Test rode a Triumph Speed Triple on Saturday.

Rilot

Rilot

Rilot

Don
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
23,578
Location
Wargrave, UK
I went to my local Triumph dealer (Bulldog in Twyford) and rode a Speed Triple after someone on here recommended it as a suitable bike for my needs.

I have to say I was rather underwealmed by it.

The engine is lovely and smooth but really lacks any charm. I don't think I could live without the V-Twin throb. I did like the pops and bangs from the pipes on the overrun.
It has a rep for being a complete hooligan tool but I just couldn't see it. I gave it a handful of throttle in 2nd from about 30mph and it took off down the road. Nothing spectacular though. If I do the same thing on my RSV I get a face full of clocks as the front wheel heads skyward.

Handling was good. Suspension felt a bit crude though compared to the Ohlins stuff on my RSV.

I just can't see why these bikes are so highly rated though. It's a good bike sure, just not mind-blowing. I'd probably consider one if it were at a bargain price but not at £8k. That's Tuono Factory money.

f_TriumphSpeem_325eb80.jpg
 
looks nice but 8k, thats crazy money for not a lot of bike...

how about hang on to try the new vmax ?, though suspect they gonna cost loads.
 
funny thing when you read lotsa hype then try a bike for yourself, last few times from experience they never live up to it.

last one I tried was a 08 ZX10, lovely handling sure but where was the savage engine everyone raved about ?, I could not feel it :(, a lot of bikes engine is everything... I want something to rip my head off and induce a grin everytime opening the throttle.

think your gonna struggle beating that kinda feeling you get from rsv / tuono :(, most other bikes are very refined and smooth in comparison, from a engine / delivery standpoint and will feel slow

edit: how about try a Z1000 ? :), they look wicked in orange, I know too many cylinders ;)
 
Last edited:
Fireskull said:
A 675 engine that is quicker around a track ;)
Click to expand...

Maybe so.
However, my comment about the 1050cc not being powerful enough isn't going to be solved by looking at a 675cc bike. I don't ride on tracks very often. If I did I would be keeping my RSV Factory.

The 675 is only 107bhp at the crank, copared to 131bhp for the 1050 and 143bhp for my RSV.

Even taking in to account power to weight:

Street Triple: 640bhp/tonne
Speed Triple: 693bhp/tonne
RSV Factory: 772bhp/tonne
 
Last edited:
Rilot said:
Maybe so.
However, my comment about the 1050cc not being powerful enough isn't going to be solved by looking at a 675cc bike. I don't ride on tracks very often. If I did I would be keeping my RSV Factory.

The 675 is only 107bhp at the crank, copared to 131bhp for the 1050 and 143bhp for my RSV.
Click to expand...

True point didnt look at it like that :p I think its just the way its a sportier engine, like why people ask why a 600 sportsbike is faster than a 1000cc Fazer for example.

Seems your either going to keep the RSV or get a Tuno then? :p
 
I'm not keeping the RSV in it's current guise.
My options are to replace it with a Tuono Factory (assuming I get the right money for mine) or heavily modify it to be more like a Tuono in riding position.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom