Triumphrat

kartstar · 02-07-2007, 07:01 PM

This is a short essay question. I have the opportunity to pick up an '05 (blue) for $7600 or an '03 (silver) for $5900. The '03 has less miles, but the non-usd forks, ugly wheels, and unattractive silver frame rails.

Is the '05 that much better a bike? I would like to ride the wifey around a bit occasionally, but then I see track days in my future, as well. I can live with aesthetic issues, but if the engineering is vastly improved, I'll buck up.

Anybody out there who's had both that can give me an objective comparison?

RedNeck-Rat · 02-07-2007, 07:36 PM

Karstar,

You are going to get many different opinions to that question on this forum, so the best advice would be to go ride them both if you can and then decide for yourself. I have not ridden both.

I have an 06 and I can tell you that I love it. I personally like the look of the shorter tail on the 05 and newer but some like the longer tail on the earlier models. I also like the newer rims. These are obviously asthetic things. As for performance some of the 05/06 have had brake issues with the lever travel. I don't think that is a problem on the 04 and earlier and it is getting fixed on most newer ones that have had the issue. I think there is a bit more hp on the new one and it is wee bit lighter. However I don't think you can go wrong either way. Me I'd pony up the 1700 bones and buy the newer one. Thats just me........

Stampy · 02-07-2007, 07:40 PM

If your going 2 up alot the 02 would be a better choice, The1050 is more a one man bike, Power wise the 05 has a bit more stomp but not so much as you would go Sheeeeet, Its the whole package I think the looks and power everything about the 05 clicks for me, Try them back to back to really see which one suits you.

dml955i · 02-07-2007, 09:02 PM

I own an '02 S3 and I test rode an '06 when the Triumph demo truck visited last summer. The new one felt a bit snappier and lighter, but not enough to make me want to trade in my '02 for it.

My wife (she's 5'-8") complains about the pillion seating on my '02 for short rides - I imagine that pillion comfort would be much worse on a +'05...

The aesthetic differences are obvious and personal preference. I actually dig the new model.

My advice, take the savings from getting the '03 and spend it on performance mods to the intake & exhaust and swapping for a USD Gixxer front-end (see threads by Kuhlka & Decosse and others). You might save some money and have a bike that's more "you"...

Other things to consider:
Insurance may be cheaper on the '03
They only made silver S3's in '03 (I may be wrong on this)
There seems to be more aftermarket stuff for the +'05 than there ever was/will be for the '02-'04.

s3hooligan · 02-07-2007, 11:53 PM

I own a '99 but I've ridden an 0-6. As previously stated, the bike does feel a bit more flickable and lighter but not a drastic difference.

I'm not a big fan of the bobbed tail body of the current bikes but I do like it better than the oversized 02-04 models.

I vote for buying the newest bike you can afford. Get the 05 if you can afford it. (but I still think the wheels look better on the older bikes!)

ballsadraggin · 02-08-2007, 12:43 AM

buy the one you can pay cash for... If you have to finance neither is a good deal. I ride an 03 and my neighbor has an 06. Except for the styling their is no difference in the ride or power . I have ridden his several times trying to convinve him to have his front brakes examined. Mine are great his are so so. The 03 with under 2000 miles would sell for about 5 k and the 05 you mention is priced at the same price an 06 leftover is ticketed minus tax and tags...Hope this helps you.

tomstumble · 02-08-2007, 03:24 AM

Kelley Blue Book on the 05 speedy is $7325 in excellent condition. If you could get away with the 05 for $7000 you would be in good shape. Also remember that modifications don't always add resale value.

I bought my 06 a month ago and have about four rides on it. All I can say is you won't be sorry with the 05. The bike is effortless to ride. I thought it was going to have a big hit but the power turned out to be perfectly smooth and predictable. I am so in love. :roll:

TonUp · 02-08-2007, 08:11 AM

I had the pleasure of owning both models, and let me tell you they keep getting better, stronger, quicker, faster and handle way better.

The 02 S3 was a great bike it did everything I want it to do, Track, mile long wheelies, intimidate other bikes. My only complain was that the steering head bearing required a lot of frequent adjusting (yes many wheelies)

The 05 S3 does everything better, improved power delivery, handing and suspension and it wheelies a lot easier, it is also a lot better track weapon and I have not had to adjust the steering head bearing once.

They are both great bikes! Ride them both, it is up to you. You can always get the 02 now and trade it in when the new S3 arrives. Hope this helped.

BTW Welcome to RAT!

Ton Up!

amberale · 02-08-2007, 08:26 AM

Hang out for a [fast] black one, any year.

If you would like any advice on riding the wifey around a bit I'm happy to view videos and advise on technique. :roll:

AA

Devious2XS · 02-08-2007, 08:29 AM

In stock form the newer 1050 is up a bit on power, but the torque is much improved. It has a very flat torque band that makes it even more effortless to ride than the 955 engines.

The newer bikes also have better suspension components.

I cannot stress this enough, ride both bikes. An hour or two spent on both should let you get a feel for them, and help you make up your mind on how to spend your money.