Triumphrat

wannabes3 · 07-25-2006

Hey all, I am shopping for my next bike which will be my one and only that I hope to retain for a long time. I am looking for something not so common, with some hooliganism, and character, but most of all low maintanance. Last 3 bikes were DR650SE, 883 sportster, yami FZ6. Bikes I am considering, kawi z1000, buell xb12s, yami FZ1, duc monster.

Now the question. A local dealer is soon to have a 2000 model black speed triple for sale. I assume it will be in good shape. I know triumph's of the past had some reliability issues and some of the early fuel injection systems were not that great. Does anybody have any comments/issues good or bad with the 2000 model? Also I would think $5000 +/- 200 would be an ok deal. This dealer is always high on his used stuff and will hold onto them until they sell, so he may go as high as $5800? In that case I had just as soon have a new naked SV650. A local 04 buell is $6000. :???:

Mesoam · 07-25-2006

i have honestly have not heard many good things about buels, i do however LOVE their look/sound its as unique as an S3

another honest comment, most who consider more unique bikes "TEND" to exclude the general run of the mill jap bikes...

every bike is going to have issues, coming onto a forum like this is only going to help persuede the purchase of a bike like ours..

miker · 07-25-2006

I have a '99 model with over 55,000miles on it. I rode a Buell XB9s, an earlier Buell Lightning and a couple of Jap bikes. None of them were anywhere like the Speed Triple in performance, build or appeal (to me, at least) The guy who bought the Lightning is a mate of mine and he's spent a whole lot of cash getting it to behave and be reliable, he loves it, but regrets selling me his Speed Triple.

I've replaced the cooling fan, once and nothing else apart from the usual disposable items.

In the end though, it's what ever yanks your crank, ride them all, see which one speaks to you.

Mick

roadkill · 07-25-2006

The 2000 speed triple is a good one. It has been pretty reliable for me.

My radiator fan did melt, and my thermostat went bad.

Other than that just routine maintenance.

wannabes3 · 07-26-2006

Thank's, I was just wanting some feedback from actual owners. I know in my city, I don't see any speed triples on the road even though ther is a dealer in town, but he is small volume. I also located an 02 model about 200 miles from me. Not many pre 05,06 models listed on cycletrader right now. I would love to get an 05,06 but as fast as I have been going through bikes lately I can't take too many more $$ hits.

It appears the 2000 model would be also ok riding 2-up vs. some of the other bikes I am considering and compared to the newer models.

DoctorW · 07-26-2006

I'm on a 2004 s3 - pretty much same as 2000 I would guess? I've just done 2000 miles in 8 days 2 up, no probs for me or pillion (few aches and pains from hanging on above 115mph, but otherwise fine).
Hope this helps,

Cheers,
Doctor W :chug:

07-26-2006

Quote:

Also I would think $5000 +/- 200 would be an ok deal. This dealer is always high on his used stuff and will hold onto them until they sell, so he may go as high as $5800?

Just for comparison I purchased a 2002 S3 with 3800 miles, two brothers pipe, power commander, sargent seat, gel passenger seat and fender eliminator for $5100. $5800 is far too high.

R100Pilot · 07-26-2006

The pre '05 is gonna be better for two-up and trips. Better seating, and with no high pipes, easier to fit luggage.

Price sorta depends on supply an' demand, so it MAY not be out of line. If it costs ya several hundred to have something shipped or go pick it up, then ya just blew what you saved.

If you're not a do-it-yourselfer, and don't have a Trumph dealer nearby, maintenance and parts may be an issue.

I'd go for the Triple first, assumin' the parts/maintenance thing isn't a problem, with the Kawasaki bein' the second choice.

07-26-2006

I would go for that S3 all day. I think the 99-01 is the most beautiful of all S3's. I would agree that $5,800 is entirely too high as well. I paid $6,250 OTD for my 00' a few weeks ago. I put a calculator to all the mods, and it's crazy. I paid what the mods cost almost. You need to find out more details on this 00'. Mine is in my signature.

wannabes3 · 07-26-2006

Skyler, love the photo album and all the CF bits. If I get one I may have to copy you. lol That is a great looking bike.