Hi Guys from N. Ireland here own a 1982 Suzuki GS650e bought to replace a CBR600 some 17 yrs ago. Looking to buy a bike that's is easy ridden comfortable to do some mild touring on and look cool even with me on it. I'm drawing to a Triumph but torn between tiger speed triple, street triple etc what would you all recommend. Looking to spend approx £3500.
Hi and welcome, that Triumph triple sound will put a smile on your face guaranteed ; the rest I guess depends upon how well the bike fits you - maybe go on some test rides. My Street Triple put a huge grin on my face when I took it out on Friday, even in this not - so - great weather; not sure if I look cool on it though - looking cool is a tall order for me (especially with all the layers I had on on Friday), but I FEEL cool on it . I find it really comfortable too.
Hi higene, Your budget is a bit tight to be fair as Triumphs generally hold their value quite well. I have a 2009 street R and that would probably be about your budget so you're looking at quite an old bike. Don't let this put you off as they are reliable, although like all makes, do have some known issues. Mine is currently on 32k and runs sweet as a nut despite numerous rebuilds and been written off twice. Caveat Emptor..... good luck. Underseat exhausts may not be ideal for your usage depending on what your definition of touring is? Providing more detail as towards your expectations may give others an idea how best to advise?
"Which Triumph Satisfies the Soul"? Depends on the soul in question. Bikes are like shoes. They have to fit. ...J.D.
To resolve your dilemma I would suggest the following.......as I've already done so myself. Buy a 675 1st as cheapest and to get you on the road. Save pennies up. Then buy a 765. Fancy a change, sell nothing but save up again. Buy a 900 Street twin. There you go, problem solved.
Why not look for a really nice clean Speed Triple 955i, or the Gen 1 Street Triple 675, both are great bikes, I have had both in the past, the 955i has more low and mid range torque and not as much gear changing, the Street 675 revs more, with more gear changing (depending on riding style). Good luck with whatever you buy.
@Higene Hello, Higene, and welcome to the forum. I definitely think Triumphs of all types are cool! As @Eldon said, if you could give us a bit more detail about your needs and expectations we might be able to provide better suggestions. "Mild touring", for example, is a bit too general to have a sense of which type of Triumph might best suit your purpose. Hmm, it might also help (if you're willing) to have a general idea of your size. One of the guys in our riding group is 5'7" and weighs about 135 and another is 6'3" and weighs about 240! That second guy is my hubby and he rode my Triumph Speed Triple this past Sunday and was quite happy to get off after about 60 miles. And I'm about the size (minus a few pounds) as the first guy and I wouldn't tour on my Speed Triple even though I know there are a number of others on this forum that do quite happily. I think @Mrs Visor's advice of test riding is wise and can be one of the surest and quickest ways to say yea or nay to particular bikes. Though I've never ridden one, I'm always drawn to the Speed Twin as a bike that seems like a good all-around bike. If you narrow down what you want to one bike you can spend your time trying to find a suitable one in your price range. Happy shopping!
Hi Sandi T thanks for the reply I agree with with I'm 5ft 8 and 180 pounds. Tiring to me would be a week of 150 mile a day once a year and the rest of the time pleasure riding day trips of maybe 200 mile. My head says tiger my heart says retro or soft tail bobber I will keep saving as the more I have the better choice thanks very much for thinking the time for such a great reply happy and safe riding.