1st Generation Speed Triple

[DekeRivers]

Anyone still ride one?

there's a 1995 version for sale in my local paper. Dude is asking $2700, 18000 miles, one owner bike. great shape.


Any opinions on this model?

[cheapbastard]

I'd like to have one! Of course, there's not much out there with 2 wheels that I wouldn't mind having one of! :-D

[rwven]

A bit top heavy. It does not corner "telepathically" like some of the newer crotchrockets, you have to tell it where to go.

Check the inside of the wire harness where it goes around the head stem, the wires can chafe through and short.

Starts hard on cold days if it has been sitting for a while.

The starter sprag clutch is reputed to be a bit weak. Keeping a good charge on the battery so it cranks strong (thus giving more positive clutch engagment) is sopposrd to help.

A great looking bike (IMO) that's a blast to ride.

Sounds cool with D&D's...

[DekeRivers]

Thanks for the replies.

[bfishman]

i'm the proud owner of one of these first generation beauties. its a real head-turner...i get more people asking me "what IS that thing" at stop lights than any of my buddies on their flashy crotch rockets. and the cadence of the triple motor: nothing else like it!

'rwven' comments on some issues with the bike in his earlier post: weight is an issue, as well as cold-starts. periodically check the chaffing issue with the wiring around the steering head. no problems yet with the clutch, but i have heard similar gripes on the forum from the earlier versions (i believe the models with the vin(?) number stamped into the gearbox is devoid of such problems, but i may be wrong on that :???: )

i bought mine last year for 3,000 with only 7000 miles on it...sounds like the deal you are getting is similar. hard to pass on that! couple of suggestions though: find out if the (1) guy actually rode the bike or whether it was a 'garage queen', (2) if its had its latest 'shop stop' (12,000 mile check up at least), and finally make sure there is a triumph dealer with a certified mechanic nearby. i was living in new orleans (pre-katrina) and there were no certified triumph mechanics for 500 + miles...believe me; you dont want just anyone messing with this bike...i learned the hard way! :wink:

best of luck...you really cant go wrong with this one...especially in black!

bfishman

[DekeRivers]

bfishman,

thanks for the reply. The guy's price is dropping, so I know I can get it for under $2500.

There's three Triumph dealers within a 50 mile radius of my beach shack, so no problem there.

However, I can handle the routine maintance with assistance of a shop manual.

[bfishman]

make sure you have a copy of the haynes manual for the triples and fours. helps out a lot, even if the work might be too advanced, at least it can point you in the right direction to find the problem...and keeps you from getting the run-around from mechanics...

one more thing to consider with this bike is the fact that there is no center stand. makes it tough to do those few things that i DO know how to do like tightening / lubing the chain or for tire changes. i believe that they do sell an aftermarket kit for this, but i'm sure that its pricey!

[tealetm]

I also have the first gen. triple (95). I got it last summer with 12k on it for about $3500- so it sounds as though you're getting a real good deal on it. I've put about 7k on it since I got it and have had no major complaints. Only problem I've had and am having is finding parts- plan to spend a lot of money if you need to replace OEM parts. It is a real head turner and suprises most with its performance on the road for a first gen. bike. Go for it!

[texspeed]

I had a 95 also. They are a well built bike with plenty of power and cool looks. I bought mine with 9500 miles and put on 20000+ miles on it with only the battery loosing fluid (I believe they have a problem with over charging) and the petcock crapping out. Only needed brake pads, tires, chain, and oil changes once in awhile.....Other than that it was bullit proof. More bike than most can exploit, it basically just takes more effort to get the same results vs. most others.

[kevf]

I had the orange 95 S3. Loved everything about it. I wish i couldve kept it i had to sell it to get my 02 S3. I want another one.