Triumphrat

JoshF · 10-30-2009, 06:06 PM

Hi All. I'm new to the forum. I am a brand new rider and have been looking for my 1st bike. I was about to buy a Ninjs 650R when I saw the Triumph Street Triple and thought it was awesome. I live in San Francisco so never got a bike because so many people say bikes in the city are a bad idea but I want one. I would like to use it around the city, commute 20 miles on the highway to work on a regular basis. I would also like to take it to the track occasionally to learn better skills.

My questions are:

1 - Is this too much bike for a new rider? I am 6', 180 Lbs
2 - Would this be ok on the track?
3 - Does anybody have a picture of this bike with any kind of wind screen? I would like one for the highway riding.

LoneRider7 · 10-30-2009, 06:31 PM

It IS a lot of bike for a first timer. Generally it is recommended that first timers start out with a 250cc class machine. The problem is that you will quickly outgrow a 250cc machine and want to trade up. That being said, the Street Triple is a sweet bike, and not hard to handle if you respect and acknowledge the fair amount of power you are in control of. A 180 pounder is not too much for the machine. The fly screens supposedly cut down a little on the body wind buffeting, but do nothing for the head. 65 mph is quite tolerable, where 75-plus can get rough causing you to lay forward. I'm sure you'll get lot's of helpful information from other folks that have ridden this particular model bike much longer than I. Welcome to the forum!!

w_rkm · 10-30-2009, 07:02 PM

I echo LoneRider7's comments.

I think if you went to a proper riding school (like I did) where you had to train and get your license on 250cc honda rebels that would be ideal. Then when going to get buy your first bike you can get a 650+.

This is what I did and I'm thankful as I know I would have outgrown the 250 engine quickly. But it was definitely a plus learning to ride on a smaller easy to handle bike. It allowed me to focus on skills and not rely on engine muscle to compensate for a lack of technique.

However, the striple has a sensitive throttle that requires you to be attentive to, especially on rainy days (I live in Vancouver - it rains all the time here).

As long as you respect the bike and the the power it has you should be fine - assuming you learn and get your license with proper training (would stress getting lessons regardless of whatever bike you want - it might save your life taking the time to get professional training and practice).

The striple is an amazing ride. Lots of muscle and handles so easy it makes you a hooligan - so you need to respect it and ride accordingly. But don't buy one until you've spent the money on good gear (don't shirk on the gear!). Need to afford both the bike and the gear.

jsobell · 10-30-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshF

I would like to use it around the city, commute 20 miles on the highway to work on a regular basis.

40 miles each day on the highway on a naked is not a lot of fun. I miss my race fairings, and I only considered this bike because I do about 90% city riding.
I've got the flyscreen etc and it's certainly better than without, but I still miss having a fairing when I'm going more than about 10miles.
If you want this bike with a fairing and you want to go on track days, I'd say go for the Daytona.

Twitchy

JohnD · 10-30-2009, 08:41 PM

I second the advise you are getting from the guys above.

First go to school where you will learn on a small bike. Buy good protective clothing and helmet.

Then, whatever you buy I would make it a relatively new but used bike. As a new rider it is difficult to know what model will best fit your needs. Also that way you don't take a big loss in the first 1-2 years depreciation of a new bike, if you decide you want something different.

Finally, (no disrespect to the Speed or Street Triple) it is not a good choice for highway miles, but great for hills and curves. I would look for something that covers more bases. Check out the Triumph Sprint ST sport-tourer. It is a great looking bike that can almost handle like a pure sport bike, but cruise effortlessly with good wind protection. With the bags off she looks very sporting indeed.

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/...t-ar71454.html

As to whether too much bike, this is also a matter of your personality - can you be a conservative rider the first half-year or so until your skills have improved? I started on a two year old 780lb Yamaha Road Star cruiser (1700cc). It was not a good choice, but I was very conservative in my riding while I learnt, and theerby avoided trouble. That is key no matter what you buy which is, I recognize, also an emotional decision.

Ogre · 10-30-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshF

Hi All. I'm new to the forum. I am a brand new rider and have been looking for my 1st bike. I was about to buy a Ninjs 650R when I saw the Triumph Street Triple and thought it was awesome.

It is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshF

I live in San Francisco so never got a bike because so many people say bikes in the city are a bad idea but I want one.

Bikes are dangerous, even wearing proper protection you are vulnerable.

I don't know the specifics of factors such as bike theft in the areas that you will be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshF

I would like to use it around the city, commute 20 miles on the highway to work on a regular basis.

This bike is designed as a "streetfighter". The bike itself is perfect for city riding. It is made to handle very quickly. It sits you up in a position that is favorable to view the traffic and road conditions. Those distances are nothing. I've ridden mine over 700 miles in a day before and trips of 2-3 hundred I've done plenty of times.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshF

I would also like to take it to the track occasionally to learn better skills.

There is no problem here, either. You are not going to win races competing against models that are more suited for racing but that's not your goal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshF

My questions are:

1 - Is this too much bike for a new rider? I am 6', 180 Lbs

As far as your size, the bike should fit you very well.

As for being a new rider, the throttle response is very touchy on this bike and the power is quite high for the 675cc displacement. There are many less responsive bikes that would be far more forgiving to an inexperienced rider.

You would have to treat this bike with utmost respect and be able to avoid testing the limits of the bike, as they will be much more than yours for an extended period of learning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshF

2 - Would this be ok on the track?

Answered above.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshF

3 - Does anybody have a picture of this bike with any kind of wind screen? I would like one for the highway riding.

A type of flyscreen is about it. This is the Triumph model.

JoshF · 10-30-2009, 10:31 PM

That is a Sweet looking bike. I am really digging this bike. I must go to the shop tomorrow....

This forum is great. I'm so glad that there are so many helpful people. I will get all of the gear needed and be very respectful.

A local shop has a 2009 in White that has only 400 miles on it. Can you guys let me know what a good deal on this would be. I think out the door it is being offered to me for $1500 less than a new one. Is this good for a used bike or should I hope for more off?

JoshF · 10-30-2009, 10:32 PM

Also - should I get the R? If I learn how to ride on the track it may be helpful to be able to adjust the suspension I am thinking.

Neanderthal · 10-30-2009, 10:48 PM

I'll agree with everything said above, very good points made by all. I will add something that you should consider that has not been mentioned....
As a first bike, the Striple, or any Triumph or European-brand bike is a little on the expensive side. Parts for the Euro bikes run more than your typical Japanese bike. Blame it on the currency rates. My wife's Suzuki SV650S is a lot cheaper to maintain. Plus, if you do drop your brand new Striple, you will get sick. You are at a real risk to drop your bike in your first year of ownership - maybe on a wet road, on gravel or just in the driveway, it happens. You won't feel so bad if you drop something cheaper. The Ninja250 is a fantastic first sportbike to learn solid skills on, and very easy (compared to any other bike out there) to sell, they are always in demand.
Whatever you decide to do - buy a good helmet and decent gear before you get the bike. Many folks leave themselves strapped and gear is left up to whatever money is left because the wad was shot on the bike.

Diego · 10-30-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneRider7

The problem is that you will quickly outgrow a 250cc machine and want to trade up.

Apart from the fact that 250 is not a magic number for everyone, anyway, the question seemingly never raised in these threads is: Why is "outgrowing" a first bike a problem?

You can buy very competent bikes like the Ninja, used and in good shape, for relatively little. If, on the off chance, you do either drop it and have to pay for repairs, or heaven forbid, destroy it and give up riding altogether, well, you're not out as much as if it happens to a brand new one--of whatever size. And if all goes well, as it should, and you gain enough street smarts to justify a bigger bike, there is a ready market for used machines in that range. No problem that I can see.

Seems to me, though, that we've already had this same discussion--more than once. So, don't be alarmed if it gets moved to one of those threads. A zombie of our very own... and just in time for Halloween!