
I just bought an 06 S3 with 2300 miles in mint condition and lots of add ons already done. Now I am the lucky bloke for less than KBB.
I may get a Ducati Street Fighter but it will be in a couple of years when someone else has eaten the depreciation and added some farkles. Any bike over $10,000 I go with full coverage and that is another cost to ownership. With bikes less than $10,000 I take my chances with just liability and theft.
I rode a Ducati GT1000 last month. That is a very comfortable Duc with character and you can find used decent deals for less than $8000.