Ducati vs. Triumph

[Flogger520]

I know that this isn't exactly a fair comparison - but I'm looking to pick up either a Streetfighter 848 or a Street Triple R within the next year or so. Thoughts? Opinions? Direction?

Bike will be my only mode of transport in the Philadelphia area (save for my Scrambler should I decide to keep it). So, reliability is a factor - but price not as much (since I don't have too many other expenses outside of trips to the bar).

[D6Rider313]

Street triple is no comparison for the 848, speed triple is far closer to the power of the 848

Sent from my HTC One X using Motorcycle.com Free App

[Orangeman]

Ride them both.....buy the one you like better :

As a long time former Ducatisti I can offer that unless you keep your Scrambler as back up transportation and it is going to be your only mode of transportation I personally would not choose any Ducati.

.

[topgunz1]

I rode the Speed triple and 848 streetfighter back to back, liked the speed better. Then bought a street r.

The 848 was a nice bike, looked phenomenal. The seating position was more aggressive, much harder to ride smoothly at low speeds, vibrated a lot more. It didn't seem as intuitive as the Triumphs, like I could go fast on it, but I had to work a lot more and didn't feel instantly comfortable like the triples felt.

Other folks have opposite experiences, so until you try them both yourself you'll never know how it feels to you.

[Wayne's Striple]

I wouldn't be too quick to say there is 'no comparison'. The 848 Streetfighter is only slightly quicker than the Street Triple in spite of the extra displacement. Cycle World tests (I save these magazines for reference) give the Street Triple R a quarter mile time of 10.96 sec to 11.18 sec @ 122 to 119 mph and a top speed of 135-143 mph. This month's issue gives the 848 Street fighter a 10.94 sec @125 mph quarter and top speed 143 mph. I suspect the Striple's top gear roll-ons are competitive too (the Street Triple blows away the 848 EVO's top gear roll-on times). As stated previously the Street Triple might be easier to live with than the Ducati, but in the end it comes down to personal preferences cos Ducatis are fine bikes if properly maintained. A 49T rear sprocket (a cheap mod) will bring the Street Triple's performance close to par with the 848 Streetfighter IMO. - Wayne

[D6Rider313]

Originally Posted by Wayne's Striple

I wouldn't be too quick to say there is 'no comparison'. The 848 Streetfighter is only slightly quicker than the Street Triple in spite of the extra displacement. Cycle World tests (I save these magazines for reference) give the Street Triple R a quarter mile time of 10.96 sec to 11.18 sec @ 122 to 119 mph and a top speed of 135-143 mph. This month's issue gives the 848 Street fighter a 10.94 sec @125 mph quarter and top speed 143 mph. I suspect the Striple's top gear roll-ons are competitive too (the Street Triple blows away the 848 EVO's top gear roll-on times). As stated previously the Street Triple might be easier to live with than the Ducati, but in the end it comes down to personal preferences cos Ducatis are fine bikes if properly maintained. A 49T rear sprocket (a cheap mod) will bring the Street Triple's performance close to par with the 848 Streetfighter IMO. - Wayne

***!?!?!?! -__- that is upsetting, seeing how if u look up quarter mile times for the speed triple I'm pretty sure they aren't even that good if I remember correctly they were saying low-mid 11s

Sent from my HTC One X using Motorcycle.com Free App

[Wayne's Striple]

Cycle World gives 2011 Speed Triple quarter mile 10.68 sec @126.7 mph, top speed 146 mph. Keep in mind that Cycle World uses a light professional tester and gives the best time after a series of runs. The Ducati 848 Streetfighter is a faster bike than a stock Street Triple, but not by much. We are spoiled these days; I remember when it was difficult to get a motorcycle into the 12's in the quarter. - Wayne

[Stripleville]

I have a 2012 diablo red Speed Triple and my cousin has a 2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848 in stealth black so I can offer some comparison. Hands down, the Ducati is the more exotic bike and people always seem to ask "who's ducati is that" when we have it parked next to each other. The Duc definitely draws a lot more attention, even from people who don't ride automatically know of the Ducati brand.

So if image and that kind of thing is important to you, it's no contest. The components and build quality also are better on the Duc and you don't really need to get anything aftermarket to make it look good. Where as I've put on flyscreen, bellypan, seat cowl, arrow slip-ons, etc to enhance the looks and make my bike look and sound better. The Duc's twin sounds great from the factory, no need to upgrade the exhaust.

With that said, both bikes are more than quick enough for street use. However, the Speed is much more livable on a day to day commuting basis. The ergos are way more comfortable and the engine is much more responsive throughout the entire rev range. The pegs on the Duc take awhile to get used to, from shifting to just over all cruising. And you are definitely in a more forward lean position in the Duc, so long rides will start hurting the wrists where I feel I could ride the S3 all day.

If you could afford to keep the Scrambler (I still kept my Bonnieville for in-town riding and just cruising around and looking good on), I would say get the Duc. You'll probably wind up spending 1K+ on the Street in accessories, so the overall price difference won't be as big. But if had only 1 bike, I would definitely go with the Street. It's a better overall bike and IMO the engine is more flexible. You'll probably have more fun on it too.

[D6Rider313]

Originally Posted by Wayne's Striple

Cycle World gives 2011 Speed Triple quarter mile 10.68 sec @126.7 mph, top speed 146 mph. Keep in mind that Cycle World uses a light professional tester and gives the best time after a series of runs. The Ducati 848 Streetfighter is a faster bike than a stock Street Triple, but not by much. We are spoiled these days; I remember when it was difficult to get a motorcycle into the 12's in the quarter. - Wayne

Hold up, are they computer governed? My bike does 130 in 3rd gear, I find it hard to believe it can only go another 16 mph with 3 gears left unless it just governs out. And also I'm goin off info for the 09s in the quarter mile

Sent from my HTC One X using Motorcycle.com Free App

[Lucky13]

The ST3R is a second bike for me, I wanted something smaller & lighter & naked-er to go with my '08 Sprint ST. I kicked the tires on a few things but the final consideration set was the ST3R, Ducati Streetfighter 848, and (dark horse) the outgoing 2007-2010 V-twin Aprilia Tuono. With the all-new Tuono out for 2012, new / unsold 2010s could be had for about the same $$$ as the ST3R.

Test rode them all...The Streetfighter is very cool, wanted to love it...Definitely has its strong points as others have mentioned, but I didn't like the abrupt fueling, uncomfortable seat, and stiff clutch. All fix-able issues of course, but still. I also didn't think the SF would be a great city bike, and I do a lot of urban riding during the week. Finally the desmo valves mean I couldn't do all the maintenance myself like I can with other bikes, so $$$ was a factor (I mean in terms of cost of ownership; I could live with the higher initial price if it was the bike I really wanted).

The Tuono surprised me...wasn't initially on my radar but found one at a local dealer and took it out for a ride, really really liked it. But ultimately I decided I didn't want another liter-bike.

The ST3R was the front-runner all along really. The SF848 and Tuono are great bikes, but like many of you I just found the Streetie felt right from the get-go. I looked around for a few months for a used one but they're tough to find, so I just said screw it and picked up a new 2012 about 3 months ago. Couldn't be happier.