Ride Report - Speed Triple

[CarlS]

I finally got a chance to ride Trey's new Speed Triple. It is a fine looking bike and I prefer naked bikes.

The riding position was my biggest concern. It is really a standard a riding position and would be straight up with handle bars instead of clip ons. The slightly bent forward position did not bother my back and it really felt good for control in the twisties. I would not want to ride in that position cross country to California; but for a few hours of spirited riding in the twisties or along country roads, it is ideal. I could love this bike.

It certainly out handles my T100 and begs you to put it to the test in the twisties. Balance is very good and steering is effortless. It just seems to go where you think about about going. It handles very well at slow speeds and, unlike a sports bike, in traffic.

The transmission is close ratio-ed and I had a problem knowing what gear I was in. Not that it mattered, there is plenty of power there. The bike just eats up steep grades with no strain. I am sure I would get used to the tranny in a short time. The bike has ample power and torque.

I noticed that Trey has no chicken strips on his tires and I can see why. This bike begs to be put through its paces and you can get way over in the turns.

As AJ has stated, there is nothing like the sound of a triple revving. And the cans Trey has installed sound awesome without being too loud.

I enjoyed riding this bike. If I lived in twistie country, I would have to have a Speed Triple as a second bike. i would give this bike 4.5 stars out of five.

Thanks, Trey, for letting me try her out. Great bike!!

 

[Geoff587]

Thanks for the report Carl, been waiting for that though it has made me more determined to get a test ride on one. I,m torn between the Street Triple and the larger Speed Triple.
Though I,m after a lighter bike , the T-Bird Sport and the 1200 Bandit are no lightweights.

 

[CarlS]

Geoff, Trey chose the Speed Triple over the Street Triple based on the engine size. There is very little difference in the weight of the two. I am surely impressed with the bike. It is sweet. Let me know what you think after you test one. But I doubt your test ride will be as good as mine was! :y114:

 

[The Seeker]

Triples don't suit my purpose like a sport-tourer does, but I drool over them and would love to have one as a second bike.

Those close-ratio gearboxes are what all the new bikes are like today. It does take some getting used to. I often skip gears by double shifting up when I'm in no hurry. Then, it's more like what we oldtimers are used to.

 

[trey3]

I chose the Speed Triple over the Street Triple R because of the engine size and cost. I got a great deal on my 08 S3 from Euro Cafe Waco, TX (Great shop if you are in town). The weight isn't much different and the brakes and suspension are as good as the Street Triple R. I actually got mine cheaper than the Street 3R (thanks again Euro Cafe) but the couple hundred bucks of normal difference is well worth the extra 375cc. The Street 3R is good but you can never have enough power.
As for my adventure with my Father, it was a great ride. He was carving through the mountain roads at a quick pace riding two up. He chose lesser used roads so I was able to put my S3 through its paces without being slowed by traffic. He took to the S3's riding position quickly and looked liked he belonged on it. It is quite a difference from going "Old School" Bonnie to "Skipping School Hooligan" S3 and vice versus. I had to get used to the Bonnie and reposition my foot because I was scraping my boot in some curves.
It was only the second time I have enjoyed the twisties on my S3. The first time was a couple of weeks earlier on the Skyline Parkway in the Shenandoah National Park where I was keeping the pace with some GSXR 1000s and R1s. It is well planted and will rocket out of the corners. Chicken strips? I think I had those for lunch. :wink: I am very pleased with the comfort and handling.
:ya2:

 

[DaveM]

I have always felt that clip ons made me feel part of the bike and not felt like I am sitting on top of it. I have never really felt at home with upright bars when doing twisties. I always feel like the bike is about to fall over. Now I am talking about the same bike before and after fitting clip ons. This was the first mod I did to my Bonnie in the 70's put on clip ons :y114:

On the Speedmaster well I have no choice really don't think clip ons will work that well :silent: :y114: :y114:

 

[CarlS]

I don't think clip ons would work very well on the Speedy either! :y114:

If I had an S3, I think I wold put low handle bars on it to be more upright.