S3 - First Bike?? S4 - Better??

Hi guys, good to talk to you all. I am new to motorcycling but I am in love with the Speed Triple - what a machine!! I am a fairly mature person and I have no wish to damage myself, what do you think of an S3 for a first bike given a cautious hand and a lot of self control? Know of any mods to lower the S3 power output until more experience gained? Would an S4 be better given it's high revving nature and the fact that it feels a little too small for me? I would appreciate any advice, especially input on how to lower S3 power to a more learner-friendly level. Thanks.

Hi guys, good to talk to you all. I am new to motorcycling but I am in love with the Speed Triple - what a machine!! I am a fairly mature person and I have no wish to damage myself, what do you think of an S3 for a first bike given a cautious hand and a lot of self control? Know of any mods to lower the S3 power output until more experience gained? Would an S4 be better given it's high revving nature and the fact that it feels a little too small for me? I would appreciate any advice, especially input on how to lower S3 power to a more learner-friendly level. Thanks.

[bikeordie]

On 2005-04-18 14:07, StreetMedicSRQ wrote:
I would appreciate any advice, especially input on how to lower S3 power to a more learner-friendly level. Thanks.

that would be a tragedy! you have two options...
1) get a bike that suits you
2) get the S3 and feebly attempt to exercise self control. i havent mastered this. the bike begs to have the front wheel off the ground.

[bikeordie]

On 2005-04-18 14:07, StreetMedicSRQ wrote:
I would appreciate any advice, especially input on how to lower S3 power to a more learner-friendly level. Thanks.

that would be a tragedy! you have two options...
1) get a bike that suits you
2) get the S3 and feebly attempt to exercise self control. i havent mastered this. the bike begs to have the front wheel off the ground.

[mookieblaylock]

i would start with a tiger. I started with a transalp. There is something about the dirt bike setup that is more forgiving. S3 is killer but the power is right there and its really responsive. my .02

[mookieblaylock]

i would start with a tiger. I started with a transalp. There is something about the dirt bike setup that is more forgiving. S3 is killer but the power is right there and its really responsive. my .02

[Captain_Rat]

Only you know you. The bike will go as slow, or as fast as you can handle, so you have to ask yourself: "how really risk-averse am I", and "Am I really mature enough to handle this" ?

There have been lot of people asking this question over time and (just like everything else in life) everyone has a different opinion.

Here's some previous threads to help you along:

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...11666&forum=19

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...=7835&forum=19

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...=3178&forum=19

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...10584&forum=19


Capt.

[Captain_Rat]

Only you know you. The bike will go as slow, or as fast as you can handle, so you have to ask yourself: "how really risk-averse am I", and "Am I really mature enough to handle this" ?

There have been lot of people asking this question over time and (just like everything else in life) everyone has a different opinion.

Here's some previous threads to help you along:

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...11666&forum=19

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...=7835&forum=19

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...=3178&forum=19

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...10584&forum=19


Capt.

[dml955i]

Sounds like you are in the same boat I was 3 years ago! I also consider myself to be a mature rider - I am interested in riding well, keeping a clean line through corners, and enjoying the scenery with no interest in wheelies, stoppies, or other nonsense. In my opinion, I'm not going to drop a significant amount of cash on something I'm going to abuse. My first bike was and is my '02 Speed Triple.

Do you have any riding experience whatsoever? My best advice would be to take the MSF course, then try to test ride a few bikes slowly working your way up to something on the level of the Speed Triple or Speed Four.

In my case, I took the MSF course (on a 125cc Honda) and received my endorsement. Shortly thereafter, I test rode a Suzuki SV 650, Ducati Monster 900, Honda SuperHawk, Honda CBRF4i, and even a Sportster before deciding on the Speed Triple. I've always been respectful of its power - this bike can give you a real a** rippin' if you don't respect it.

If a bunch of your buddies ride, don't try to keep up with them. I made that mistake once - trying to keep up with a buddy on a Ducati coming into a left hander and spotted some gravel in the apex - I froze and nearly lost it. Chalk it up to inexperience - I've learned to take it easy on roads I'm not familiar with. If they're your friends, then they'll let you ride at your own pace.

Whichever bike you decide on, you'll have a blast! Just be careful out there, keep your eyes open, and always wear your gear...

[dml955i]

Sounds like you are in the same boat I was 3 years ago! I also consider myself to be a mature rider - I am interested in riding well, keeping a clean line through corners, and enjoying the scenery with no interest in wheelies, stoppies, or other nonsense. In my opinion, I'm not going to drop a significant amount of cash on something I'm going to abuse. My first bike was and is my '02 Speed Triple.

Do you have any riding experience whatsoever? My best advice would be to take the MSF course, then try to test ride a few bikes slowly working your way up to something on the level of the Speed Triple or Speed Four.

In my case, I took the MSF course (on a 125cc Honda) and received my endorsement. Shortly thereafter, I test rode a Suzuki SV 650, Ducati Monster 900, Honda SuperHawk, Honda CBRF4i, and even a Sportster before deciding on the Speed Triple. I've always been respectful of its power - this bike can give you a real a** rippin' if you don't respect it.

If a bunch of your buddies ride, don't try to keep up with them. I made that mistake once - trying to keep up with a buddy on a Ducati coming into a left hander and spotted some gravel in the apex - I froze and nearly lost it. Chalk it up to inexperience - I've learned to take it easy on roads I'm not familiar with. If they're your friends, then they'll let you ride at your own pace.

Whichever bike you decide on, you'll have a blast! Just be careful out there, keep your eyes open, and always wear your gear...