Triumph Street Triple Test Ride

[clonmore1]

Test rode the above yesterday afternoon.

We had almost freezing fog up until lunchtime with temp around 2deg. I was a little nervous as the test ride was in Shipley, near Bradford, busy with a ride to get to decent roads.

The road was really greasy and slippery, yet I hopped on the Street Triple and rode off into the gathering gloom...

As a relatively inexperienced rider sat on a bike with 95bhp at the back wheel, I was surprised how balanced the bike was, fuelling was excellent, good progressive power and easy to use in difficult conditions. I could potter along at 30mph through the heavy traffic in 4th with no problems. The brakes (abs fitted) were powerful and the back brake was perfect for controlling the bike at low speed.

The engine sound was lovely, almost a low level 'turbine' sound when revved, the std exhaust has a lovely sound.

All in all, I am tempted to add one to the garage!

[Bob_Roller]

There is a tremendous difference between our R65's and current model motorcycles !!!

When I got  my oilhead in August '02, I felt like I went from a WWI biplane, to an F-15 !!

But the cost of most new bikes these days is a lot more than I am willing to pay . ,<---- cheap bastard !!

I'm considering a low use preowned bike, if the day comes that I want to replace the oilhead .

And with just turning 60 in August, I don't think I'll be purchasing many more bikes in the future .

I don't seriously think I could wear out what sits in the garage today . 8-)

[Tony Smith]

And with just turning 60 in August, I don't think I'll be purchasing many more bikes in the future .

Bob don't say things like that! I am a few months younger than you but I have two new motorcycle purchases planned. The first will be after 30 Jun next year - a Royal Enfield Continental GT (and "go-fast" kit) and the second if i choose to retire in the next 24 months or so will be a R1200GS - if I retire after that I'll have a look at what is available first.

I don't seriously think I could wear out what sits in the garage today . 8-)

[Tony Smith]

Forgot to reply to the second half of your post Bob. Wearing them out is not the point is the "who would have thought that silly old bugger had so many motorcycles" moment for whomever gets to clean up after you are gone.

[wilcom]

whomever gets to clean up after you are gone.
                   

I guess somebody has to do it.....I'll volunteer......................

[skippyc]

I have 3 old bikes on club permit registration cost per year is $225, for that i get to ride each one for 45 days a year.
It costs Over $400 a year to register one modern bike.
Comprehensive insurance for all of them costs $230 a year.
I have never used 45 day on any of my bikes yet.

[Lucky_Lou]

Fill your boots with this one... Monte will be proud of you

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201611199902442?make=triumph&model=trophy&logcode=p

[clonmore1]

That looks nice Lou.

[Lucky_Lou]

That looks nice Lou.

May treat myself for Christmas... may cost a Kitchen for SWMBO though.
Lou

[marcmax]

Sounds like a fair trade to me. 

[nhmaf]

The Triumph Triple sound is one of those that is quickly recognizable - maybe not quite as quickly as the 45 degree potato-mobiles we have in the states, but the Yamaha triples don't sound like Triumph ones either. 

If I buy a "modern" bike in the near future, it would likely be some ADV styled ride, but perhaps not GS1200... maybe a Triumph Tiger, or Yamah Tenere... but then again the new BMW "Heritage" models look kinda interesting (and more accessible price wise).

[clonmore1]

Sounds like a plan Lou, I look forward to seeing it in the flesh...

[Olliepup]

Let's face it, I'm old.  Sold my beloved 1986 R65 last summer because I considered quitting riding.  Spotted a 2012 Bonneville for sale with 530 miles on it!  Yikes, what to do?  I mean, my first motorcycle was a 1965 Triumph TR6C, (owned a Sears Moped and Lambretta LI before that) so, why not go out with a Triumph?
Observations:
The good - Easy starting with fuel injection, lights right up to a smooth idle. Easy shifting w/o clunks, rattles or false neutrals.
Less vibration, smooth power delivery, good balance, no exhaust sound.
The bad: Just doesn't have the personality of the R65.