Triumphrat

Jackster · 10-08-2009, 06:13 PM

Just got back from a test ride of the Street Triple R. Wow!
I currently ride a tricked out Ducati 748 but have been looking at upright bikes to move to. The dedicated sport riding position has gotten old. I was looking for a bike that would be more fun to just jump on and go a variety of places.
What a great test ride. Ten minutes on the bike and I was grinning like a fool. First time I wacked the throttle open and felt the force sliding me back.....I couldn't believe it. I had test ridden an 09 Thurxton a while back but could not make the step down on power. This bike is faster than my 748 and just a kick to ride. I was laughing as I entered back in the dealership. I did not want to give the bike back. The bike even sounded good with the stock exhaust. I can see speeding tickets in my future.
The only issue that came up was shifting from 2nd to 3rd. More than not I had to shift more than once to get it to shift up. Down shifting was not a problem. I mentioned it to the Dealer after the ride and he said he would ask the shop about it. An easy fix? The bike had around 1300 miles on it so I assume it was broken in enough.
Now my dilemma will be waiting for the Phantom Black or going for the current graphite they have in stock. I am supposed to test ride a Monster 1100 next week. Not sure I will even bother. Can't imagine having more fun on it. I had considered testing a Speed but not sure I will bother with that either.

The most fun I have had in a long time.
Jack

Pokeyjoe · 10-08-2009, 06:21 PM

LOL. Welcome to the club.

I had a few minor shifting issues when the bike was new. Sometimes it didn't like to downshift. I don't remember upshifting issues, but I may have had a couple. Make sure the clutch cable is adjusted correctly and live with it until the bike is broken in. All my problems went away after about 6-700 miles. The first oil change helps, too.

Neanderthal · 10-08-2009, 09:52 PM

Now you have a first-hand look at why the Street Triple has overwhelmed its class.

MacBandit · 10-09-2009, 01:27 AM

Positive shifting procedure

Pre-load shifter (hold pressure in the direction of planned shift)
Pull clutch and cut throttle simultaneously
Make shift keeping pressure on shifter
Let out clutch and reapplying throttle
release shifter

Using this procedure and properly matching rpms you can shift damn near any motorcycle even old /2 and /5 BMWs with rocks instead of gear.

Jackster · 10-09-2009, 01:52 AM

Thanks for the technique. I will try that next time. The Duc shifts so smoothly you barely feel it. Good excuse to go back to the dealer and coax another ride. Thanks.

I plan on putting a deposit down tomorrow.

Hopefully it won't be too long a wait for the Phantom.

Ducken · 10-09-2009, 02:23 AM

Ditto, made the decision, want one, want the Phantom Black with Gold, now have to be patient and wait....
Ken

Jackster · 10-09-2009, 12:06 PM

Any idea when Triumph plans on announcing the new color? The Dealer was aware of it but said they may stagger their announcements. Said maybe the Black would not come to the US straight away. I asked: "It was just a color so why would they delay?" He said it might not show up until March, but that was just a guess. He is a no pressure sales guy so He may be right. I am sure he would like sell me the ones he has on the lot but is willing to take a deposit. I will be the first deposit on the Phantom.

I live in the San Francisco Bay area so there is plenty of riding yet. I will put the Duc up for sale in the meantime and test the waters. I will occasionally stop by the Dealer and sit on one to get my fix. They have the Speed Se on the floor. The Phantom Black looks really good.

The Dealer said they made a Phantom Daytona briefly and it sold out instantly.

Pokeyjoe · 10-09-2009, 01:11 PM

I think its more than paint - the new bikes get new clocks, too. I don't know how that fits into the production schedule.

MacBandit · 10-09-2009, 02:03 PM

The new clocks have been on the bike for a couple months now.

The only thing that would hold it up is if they are going to try to fulfill demand in their home territory first before shipping them.

Pokeyjoe · 10-09-2009, 02:10 PM

The orange ones or the blue ones? I think the orange ones are history.