Can I tour on an S3 and still tear up the Dragon when I get there?

I'm looking to get a street bike and I really love the looks of the Triple. I almost bought one last year, but I always have a hard time resisting sportbikes.

My only concern is comfort/performance balance. Right now I go everywhere on my ZX6r and then I have tear it down to get it ready for the track. It's not at all comfortable on the road, unless you are really moving.

To the point, I love roadtrips. How's it for doing miles? Has anyone used soft saddlebags with it? The only other bike I'm considering is a Tuono, but I love the look of the S3. And, for what I save, I can Revalve the forks and put an Ohlins on the rear.

Thanks

[Ricochet_Rabbit]

If you love road trips and the track, you're either going to have to own two bikes or be willing to make some compromises. I have not yet made it to a track day on my 02 S3 but plan to do so later this year or next spring. I've done weekend trips on the S3 - it's not an ideal touring bike but it can be done. I don't use soft saddlebags due to my high pipe but have found that with careful packing a tank bag and tail bag (RKA) hold enough for 4 days. My fiancee can pack 4 day's worth like that also.

[miker]

They're a great tourer if you set them up correctly. I've done a couple of 4-5 day trips two up with just one 45 litre gear sack on the rack. No tank bag. I also have higher than normal bars and apart from that the bike is still stock. You can see the set up in my album.

I don't do track days, but if I did it would simply be a matter of removing the bag and the top part of the rack.

Mick

[jackelmatador]

I haven't done much touring but by the fact that the 05+ S3 can not accept saddlebags you would be better of using a pre 05 if you want some serious touring. Actually if you love the triple engine the Sprint is a great bet and right now according to my dealer (maybe his thing not Triumph)

"Two more days to get a free set of Saddlebags with the purchase of a
new Triumph Sprint ST. Offer expires June 30Th!"

[Kajota]

You can put saddlebags on the '05 Speed Triple. It just takes a bit of work:

[R100Pilot]

Yeah, the 05-06s are not touring rigs. The high pipes see to that. And the stock seat on the new one - well, I think you'll find it's not made for long hauls.

The earlier ones like Miker has aren't bad, from what I've read.

That's one interesting saddlebag contraption there, Kajota. Gotta be pretty determined to rig up something like that.

[Legman]

I gotta disagree with R100Pilot,

I tour on mine all the time, I use ventura luggage, and the seat is the best I've had for a long time. When I first sat on it I wasn't impressed but it soon shaped itself to my not so bony arse and I've done quite a few 500 mile days with no trouble. And this bike is ready to carve up the corners at anytime.

[scratch]

Here's my '04 set up for traveling -

[cheapbastard]

I agree with Legman, the S3 can tour(500 mile days fairly easy), and then tear up some twisty pavement anytime you want it to! :-D

[R100Pilot]

I dunno. Maybe it's just 'cause I am older than most rocks, but long trips onna 05 S3 just does not sound like fun. Wheelies? Fun. 150mph banzai runs on some of our long, straight, flat backroads? Fun. Highway on-ramps? Fun. But I am old and need a little something to keep the wind off and a little more room to stretch my legs. The earlier Speedies seem better suited.

Then again, this is my idea of a sport-tourer...



Excuse me now - I have to go take my arthritis pills.