The bike: Triumph Speed Triple 2010 (10) SE 10,000 miles 1 owner from new Full service history Fellow riders, I have the very enjoyable experience of deciding whether to move up from a Honda CBF600 (read commuter bike) to a 2010 Speed Triple SE It is a bit of an impulsive purchase, but having been to see the bike and sit on it and start it, it pretty much grabbed me by the adrenaline gland and said buy me... So, I am on the verge of going back to the dealer, asking for a test ride and then demanding he takes my money. However, is there anything I should particularly look out for on the bike regarding known issues/faults or anything that may be expensive to repair...funny engine noises etc? During a test drive, is there anything I should do to ensure everything is in order - fast then slow riding, cold then warm engine acceleration, cornering etc? I know the brakes calipers are a bit of a mess and the pads need replacing, the chain is oiled but badly pitted, dealer says it is fine but I will ask for new pads, chain & sprockets. I am just a bit paranoid as it is a larger bike than I am used to. I will keep reading this forums threads for things to look out for though. Hopefully this Saturday I will be riding my Red Thunder!!!
Hi and welcome. The 1050 engine in the Speed Triple is one of the best out there, with only 10,000 miles and full service history you shouldn't have too many problems. Be worth checking the service book to see how many stamps are there; for the mileage there may be just the first and then the 6000K but ideally there will be additional age related services. Bear in mind the 12,000 miles service is a main service and can be £400+ at a Triumph dealer. Its worth checking for any unusual noises on start up and when warm although the triple will have a distinctive engine note compared to your Honda. On the test ride take the bike up to temperature and let it tick over stationary for a few mins and check the cooling fans kick in. The engine should pull smooth and hard from about 2500 rpm right up the red line with no discernible power band, it wont need revving like the Honda. Chain and sprockets should last past 10,000 but depends how the previous owner looked them. It's worth checking you get no vibration under heavy braking, I had a set of discs replaced at around 10k under warranty when they warped. Its worth just checking the general condition of the fasteners, bolts and fittings, if they look dull and slightly furred up there is a good chance the bike has been ridden through winters and not had the salt washed off. Get a as long a test ride as possible, I'm sure you will find the Speed Triple an amazing bike to ride. Good luck.
Hi and welcome to the forum with regards to upgrading from the Honda it shouldn't be too much of an issues as although will have more power and torque it is very easy to use as long as you don't do anything too silly and I know the pre 2011 models were a bit lighter in the front so will tend to lift the front wheel if you are not concentrating. apart from that they are a fun and reliable bike. Cheers Steve
Hello and welcome. Good choice :upyeah: The 1050 engine has been around for a while and is noted as one of the best road engines out there.With a FSH it should be fine but watch out for the 12000 mile service it's usually pricey. Make sure you've got a good set of tyres as well.As Richard said check for warped discs,I've done 27000 miles on 2 Speed's and never had any trouble.
Thanks for the feedback guys. Test ride was cancelled for today but will be riding it out tomorrow. I think I pissed the dealer off, I asked for the V5 ref number so I could do an MOT/History check and he was a bit perturbed to say the least! I certainly didn't intend to cause insult but seems it was taken as bad form. So: - Check the braking for any vibration - Ensure the cooling fan kicks in The usual of checking for custard in the expansion tank, and on the dipstick. I will enjoy my morning on it and make a decision. But unless there is anything I think would be a problem I should be on the new set of wheels within a week. Dealer will do the usual service and MOT themselves but are fully booked to Tuesday. A few years ago, I used to see Triumph motorbikes going past and thinking...one day. Now, that day has come. The MOT notes did throw up one think to note, the brake pedal was bent but still fully functional, I guess if it had been crashed (or dropped) more would have come up, I certainly cant see anything in the service history that shows anything untoward happening.
Might be worth while to check if the stops on the steering lock haven't been sheared off as that is always a very good sign that the bike has been involved in a fairly large off, also a bike that has been damaged will not show up if the owner fixed it themselves without going through the insurance company. I take it you are not buying through a main dealer?
Hi and welcome Great choice of bike I've only had my1050 speed for a few months,the only thing I find a little annoying is the fan cuts in a lot more then I'm used to but have been told in one of my earlier posts that this is normal so don't let it put you off what I think is one of the best bikes I've owned Enjoy
OK, picked up the Speed Triple this morning. 8:30, left home on my trust CBF600, purred along the motorway at a steady 65mph as the wind chill factor was eating through my gloves and scarf. Had a nice cuppa coffee when I got to the dealer and had a check over the bike, all lovely and still had the tool pack under the seat...untouched! Paperwork done, I put my pin in the pad and was suddenly my bank account was a lot lighter, but my smile broader, I now owned the bike I have wanted for a few years now. Ear plugs in, helmet on, under gloves on (just purchased) warmed winter gloves too and jacket done up I straddled the beast and fired up the three tones. While she warmed her pistons, I tuned on my helmet camera (Drift Ghost HD s) I eased away, the motor pulling at the clutch lever and I had to hold it back taking it easy not to go over the speed limit. Once on the motorway I opened her up a bit, 80mph in 4th gear, blimey! Calmed her down by easing her into 6th gear and she barely ticked over at 75mph. This fellow rider, if a lot of fun..people looking and even one kid waved as I went past. Even a traffic cop nodded in his range rover (doing 60mph) as I went past at 69mph. -o- How would I describe her... she is an animal with a big heart, she loves being ridden for hours at a time, the harder the better and will love every moment. I give her a twist and she purrs louder in response, her front lifts easily and her perfect twin headlights shine bright. Her curves caress me as I tuck into her form, and as I change position she follows too, knowing what I want and reacts perfectly. She may well bruise me and exhaust me, but I will love every second. -o- With her red bodywork with white stripe down the center and twin Arrow exhausts with baffles out, she is aptly named "Red Thunder"
Sounds like you are already in love with your beast !!!! Enjoy every ride have fun Can we have some pictures please