Thinking of a Speed Triple. . . .few questions

Hi da pink and welcome to the forum. I have the 2012 Speed Triple ABS and its just coming up to a year old now. So far its been totally reliable with just the plastic indicators needing replacement under warranty when the stems cracked. Done 7000 miles on it now and still love it. I've has singles, V twins, and in line fours and I believe the 1050 triple engine is one of the best engines ever built for the real world (not racing). It's smooth loads of low down torque and still has plenty of get up and go near the red line.

Brybrem may be best to advise on what is better about the new model over the old as he has recently upgraded from the old model to new. Most reports I hear is that the overall package is just better, handling wise I find the rear shock a bit hard and the ride can be a little harsh when the road surface is rough. The bike loves corners and for me with the right tyres fitted (Michelin Pilot R3's) it is totally confidence inspiring. I had a 1200 Bandit for a few years and the new Speed Triple is better than a Bandit in almost every way other than carrying a pillion; the Bandit will feel heavy and slow to turn compared. Does the new Speed Wheelie; off course it will if you are that way inclined; off the throttle in first and second off even a slight rise.

Rode mine off and on through last winter and washed after every ride, I have noticed one or two fasteners have gone slightly dull ( bolts holding the front Brembo's) but its no where near as bad as riding my Bandit through one winter as that just started to dissolve Think I will use some of that protection spray this year (ACF 50??) before winter riding.

My only slight issue with the bike is that leg wise its a fairly sporty riding position and I am quite tall (and wide ) and I do find my knees hurt after a long ride and you will need to get the neck muscles in training. I have SW Motec soft panniers and tank bag for my machine and toured on it this year with no other issues, its a fun bike that can be practical, reliable , 160 ish miles to a tank, reasonable insurance and its British :upyeah:

 

Hi, and welcome.

I think you will find most of this forum will speak highly of the speed (as they should). It is a great bike and I have just moved from a street triple R, and before that a Tuono and RSV. I do like and prefer litre bikes. I have only had this one 6 months and purchased it to be my daily commuter. I have the 2012 and its a really good bike so sold my weekend toy and use this for both. I did change the tyres to PR3's as I want the best wet/cold grip I can get. There may be better bikes out there but its always down to personal choice. When funds allow I would go back to a Tuono V4 but its a lot of bike for a daily commute with some weekend fun thrown in so hard to justify the money.

For keeping it in top condition over the winter, I have always used CF50 and it did the job with the street over last winter and looked just as good as new when I sold it recently.

The rear tyre is a good size and lean angle is down to skill and bottle, but it will go over. Spend a little time setting the suspension up and enjoy

 

6' 4" ! 18 stone

 

Your touno will take some beating. I had both a gen1 and gen2 but borrowed a v4. That bested both but at a silly price. I traded my gen2 for a street triple which is a fantastic bike just a bit to small. That's how I ended up with the speed as I missed the big bike feel.

So which is better, honestly both are great bikes. I find I use the speed a lot more than I ever did the Aprilia. This makes for me anyway a better bike as I can see a use for the price. I had an RSV up until a few weeks ago but sold it as I stopped using it of a weekend. With the right tyres the speed handles amazingly.

 

Shortarse - lightweight! :upyeah:

 

Hi da-pink, its a cracking bike - its user friendly,comfy and the pegs aren't what I'd call sporty - saying that I know they have been raised up from the previous model and that helps the lap times that the bike mags and big T published. I've had two so far a 2011 & 2013 and can recommend them. I've gone back to a blade as its only a toy and I can't use it for work so its just for fun. The Speed was loads of fun throughout the rev range but just didn't give me the rush I get with the blade but if and when I go back to something more comfy but nearly as much fun it will be another Speed - job done. :upyeah:

By the way i'm 6'0.5" and heavy enough to pin the current wife down! Pic of me by my speed in another post :wink:

 

There's actually not really a major amount of difference between my 07 and 2011 but the newer one is just tweaked a little in so many areas that it has become a better bike. If things went tits up tomorrow I wouldn't feel too bad about having to sell the new one and keep the old one. On the new one the handling's a bit better, the breaking's a bit better but I think I prefer the riding position of the old one - but I'm taking steps to sort that. I still think I prefer the looks of the old one but, of course, that's a personal thing.

I know where there's a really nice green 07 model going for £4,000 (with the best part of £2,000 worth of bits) - one careful owner, if you're interested?

 

I'm in North Wales (just).

To be honest, if you're really serious about wanting it as long as you could have the money to me before Easter I'll keep it for you - I spent the wife's kitchen fund on the new one and I'm taking a couple of weeks off at Easter to knock a wall down and put a new kitchen in. If you want, come down and have a look. If not, don't worry, I don't think I'll have too much trouble selling it. Here's a recent pic. It was actually taken at our rally last year, not 2007 as it shows in the snap - I'm just a fucktard with the camera settings. I've just had the wheels and sub-frame powder coated as the paint was bubbling a bit - wish I'd done it ages ago as it looks even better with gloss black wheels!

 

Not sure - I'm a 13 year old girl with larger breasts than I should have for my years. You decide!

 

Who's grooming who, now?