Soon to be Speed Triple owner

[Litfuse]

I currently own a 2004 Honda 919, but looking at getting a Speed Triple this weekend. I test rode a few weeks back and fell in love with it. Somewhat similiar to my 919 but also completely different. Anyway, I look forward to being a triumph owner, I have always admired their bikes, especially the old 120tt specials (drool). Any suggestions on what I should spend my free $600 on from the factory. I asked the dealer if I could put that money towards the bike but they said Triumph would not allow it. I was looking at the front windscreen but from there I am lost. Then I thought about putting the money towards the arrow exhaust system. I know you all live with the bike on a daily basis, just seeing what you couldn't live without in terms of accessories. Thanks in advance and looking forward to be a triumph owner.
-scott

[Goffe]

Definitely get a rear hugger. Personally, I like the CF tank pad. Very durable. Handlebar, cowl, grab rail would also be on my short list.

I would like to read more of your thoughts comparing/contrasting the 919 and the S3, when you have had more time on the S3.

[welshrob]

You`ll never look back!

:-D :-D

[Litfuse]

Goffe, here is what I posted on a 919 website right after I rode the Triumph. I could add more once I get more seat time on the S3.

I had a chance to ride a demo Speed Triple today at a local dealership equipped with a full arrow exhaust. Man did it sound good. Anyway, before I bought my 919,I looked at several bikes and narrowed down my choice to the 919 or the Speed Triple. I came across a good deal on a used 2004 919 with only 2k miles on it so that was the route I went, but today I wanted to make sure I made the right choice. I rode my 919 to the Triumph dealer so I could make a side to side comparison. My first intial impression of the speed was the seat position on the bike and how it makes you feel like you are almost sitting on the handlebars. The seat really pushes you forward, almost like riding a dirtbike. I am 5'10 and I had to tip-toe the triumph where I easily stand flat-flooted on the 919. Also, the handle bars on the triumph are much wider than the 919s giving you the feeling of sitting forward on the bike. The foot pegs are much further back on the triumph including the shifter and rear brake pedal. I found the shifter on the Triumph to be very notchy compared to my 919, but that could ease out after the bike gets more miles on her. The power of the Triumph down low and up high are very impressive, but I felt the midrange oomph was very comparable to the 919s and the bikes felt very equal in this part of the powerband. I think the biggest difference between the two motors can be felt the most down low. It just seemed the Triumph had power about anywhere at any rpm in any gear. It is a very flexible motor. The suspension on the Triumph is much more stiff than the 919 but not overly stiff. I think in all the Honda makes a better tourer while the Triumph would make a better around the town/20 mile trips. For those of you who think the seat on the 919 is bad, try the Speed Triple's seat. One of the worst seats I have ever felt. What I learned about the two bikes: they have more differences than similarities. I could own both bikes and not feel like I own two similar bikes. To me, they are really that different. I am happy with my honda, but if someone offered me the price I paid for it I would sell it and get a Speed Triple. It is unique and makes for an enjoyable ride, just not over 20 miles in stock form (stock seat).
-scott

[warped929RR]

Hey Scott
I'm thinking about getting the bellypan, rear seat cowl and either the fly screen or service manual or I might just put it all toward the arrow lowmount exhaust, which by the way, what did you think of it? Did it sound very loud to you? I've heard that it is almost as quiet as stock pipes, but i've also heard that it's pretty loud too, so I don't know what to think anymore about it. I would appreciate your opinion. Good luck on getting your speed triple.

[Goffe]

Litfuse, thanks for posting your initial impressions. It will be nice to read what you think after a while on the S3.

[Litfuse]

I thought the arrow exhaust sounded really good. It was maybe a tad louder than the stock exhaust, but not by much. I guess the biggest advantage is the weight savings of the arrow exhaust over the stock exhaust(and from my understanding it is considerable). I will say one thing I did not like was that when you remove the stock exhaust and replace it with the arrow exhaust, you can see the brackets on the frame from where the stock exhaust was held in place. That I did not care for.

[bkrbil]

There are alot of exhausts available that are considerably lighter than stock, and still have dual cans that use the original mounting holes.

Get the Triple...you'll be happy you did.


[ This message was edited by: bkrbil on 2007-04-03 21:00 ]