Triumphrat

zore · 08-27-2006

On Wed. the bestest bike ever made was taken out by a hateful deer. I probably could have hurt myself more falling out of bed, but the bike and the deer are dead like Elvis.

Now I'm researching a replacement and the 05-06 s3 has always been on my NEED TO HAVE list. Now I commute 120-130 miles a day depending on route. I guess I'm questioning the touring ability of it. The side bags were handy and the fuel mileage could be as high as 60mpg if i worked at it.

I guess I'm just looking for some feedback with S3 owners who use their bikes as their main transportation. Thanks in advance and watch out for brown, furry things.

Punkinwing · 08-27-2006

Sorry to hear about the Bambo run-in, they are nasty creatures and I'm glad you could take him out without hurting yourself!! Was he delicious?? LOL

Love my S3 and have done many longer day trips with it (up to 600mi or so) It's become the primary bike with the GL gathering dust except for the long trips and polarbear season..
If you like the wind, and can live with soft luggage and don't carry a passenger, then the S3 might be an option.. If you really tour often or frequently carry a passenger you might want to consider an FJR.. The S3 is NOT for two up unless your SO is a tiny little thing!
Commuting shouldn't be a prob, although you're not going to get 60mpg on the S3, I do a highway commute of 120mi/day and the best mileage I've recorded is around 47.. I've got a great tail luggage that fits the computer and all required business stuff!! You may also consider that a naked bike will gather more dirt and bugs on your work clothes than the ST, might need a pair of overpants to prevent that..
Hope this rambling diatribe helped..

itchin · 08-27-2006

Got myself an 06 S3 this past summer and i love it. However, i dont have a 120-30 mile commute EVERYDAY. If you think the ride on this beast (EVERYDAY) is going to be as smooth as your aother bike i believe you would be disappointed. I have done 300-400 mile days and at the end of it all i was one whipped puppy, could be my age. Having a windscreen to tuck in behind is alot different than taking it right in the face (EVERYDAY).

vclune · 08-28-2006

With the commute in mind, I would get a new 1050 Sprint instead of the S3. Although there could be an argument made that you should have both a Sprint and a Speed Triple.

Sprint offers better Deer deflection.

zore · 08-28-2006

I guess it would be helpfull to know that I also have an m900 but it's not really as street friendly as it was before I modded it.

R100Pilot · 08-28-2006

Hmm... imagine doing the commute on the Monster.

Then go buy a new Sprint.

(I love my Speed Triple, but it does not do errands and won't carry anything too big to fit into cargo pants.0