Street triple test ride - what to look for

[crofty1984]

Hello all,

I'm thinking of chopping in my NC700X for something different. I'm going to test ride a Street Triple next week I think. What should I look out for? It's a 2008 bike.

My thinking is I'd like something with more power than the NC's mighty 51 thunderous ponies, but not something that won't be fun at low speeds. Sportsbikes aren't really my bag. Doing 90mph in first holds no appeal to me, I'd rather do 90mph in top on a less powerful bike having worked it hard through the gears. I like the idea of an upright riding position and the light weight too. Plus, it's a Triumph!
I was also thinking about the 900 Thunderbird sport, so you still have the triple engine but the classic styling. Or even a Bonnevile. Though my worry is that I want to get a classic Bonnie in the next couple of years and I'm scared it'll just feel like a crap unreliable version of a bike I already have rather than a special classic bike. So thought I'd go all modern with the STR.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Dan

[cmaguire]

Unless you have good reason then don't get the base model, get the R. That way you get sportsbike quality suspension and brakes.

Either way these bikes seem to get more than their fair share of people falling off them or nicking them, so just make sure it's straight and legit.

[Baryonyx]

Keep your eyes peeled for a Speed Triple whilst you're there!

[crofty1984]

cmaguire said:

Unless you have good reason then don't get the base model, get the R. That way you get sportsbike quality suspension and brakes.

Either way these bikes seem to get more than their fair share of people falling off them or nicking them, so just make sure it's straight and legit.

Am I right in thinking the R has lower bars and higher seat? I'm only 5'4" so every inch counts!

[cmaguire]

Not that I noticed, although I am 6ft.
I rode 3 standard ones and 2 R's before I bought my R.

Go try one.

[t552]

Get some good advice on their forum
www.street-triple.co.uk
or ask their gugu mechanic Clive Wood about dropping the street by a few mm's.
Clive also does maintenance courses for street triples.
07752 477738 or google"clive wood triumph ".
https://m.facebook.com/Clive-Wood-Triumph-82478264...

Edited by t552 on Saturday 9th January 08:53

[moanthebairns]

cmaguire said:

Unless you have good reason then don't get the base model, get the R. That way you get sportsbike quality suspension and brakes.

Either way these bikes seem to get more than their fair share of people falling off them or nicking them, so just make sure it's straight and legit.

I've ridden the street and owned the R.

Honestly, I thought the R ruined it for the road. Too stiff, it was still checkable but unless you were on a snooker table it was unbearable.

That said the brakes are a huge step up on the R.

[t552]

Daytona turned into a street triple

[neelyp]

The R does have a slightly higher seat, so an base model would suit you better.
I'm guessing that you're quite light so the standard rear shock will be fine, I changed mine as I'm a bit bigger and found it the weak point of the bike.
You'll hate the fuel consumption, around 120 miles to a tank, but they're a good bike, I've had mine nearly five years and can't see me ever getting rid of it.

[crofty1984]

neelyp said:

You'll hate the fuel consumption, around 120 miles to a tank, but they're a good bike, I've had mine nearly five years and can't see me ever getting rid of it.

I can see that being a pain in the arse, I'm used to 80mpg and 220 miles to a tank! But I'm sure I'll survive. Work is 31 miles away so that should see 2 complete commutes.

[philz]

Don't rush in and buy the R. As said above, the suspension is harder so unless you ride on smooth roads or track the base model might be better.

It's the same bike bar the suspension and brakes so ride both before you decide.

[crofty1984]

To be honest I think from some research and the responses here I'd be better off with the base bike. Plus hopefully I might be able to get a better condition one for my budget. What I basically want is a lighter more powerful version of my comfy upright NC700X, as opposed to coming from a GXR1000 and wanting a nakeder less powerful version of that (if that makes sense). So I won't miss what I never had, suspension and brake wise.
Thanks for the heads up on the forum. And I'm 69kg, so not a tiny wee slip of a girl, but not a massive chunker either.

[moanthebairns]

crofty1984 said:

To be honest I think from some research and the responses here I'd be better off with the base bike. Plus hopefully I might be able to get a better condition one for my budget. What I basically want is a lighter more powerful version of my comfy upright NC700X, as opposed to coming from a GXR1000 and wanting a nakeder less powerful version of that (if that makes sense). So I won't miss what I never had, suspension and brake wise.
Thanks for the heads up on the forum. And I'm 69kg, so not a tiny wee slip of a girl, but not a massive chunker either.

Buy the standard the R is going to be way too stiff for the road. Back then I was about the same weight and I couldn't live with it.

The brakes are st but only compared to the R. That still stop you and such. Just the R feels better.

[crofty1984]

neelyp said:

You'll hate the fuel consumption, around 120 miles to a tank, but they're a good bike, I've had mine nearly five years and can't see me ever getting rid of it.

I can see that being a pain in the arse, I'm used to 80mpg and 220 miles to a tank! But I'm sure I'll survive. Work is 31 miles away so that should see 2 complete commutes.

[marksx]

crofty1984 said:

I can see that being a pain in the arse, I'm used to 80mpg and 220 miles to a tank! But I'm sure I'll survive. Work is 31 miles away so that should see 2 complete commutes.

Mine does 35mpg according to the trip computer, and I ride like a nancy.

It's a great bike though. I might get another bike, but I won't sell this.

I'm not entirely sure what he meant, but when I walked away from one bike for a cheaper one, the dealer told me to 'just have a good look at the swingarm'.

I couldn't see anything wrong with mine.

[SteRB5138]

I like the colour scheme of the RX Black edition, I wouldnt pay £8500 for a new one, there are a lot of low mileage STR's around for 6 to 7 grand.

http://44teeth.com/triumph-street-triple-rx-black/

[neelyp]

I think the OP is looking at earlier, round headlight models.
The nice ones as I like to call them.

[mckeann]

I didn't used to hang about on mine and got 45mpg no problems, 50 is easily possible if you're not gunning it everywhere. I'd suspect 150miles to a tank on a commute if you keep it below 85-90mph

[Gusto]

crofty1984 said:

To be honest I think from some research and the responses here I'd be better off with the base bike. Plus hopefully I might be able to get a better condition one for my budget. What I basically want is a lighter more powerful version of my comfy upright NC700X, as opposed to coming from a GXR1000 and wanting a nakeder less powerful version of that (if that makes sense). So I won't miss what I never had, suspension and brake wise.
Thanks for the heads up on the forum. And I'm 69kg, so not a tiny wee slip of a girl, but not a massive chunker either.

For sure try both. You are a fair bit lighter than me, but I found after owning the R, a newer face-lift standard model felt far to wishy washy for me.

[Gusto]

mckeann said:

I didn't used to hang about on mine and got 45mpg no problems, 50 is easily possible if you're not gunning it everywhere. I'd suspect 150miles to a tank on a commute if you keep it below 85-90mph

This. I think i average about 45mpg. I have ridden mine up to London a few times which is a 140 mile round trip and I just have to fill it when I get home. But a lot of that is boring motorway.