Triumphrat

tri650 · 08-07-2007, 04:40 PM

My observations on my 07 S3 after 3 months of ownership.

Kind of a love/sometimes not like relationship. I sometimes wonder why I bought it in the first place. Can't do a lot other than go fast and look good. Can't imagine a long trip with this bike. Beats the crap out of me on the highway. Can't store anything on it without adding a lot of ugly bags, etc. Probably not a great track bike. So what good is it?

(Other side talking now) It is a great looking bike. My wife and daughter commented that it was the best looking Triumph that I have owned - and I have owned 9 different Hinkley models. My daugther went as far as to tell me it was a bike she thought I should keep for a while (as opposed to usual 6 months). They never said that before about any Triumph I have owned.

It does go fast. Love the power band. It is a blast to ride on the twisties. Did I mention that it looks great. Definately one to pull up a chair in the garage and look at for awhile. It is tight, nimble and handles well. It does make me want to do stupid things. I think I will like the challenge of taking long trips on this bike. Anyone can do it on a BMW R1150RT - doing it on a S3 is a real test of your manhood.

Like I said - probably the best useless bike I have ever owned. And one that I will probably keep for awhile.

Whisperinsmith · 08-07-2007, 04:55 PM

http://www.kajota.com:8000/maps/cana...005%20All.html

Try this site to see what one guy did on his. Click the little tear drops on the map to see pictures of the trip.

R100Pilot · 08-07-2007, 05:31 PM

I have often said the same thing. Simply put - it's the best pure motorcycle riding experience out there. It won't carry bags, it won't carry a passenger (pegs were one of the first things I ditched). It is not the fastest bike out there. But it makes me smile more than anything else out there.

6485 · 08-07-2007, 05:36 PM

very well said R100.

tripletiple · 08-07-2007, 06:23 PM

C now im happy , i dont have to spent another 3k on an 07 triple cos may 98 s3 is just as uncomfortable, ****m do triumph ever test their bikes over 100 miles they might put better setas on them :-X LOL

losangeles_S4 · 08-07-2007, 06:44 PM

I sorta disagree. Yeah its definitely not a sport tourer. I'll take my BMW R90 on anything like that. But I have done plenty of 500+ mile rides on my S3. Sargent seat and Triumph bags and its perfect for a long day ride.

tripletiple · 08-07-2007, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by losangeles_S4

I sorta disagree. Yeah its definitely not a sport tourer. I'll take my BMW R90 on anything like that. But I have done plenty of 500+ mile rides on my S3. Sargent seat and Triumph bags and its perfect for a long day ride.

a true rider wouldnt need a comfy seat to ride on!!! hehe

i goto be honest i did 300+ miles on sunday and was sorta thinking dobbing in for a cruiser or someting, but just canna let go , but think a corbin or seargant seat is defo the way to go , hats off to ya losangeles_S4

The Euro · 08-07-2007, 07:47 PM

Since we're talking about seats... I did a 200 mile on my stock 955i seat, and by the time I got home I felt like I had spent the night in prison if ya know what I mean.

Max_NYC · 08-07-2007, 08:14 PM

I just rode about 1300 miles in 4 days with my '07 S3 with the stock seat still on (was planning to change it, but I don't see the point anymore, we really got used to each other), and I'm 6'3'' tall. The Triumph tank bag was more than enough for a 4-day trip (ok, I don't carry any rain suit). I could easily do 5 or 6 days with the tank bag alone. For longer trips, I will just add the tail pack.
Around 300 miles a day is more than enough for me anyway. I don't think there's that much riding pleasure beyond that, even it's just twisties all the way (well, I don't really know about that, I live in NYC).
I actually think the S3 is one of the best sport-tourers around. You just have to be minimalistic in the way you pack. And unlike many other sport tourers, you can really rip through the bends and scuff your sliders with Speedy. That's why I think this bike is phenomenal: it's good looking, it's nimble, it's powerful, it's reliable, it's relatively rare, and it's comfortable. Very good package imo.
I think you're wrong about the track, Speedy shines on it too. It's not as fast as other bikes, but it's still a blast.
Now forget about the highway (more than 45 minutes anyway, which should be enough time to get to some nice backroads, otherwise one has to move imo), and go apologize to your Speedy and hug it for a while.

SP3inAZ · 08-07-2007, 10:55 PM

Hey Eric - How's that Sargent seat working out for you? My track day at Streets of Willow ent pretty well - That's a good rack for Speedy.

I've done 450 miles on the stocker, but that's with a lot of high speed twisties and alot of stopping.

Regards,

Mark G

I sorta disagree. Yeah its definitely not a sport tourer. I'll take my BMW R90 on anything like that. But I have done plenty of 500+ mile rides on my S3. Sargent seat and Triumph bags and its perfect for a long day ride.
__________________
Best,
Erik Hillard