Triumph Speed Four
Discussion
Hi guys,
Been looking at getting rid of the VFR for something a bit more exciting with better handling (I'll miss it though!)
Was looking at Fireblades, but after seeing a 954 in the flesh (The only Blade that really interested me) I didn't really like it that much, plus I think it's too nice a bike to be honked around by me daily.
Had these bikes in mind:
CBR600 - Just like an Inline 4 VFR800 to be honest, doesn't really do anything for me
Fazer 600 - Weiiiiiiiiird riding position, I can't get used to sit up and beg again
Hornet/Bandit - Too common really, don't fancy a Bandit at all and the Hornet has crap tank range
SV650 - The devils work! Too under powered, handle nicely though
Speed Triple - Can only afford a 955i
GSXR 600/750 SRAD - Love the look of these bikes, but unsure of Suzuki build quality
Then I got the idea of a Triumph Speed Four, I've read the MCN review and it goes on about what a quality machine it is, and how well it handles and I absolutely LOVE the look of it...
The fact I can get a low mileage 06 plate for £2800 appeals as well to be honest.
Is it going to be a bit of a step down from the VFR? Most of my riding is short commuting (5 miles each way) with the odd hoon through twisty roads, but I like to have fun going to work and back, rather than plod
I think this is going to be the first bike that makes me well up when I see it going though
Been looking at getting rid of the VFR for something a bit more exciting with better handling (I'll miss it though!)
Was looking at Fireblades, but after seeing a 954 in the flesh (The only Blade that really interested me) I didn't really like it that much, plus I think it's too nice a bike to be honked around by me daily.
Had these bikes in mind:
CBR600 - Just like an Inline 4 VFR800 to be honest, doesn't really do anything for me
Fazer 600 - Weiiiiiiiiird riding position, I can't get used to sit up and beg again
Hornet/Bandit - Too common really, don't fancy a Bandit at all and the Hornet has crap tank range
SV650 - The devils work! Too under powered, handle nicely though
Speed Triple - Can only afford a 955i
GSXR 600/750 SRAD - Love the look of these bikes, but unsure of Suzuki build quality
Then I got the idea of a Triumph Speed Four, I've read the MCN review and it goes on about what a quality machine it is, and how well it handles and I absolutely LOVE the look of it...
The fact I can get a low mileage 06 plate for £2800 appeals as well to be honest.
Is it going to be a bit of a step down from the VFR? Most of my riding is short commuting (5 miles each way) with the odd hoon through twisty roads, but I like to have fun going to work and back, rather than plod
I think this is going to be the first bike that makes me well up when I see it going though
Edited by camgear on Saturday 19th July 21:05
Hi mate,
I like the Speed Four and have been tempted on the odd occasion with one myself . I've not ridden one so can only go by looking at one at a dealer and the obvious mag reviews etc.
As a new bike i think it was a bit pricey... Around £6k i think when it came out.
Its alot more sporty in the riding position than its 'naked' look would suggest.
Its basically a TT600 (Triumph's 1st real attempt at a CBR600 beater) but the fuelling glitches the TT had don't seem to have affected the Spd4. (Triumph release a new fuel map ever 6 months anyway)
Its got adjustable suspension (i think) and the gearing etc is pure middleweight sports bike.
Well thats all the magazines robbed of their info
From what i've worked out as a 2nd hand buy its a belter..BUT you may find its not actually that great as a town commuter. Take one for a test ride and see what you think..
The only other thing you may find is the VFR has a good spread of power and you may not love having to rev the Spd4 alot harder to make good progress. All depends what you like really...
As i say alot of that info is taken from Magazine articles so i can't vouch personally for it on the road..
Very tidy looking tho..
I like the Speed Four and have been tempted on the odd occasion with one myself . I've not ridden one so can only go by looking at one at a dealer and the obvious mag reviews etc.
As a new bike i think it was a bit pricey... Around £6k i think when it came out.
Its alot more sporty in the riding position than its 'naked' look would suggest.
Its basically a TT600 (Triumph's 1st real attempt at a CBR600 beater) but the fuelling glitches the TT had don't seem to have affected the Spd4. (Triumph release a new fuel map ever 6 months anyway)
Its got adjustable suspension (i think) and the gearing etc is pure middleweight sports bike.
Well thats all the magazines robbed of their info
From what i've worked out as a 2nd hand buy its a belter..BUT you may find its not actually that great as a town commuter. Take one for a test ride and see what you think..
The only other thing you may find is the VFR has a good spread of power and you may not love having to rev the Spd4 alot harder to make good progress. All depends what you like really...
As i say alot of that info is taken from Magazine articles so i can't vouch personally for it on the road..
Very tidy looking tho..
I have a Speed Four.
I really do like it. Great handling, fantastic brakes, quirky looks give character and it's plently quick for me.
That said, as much as I like it, I would not recommend it for commuting/riding around town.
At slow speeds in traffic it runs pretty hot, with the fans blowing hot air around you.
Also the riding position / clip-on handlebars get uncomfortable for me around town.
It's absolutly perfect for blasts around the countryside though
I really do like it. Great handling, fantastic brakes, quirky looks give character and it's plently quick for me.
That said, as much as I like it, I would not recommend it for commuting/riding around town.
At slow speeds in traffic it runs pretty hot, with the fans blowing hot air around you.
Also the riding position / clip-on handlebars get uncomfortable for me around town.
It's absolutly perfect for blasts around the countryside though
AndyBe said:
I've got an early TT600. One of the first one's out, and have never had any problems with the supposed fuel glitch. But then it is on a race-pipe with the race-tune downloaded.
Same here. Just another case of the British media kicking a british product.I have nothing but positive things to say about the TT (that is apart from it's bulky appearance)
I have a Speed Four! Bought it in 2003 and have put 33,000 miles on it.
Most days it crawls across London from west to east, protesting at anything under 30 mph and running hot, but I absolutely adore it. It has also taken me to Africa and this summer it goes to Croatia.
The handling is absolutely superb. It is THE ONLY naked sports bike. Drop handlebars and high quality chassis make it an absolute joy to ride when the roads are good, and the looks speak to me like nothing else, even though most people call it an abortion. I love the fact that even people who think they know bikes don't really know much about it.
The quality is superb- much better than my old Kawasaki, and the reliability is exceptional. The only time I ever had a problem with it was when the alarm broke down, but that was Datatool's fault, not Triumph's.
Yes I'm raving about it, but that's because there has never been a bike that speaks to me like this. It is not however for people that complain about "lack of weather protection" or "low handlebars".
Have a look at www.SpeedFour.org if you have any specific questions.
Most days it crawls across London from west to east, protesting at anything under 30 mph and running hot, but I absolutely adore it. It has also taken me to Africa and this summer it goes to Croatia.
The handling is absolutely superb. It is THE ONLY naked sports bike. Drop handlebars and high quality chassis make it an absolute joy to ride when the roads are good, and the looks speak to me like nothing else, even though most people call it an abortion. I love the fact that even people who think they know bikes don't really know much about it.
The quality is superb- much better than my old Kawasaki, and the reliability is exceptional. The only time I ever had a problem with it was when the alarm broke down, but that was Datatool's fault, not Triumph's.
Yes I'm raving about it, but that's because there has never been a bike that speaks to me like this. It is not however for people that complain about "lack of weather protection" or "low handlebars".
Have a look at www.SpeedFour.org if you have any specific questions.
Sitting my DAS next week, and was looking at Speed Fours in addition to SV650s, Fazers, etc....
...what typical mpg will the Speed Four get, and what is it like for longish journeys (100-150 miles)?
I've seen quotes from 35-45mpg, which seems a bit higher than other 600s. Can anyone with experience of a Speed Four comment?
...what typical mpg will the Speed Four get, and what is it like for longish journeys (100-150 miles)?
I've seen quotes from 35-45mpg, which seems a bit higher than other 600s. Can anyone with experience of a Speed Four comment?
Taffer said:
Sitting my DAS next week, and was looking at Speed Fours in addition to SV650s, Fazers, etc....
...what typical mpg will the Speed Four get, and what is it like for longish journeys (100-150 miles)?
I've seen quotes from 35-45mpg, which seems a bit higher than other 600s. Can anyone with experience of a Speed Four comment?
Can't comment on a Speed Four but my zzr600 of old and mates thundercats etc would easily do 45mpg on a long run....what typical mpg will the Speed Four get, and what is it like for longish journeys (100-150 miles)?
I've seen quotes from 35-45mpg, which seems a bit higher than other 600s. Can anyone with experience of a Speed Four comment?
At a steadyish 80-90 over in Europe even my tuned TL1000 averaged 57mpg.. Compared to late 20's-early 30's around town and country lanes..
I would expect atleast 45 ish out of the speed four on a long cruise
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff