Triumphrat

Bugler · 11-01-2012, 08:44 PM

Hey all,

So, I'm going in a couple days to check out this Speed Four and I wanted to come on and say hi. Who knows if I will buy it yet but it seems to be a great deal. I love the look but I've never sat on or rode one. I'm a bit on the short side so seat height is always a factor for me and I've heard these are a bit tall. I'm 5'7" with a 30" inseam.

Anyways, it's a 2006 Black Speed Four with just under 4500 miles that I can get for $3k. Does that seem reasonable? I'll let you guys know if I take it home!

Ps. I am choosing this over an 04 Speed Triple with 11k on the clock. Hope I'm making the right choice!

Brad - Bugler

DeanRider · 11-02-2012, 02:45 AM

I guess you must decide whether you want a 600 4-cylinder or that of a 955i triple! 11k miles (with a good service record) is not a lot for a Triple, or for that matter any Hinckley Triumph!

Bugler · 11-02-2012, 10:19 AM

Well, the triple has been dropped a couple times and just plain looks used while the Four looks showroom and was owned by an older gentleman who rarely rode it and never dropped it. There's no service record for the triple and the four comes with a complete history. I wish there was a Triple/Four comparo out there somewhere. I understand engine size and number of cylinders differences but from what I can see, they are pretty comparable on power, with the Triple of course having a wider powerband. I'll have to wring the Four's neck to squeeze out the power so I guess I'll get used to that. I'm a shorter guy and I'm by no means a knee dragger, but I'm not incompetent either. I do think the Four's smaller stature and slightly less power may be beneficial for me, especially here around DC where the roads suck.

Any thoughts?

DeanRider · 11-02-2012, 11:33 AM

Have a look at this link: Speed Four to Speed triple, good choice? http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-trip...od-choice.html

Bugler · 11-02-2012, 12:18 PM

Wow, so many people having bad stuff to say about the 4. Completely contradicts any review I've read. Though, everyone is saying the 4 is better handling on the twisties than the 3. That's mostly what I want it for. That's why I own a Mini Cooper S, too. Not the fastest beast out there but nothing can touch it around the curves! I'm going in a few hours to test ride the 4. I'll report back. With pictures if I own it!

DeanRider · 11-02-2012, 12:22 PM

Great! Nothing can beat personally riding the bike. Let us know how you feel afterwards about the Speed IV.

Bugler · 11-02-2012, 09:52 PM

Well here she is, fresh from the freezing cold in the dark 110 mile ride home!

D41 · 11-02-2012, 10:26 PM

Looks great...I think you got a pretty good deal there!

My wife's S4 is also a 2006 with only slightly higher mileage...it's never skipped a beat, the only issue I have found is that the fueling can be a bit lumpy down at around 3-5K rpm, but it's nothing terrible....cracking bike to ride, you'll have fun for sure.

Bugler · 11-02-2012, 10:38 PM

I noticed I needed to keep it a bit higher in the rev range. She seems to like it though! First gear is a little weird but I can overcome it.

Bugler · 11-04-2012, 01:21 AM

Let my girlfriend ride it today(Saturday). Headed up tomorrow to check out and probably buy a nice fairly low mileage '03 Orange S4 for her! Pictures will be forthcoming.