New 2016 Speed Triple R owner.

Hello everyone!

This is my first post and as I can see you’re a warm bunch of folks, here’s a short introduction from me.

Having owned many motorcycles over the past 20 years, I found myself looking for something a bit more dynamic than the super sports bikes that I normally own, which have included several R1’s and Fireblades as well as an GSXR and a SP1 to name a few. A few years ago I briefly owned a Speed triple T509, which was a perfectly good bike (I have to watch what I say here J ) but was a little too pedestrian for me compared to the performance I was used to.

This year I spent a few weeks in Canada riding a Hardly Dangerous, which normally isn’t my first choice of weapon, but did make me appreciate again how Bikes can be comfortable at cruising speed, if you aren’t hanging over the front wheel holding clips-ons with all your weight on your wrist. I personally find super sports bike quite comfortable if traveling at over 80mph, but now I’m the wrong side of 40 with a young family – my mortality (and licence) is much more important to me.

I decided to explore the big naked scene (which gave my wife some consternation until I explained!).

I started with the KTM Superduke R 1290. Very comfortable with confidence inspiring grip everywhere. Brembo's were spot on and the sheer grunt that's available is absolutely ridiculous. Whilst the engine had a huge punch, it did feel a bit too mechanical, especially at lower revs. Top speed could be reached very quickly but the front felt a little skittish at high which may be improved with changing the riding mode (I was in road mode the whole time). It was also the most expensive bike in the bunch by far and I wasn’t convinced.


Next the BMW S1000R. Power delivery was very familiar compared to the KTM but did seem to rev out quickly - I kept going for another gear. Riding position was a little disappointing and it had a harder ride than I was expecting in both road and race mode. Whilst I don't doubt it's a very capable bike on paper and would certainly be hard to beat in a straight race from A to B, it felt a bit dull and predictable. As I looked back at it from the demonstrator bike parking area, it didn't sparkle with sexiness at me.


Finally I wanted to try the Triumph Speed Triple R. Having owned an early T509 speed triple (see above) I didn't have very high expectations. When I first threw my leg over, it felt right. Where the BMW felt similar to a Superbike and the KTM felt a lot closer to an adventure bike in riding position, the Triumph was just in the sweet spot in-between. Although a little down on power versus the others overall balance between capability, comfort more than makes up for it and still has far more power than you could and especially should use more than 99% of the time! the handling and grip as well as the single finger breaking power was better than both the KTM and BMW making it all in all an exceptionally capable bike. I’m also a little patriotic and very happy at the thought of something designed and built in the UK J


So there we have it. I took delivery of my Graphite Grey Speed Triple R two weeks ago, purchased from Ongar Triumph in Essex. I absolutely love it and expect to hang on to it for a very long time.


Next step is EvoTech tail Tidy, not the R&G thanks for the posts on this forum, and maybe an exhaust upgrade.


Hope you enjoyed reading, all the best for now.


With cheer

Nev

 

Hi Dougie D

I’m fortunate to have a father in-law that lives in Ottawa who shares a passion for motorcycles. So it wasn’t so much a tour than an opportunity to take his Harley out whenever I wished, which I did on multiple occasions.

Canada is a fantastic place to cruise on a bike. The roads are pretty awful for a sports bike, but the Harley was perfect for the job. I’d imagine a guided tour would be fantastic

 

haha, I had a few minutes to kill so thought indulge myself