Street Triple R - Best handling bike ever?

[atkinsr]

Originally Posted by Sencer

Construction of a bike is always a aset of trade-offs. You make it better at X and it gets worse at Y. Same goes for better handling in the twisties (consequence is the bike gets more nervous at higher speeds and the chance of an unwanted stoppie increases).

That's why asking for the "Bestest Bike Evar" is not going to get you far. It's all about the right compromise of trade-offs which are suitable to your needs.

If you are looking for a better handling bike in the twisties start by looking for bikes that are lighter and have a shorter wheelbase. For example a KTM Duke 690 might fall into that category.

Great advice, which is why I was pretty specific about it's intended use.

I've seen quite a few Dukes and SMs out there. It's pretty incredible what they can do. I'm really looking for a standard or sport. Most of my other motorcycle itches have been scratched between the R1200GS Adventure, ZX-12R, and an incoming dirt bike to putt around with my son (he's getting a pw50. Yay!)

The supermotards are, for me, anyway. Something that splits the line between several bikes I already have with a narrow enough focus as to be undesirable.

[BKK Jack]

According to Visor Down, it just very well might be...

http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-...iew/21735.html

[Wayne's Striple]

Another nice improvement is a slightly lower-rate shock spring; the main complaint of most R riders was a rough ride on a bumpy back-road due to the overly stiff shock spring. The Kayaba shock is actually pretty good, it is just that the spring rate was too high for street use for average weight riders IMO. - Wayne

[atkinsr]

Funny, I just read that same article within minutes of when you posted it (without knowing you had)... oddly enough, when looking for an FJR article.

[roxythruxton]

Through all the bikes I've owned and ridden I can't say it's the BEST handling bike ever but it's the best handling bike I've owned and ridden. Only thing that comes close to it in my opinion is the Triumph Speedfour and a Buell XB9/r . And the Buell almost ties the Street Triple .

[atkinsr]

Re-reading that visordown article, it all seems like great changes, except for the taller first gear. I can't imagine why Triumph did that (other than savings due to the shared daytona gearbox). One of the things people loved about this bike in it's last incarnation was it's ability to loft the front wheel with ease. I'm guessing that many (most?) are now going to gear down 1 tooth in the front. That's going to negate the sizable MPG improvements they've made as the engine will now be turning faster in top gear as well.

Really excited about this bike. I'm already watching dealer websites and cycletrader trying to find one within driving range at a reasonable price (a few dealers have got the early arriving bikes and are trying to gouge people for over $15k on them. eek)

[twalker920]

As I have ridden only a few bikes and not for very long other than my Triple R, I am a) biased and b) of limited experience. However, I learned to ride on this bike in the many canyons of the Rockies foothills near my home in Morrison, Colorado. I have put 20,000 miles on it now, including a cross country ride to LA and back in May (stock seat, flyscreen w/o windshield, tank bag and backpack, 2300 miles in 8 days).

I love the way this bike flips back and forth effortlessly in the twisties (and there are many), and I love the torque from idle to redline. As I have gotten more experienced riding it, and having watched videos, talked to other riders, ridden with others, and hung out here, I have basically increased the gear I ride the same canyons in - which translates to higher speeds. I enjoy every single second of my time on this bike. I have left the suspension alone, because for me it works.

The only real comparison I have had was a friend's new ZX6, and it handled fine, except I didn't like having my knees in my armpits (I'm all leg), and I *hated* having to wind it up to 4000 rpm before feeling any pull. Obviously I didn't take any liberties with his bike, so I've pushed mine much harder.

So, awesome canyon carver, and acceptable long-distance rider.

My tuppence.

[electric gypsy]

Originally Posted by rallycat

Depends on who you talk to - guys on a supermoto forum are going to tell you to go sumo and a supermoto would work very well on your roads. Twisty as they are a fat torque curve is a lot more useful than top end hp. I borrowed my brother's SV650 (GSXR forks & Penske shock) when I visited last year and didn't miss the ~30 hp loss compared to the striple - much. I had a hoot going over Tuggles Gap & everywhere else and didn't feel any lack of handling.

I've had my ST3 since 09 & put 12,000 mi on it. I love the bike dearly and will keep it till it's an antique, BUT my Husqvarna SM610 (with a big bore kit/cam) will kill it handling twisties. It's like a 56hp bicycle. On the street the power of SM is very useable, unlike the ST3.

[timbo347]

I've been riding since 1968 - scores of bikes (lost count) - and my STR is the best handling bike I ever rode.

timbo

[Cody Strife]

Be honest I can't think of a bike with its handling, oh yeah 2009 daytona 675