Help My Dilemma! Speed Four Or Daytona 955i?

ContactSC · Aug 9, 2024

Hi, I'm looking for a second bike that I can just jump on and ride around back lanes and in town with friends. I have a BMW R1200RS, which I love, but is more of a long-distance tourer, so I want a second ride that is quite different.

I don't have the funds to buy a GSXR750 at the quality level and low mileage I crave but have options on a 2004 Triumph Speed Four with incredibly low mileage (otherwise quite stock) or a 2003 Triumph 955i daytona carbon with 23k and a lot of extras and the raised bars. Both in great condition - the Speed Four obvs nearly new in terms of 'use' but has had only tens of miles' use between MOTs (in one case about 40 miles over 5 years) so I'm wondering if there might be issues with that, as it's probably been sitting in a garage untouched for years.

I previously had a Gixxer 750 but was too sporty a riding position for me, as an old guy, although I completely loved it. The Daytona has raised handlebars so shouldn't have that issue.

Both are about the same price. I'm thinking the Speed Four because it's almost new, in a way, but reading reviews everyone seems to think it's quite clunky and not as good as the Daytona. But the Daytona has 10 times the mileage, altho looks to be in mint condition (and has had the valve clearances done at 12k).

I could do with some opinions, especially from any owners of either, or both!! I'm wracked with indecision!

ContactSC · Aug 9, 2024

Dawsy said: ↑

Hi and welcome to the forum. Not an owner of either of those but for me it would be the Daytona every time![/QUOTE
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Thanks Dawsy! I'm not new but haven't been around for quite a while because I had to sell my Striple 765.

Appreciate you responding, thank you.

ContactSC · Aug 10, 2024

ContactSC said: ↑

Hi, I'm looking for a second bike that I can just jump on and ride around back lanes and in town with friends. I have a BMW R1200RS, which I love, but is more of a long-distance tourer, so I want a second ride that is quite different.

I don't have the funds to buy a GSXR750 at the quality level and low mileage I crave but have options on a 2004 Triumph Speed Four with incredibly low mileage (otherwise quite stock) or a 2003 Triumph 955i daytona carbon with 23k and a lot of extras and the raised bars. Both in great condition - the Speed Four obvs nearly new in terms of 'use' but has had only tens of miles' use between MOTs (in one case about 40 miles over 5 years) so I'm wondering if there might be issues with that, as it's probably been sitting in a garage untouched for years.

I previously had a Gixxer 750 but was too sporty a riding position for me, as an old guy, although I completely loved it. The Daytona has raised handlebars so shouldn't have that issue.

Both are about the same price. I'm thinking the Speed Four because it's almost new, in a way, but reading reviews everyone seems to think it's quite clunky and not as good as the Daytona. But the Daytona has 10 times the mileage, altho looks to be in mint condition (and has had the valve clearances done at 12k).

I could do with some opinions, especially from any owners of either, or both!! I'm wracked with indecision!
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Quick update - I bought the Daytona 955i (red, Carbon Edition), looks mint! Can't wait to go and pick it up.

ContactSC · Aug 10, 2024

Dawsy said: ↑

Hope you enjoy it I'm sure you will, and don't forget pictures!!
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Haven't picked it up yet but this is reportedly (!) what it looks like!

Iceman · Aug 13, 2024

Make sure you check the headstock, the frames are known to crack at that point.

ContactSC · Aug 13, 2024

Iceman said: ↑

Make sure you check the headstock, the frames are known to crack at that point.
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would it have passed the MOT if they were cracked?

(this is not meant to be sarcastic, genuine question. It's just passed an MOT and the DVLA says this about testing steering, IDK if it would be detailed enough to test the headstock: "forks, handlebars, grips mountings, head bearings, swinging arm, shock absorbers and damping effect etc are secure and work properly")

TRIPLE X · Aug 13, 2024

I think it was only the early ones with the polished frames that had problems with the headstock cracking.

Obijohnkenobe · Aug 13, 2024

As an ex 955i owner, I would say it's one of the best bikes I have owned. Not the best but defo up there!

Iceman · Aug 15, 2024

ContactSC said: ↑

would it have passed the MOT if they were cracked?

(this is not meant to be sarcastic, genuine question. It's just passed an MOT and the DVLA says this about testing steering, IDK if it would be detailed enough to test the headstock: "forks, handlebars, grips mountings, head bearings, swinging arm, shock absorbers and damping effect etc are secure and work properly")
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Hi, no I didn't think you were being sarcastic at all just asking a genuine question, your post didn't mention it had just had an MOT, but that aside things can and do get missed, that is why some MOT examiners will pass say a loud end can whilst another will not, the same is true for all manner of testable items, it is easy to check if there was any recalls, just go on the Triumph website safety recall, and double check visually for your peace of mind, you can gain a lot of historical information and facts when asking the owner you are buying it from both open and closed questions, take a knowledgeable friend with you when buying, if you are not to sure yourself, although I understand you have now bought it. You don't mention how you bought the machine, by that I mean purchased it via E Bay or facebook etc and not inspected it, just paid and had it delivered, you mention the machine had it's valve check at 12,000 miles, I presume it has paperwork to say this, if so that indicates an owner who looks after their bike. There are many forum members that are willing to go and inspect a machine on behalf of another member who is unsure themselves, people have in past reached out asking for just such help. Don't overthink things, check the Triumph website first, then have a look yourself and if all is well just enjoy what is a very underrated machine.