Hi all from the UK I am new to the scene and since passing my CBT a few months back, have been learning on my Yamaha MT-125. After 700 miles, I already feel ready and mature enough (I’m 35!) for a bigger bike. I have just passed my theory test and am now looking at booking the direct access for the next month or 2. I have my heart set on the 765 Street Triple but am torn between the RS and R models. I absolutely love the look of the White R with the red frame. Couple that with the fact I will be city commuting most days it would also make sense to go for the R due to the more useable power. However I wonder if I will always have that little niggle in the back of my mind that I should have gone for the RS. Especially as it won’t be much more than the R once I spec the quickshifter, belly pan, etc. What are your thoughts? Help!!
Welcome aboard. Pretty much everyone I know who has spent time with the bikes would recommend the R as the best all round everyday bike. You lose a bit at the top end, but you'd be pushed to use those extra few hp on the road anyway, and the R suspension is a tad more forgiving. For city commuting I'd recommend the R over the RS. That said, the RS looks the bees knees.
Thanks Rich. The fact you have spoken to people who have experience with both and the R was agreed to be the better allrounder really helps. Looks wise I must admit I prefer the looks of the white/red over the RS schemes even without the touch of gold from the ohlins. I just hope that with only 700 miles under my belt I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew!
Just be sensible and you'll be okay. btw I work at a Triumph dealership so hence knowing a few people in the business who've ridden the bikes, me included.
Go for the R (I don't know what car you drive but after the short,no offence meant, biking history either bike will frighten the shit out of you at first.) this will be a beast after riding the learner bikes and unless you take your time and learn gradually these bikes can and will bite you severely on the arse. Get some miles in and commuting ride as if every vehicle is out to kill you, its a two wheel Ferrari. Good luck and ride safe.
Hello and welcome to the family. I've not ridden the R however the RS was awesome fun, if I had some spare cash the RS would be in my shed. My reason for riding the RS was I had it for 30mins on a test ride, within that 30mins I fell in love, it was a very quick bike, easy to ride, great fun in the twisty bits and of course went like the Devil was chasing you. In the end I bought a Bonneville which more suited an old fellow who likes to keep his licence. best wishes on your purchase, but make sure you test ride your choices first as its easy to think your choice is right for you when another would be perfect... Just like choosing a future partner
Hi Mate & welcome in, I own the 765RS but have not ridden the R model so can't give you a direct comparison, at the time I bought mine the R wasn't even out. What I will say though is the RS is not some rev hungry race replica 600, it will bimble about quite happily at 3-4000 RPM and will make progress in road or sport mode, it is after-all a 750 triple with the associated grunt, if you stick it in race mode then things become a little more focused and of course rev hungry or fun as I would describe it! As a relatively inexperienced rider coming from a leaner legal 125 the RS will feel like a skud missile with handlebars, that said it only goes as quick as you tell it to. If you're really honest with yourself do you need all the bells and whistles for city commuting? Do you need the extra few horse power? Or is it that you just are in love with the prestige of owning the flagship model? Also worth totting up how much the extras that are standard on the RS are going to cost to add to the R. There are many, many riders out there riding litre sports bikes that are simply too much for them on the road but they choose them because they're the best/fastest. All of that said, most modern kit now comes equipped with rider aids traction control/abs/anti wheelie (fun police) to stop you binning it. So my advise would be try both the 765RS and the R, I also would advise getting a go on a Street 675R as this is still a very good bike and the savings are considerable. Whatever you choose, ride safe and remember that more training is always worth the investment.
Hi and welcome to the forum Gotta agree with Pete - don't want to put you off but 700 miles is bugger all in terms of experience - I did 5000 miles before I took my test and still had a lot to learn. I've had two Streets Triples as loan bikes and they are a lot different to a 125cc bike! Care will be needed with the old right wrist
The answer to your conundrum (what a nice one to have) lies more in your personality than in the showroom. You know best what contents you and it is that odd mix of the rational/emotional response. If you are a ‘gotta have it all’ type you want the RS. Nothing else will avoid that slight empty feeling.......but it only lasts a few months by when a new machine will have caught your eye and the shine is going off the RS. I call it ‘magnumitis’ after the people who buy large calibre weapons beyond their ability to shoot straight! If you are a pragmatist you recognise that price differentials are about marketing, premium pricing and profit margins not about proportionately ‘more bike’. You will recognise the difference between track days and B roads and the virtues of torque over peak horsepower, especially for mid range overtaking. You will know the tyre, suspension and brake differences are irrelevant on the public highway- less, possibly the tyres which are more suited to regular road use on the R which you have just selected. If you are unusually mature you will recognise your current skill levels are already unequal to the leap you propose to take. You will recognise the time spent honing your skills will see further improvements in the machines under offer. You will choose the S and apply yourself to its mastery......or buy a 2nd hand 675 and defer your decision for 6 months and snap up an autumn bargain. Look in the mirror!
Blimey Steve, 5000 miles on a 125 that must have taken a while! Although I did do all the steps back in the day even though you could jump straight on 250's at 17, I went 50, 125, 250, 500, 750 & Z1000 by the time I was 19! Couldn't imagine a 19 year old riding an R1 in our nanny state now!
I knew the Site Philosopher would pop up soon enough. You have the innate understanding that deep within our psyche we seek the validation of our prejudices.
Wow I didn’t expect such a response. Clearly this community is the one to be a part of which helps confirm my decision to buy a Triumph. I hope so. Reading some of the threads and comments on here would back that up!
Cheers Pete. No offence taken. I have a mega sporty 1.6 Focus . Luckily I already ride defensively. I’m amazed at just how many people just don’t look properly when pulling out at junctions. Never really had that issue in the 16 years I have been driving.
Thanks Andy. Luckily my local Triumph dealer have already said they are happy for me to take both versions out when I pass my test. I have to say I did also take a shine to the Thruxton R when I was in the showroom, however I don’t think my back could take the fairly aggressive position.