Triumphrat

White214 · 05-13-2008

As a proud owner of a 2006 Speedy I am curious for the thoughts of the 2008 Speedy owners and how they compare to the 2006 models. I've read about the brakes and transmission changes, as well as the new handle bars. Big difference?

I had the warranty work done on the brakes on my Speedy and it made a huge difference. I'm curious if the new Brembos are even better than that?

My only real complaint about my Speedy is the clutch and a lag in consistent engagement when pulled in. I've never experienced anything like this on previous bikes. It's worse when it's cold, but still a little inconsistent even when warm. For example, I'll have Speedy on a rear stand, start the motor and pull in the clutch. I hear grinding noise for a few seconds and then it goes away. I realized it was the clutch not engaging. Anyone else? Any ideas on how to fix it?

S3Junkie · 05-13-2008

What do you mean "pulled in?" meaning when you pull the clutch lever? if so, how can you be "engaged" when it's pulled in? need clarification there. You may VERY SIMPLY need to adjust your clutch cable...how much play is there when you FIRST begin to pull in the clutch? Should be no more than say 3mm or so. I like mine a bit tighter, less slack. You can adjust at the lever or by the engine. Try that......adjust it tighter by the engine and see if that helps it.

Just because a caliper says BREMBO doesn't mean you are getting the same quality/caliber of Brembo that you'd find on, say, an AMA superbike or a top of the line 1098 Ducati. Even Brembo has varying degrees of "quality." Even their lowest entry level caliper is still good though.

The Nissin calipers are great. You have the recall done so fine. You'd benefit greatly from better pads more than any other brake mod. next? Radial master cylinder, which is what the 2008 S3 has. The "Brembo" caliper is bling bling and helps marketing....period. people have a ahrd time wrapping their heads around that and just want a caliper that says BREMBO. lol

Other than that and a few minor cosmetic changes (bars, tail, rims, etc) there's NO difference in the powerplant or suspension...and that is what makes a motorcycle.

I've beaten up a 2008 S3 and I own a heavily modified 2007 S3. I felt a difference.....mine was faster and handled WAY better....thanks to the mods I've made.

Buster · 05-13-2008

Quote:

As a proud owner of a 2006 Speedy I am curious for the thoughts of the 2008 Speedy owners and how they compare to the 2006 models. I've read about the brakes and transmission changes, as well as the new handle bars. Big difference?

I used to have an 05 with the brake fix done.. now have an 08 and... the brakes have improved a lot! initial bite is better and you can stop the bike with less much force..A really big and noticable difference..

The new handlebars are an optic improvement, however I feel more vibrations coming through the alu handlebars.. I am only at 600 miles so it might be getting better but more vibes for now..

What do you mean by transmission changes?

S3Junkie · 05-13-2008

The improvement in braking for 2008 is coming mainly from the radial master cylinder. I upgraded this on my 2007 and I felt a nice bit of improvement....that and upgraded brake pads. My last bike had Brembo. No biggie.

Bohdan · 05-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by S3Junkie

The improvement in braking for 2008 is coming mainly from the radial master cylinder. I upgraded this on my 2007 and I felt a nice bit of improvement...

Could you give some more details? What did you put on? Straight bolt-on?

Blindboypig · 05-13-2008

Not sure what Junkie used, but I picked up a second-hand GSXR radial MC on ebay for less than 20 bucks. Bolted straight up to my '07 (tho' needed a radial adapter from HEL - again, on ebay for 20 clams), made a HUGE difference! The std. MC was fine, but the radial made doing stoppies almost mandatory - it really was night and day.
And as for Brembos being only show... I agree there's nothing wrong with the Nissins. In fact, Nissins are getting to be as respected as Brems in a lot of circles. HOWEVER, even the cheapest Brembos I've ever tried are stop-on-a-dime good. Don't know if it's piston diameter, or coating, or sealing, or rigidity or what - but they are all good. Even on a '74 Guzzi they rock! Those boys know brakes!

S3Junkie · 05-13-2008

You can do what he did. Or....

I used a 19X18 Brembo radial MC. It bolts right up but you need a new banjo bolt/brake pressure switch combo for an additional $15.

A lot of 1050 S3 guys use the Daytona 675 radial MC. That is a direct bolt on with some saying you need a longer brake line, some day they had no problem.

Another perfect option is do an ebay search for "Nissin Radial Master Cylinder" and you will see a PERFECT option. Bolts right on, comes with brake pressure switch built in like stock, just plug in, and you still retain the stock mount for the right mirror.

Either way....Brembos no longer necessary. GREAT GREAT product, but Nissin is great too. Slap on some higher quality pads and a radial MC and you will incredibly improve your braking. If you have a 2008 S3 you already have a radial MC.

Best part is these bikes already come with somehwat decent stainless steal braided lines...that's HUGELY improved over, say, Japanese bikes like my previous bike that had rubber lines.

Waders · 05-14-2008

The 08 wheels are just fantastic, will be seeking a set for my 06 at some point.

Blindboypig · 05-14-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waders

The 08 wheels are just fantastic, will be seeking a set for my 06 at some point.

+1!!! I was a hater at first, but after staring at the pics for a few months, then seeing them in person, I have some serious wood for those things.

White214 · 05-15-2008

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll definitely try some different pads as a starting point.

As for the other stuff, I guess I'll live with what I got, which ain't that bad.

I haven't seen the wheels in person, but I'm a fan of the old wheels from the pics so far. I like the new wheels, but not on Speedy.