Testride - 06 Triumph Speed Triple

[Huambo81a]

Booked a test ride yesterday and took this bike for an hours ride on some local roads.

WOW!! This bike seriously kicks monkey balls. The only word for it is instant power, in any gear. Feels very much like someone is trying to push you off the bike when you accelerate (even in 5th at 30mph) torque is so much fun! It also handles at least as well as my 636 which i was very suprised by, but then looking at the size of the bike its really a very small package with a ludicrously short wheelbase, which brings me onto my next subject.

This thing wheelies, with ease. Power wheelies are possible in 1st 2nd, and sometimes 3rd. I entered a bend and put what i thought was a 'little' power on and the front hopped off the ground, but even on a lean it landed without drama (and i`m shit at wheelies)

It really is going to be my next bike when i can afford it, i`ve always suspected that my choice to go from a Bandit 12 to a 636 was a mistake, i love torquey engines too much and the upright seating position suits me down to the ground.

The sound is something else i wish to mention. From the second you start this bike up you know you are on something unique. To describe the burble from the dual exhausts is impossible, you`ll just have to book a test ride for yourself to hear it, but it sounds incredible. If any of you have ever heard a D675, well just add another 375cc's on that sound, and your nearly there
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Present: 2017 KTM Super Adventure S
Past: 97 Bandit 600 / 05 Bandit 1200 / 03 ZX6-R / 2006 Tuono R / 2001 VFR 800 / 2010 Street Triple R / 2013 Speed Triple S / 2017 S1000XR

[Whosthedaddy]

The Speed triple looks as hard as nails, and by the sounds of it goes like it too.
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[Fastgut]

I can certainly say that the Triple does go like stink. In fact when I first got mine I did a record low mileage from a tank of 83 miles (my current average is about 120 odd) as I was arsing around on it so much. One thing...if its an 05 or early 06 as opposed to brand new you might find the front brake going off after a while. Mine certainly does and the guy at the triumph place says I'm not the only one. The really new ones dont seem to have this problem(its obvious within about 3 weeks.) Thankfully if I feel it going off I just take it in and they bleed it and top it up for me for free.
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Was a driving instructor now working in Insurance
Bikes:2005 Speed Triple and 2004 FZ6 Fazer (now the other half's)

[doggone]

They are great and I was looking at them too.
Just seemed overpriced and the finish is not that good for the money.
Will be a good buy as a three year old discarded low mileage toy.

[Huambo81a]

i just thought it was a fantastic machine, its a combination of the noise (from standard cans!) the obvious pull of the 1050 triple, and the handling. Just superb!

I have heard about the brake problem in the 05 model, which is something to consider as thats the model i would realistically go for (i dont like pre-05) i`m gonna go and check on prices now and see what i think.

EDIT: All looking a little pricey at the moment, £6295 is the average for an 05 bike, not sure what i was expecting, but a free one would be lovely.
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Present: 2017 KTM Super Adventure S
Past: 97 Bandit 600 / 05 Bandit 1200 / 03 ZX6-R / 2006 Tuono R / 2001 VFR 800 / 2010 Street Triple R / 2013 Speed Triple S / 2017 S1000XR

[Rob]

[MarJay]

I think the finish on Hinkley Triumphs went downhill a bit after the factory fire but after a few months it was back up to its "Better than Suzuki-equalling Kawasaki and Yamaha-almost as good as Honda" Quality.

I certainly never had any issues with my Daytona.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[beatnck]

ive always liked speed triples, and after i pass my test im going to start looking at them with a bit more interest

[Wooly R6]

i really like the look of them - white and yellow are the ones i like!!
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R6 has been sold - 2004 Honda VFR VTEC now sold too - no bike at the moment

[Huambo81a]

[Dark]

[suzi_bandit]

I made my mind up that it was a speed triple I wanted a couple of months ago and I've managed to stash away 'bout 1,500 quid towards one to date. It will be a while before I hit target but I know I'll get there

Mine's gonna be a black one !
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I want a big boys bike, preferably a Speed Triple. To date I have ?7:42p stashed away to put towards one. Need to get it in the bank & earning interest asap.

[Fastgut]

Mines the black tribal. Means I have a whole set of black bodywork and tank spare
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Was a driving instructor now working in Insurance
Bikes:2005 Speed Triple and 2004 FZ6 Fazer (now the other half's)

[Huambo81a]

[suzi_bandit]

[Mister James]

I love the look of them, especially the newer model with the under-seat exhausts.

If and when I ever see a payout, I'll be testriding one!
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>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...

[tintin]

If you like the Speed triple then try and get a test ride on an Aprilia Tuono, very similar concept but the twin engine, chassis, suspension and brakes make it really special.
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The older I get the better I was

[Rob]

[kwacky]

[stevo as b4]

Yes the speed triple really does sound from road tests, as good as it looks! Iv'e always liked them, and i love the way it's performance is supposed to be as agressive as it's looks, unlike the Yamaha MT01, which was a shame!

I'd definately consider a secondhand speed triple in a couple of years, when i can afford another bike. I also do like the Benelli TNT and the Kawasaki Z1000, as these sort of agressive naked bikes, are the kind of thing that appeals to me now, after 5 years on a sports bike. Has anyone ridden/owned these other two bikes, and have any opinions on them compared to the Triumph?

I wish Kawasaki would bung the ZZR12 or ZX12R engine into a slightly beefed up Z1000 style machine, as that i think would make it the best bike around!

[McJamweasel]

[kwacky]

I've no doubt that it wasn't well maintained, but the plastics discolouring wasn't down to corrosion, it was the acutal plastic. You know when it seems to go whiteish?

[McJamweasel]

[kwacky]

You live and learn