2009 Triumph Speed Triple

Having come from a long line of full-faired sportbikes the Speed triple is a welcome relief. Plenty fast and torqey, good build quality, fairly rational riding position. The perfect stablemate to my 2008 BMW R1200GS Adv.

If you are looking for a bike that is comfortable enough to roam around the city streets and take for a half day trip, look no further. This bike offers up the sensibility of a street machine with the performance of a torquey Race Replica. Handling is amazing and the bike will literally rail around ... corners. Lean angle is great (Without Belly Pan) and ground clearance offers up the opportunity to get in a little knee dragging should the occasion call for it. There are more powerful bikes out there, but if you plan to use the bike for the street... how much power do you need?

Exclusivity, heritage, head turning, high powered machinery. These are all things that can be associated with the Speed Triple. I currently own my first Triple after owning 14 other motorcycles of almost every make and style. I put this bike right along side the Yamaha R6 as my most favorite machine. They are apples and oranges so neither is better than the other. I can't begin to tell you how fun the Triple is. You have to test ride one for yourself. Don't be shy with the throttle and you will be rewarded with what truly makes this bike so special.

I have had a cruiser for 6 years and was really bored of riding! I fell in love with the S3 when I first saw it in mission impossible. I have had it for 1 month (already have 1800km) and all I can say is wow. I was shocked at how many people stare at the bike, the look is so unique. A big plus is ... that there are not many around and the Triumph heritage helps. The engine is a gem. So fast yet so predictable and easy to ride. On the corners the bike feels glued to the pavement thanks to great tires and a small and nimble frame. The triples make the most wonderfull sound in the biking world! They are my sound system. Anyone thinking of getting one, GET IT!!!

Handles like a dream. Feels very light and you can really throw it around with ease. The brakes are excellent - After 2700kms I still haven't found the need to use more than 1 finger. In addition the back brake is setup very well, just enough force to help stabilize/stop the bike without the hint ... of locking up.

Sweet power deliver: Can be ridden as a run-about at the lower revs, but will make you smile silly when you open her up and blast off near the red-line. This is also where the sound of the bike touches your soul you find yourself itching to bring the bike back to that speed/sound sensation.

Sensitive throttle so it took a bit of getting used to for me. But my first/previous bike is a BMW boxer so I think it might just be me. But you need to take care even at low rpm's going over bumps as a small wrist movement can get the bike galloping forward expectantly. Which shows how incredible the responsiveness of the bike is but also how at factory settings the suspension is a little hard (sporty). Front wheel power wheelies (no clutch) in first/second very easily - you need to be aware of that. (lots of fun though). Bearing in mind it is a 'naked' bike so after 160kmph it gives you a neck muscle workout. I don't have the fly-screen as yet but apparently it does help a bit. (plus it looks wicked) I love the look of the bike, to me it looks as balanced as it feels when you ride it, and its also just undeniably different with character and attitude. You feel the same character riding the bike, quite simply it turns you into a bit of a hooligan! :-D

This bike is by far the most fun you will ever have on 2 wheels! Fast, great handling and one of the most reliable machines on the market! So if you are looking for a great universal motorcycle that can do things you never thought possible on 2 wheels or one!! this is the one! Think of it as a two ... wheel Jag that gets close to 50 miles per gallon and costs less than $11,000.00!!