01-04's VS. 05-06's

I really like the Triples, but I'm trying to decide whether to buy an older 01-04 triple for less money and fix it up. Or spend more up front for the newer 1050's. I'm very handy with the wrench and even like the idea of using alternative parts like HOTMAILJERK. Just wanted some opinions from the owners.

Thanks

[corners]

I had a 03 triple and now have a 06 triple, and if you can swing it opt for the 1050 (05-06). I loved my 03, but dam the 06 blows it way and I only have 128 miles on it so far!!! Don't get me wrong they are both great bikes, and you won't go wrong with either one....

[scratch]

I bought my used '04 with low miles and lots of nice accessories thrown into the deal for thousands less than a new 1050 would have cost me. So call me a cheap bastard. :razz: :wink:

[barriec]

Once you toss out the inevitable homers, you will probably get some even-handed replies. my own two cents: there are three primary issues: performance, style, and the one that isn't talked about so much: pillion comfort especially if touring. (oh, and money is a fourth issue, but you'll have to measure that).

a. performance > seems like the 1050 is an improvement in torque, sophistication of fi, and speed. the question will be is the premium of a new model worth it. the 955 is plenty of bike for most people almost all of the time, but i certainly wouldn't fault anyone who wanted to move to the 1050 on performance alone.

b. styling > the two bikes are distinctive, each in their own way. it's subjective and you either have a distinct preference or you don't. if you don't have a distinct preference, move this down the list regarding the decision. i don't personally have a huge preference > i love them both.

c. pillion/touring > if you're touring alone, then no biggy for either, and if you're not touring, then it doesn't matter. but, if you have a partner and you're planning on longish rides, then that would point towards the 01-04.

i have a 2002 and wouldn't trade it for a new s3. i travel alot and go a long way when i do it, so it was important that the girlfriend was comfortable (in sportbike relative terms). but...if performance and the 1050 style appeal, then the premium is probably worth it. both are awesome.

barrie

[TonUp]

I like the awesome looks o the 2001, the brakes on the 2002 where the best, and the power, wheelies, handling and cornering of the 2005.

If you can get a good deal on an older bike get it, if not save up ang get a 05-06. They are all great fun to look at and to ride.

Take a look here

http://www.cycletrader.com


Ton Up!

[cheapbastard]

On 2006-03-09 20:42, scratch wrote:
I bought my used '04 with low miles and lots of nice accessories thrown into the deal for thousands less than a new 1050 would have cost me. So call me a cheap bastard. :razz: :wink:

I beg your pardon??? But who do you think you are, claiming to be cheapbastard?!? :wink: I'm the cheapest of the cheapest and had to opt for the 05. However, I did buy mine used too, had to, found a deal! Nothing against the pre05's, but I agree with Barriec. I just loved the styling of the 1050! I know everyone's different here, so just go with which one you like the best. And actually my wife doesn't mind the back seat too bad. But that's not really doing any touring with her. Usually a day with her might only consist of maybe 150 miles or so. I'm sure you would not be disappointed with either!

[kuhlka]

Heh, you can get about the same handling out of a pre-05 by swapping up to similar USD forks and an uprated rear shock...

Hell, if you can find a pre-05 S3 for under 6k, you could get an ohlin's front fork and rear shock for your bike and have it handle even better than the new S3 possibly...

Also, keep in mind, most of the new 05+ S3 owners are reporting fuel economy in the 30-40 range... My 03S3 with 3 teeth up in the back gets 45-50mpg...

You can store a lot more stuff in the tail section of the pre-05's, especially if you're willing to take a dremel to the undertail and open up the side sections or hand-fab your own...

The Tuneboy is available for the pre-05's, which allows you to directly custom tune just about every aspect of the ECU then unplug and run as opposed to the PCIII where you add a 'fault' to the system and are limited on your tuning capabilities...

There are LOTS of parts out there, and a HUGE number of people who have done all kinds of mods and customization to their S3's if you check out t595.net for ideas.

[TripleTrouble]

If my '03 looked like my '05, there would be no question. I prefer the looks of the new ones. I still think the 955 is a better motor. I was .5 sec faster at the strip with the 955, plus you can use a TuneBoy on it and dial that som***** right in. Another good point by Kuhlka is mileage, I went from mid-high 40's to mid 30's...

I have a feeling there will be more aftermarket support for the new ones, look how many companies make pipes for it. If the get the 1050 (or Keihin ECU) dialed in a little better its got potential for both better mileage and performance. Unfortunately it doesny look like TuneBoy will be an option for the new machines

The rest is up to you, I dont think you'll be dissappointed either way... but if you are you can prolly make most (if not all) of your money back if you buy (then sell) a used one. Not the case with a new one... at all.

Chris

[scratch]

On 2006-03-10 05:28, cheapbastard wrote:

I beg your pardon??? But who do you think you are, claiming to be cheapbastard?!? :wink:

My apologies for stepping on your toes there. I'm merely claiming to be "a" cheap bastard, not "the" cheap bastard.

[cheapbastard]

On 2006-03-10 10:28, scratch wrote:

My apologies for stepping on your toes there. I'm merely claiming to be "a" cheap bastard, not "the" cheap bastard.

I know, just messing with ya! Nothing wrong with being one, that's for sure!