Speed Triple - born again biker?

[steveleach]

Hi chaps.. just wanted an opinion on whether or not you think a Speed Triple would be ok for a born again biker? I havent ridden for about 15 years. I have previously had two bikes (CB750 and a ZX9R) but had a bit of a bad experience with the 9R (due to a high speed get off!).

This put me off riding for some time but now the kids have grown up, the urge has returned. I have always loved the Speed Triples and have really set my heart on one, but the burning question is.. would this be ok for me? For the record, im 6ft 2 and some people have suggested i might be too tall for a Triple?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Bendy]

You won't be too tall for it and the rest is up to you.

15 years is a big gap but if you're heart's set on it then why not. Just take it easy til you get your hand back in.

[map]

First thing I'd do is go and sit on one at a dealers to see if it fits you. No point in buying a bike that you'll need to find a chiropractor after every ride.

Other than that, IMO life's too short for what ifs.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[steveleach]

thanks for quick replies. you are right.. if its what i want i should go for it. life IS too short and i know that i would quickly get bored of a middle weight compromise like a Hornet or Fazer..

15 years is a long time and this is why im a bit hesitant.. feel like a bloody beginner again!

[sabian92]

[BTTD]

I'd definitely recommend a day with an instructor. You'll get all your bad habits picked out and reminded of loads of the stuff you didn't realise you'd forgotten. It'll put your confidence way up.

Speed triples are fun.

[steveleach]

cheers everyone... you have definitely helped me make me mind up. some great advice and comments. i will follow my heart. Speed Triple it is!!

[bikertomm]

Brilliant machine mate. Keep us updated.

Be interested to hear your opinion on the power it puts out compared to a 15 year old 900


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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[steveleach]

Will keep you posted mate. They are awesome machines..

I wish i could afford a brand new Striple so will be going for the earlier 955i model. to be honest i actually prefer the 955's to the new ones.. my old 15 year old B4 ZX9R Ninja was pretty pokey.. probably one of the fastest bikes around at the time, but way too heavy. so id be surprised if the Triple put out more power than my old Ninja.

[Irn-Bru]

A quick Google reveals the triple is slightly heavier than your old Ninja and 20bhp down too.

Triumph usually have good 0% deals on their new bikes but personally hate being locked into a contract of any sort. Either way, people seem to have no bother at all getting test rides from them. There's also that new Yamaha triple bike too but it's only just come out so doubt there are many 2nd hand ones kicking about.

I would consider a top-up lesson or 2, then test ride a few bikes, count your pennies and go from there.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[steveleach]

Thanks Irn-Bru.

I think the weight of the ZX9R you might be referring too was the C model.. this come out a year after a bought the B model in the late 90's and was about 30kg lighter as i remember my old B model was well over 210kgs dry. I was pretty annoyed at the time but hey ho.. i did love that old thing though.

[Ribenapigeon]

I think this weeks issue of MCN had a review of a few bikes side by side including the speed triple. Might be worth a read.

[steveleach]

hi chaps.. i decided against the 955i and will be test riding a 1050 this weekend....all things being well a deal will be done.

i'm going for a Black one with all the usual after market accessories (seat cowl, belly, fly etc).. however it has aftermarket "Wolf" silencers fitted.. anyone have any experience of Wolf cans and if so, any good?