Triumphrat

jklotz · 07-22-2008

Hi Guys, greetings from Atlanta! I have been looking for a comfortable, fun naked for a while. I believe I've narrowed it down to a speed trip or super duke. Visually, the S3 is my favorite. How do you think the two would compare? (for what it is worth, been riding for 20+ years, have owned almost as many bikes and currently have a few).

Also, it would appear that they are in somewhat short supply now. I found one white one at my dealer, but I have my heart set on black. I called a few other dealers and no dice. At this point, I may have to wait for the 09's, but I'm told there will be a price increase. So, any idea where, if at all, they are still available for an 08', or when the 09's will be available?

Thanks!

kenbong · 07-22-2008

Hi jklotz,
An acquaintance up here in Toronto, Ontario actually just posted a quick review of the two bikes. He's currently riding a SuperDuke and is considering the SP3. Here are his thoughts after a couple of short demo rides on the S3:

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...ad.php?t=66185

As for me, I just picked up a white 2008 S3 having traded in my Ducati Monster S2R Dark. All I can say is that I don't miss the Ducati one bit

The S3 is just an amazing bike - great in the city, and great on the highways.

Availability up here in Toronto is scarce as well. No black ones to be seen anywhere.

ddjones · 07-22-2008

RPM Cycle in Dallas, Texas has a black '08 S3 on the floor and they don't price gouge. I bought a new '07 S3 last month for a great price. Ask for Borus.

http://www.rpmcycletx.com/

INTFIT · 07-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by jklotz

I believe I've narrowed it down to a speed trip or super duke. Visually, the S3 is my favorite. How do you think the two would compare? (for what it is worth, been riding for 20+ years, have owned almost as many bikes and currently have a few).

I've got an 06 Speed Triple and love it. Though I'm also an admirer of Super Dukes and got to ride a friend's on the weekend.

I know it's totaly subjective but I much prefer the S3's looks, While some dislike the big Bug-eyed headlights, I like them and tend to see them as Iconic. But the Duke is an unusual and interesting looking bike and to me that still counts for a lot.

To sum it up very briefly I find the Super Dukes handling a bit more precise, if it was a balls out race across a twisty mountain road I reckon the duke would win due its flickability. In more open stuff I honestly don't know which bike's handling would be best. To me it seems like the KTM was designed primarily with the tight stuff in mind. Not saying there was anything wrong with it, But in the open stuff it wasn't as impressive. I should add bike setup can have a major effect on all this of course.

I've also got a motard and the KTM reminds me of it in some ways, which is a good thing and a bad thing. The seat is fairly hard and narrow and flat (compared to the S3), which is great for moving around the bike but not so great for comfort for the rest of the time you're not racing. Personaly I love the 1050 S3's seat. The "hump" is in the perfect spot for me (though I've heard others that disliked it) It's great for taking pressure off your arms under hard acceleration or when playing the hooligan doing wheelies.

I prefer the S3's power and power delivery. Don't get me wrong the KTM has plenty of power, but the Triumph not only has a bit more but its spread further across the rev range. A lot of Super Duke riders may disagree because the Superduke's power delivery hits a bit harder creating an illusion that it has more power than it does IMHO. In other words I think the S3's has friendlier power delivery, I suspect the Duke has a lighter flywheel or something which makes it feel as though it punches above its weight. But I reckon I could blast speedy's front wheel into the air across a broader range of revs than the Dukes.

For general riding, launching a few attacks on the sportsbikes in the twisties and playing just the hooligan I'd prefer the S3.
But if your goal was to trim every last possible second off of your lap times in the twisties the KTM would probably be the one.

So the reason it hasn't swayed me from Triumph is that while I LOVE zapping through the mountains, it's not the only thing I like doing on a bike (and the S3's no slouch in there by any means). Kinda explains why my motard doesn't see a lot of use I guess... And those Bug Eyes

I'm interested to hear from anyone who owns both bikes if they think I've been fair to both bikes.

jklotz · 07-23-2008

Thanks guys, this is very helpful. I'm leaning towards he S3, but will be heading to the KTM dealer in the next few days to look at it. I'm sure they are both great bikes, but not much out there looks as cool as the S3

topendz · 07-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by INTFIT

I've got an 06 Speed Triple and love it. Though I'm also an admirer of Super Dukes and got to ride a friend's on the weekend.

I know it's totaly subjective but I much prefer the S3's looks, While some dislike the big Bug-eyed headlights, I like them and tend to see them as Iconic. But the Duke is an unusual and interesting looking bike and to me that still counts for a lot.

To sum it up very briefly I find the Super Dukes handling a bit more precise, if it was a balls out race across a twisty mountain road I reckon the duke would win due its flickability. In more open stuff I honestly don't know which bike's handling would be best. To me it seems like the KTM was designed primarily with the tight stuff in mind. Not saying there was anything wrong with it, But in the open stuff it wasn't as impressive. I should add bike setup can have a major effect on all this of course.

I've also got a motard and the KTM reminds me of it in some ways, which is a good thing and a bad thing. The seat is fairly hard and narrow and flat (compared to the S3), which is great for moving around the bike but not so great for comfort for the rest of the time you're not racing. Personaly I love the 1050 S3's seat. The "hump" is in the perfect spot for me (though I've heard others that disliked it) It's great for taking pressure off your arms under hard acceleration or when playing the hooligan doing wheelies.

I prefer the S3's power and power delivery. Don't get me wrong the KTM has plenty of power, but the Triumph not only has a bit more but its spread further across the rev range. A lot of Super Duke riders may disagree because the Superduke's power delivery hits a bit harder creating an illusion that it has more power than it does IMHO. In other words I think the S3's has friendlier power delivery, I suspect the Duke has a lighter flywheel or something which makes it feel as though it punches above its weight. But I reckon I could blast speedy's front wheel into the air across a broader range of revs than the Dukes.

For general riding, launching a few attacks on the sportsbikes in the twisties and playing just the hooligan I'd prefer the S3.
But if your goal was to trim every last possible second off of your lap times in the twisties the KTM would probably be the one.

So the reason it hasn't swayed me from Triumph is that while I LOVE zapping through the mountains, it's not the only thing I like doing on a bike (and the S3's no slouch in there by any means). Kinda explains why my motard doesn't see a lot of use I guess... And those Bug Eyes

I'm interested to hear from anyone who owns both bikes if they think I've been fair to both bikes.

INTFIT well done a very good summary! I've put over 20,000KM on my Superduke and I'd say your assesment is spot on mate. The KTM is also great for the city but I'd have to agree with you on most points.

Major Kong · 07-23-2008

jk, the local dealer here in Columbus, Ohio has three, orange, black, and white. They are pretty reasonable. I don't know where you are, but you could call Motohio.

Zip

RevBuddyWinkler · 07-23-2008

You may want to try Performance Powersports in Chattanooga. www.ppofc.com

I got my bike up there and they were quite a bit cheaper than the Atlanta dealerships at the time. Not sure if that's still the case or not.

As for the SuperDuke, I'd have to agree with the above...in short, the SP3' s engine is a bit better (perfect torque curve, bit more power, more refined) and the Duke's handling is a bit better (lighter bike w/ top-notch WP suspenders, better ground clearance). However, both do pretty much everything very well save high-speed highway touring.

I believe the Duke would be much more expensive though, so that may be a consideration.

I was just at ProMoto Sports in Woodstock looking at the 690 Duke and they had a couple SuperDukes available. Maybe they'd let you demo one (almost sure ATD would let you ride a SP3).

Can't go wrong either way.

SSGTCHEVY · 07-24-2008

I rode a Kawi ZX6R for 10 years untill I decided I wanted a different riding position. One look at the S3 and I knew thats the one I had to get. I bought my 98 T509 used, heck I didnt even test ride it. From the first time I threw a leg over it, I was in love. Everyone asks when I take my helmet off "why are you always smiling?" All I can reply is you will never know until you have your own. Torquey, comfortable and an eye catcher. My confidence on this beast has grown tremendously.

jklotz · 07-24-2008

Thanks guys. I went by Atlanta Triumph/Ducati, and they only had a white one. Sorry, not into white. I found a dealer in FL with the black one I'm looking for, and we've negotiated what I think is a decent deal (not great, but better than list). He'll sell it for MSRP + tax OTD. Seems ok, considering ATD wanted MSRP plus tax + $842 in extras bs fees.

That sound like a good deal?