Great naked bike comparo in the latest issue of Motor Cyclist.

[JulesMaximus]

They pit the latest Ducati Monster 1100 EVO against the new Triumph Speed Triple.

Even though the Speed Triple has about 30 more wheel hp it is also almost 40lbs heavier. Both bikes will compress the quarter mile in under 11 seconds, 10.94 @ 119.42mph for the Ducati and 10.51 @ 130.7mph for the Triumph.

They blasted the Triumph's new styling and said that while the high speed stability and seemingly limitless power is great on long straights it feels top heavy and that the upright riding position feels awkward when the bike is leaned over. Also, it doesn't handle as well as the Ducati on tight twisty roads and/or broken pavement.

They also praised the Ducati's standard ABS and TC, along with the excellent fit and finish.

I haven't ridden the Speed Triple but can agree with their assessment of the Ducati. If it were just a little more powerful it would be perfect.

I'm biased though obviously.

There is also a comparison between the Honda CB1000R and the Kawasaki Z1000. Both bikes came out very close...hard to pick a winner here really. I think the Kawasaki looks better than the Honda though. Out of all these bikes the Ducati was about 40lbs lighter but it had the least power as well and was the only air cooled bike in the mix.

 

[manimal]

babe thread ban!


Ill take the desmo over the speed triple. Lower power delivery with higher redline. Whats not to love!

 

[satyajitmenon]

I haven't ridden the Speed Triple but can agree with their assessment of the Ducati. If it were just a little more powerful it would be perfect.

I'm biased though obviously.

Umm.. Duh!!

Link to article?

 

[roguerower]

I'm not a big fan of the new styling either. I think the headlights aren't as bad as every makes them out to be, but the additional plastics and the different Triumph logo doesn't sit well.

That said, I think it's a good upgrade for the Speed Triple line and obviously the extra 40lbs don't slow it down too much . I'm glad I grabbed a 2011 before the 2012 styling took over.

I just checked the Triumph web site and saw that they decided to put out an R model Speed...interesting. Same upgrades as the Street, braking and suspension, and some minor aesthetic changes.

I'm looking forward to the matchup between the 2012 Street Triple R and Ducati Streetfighter 848.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Umm.. Duh!!

Link to article?

I checked and it's not available online yet.

 

[lavaheadache]

Is it me or are those times a little underwhelming?

 

[foghorn67]

Thanks, I'll check it out at the newsstand. I love naked bikes.

 

[manimal]

Has anyone ever rode a speed triple on the forums? I always wondered if they were as top heavy as the reviews say.


Off topic!

What do you guys think is the best looking naked bike ever made?

I am partial to early 70s 900ss without the chin fairing.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Has anyone ever rode a speed triple on the forums? I always wondered if they were as top heavy as the reviews say.


Off topic!

What do you guys think is the best looking naked bike ever made?

I am partial to early 70s 900ss without the chin fairing.

I've sat on them but never rode one. I almost bought a Street Triple back around the time I bought my SV. I like the look of the Street Triple but the dual round headlights are looking kind of dated IMO. A lot of guys doing streetfighters are going with the dual headlights so I think it is a little played out. That said, the latest speed/street triple headlights are absolutely hideous.

I like the retro Ducatis. A friend of mine has the GT1000 Sport Classic and it looks really good. Retro bike with modern chassis, engine, and brakes.

 

[roguerower]

Has anyone ever rode a speed triple on the forums? I always wondered if they were as top heavy as the reviews say.

Off topic!

What do you guys think is the best looking naked bike ever made?

I am partial to early 70s 900ss without the chin fairing.

Never ridden a Speed Triple but I own a Street Triple R and it is one sweet bike. The 2012 Speed refresh was supposed to address the top heavy issues that the previous generation had. Pretty sure the COG was adjusted downwards and the bike was lightened quite a bit. Don't know for sure, never ridden one so I can't compare it to its younger brother.

I've sat on them but never rode one. I almost bought a Street Triple back around the time I bought my SV. I like the look of the Street Triple but the dual round headlights are looking kind of dated IMO. A lot of guys doing streetfighters are going with the dual headlights so I think it is a little played out. That said, the latest speed/street triple headlights are absolutely hideous.

I like the retro Ducatis. A friend of mine has the GT1000 Sport Classic and it looks really good. Retro bike with modern chassis, engine, and brakes.

I like my big round headlights, thank you very much. With the aftermarket wind screen they look badass. And I don't think the new headlights are toooo bad, what other design is there?

As for retro, I like the retro triumphs (Bonneville & Thruxton). My dad said he was thinking about finally getting another bike and I was pushing him towards the Bonneville, but I think that plan has been put on hold for now.

 

[MiataNC]

Has anyone ever rode a speed triple on the forums? I always wondered if they were as top heavy as the reviews say.

I own a 2009 Speed Triple...

I have ridden a lot of sport bikes over the years, and the S3 isn't any more "top heavy" than most. In fact it is one of the easiest bikes to ride around town at sane speeds. My only "complaint" is that the steering lock side to side is narrow (more sport bike than standard)

The S3 has a higher/wider bar and the more upright seating position. This puts your body mass higher and you do feel it more when you toss the bike side to side playing boy racer. It is a trade-off, but reviewers are really nit-picking when they say it is top heavy.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I've put a few miles on a speed triple (roughly 07-08?) and IMO it's not even in the same class as the monster 1100. IMO the speed trip is more of a touring bike that is sport oriented... Almost more like a multistrada than a monster.

Top heavy... come on.. Most of these people, including the reviewers, aren't taking into account that it's a fairly tall bike - both sitting on it and standing still.


That being said, I've written my opinion of Triumph numerous times already. I would never buy a bike from them in the US due to how terrible Triumph of NA is.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Never ridden a Speed Triple but I own a Street Triple R and it is one sweet bike. The 2012 Speed refresh was supposed to address the top heavy issues that the previous generation had. Pretty sure the COG was adjusted downwards and the bike was lightened quite a bit. Don't know for sure, never ridden one so I can't compare it to its younger brother.

I like my big round headlights, thank you very much. With the aftermarket wind screen they look badass. And I don't think the new headlights are toooo bad, what other design is there?

As for retro, I like the retro triumphs (Bonneville & Thruxton). My dad said he was thinking about finally getting another bike and I was pushing him towards the Bonneville, but I think that plan has been put on hold for now.

Hey, I like the model you have. I almost bought one. Just my opinion now that I've seen them around for a few years. :biggrin:

I suspect that I'd love the Speed or Street Triple if I owned one but I chose the Ducati. Dealer support so far has been excellent.

I didn't care much for the sales staff at my local Triumph dealer, too pushy and unwilling to negotiate.

I agree with some of the other posters saying the reviewers are too nit-picky. Last year they picked the Speed Triple as best naked bike of the year, this year they gripe about it and fawn over the Monster. Really, the only difference between the Monster 1100 EVO and the 2009-2010 Monster 1100 is the standard ABS and TC and some styling changes around the exhaust and the passenger pegs along with a few more ponies.

What I like most about the Monster is how light it is. It is just an easy bike to flick through traffic out on a tight winding road.

 

[roguerower]

That's reviewers for you though, they go through it in depth so people can't come back and attack them for missing something. It's the same thing with any tech review. As far as the flip-flop goes, sometimes the design changes in such a way that it makes the overall package more appealing. And hey, if it works for a presidential candidate, why not a reviewer?

Unfortunately, when I get my Triumph back from storage, I'll have to take it straight to a dealer for service (4k mi) and to make sure that 6 months of storage didn't have any adverse effects.

I for one enjoy the more upright riding position a standard offers. Lot more comfortable, and the St3R is oh so flickable.

 

[soccerballtux]

ducati is so "look at me trying too hard I have a ducati isn't their marketing great" I'd take the triumph any day over a ducati.

 

[JulesMaximus]

ducati is so "look at me trying too hard I have a ducati isn't their marketing great" I'd take the triumph any day over a ducati.

Right, so you despise Ducati because of their "great marketing?" That makes no sense whatsoever. I could see it if you made the point that their bikes suck, or that they are heavy, or slow, or broke down constantly... but marketing? SRSLY?

 

[SpatiallyAware]

ducati is so "look at me trying too hard I have a ducati isn't their marketing great" I'd take the triumph any day over a ducati.

I'm going to have to disagree on that one.


What is one class of bike where the Triumph is better?

Supersport - 1098 vs? hah
Touring - Multi vs Speed Trip or Sprint
Bruiser - Diavel vs Rocket III


Seriously... I'm surprised Triumph is still in business. The only bike even worth considering are their classics, which truly aren't that great of a motorcycle other than the character.

Their dealers are crappy and outdated, mechanic training sucks, the manufacturer is a PITA to deal with. I cannot think of any reason to buy a Triumph unless you want a 600cc sporty naked bike.

 

[MiataNC]

What is one class of bike where the Triumph is better?

Bikes are an emotional purchase. "Better" is in the eye of the beholder. Better for me is not likely to be better for you.

Supersport - 1098 vs? - Triumph doesn't build a liter class Supersport, but the Daytona 675R is considered a world class middleweight. In fact it beats the 848 like a redheaded stepchild in professional racing.

Touring - Multi vs - The Triumph Tiger 800 and 1050 fits this class nicely. Both are easily the equal if not better than the Multi depending on what you consider most important for touring.

Bruiser - Diavel vs Rocket III

Seriously... I'm surprised Triumph is still in business. The only bike even worth considering are their classics, which truly aren't that great of a motorcycle other than the character.

Maybe for you. As far as "character" goes, each make/model has its own. Just because you don't respond to Triumph's offerings doesn't mean they are lacking or unworthy of a place in the market.

Their dealers are crappy and outdated, mechanic training sucks, the manufacturer is a PITA to deal with. I cannot think of any reason to buy a Triumph unless you want a 600cc sporty naked bike.

You will get the same complaints about dealers for all makes. I have had great experience with my Triumph, and the bike has been flawless with no warranty repairs in 2 years of ownership. I can think of several reasons to buy a Triumph, and I love mine.

I don't see a reason to "hate" on any make. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

It was more of a pointed reply to soccerball's blanket comments.. And I 100% agree, motorcycles are an emotional purchase.

This is why I don't put much stock in what any reviewers say about anything (like we're all saying). Bike is to tall often is from a 5'6 reviewer. Bike is too top heavy is often from a racer reviewing a touring bike. Bike turns in too slow is from crappy tires.

On top of that soooo much with a motorcycle is subjective.

 

[soccerballtux]

It's more that I'm just vehemently opposed to snobbery which I find in Ducati's brand, Ferrari's, etc. The bikes are good to ride and look great. Ho hum engineering as far as reliability goes though... [ducks]

 

[JulesMaximus]

It's more that I'm just vehemently opposed to snobbery which I find in Ducati's brand, Ferrari's, etc. The bikes are good to ride and look great. Ho hum engineering as far as reliability goes though... [ducks]

I've met a good deal of Ducati owners, even before I became one, and none of them came off as snobby.

 

[crackerjacks]

I had a 07 speed triple for a few years, great bike. It was tall(aka top heavy) which was great for seeing through traffic and had more than enough power for street use. Really, really fun bike to ride. Never had any problems with it.

Only reason I sold it was because I've been bit by the touring bug the past couple of years and the S3 wasn't the bike I wanted to be riding when stringing together 3 or 4 consecutive 600 mile days or I ran across a gravel or dirt road. Sold it to buy an r1150gs but seriously considering going back to Triumph when the new Tiger explorer comes out. Like the boxer, but I Loved the triple.

 

[manimal]

I've met a good deal of Ducati owners, even before I became one, and none of them came off as snobby.

Gotta agree with jules here. Most of the d@ck heads around here ride busa's lol

 

[crackerjacks]

Gotta agree with jules here. Most of the d@ck heads around here ride busa's lol

or think they're pirates on the weekends when they barhop with their chrome butt jewelry.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I had a 07 speed triple for a few years, great bike. It was tall(aka top heavy) which was great for seeing through traffic and had more than enough power for street use. Really, really fun bike to ride. Never had any problems with it.

Only reason I sold it was because I've been bit by the touring bug the past couple of years and the S3 wasn't the bike I wanted to be riding when stringing together 3 or 4 consecutive 600 mile days or I ran across a gravel or dirt road. Sold it to buy an r1150gs but seriously considering going back to Triumph when the new Tiger explorer comes out. Like the boxer, but I Loved the triple.

Friend of mine had an R1150R for about a year and a half. He bought it used, put new rubber on it, had it serviced, put a few thousand miles on it and then sold it for more than he paid for it. I rode it once, it is a heavy bike and that shaft drive can give some strange feedback over bumpy roads. Loved the heated grips though. Would be a great touring bike.

I'd love to have the new R1200R for sport touring. Ideally I'd love to have 2 or 3 bikes (and a Lotus Elise) but it's just not practical.

or think they're pirates on the weekends when they barhop with their chrome butt jewelry.

Also known as Das Busa.