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Speed Triple input needed

2K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  KenB 
#1 ·
I'm new to the forum, have been riding for many years, and am now considering a Speed Triple. Here's my story...

I've recently picked up an '09 Goldwing and have a pristine condition metallic blue 2007 Bandit 1250 ABS in the garage that just hit 8K. It is bone stock expect for a Stebel horn, Cox radiator guard, and Holeshot mirror extensions. It's never been down, never stunted, garage kept, serviced according to spec, and treated like a $40K Ducati. Suzuki makes color matched side cases and a top case that make this torque monster a fantastic touring machine.

I'm thinking about getting something that is kind of the "opposite" of the Wing. I also have too much money tied up in bikes so I'm looking for something older and/or with more miles so I can hand over the keys to the Bandit in return for some cash and a bike. I'm thinking about an older VFR, FZ1, Z1000, or something similar. About the only thing I'm not interested in is a cruiser, unless it's a Magna. I'd also consider an older sport bike.

So, I got a reply to a similar post over on advrider.com. He has a 2000 Speed Triple and would like to trade the S3 + cash for the Bandit. It is in very good condition, with just 12K on her. He has also modified it quite heavily:

Aftermarket Stuff:
Triumph Bar End Mirrors, Rear Hugger, Carbon Fiber Tank protector, Carbon Fiber'ish frame protectors, Billet master cyclinder res., fly screen, solo seat cowl, and belly pan. Belly pan and seat cowl are getting painted next week along with the front fender. Some scuffs that I want taken care of and the belly pan doesnt match right now.

LED signals all around
Carbon fiber gauge surround
Corbin seat
Chain Reaction Moto low mount pipe
Uni Filter
Triumph Off Road Map to match pipe and air filter
RaceTech front spring set up for a 215-245lb rider
Eibach rear spring set up for the same

Start of this season (about 8k) I did a coolant flush and added Water Wetter, Sythetic Oil change, front and rear brake fluid flush, 10wt fork oil, EBC front pads, New header hardware, Replaced the upper steering stem bearing with a tapered unit. The factory bearing sucked and constantly needed adjustment.

The tires are Pilot Roads CT2's. The front is fine the rear is just starting to square up a bit. They have around 7500 miles on them.

Over all the bike is in good condition. There is a small stain on the left side frame from a fuel leak and a few minor scuffs on the rear fairing from my throwovers. The rear taillight is safety wired in cause I'm an idiot and broke the screw insert when I first got the bike.

I bought it last June with 2300 miles on it. Its had three oil changes since with the recomended Mobil 1. I always planned on keeping it for a good long time so I maintained that way. Its going to be tough to give it up and theres a good chance my wife wont speak to me for a bit.

The valves are every 12K. I'm going to do the 12k service before I sell or trade it. I wont let it go without knowing its safe and running well. She gives a puff of smoke if you rev it when it first starts but once she's warm she runs fine. The front wheel has been of the ground twice and niether time were show off wheelies. I was simply showing a friend that his Harley wasnt as fast as he thought. Never spun the rear tire. never dropped. Original owner was an older guy and I dont think he treated it any differently.



The Speed Triple seems like a great bike to complement the Goldwing. Naked, quick, light, nimble, all the things I'd like for commuting and spirited rides in the mountains. It would be for solo riding only. Thoughts on this deal and this specific Speed Triple (the year, mods, any particular mechanical things to watch out for, etc.) would be greatly appreciated. Also, any thoughts on how this bike compares to a Honda 919 would be great!

 
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