Speed Four - cheap to run?

[slightlytasty]

I'm running a 2003 Fazer 600 for touring and commuting (good mpg) and a 2001 Speed Triple for fun and track days but need to cut costs as I'm gonna be a dirty student next year. Thinking of flogging the Triple and just running the Fazer but I just don't love it. Now considering selling both and getting a Speed Four.

Has anyone had one? If so what is the MPG when not caning it - eg. motorway touring and commuting?

I'll also need to do camping trips to Scotland etc. Are they easy to fit luggage to? Is a top box and rack available? Bungy hooks? Are they terrible on the motorway? (the Speed triple is manageable - it's got the small Triumph screen on)

Finally, are they reliable and cheap to service? I've found the Speed Triple to be surprisingly good - very well made, but it eats fuel and tyres.
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Own Aprilia RSV and 955i Speed Triple and 2002 FZS600, had Bandit 650, SV650S, GPZ500S, DR650

[chris-red]

It wouldn;t be much cheaper than the triple IMO, just sell the fazer.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[chris-red]

Right, more time to reply, Servicing is going to be more expensive than the Triple based on the fact the costs will be identical except the four has an extra cyclinder to check the valves on. For a major service from a deal don;t expect to see much change if any from £500.

MPG is ok if I'm sensible I can get 140miles out of about 16-17 litres if I'm not about 100-110.

The Speed Four is a completely different bike to the triple, the riding position is pretty much sports bike, and the engine is really revvy and won't have that triple grunt. The only thing the same is the looks.

By the time you have sold both your bikes and bought a Four then sorted it out and bought any extras you think you need then insured it I doubt you will be better off.

Don't get me wrong it is a brilliant bike and I love mine to bits but if you really like your triple I don't think you will be happy with a Four.

But then again when fettled it can have an arse like this

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/chris-red/IMG_0061.jpg
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[slightlytasty]

Good points, cheers man.

I love the riding position of the Triple, makes you behave like a hooligan. Didn't realise the Speed Four was clip-on style. I also love the torque but dislike the size and weight - it's a lot less agile than sports 600's. But the main drawback is the total lack of top end. After the massive whack of torque from 5000rpm, it's a real anti-climax when it get's steadily weaker as the revs build. Also NEVER does better than 45mpg and drops to 30's when really caning. Insurance is a bugger too.

I was hoping the Speed Four would combine the style, attitude and quality suspension of the Triple with the better economy and agility of a sports 600.

Fazer is averaging 50-55mpg and totally practical which is ace but I just don't love it. Handling is a bit soft and loose too. Maybe I should just learn to like it more - I can't justify having more than 1 bike anymore and it is a cheap to run, practical bargain
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Own Aprilia RSV and 955i Speed Triple and 2002 FZS600, had Bandit 650, SV650S, GPZ500S, DR650

[DrDonnyBrago]

How about a sports 600 - CBR6, zx6r, R6 and the like?

Sensible mpg when required but you can cane it at weekends, if top end rush is your thing then look no further.