Triumphrat

97TB

Hey all-

I am considering dropping my thunderbird and getting either a S4 or a Daytona 600. Which one of these is a better choice as an all around bike? I am 6', 200 lbs, and generally ride in clips of 2-5 hours on the weekends or an hour or so on weeknights. I am still a novice rider and I don't get too aggressive, but would like a fun and good handling bike that can double as a short distance "tourer." Any input would be appreciated.

Dan

[ This message was edited by: 97TB on 2004-07-20 08:05 ]

shards

Coming from a T'bird you'll find the S4 more "normal" and comfortable (and you have the easy option of a handlebar conversion). Best to ride them both before deciding. My guess is S4.

pantablo

the speed four has a much more comfortable seat!

Otherwise the ergos/seating position to the clip ons are roughly the same.

The d6 fairings eject lots of heat on your legs.

The d6 has much better wind protection.

Passengers? Speed Four again with better seating for two.

97TB

One more question - how deficient is the low end torque on the S4? I remember reading something about it before. . .

Will

Relative to what? Relative to a Chevy V8, no 600 has torque. But, all 600s, including those with a reputation for bad low end will out accelerate a heavy car with a torquey engine. In a stump pulling contest, I suppose a S4 would do marginally better than a Daytona 600, but if you rode them back to back, my guess is that either one would be adequate to deal with traffic in all circumstances. If you want power wheelies right off idle, then you probably don't want an inline 600 anyway.

Did that deflect your question thoroughly enough? :wink:

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97TB

Thanks for the response, Will. I am definitely not looking to do wheelies. I just want to make sure it pulls well enough . . .

lumpusdumpus

Dear Dan,

Thought I'd offer you my twopennethworth. I bought a S4 about four months ago. In general, I'm really happy with it - its looks, its performance, handling etc. As for low-end torque, its got plenty - the 600TT engine has been modified to spread the power for the S4. My riding isn't that different from yours, so I reckon the S4 would suit you pretty well. The only thing I would add is that my S4, while having plenty of torque at low end, is a bit lumpy (especially up to 4000 rpm in slow traffic). Apparently, not everyone has this problem, but I'm not the only one. After a lot of research, I think I've come up with the solution. It seems that to comply with exhaust emissions Triumph maps the engine so it's a bit lean at low revs. If this is remedied (I've got my dealer onto it this week), it should run much more smoothly.

Hope you find this helpful. I've been out with groups of people, some riding Daytona 995's and I've kept with them very well - the S4 is light and agile enough to defend itself on straights and twisties! I'm actually very comfy with the dropped handlebars - they're not too low and the minimalist nose job does keep some of the wind off the top of your helmet.

Very best wishes,

David

97TB

Great post David, thanks!

Diego

>>> Great post David, thanks! >>>

David, I'll second that and add my thanks as well. Your comments seem to track well with what I've seen and experienced with the S4s I've been around thus far, and filled in a few gaps.

[ This message was edited by: Diego on 2004-07-22 01:02 ]

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John

lumpusdumpus

Hey, Guys, thanks for all the thanks! Dan, should you go for the S4, let us know and don't forget to check out the 600 forum in detail - it's got loads of really useful information. I've learned a lot from just browsing and there are some very knowledgeable and helpful people out there. If you have any other questions about the S4, I'd be happy to give feedback. Just a small detail that occurs to me. Obviously, with the Thunderbird, with its 3 in-line, higher capacity, lower revving engine, you'd be going for a different riding feel with an S4 or Daytona 600. The 600's have more of a 'racing' feel to them: more revs which means enjoying that high-pitched 'whine', top-end torque and lighter touch. If you're hooked on all that low-down purr and stable, weighted feel, then think carefully, because you might go for the Speed Triple. Personally, I like the feel of both S4 and Triple, but went for the S4 because I wanted a lighter, but stylish, street bike with that four-cylinder feel and bite.

Best wishes,

David

:wink: