Speed vs Street

Originally, I thinking of getting a Street; however, they were not available used so I would have to purchase a new one. Alternatively, I could get a year or two old Speedie kitted out the way I wanted for several thousand dollars less. I thought it was a no brainer what to do.

Besides the engine, the single sided swingarm seals the deal for me.

I was looking for the torque of a liter bike, and at the time the street was very hard to find in my area, no dealers had one. I tested a speed and it was EXACTLY what i was looking for in a bike... the test ride was the coldest ride i had every taken, yet also one of the most fun.... needless to say i bought it. If you can, i would take them for a test and see what suits you better.

Basically the single sided swingarm just rocks. I rode an 07 at the dealer demo and fell in love with the bike. I think the Street looks kinda funny but thats just me. I've heard first hand that it handles great at the demo this year. It was a very long time between new bike purchases for me and I wanted something that I know I wouldn't get tired and the Speed fit the bill. It has more then enough power for me forever and I just love the looks.

SpeedRider said:

Originally, I thinking of getting a Street; however, they were not available used so I would have to purchase a new one. Alternatively, I could get a year or two old Speedie kitted out the way I wanted for several thousand dollars less. I thought it was a no brainer what to do.

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I got mine under the very same circumstances. I think I would have been just as happy with a Street3, and somehow, I think they look a little nicer. Maybe that was just the trim on the floor models, though. I think the Street has maybe drawn some of the attention away from the Speed. It makes for a nice competitive buying market...

I would say like everybody else: take one on the road and see which tickles your fancy. If you aren't smiling after, check your pulse.

I was looking to trade my Speed 4 at the time the Street Triple was going on sale. I test road the Street and Speed 3 and on the basis there was a 6 month waiting list for the Street I put money down on a Speed 3. If I could have had my choice I would have had the Street without question, and most probably traded up later on.

The Street R is a very nice bike, I was lucky enough to get one on loan for a week, and it is definately worth the extra £500 over the standard Street.
BUT unless you're going to keep it stock you'll be heading for the price of a Speed Triple anyway once you start adding extras. As has been said you could get a very nice used Speedy for the price of a new Street.
Having had the Speed 3 for 18 months I would not now swap it for a Street/R.

Thanks for the input, I'll be testing next Friday when the triumph demo fleet comes through. I sat on both at the dealer today and the Street just fits me. I had a 97' Daytona T-595 which I converted to a Speed Triple so I have a feel for the Speed Triple. That damn Street 3 is small and light and fits. What kind of full coverage insurance rates you'll getting on the Speed 3?
PS I'll farkle the bike regardless so I'll figure in a couple a grand.

When I bought speedy, the street triple was not available. I would have considered it. I have not ridden a street triple, but I would try the R. I've heard you can always have street triple fun on a Speed Triple, but it's not the other way around.

Zip

i picked up a street for my wife, and after riding that i knew that i wanted the speed for myself. the street is simply too small for me (im 6' 230 lbs.)
with that being said, they are both awesome bikes. the street is nice and light but it does have a good amount of power behind it.
the speed is noticably bigger, however the power is simply awesome. AND the single sided swingarm sealed the deal for me.

It's funny to hear people talk about the size difference because when I see photos of myself on my Speedie it seems "small" in comparison to me. (I'm ~6', 205 lbs.) Nevermind the fact when I ride my bike, it very much feels like I am sitting "on" it, as compared to my old bike, which felt more like I was sitting "in" it. I suppose that's attributable to the upright riding position though.

Major Kong said:

I've heard you can always have street triple fun on a Speed Triple, but it's not the other way around.

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That's if your only definition of "fun" revolves around torque. The lightness and nimbleness of the Street has its own benefits that aren't so easy to match on the heavier machine.

(Sadly, the Speed could be a lot lighter without the irresistably 'sexy' single swingarm.)

I really wish there were a Triumph that had both sets of attributes...the 1050 engine or its successor, in a light, tight chassis.

Diego said:

That's if your only definition of "fun" revolves around torque. The lightness and nimbleness of the Street has its own benefits that aren't so easy to match on the heavier machine.

(Sadly, the Speed could be a lot lighter without the irresistably 'sexy' single swingarm.)

I really wish there were a Triumph that had both sets of attributes...the 1050 engine or its successor, in a light, tight chassis.

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Well said Diego, My 97' was heavy even after the conversion.
I wonder what kind of power can be had out of these 2 bikes with the right mods. Is there any dyno charts around so I can compare the two.