Triumphrat

968cs

Hi all,

I just managed to talk my friend - who is returning to riding - into buying an S4 (racing yellow) . The bike is in pretty good condition with 7K miles on the clock and 2 previous owners who didn't know much about riding .

Anyway, I went to pick up the bike for my friend and after having put new BT 016 tyres on I headed straight for the racetrack.

I am not a pro rider but a fairly good amateur. I, myself, have an Aprilia RSV Factory (used to have a 999S too) into which I have put more than 16K miles in 2 years (about 1,5K on track).

I have to say that - though I had high expectations - I was amazed by the S4. It had stock setup and I was in a great hurry so didn't have the time to play with the suspension. So, the front was way too soft, the rear seemed to be OK. It was shaking its front wheel when hard on the brakes (having new tyres the cause might be the wheel or the softness of the front suspension).

But all in all, I wasn't much slower on the S4 than on my RSV. Well, the S4 could certainly do with a bit more power, say 20-30 HP more. On the straights it was obvious. On the other hand, the chassis is really fantastic and it was amazing how I could change lines when fully leant over.

One thing I noticed, I couldn't trail brake into corners as I can on my RSV. The S4 wanted to stand up when I tried to trail brake. The difference may be due to the Öhlins forks and Brembo radial brakes on the Ape or is it possible that this could be tuned out of the S4 with proper suspension setup?

I certainly had a very good time and so much fun. The guys on GSXRs and R1s must have been pretty surprised a couple of times .

Great bike, I am glad I have recommended this bike to my friend.

cheers
adam

Agkistrodon

I raced a tt600 and as you know they have no power. so i had to make my passes on the brakes and in corners. I never had any feeling of the bike wanting to stand up while trailbraking. tune up you suspension and that should help. The bike should be great on the brakes and in the turns. i was running pilot power 2ct most of the time.

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968cs

Well, I set the suspension properly (or at least I think ) and it made some difference. In the mountains, I couldn't feel anything, but obviously I wasn't going as fast as on the track.

Anyway, it is a fantastic bike, I only miss the characteristics of a V-twin or a triple.

Dmitry

Soft front end dive will cause the bike to stand up on the brakes. Get professional help, I dropped 3 seconds a lap overnight after having my front end re-valved and re-sprung (also replaced a shock but it was the front end that made a world of difference) Also it wasn't a Triumph, still pretty good bike with soft street set up from the factory.

Brutilla

I agree. Superb bikes for the track. I doubt with only 7k on the clock, you'll need any serious work done to the suspension. Just get it set up properly for you/your mate's weight.

I recently paid a 50 quid to get my suspension set up for me at Silverstone on my last trackday. The difference was quite noticeable as I was too light for the existing setup. The handling was good before but everything felt so much more reassuring and smoother after the adjustments, esp the front end. Gave me plenty more confidence.

Never experienced the braking issues you mentioned though but that could come down to individual riding style.