Triumphrat

shoggot · 06-19-2009, 10:08 AM

I'm starting to look into the various modern nakeds, and am faced with a question; why do people get the street triple instead of the speed triple? I'm honestly curious what sells this bike.

For myself, I'm mildly concerned that with my prodigious frame (275lb of it @ 6'2"), this bike might be a bit underpowered for me?

I'm coming from (and planning on adding to; not planning on ditching it) an '02 TB, a 900 triple, and just want something with a bit of extra twisty oomph, and perhaps a bit more highway acceleration. Not sure if the street would fit the bill.

Diego · 06-19-2009, 11:03 AM

Well, why don't you ride both the Street and the Speed and see for yourself whether your "prodigious frame" is really power-hungry or whether it appreciates the nimbleness of the Street? Different people are going to answer that question differently. And have done, in a couple of existing threads you can search if you want.

Your size has nothing to do with it. I'm the same height and nearly the same weight, and I can assure you the Street doesn't care about that. It's all down to what you yourself most enjoy feeling--the torque of a big engine, or the nimbleness of a much lighter bike.

I like both, and I've owned both the Speed and the Street. Since I couldn't keep both under Kansas' ridiculous property tax structure, though, I went with the trait that sold me on my very first motorcycle 30 years ago (light, quick handling) and kept the Street. But your criteria may be different, and only you can judge that.

You're accustomed to your T-bird, and I only have a couple of weeks of riding one of those to compare with. The Street delivers more horsepower and also accelerates more quickly than the T-bird I rode, but it revs higher to do it, rather than depending on torque. You'll just have to find a place where you can do some demo rides and see whether that suits your preferences or not.

Neanderthal · 06-19-2009, 01:17 PM

If you look around on most Triumph forums you'll see the same common denominator - the lightweight Striple with that sweet 675 engine has been perpetuating many trades.

It might well be the best motorcycle engine in the game right now.
You might want to get the R version for the better rear shock based on your weight. Excellent shocks are available for the classic Striple as well.

Neanderthal

shoggot · 06-19-2009, 01:57 PM

Good feedback, both of you. And I'd never thought about the bike weight tradeoff; I suppose it's similar to comparing the grunt you get from a classic 900, versus the whipiness of a '72 scrambler.

Regarding test rides, at least here, dealers generally echo "Sure, you can test ride it - just buy it first with our financing, and if you don't like it within 24 hours, you can return it" - which is a tad more paperwork than seems reasonable. I s'pose I could wait till a striple turns up on craigslist, but that doesn't seem to happen very often.

Heh, anyone near Washington, DC want to let a (responsible, 38yo) guy try out his striple? You can guard my TB while I ride =)

97TB · 06-19-2009, 02:08 PM

Since when is the Speed Triple not considered quick and nimble? It's only 50 lbs heavier, yet has 23 more hp and a whopping 26 lb/ft lbs more torque than the Street. I think there are reasons why one may prefer a Street to a Speed, but I don't think anyone would really consider the Speed Triple to be slow and heavy. lol

Pokeyjoe · 06-19-2009, 02:51 PM

I do believe your answer is here. Baltimore. July 10th. Be there.

shoggot · 06-19-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pokeyjoe

I do believe your answer is here. Baltimore. July 10th. Be there.

Why would it be that day? That's the starting day I head down to Georgia =(

Although the Highspire, PA one's a possibility.

Pokeyjoe · 06-19-2009, 04:33 PM

I just thought it was the closest and soonest.

Diego · 06-20-2009, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97TB

Since when is the Speed Triple not considered quick and nimble? It's only 50 lbs heavier ...etc... I don't think anyone would really consider the Speed Triple to be slow and heavy. lol

Don't put words in other people's mouths. No one, here or elsewhere, ever said the Speed Triple is slow!

But it is heavy by comparison--50 pounds is a lot! And while the Speed is no slouch in the handling department, it simply does not handle quite as nimbly as the Street, either in low speed maneuvers or in the twisties. I've owned and loved both; I know whereof I speak.

86gn · 06-20-2009, 01:01 AM

To me the Speed feels like it carries its weight higher than the Street.