What a difference a year makes - S3 falls from grace

[R100Pilot]

I've been waiting for this one:

Streetfighter comparison

These guys are pretty thorough and as good as if not better than 90% of the print mags. They have some great photos, and do video reviews too. And usually, they're fair. But they do tend to drool over anything Italian.

Hence it comes as no surprise that they like the Italian bikes. But putting the S3 behind ALL of 'em? Cancel my subscription! Oh... wait, it's a free site.

Still, it's a head-scratcher, especially considering the competition. Tuono R at $13K. S4R at $13K. Brutale at $14.5K. S3 at just under $10K? F'kn bargain, especially considering that most folks are gonna buy aftermarket parts whether they have a Triumph or any of the Italian jobs.

How about putting the S3 against the non-R versions of these bikes, you know, the ones in the same price range. Oh... wait... they'd lose.

The really weird part? All the stuff they raved about last year is now a liability. Engine not powerful enough? Frame flexes? Huh?

I can understand the suspension being not quite up to the Italian standards - where do you think they saved the $3K?

But the rest of it? I think they just like their new Italian toys.

Anyway, I think we should all get real offended and write letters to the editor. Or maybe show up en masse and do circle burnouts in their lobby.

[ This message was edited by: R100Pilot on 2006-12-04 15:57 ]

[Punkinwing]

If we cared about what others thought, we'd all be on Harleys...
Ride on!!!

[Boezack]

Is there any reason the video had "2006 Triumph 1098 Speed Triple". I thought that was odd.

[kwajazz]

On 2006-12-04 16:21, Punkinwing wrote:
If we cared about what others thought, we'd all be on Harleys...
Ride on!!!

So true. But still....that article was a lot of dribble. The S3's stats (see the charts) speak volumes. You get more for the buck with an S3. My S3 has a few scratches, can you imaging putting a scratch on a Brutale??!! How do you ever get comfortable hanging it out on something that expensive??

kjazz

[rudebwoy85]

I read that too and although kinda miffed a bit I must admit that it wasnt unexpected. It wasnt as if they thought it was junk, they actually seemed to like every bike very, very much but they do like their Italians moreso..and honestly I "knew" the Tuono would take first place before reading the thing even with it's 'angry ant' looking face.

Sometimes I really think that reviewers presume the best bike are the ones that most closely emulate the repli-racer.

They are all fantastic bikes, the best of the sportin' nakeds that are on offer here in the US market presently and all bikes did fare well. They also mentioned the unforgivably mushy brake issue most of us have been contending with for ages now and that surely cost it some points.

I dunno, I'm 6'4" and I sat on a brutale at the local dealer and I just couldnt fit the darn thing, it's ergo's are too constraining for us generously limbed folk, it's an effin' beauty though! I've always liked the Tuono and it' really is the only on that really is the repli-racer with the faring ripped off and moto-bars installed. No distillation with that one!

Good review in general though, nothing about it makes me lower my head a single inch with regards to the fine bike I've chose though.

[Drunktank]

One thing I find interesting is looking at the numbers. The S3 comes in a little bit behind on the HP but absolutly cleans up on the rest in the torque department. Honestly... other than the Duc... the other two are ugly ass bikes. the brutale has potential if they ever got rid of that ugly as sin headlight

[ctrhenry]

NOTICE WHICH BIKE IS IN THE LEAD IN ALL THE PHOTOS

[Euro]

On 2006-12-04 17:55, ctrhenry wrote:
NOTICE WHICH BIKE IS IN THE LEAD IN ALL THE PHOTOS

Ofcoarse it's in the lead, it doesn't have any front brakes to slow down with!!!

But, seriously, the torque curve is out of the park. The S3 makes more at it's almost lowest point than the others at their peaks. The torque more than makes up for the less hp.

[TonUp]

I love my Speed Triple!





Ton Up!

[BillT]

All four are great bikes. I also think the Guzzi Griso is a great naked. When it comes to street riding, however, torque is king, and Speedy wins that contest, hands down.