The Street Triple has ruined other bikes for me
Discussion
I love my 2009 Street Triple R but, realistically, it's not well suited to the mostly-commuting miles I do for the following reasons:
– It offers minimal protection from the elements
– Range is crap, 160 miles and that's running it within half a litre of dry. Even commuting just 3 days, I'm at the petrol station once a week.
– The riding position is just sporty enough that I can never quite relax because of the forward lean
Yesterday I test rode a Yamaha Tracer 700 thinking that it would address every one of these points and that, being a new bike, it would somehow feel new and shiny and special.
I didn't like it at all.
It felt large and ungainly because the tank appears massively wide from the rider's perspective (this is mostly a psychological thing).
The engine was lumpy compared to the Street's lovely triple. It didn't seem to like being in 2nd gear in Bristol's 20mph zones, and I didn't think it sounded particularly good.
The dash and controls felt cheap and plasticky. The suspension was jiggly and kind of unsettled feeling, and I didn't feel like the bike inspired confidence at all.
I did have a sit on a Tiger 800 which in theory should be much closer to the Street Triple experience, although it still felt big compared to my bike. I may yet test ride one.
Cool story bro, I know. Suggestions/abuse welcome.
– It offers minimal protection from the elements
– Range is crap, 160 miles and that's running it within half a litre of dry. Even commuting just 3 days, I'm at the petrol station once a week.
– The riding position is just sporty enough that I can never quite relax because of the forward lean
Yesterday I test rode a Yamaha Tracer 700 thinking that it would address every one of these points and that, being a new bike, it would somehow feel new and shiny and special.
I didn't like it at all.
It felt large and ungainly because the tank appears massively wide from the rider's perspective (this is mostly a psychological thing).
The engine was lumpy compared to the Street's lovely triple. It didn't seem to like being in 2nd gear in Bristol's 20mph zones, and I didn't think it sounded particularly good.
The dash and controls felt cheap and plasticky. The suspension was jiggly and kind of unsettled feeling, and I didn't feel like the bike inspired confidence at all.
I did have a sit on a Tiger 800 which in theory should be much closer to the Street Triple experience, although it still felt big compared to my bike. I may yet test ride one.
Cool story bro, I know. Suggestions/abuse welcome.
Edited by MajorMantra on Monday 3rd February 15:04
lukeyman said:
They're 23 litres... just seen a video about one. They look quite funky.
What about something Zero-y? Fill up at home then!
For commuting an electric bike would be very convenient, but they're still so, so expensive that the numbers don't add up.What about something Zero-y? Fill up at home then!
I spend maybe a grand on fuel for the bike over the year. A Zero Black Forest is £18k or something!
the cueball said:
If you're looking for direct comparision... it should have been the MT09 triple.
Mind you.. if you think 160 miles is bad... My MT does around 120/130 miles before needing a drink.
So then the tracer would be a better shout... still a triple, better range.
I was looking at the Tracer 700 because I don't even really need the power of the Street, and the Tracer 900 is +10bhp again. Mind you.. if you think 160 miles is bad... My MT does around 120/130 miles before needing a drink.
So then the tracer would be a better shout... still a triple, better range.
Also, the fuel economy of the 700 appeals, although I gather the 900 isn't too bad. And at current prices the 900 is almost £4k more! Tbf it does look a lot less budget up close.
Lee540 said:
Commuted on ZX10R for a while before it was stolen.. 70 mile round trip. Fuel every other day. Pay at pump, just a minor inconvinence.
I have a very low tolerance for faff and even pay at pump can enrage me when I have to pause my podcast and fart around with the cables for my heated gloves and vest. First world problems, I know.MajorMantra said:
I have a very low tolerance for faff and even pay at pump can enrage me when I have to pause my podcast and fart around with the cables for my heated gloves and vest. First world problems, I know.
According to Visordown, an ancient BMW R80 G/S could well be the bike for you with its 417 mile range on a tankful.https://www.visordown.com/features/top-10s/top-10-...
k
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