Triumphrat

jh225 · 07-10-2006

I currently ride a Ducati ST4s and am looking for a new toy which is both lighter and easier to throw around.

I am thinking about a Ducati 748/749 or a Triumph S3 or Daytona 955i. I really like the new 675, but I don't want to spend that much. I would like to keep the cost around $5K-6K (or less, obviously)

So my question to you folks is this:

If my sole needs for this bike are to be short rides on paved country roads with little highway use (1-3 hours), great fun in the twisties, comfortable, and reliable, which bike should I be looking at harder?

I have not ridden either(have ridden a Sprint ST), but have sat on both.

How does a S3 handle when compared to a sport bike?

Does it like jumping into a turn and powering out?

Does it like to lean like a sport bike? ( I won't get a knee down on the street, but I come fairly close)

Thoughts?

R100Pilot · 07-10-2006

I think they're different animals.

A lot depends on how you like your riding position. If you want to get really aggressive on a really light bike, then something like the Daytona is probably your best bet.

What I like about the S3 is that it's versatile. I can putt to work on it, or I can haul a$$ down a country road. It's very well mannered and doesn't sit me in a fetal position all the time.

But then I'm older than most rocks and do not bend as well as I used to.

So it's a pretty simple choice.

If you want something for pure sport, get the Daytona.

If you want something hardcore, but in a more eccentric way, get the Speedy.

cheapbastard · 07-11-2006

Quote:

On 2006-07-10 18:01, jh225 wrote:
So my question to you folks is this:

If my sole needs for this bike are to be short rides on paved country roads with little highway use (1-3 hours), great fun in the twisties, comfortable, and reliable, which bike should I be looking at harder?

That right there has speed triple written all over it! Get one! :-D

jh225 · 07-12-2006

Anyone else?

Limey · 07-12-2006

I looked at both bikes and took the S3. I think its more versatile, long rides, short rides, twisties, it does it all. I'm sure the daytona won't let you down but the speedy just seemed to offer more. It looks friggin awesome too. my .02 :-D

realizations · 07-12-2006

Depends on how old you are - the ergos become more important and the need for top quality kit never goes away. My Daytona had nice top-end rush, but few bikes will launch out of a low-rev corner like the S3. The sportbikes must be surprised when you can get 20 bikelengths before they come on the cam. (I did it yesterday)

itchin · 07-12-2006

I jst hit 750 miles on my 06 s3. havent rode in fifteen years. my choices were the s3, st4s, and the buell. I made the right choice, i LOVE this bike. I cant say enough about it, man what a wicked, wicked machine. If i had the money, i would buy a spare in case they stop making it. I,am slowly growing bigger nads and bringing the front up a little more. Scares the hell out of me but what a rush. I bought the balack one cause they are the fastest. Later. L.C.

1050Pome · 07-13-2006

CB +1, you answer the question yourself JH, get the Speed Triple and enjoy...

corners · 07-13-2006

I have had two Speed Triples( a 03 and currently a 06) and one Daytona 955i(a 04) and can honeslty say that the Speed Triple is by far a lot more fun to ride. The low end grunt( better know as torque) on the Triple is a lot more fun than the strong top end pull( better known as HP) of the Daytona.

Diego · 07-13-2006

> Anyone else?

What more is there to say? I think R100Pilot summarized it very well.

Personally, I'd like to also have a big Daytona for its elegance, but the Triple satisfies my sportier desires quite well. If I had to give up the S3 to get a Daytona, I wouldn't, if that tells you anything.

But the real test comes when you ride one. Nobody else will have exactly the same reaction to a given bike as you do.