'19 Triumph Speed Triple S: Excellence

I was riding a '19 Yamaha MT09 and thoroughly enjoyed it but for some handling shortcomings. Intending to keep it (the MT's 3 cyl 851cc engine is a gem!) I stopped into my dealer and happened to notice his one remaining '19 Speed Triple (white, exactly as pictured above) had been reduced dramaticall...y in price! I was shocked & immediately made a deal to trade my MT.

My-o-my, I've been riding for over 50 yrs and have had quite a range of bikes - a '72 Honda CL200 Scrambler, XL 175, 2 early 70's CB 350's, '74 CL 450 Scrambler, '75 CB 550, '82 Yamaha Vision, '79 Kawi KZ 1000MkII, '82 Suz GS1100E, two '92 CBR600's, 2 Suz SV650's, 3 SV1000's, an '05 ZX10, '07 Kaw 636, a slew of dirt bikes and the MT (whew).

With the Triumph I had finally found a bike the combines virtually all the best qualities of the street bikes I have enjoyed over the years. For a "hooligan" bike I would say this is the most refined and usable of that genre. Smooth, refined (but retaining a nice "mechanical" edge), immensely usable midrange torque, wheelies (if you're so inclined with a twist of the wrist) and a quality feel that exceeds all of my previous rides.

I have only about 2700 miles on it to date so it's ultimate dependability has yet to be established but so far it has been flawless. The TFT dash is excellent, it's road manners on its fully adjustable Showa suspension has been superb, and the Pirelli Supercorsas excellent (though I'll replace with something more sport touring oriented). What's not to like? Though comfortable "enough" I could use a bit more moving around room on the seat. With its anti-lock brakes the front has a bit too much "slack" before the otherwise excellent Brembos really bite, even though it comes standard with braided lines. I also may sprocket it down a bit as the gearing is perhaps a bit too much sport tourer than hooligan. Other than that I am extremely pleased with my purchase to date. Kudos to Triumph! Read Full Review