tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post8499479884429773981..comments2024-03-28T20:30:35.448+13:00Comments on Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist: Triumph Street Triple review revisited....Geoff Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-78652102269745902112017-01-20T07:30:19.391+13:002017-01-20T07:30:19.391+13:00Congrats on retirement and planning to have a lot ...Congrats on retirement and planning to have a lot of fun! I would like to sell my Suzuki GSX-S 1000 and buy the newly announced 765 Street Triple. However, my Chief Financial Officer is likely to turn my request down on account of a planned big overseas trip this year :-( . Enjoy your riding - hope you plan to do a riding refresher course! Be safe......Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-74596582283025727282017-01-20T05:16:59.024+13:002017-01-20T05:16:59.024+13:00I've just started my well deserved retirement ...I've just started my well deserved retirement a few months ago and an old itch came back into mind (MOTO). Having convinced my wife (financial advisor and minister)that a motorcycle was in my eagle eye, I then confirm that a purchase was made last Monday. Best time to buy a bike, but the next 3 months are going to be painful. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-52383193568304917952016-11-03T09:37:14.818+13:002016-11-03T09:37:14.818+13:00Hi David,
Thanks for the comments and happy birthd...Hi David,<br />Thanks for the comments and happy birthday for next week - I turned 69 a couple of weeks ago. I hope you enjoy the love affair with the Triple. You may be interested to know that for my type of riding, I still believe that the Triple is a better bike than the GSX-S 1000 which I currently ride. I'm watching with interest with respect to the launch of the 800 Triple. Although heavier, the low seat height of the 1200 T120 Bonneville (not Thruxton) also interests me. Happy travels!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-86067219013304106632016-11-03T09:30:57.972+13:002016-11-03T09:30:57.972+13:00Excellent review. I'm 68 next week and got ba...Excellent review. I'm 68 next week and got back into biking last year with a Moto Guzzi Breva 750 - but soon wanted a bit more. I wanted luggage, so changed to a BMW R850R, which I liked but found it a bit too tall (29" inside leg!) and heavier than I would like at about 240kg wet. I've focused my search on my two most important criteria - height and weight - and have a shortlist of half a dozen bikes, including a Monster 696, which I liked. However, the Street triple seemed right immediately I sat on it, and your review (the best I've read) has confirmed what I was thinking - a Street Triple is my next bike.<br />Thank you - DavidDavid Moorenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-62073036521051836012015-08-31T09:31:19.271+12:002015-08-31T09:31:19.271+12:00Hi Brent and thanks for writing!
You might have s...Hi Brent and thanks for writing!<br /><br />You might have seen in my other posts on weekend trips with my mates that the Triple has no problems in keeping up. It's clearly not as suitable on open highways such as motorways but that's not what motorcycling is about! Good choice compared with the Shiver and Ducati, particularly in terms of reliability, let alone performance. I still have the Triple which is now approaching 67,000 km and it's still running perfectly. In all that time, it's had one complete replacement of brake pads, one recent chain and sprocket set and a better quality rear shock. I have recently had permission from my Chief Financial Officer *grin* to replace it. In no particular hurry though although its replacement will be a new one, almost certainly the "R" or "RX" sport model.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-11962908118130985742015-08-30T21:13:00.192+12:002015-08-30T21:13:00.192+12:00Hi Geoff. Nice article. I too have a group of 1000...Hi Geoff. Nice article. I too have a group of 1000cc pals, one of whom also owns a Blackbird, and I managed to keep up (just) on my VeeStrom 650, but it has gone now ready for the next bike. I want a nimble machine that will keep up but that I can change lines on mid corner if I have to. I'm not the biggest at 5'7 (and a half!) and 66kg, so reading your reasoning re the Blackbird's weight struck chords with me.The Veestrom is troublesome too with it's higher ride height. I always have issues with the side stand, as my heel is not on the ground until there is already too much bike angle, and weight to support. A moment of faith required every time I flick the stand down!<br />Anyway, I've decided to go for a Street Triple, over an Aprilia Shiver or a Ducati S2R 800 - I'm looking in the 2007 - 2010 era. I was wondering if you've sold your Triple for a newer one yet, or if not did you want to sell it?<br />My Veestrom was at 64,000 miles (US import) and still going great when I sold it. I think the mileage v price trade off is OK on these bikes.<br />Kind Regards, BrentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-11221978684572128782013-07-16T19:32:40.857+12:002013-07-16T19:32:40.857+12:00Hi Barry,
Paddock stand - type it in the search bo...Hi Barry,<br />Paddock stand - type it in the search box and you'll find a photo. Best of luck, GeoffGeoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-56476762036957911292013-07-16T19:23:03.046+12:002013-07-16T19:23:03.046+12:00Hi Geoff
I'm 71 and have your blackbir...Hi Geoff<br /> I'm 71 and have your blackbird problem with my GSX 1250, I like the street triple but no centre stand means difficult to oil chain, clean chain and do tyres how do you manage?<br /> Cheers Barry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-80811674916240443122013-07-13T09:37:14.226+12:002013-07-13T09:37:14.226+12:00Beate,
Best wishes with whatever you choose. Inc...Beate,<br /><br />Best wishes with whatever you choose. Incidentally, the German woman who writes this blog: http://magersineurope.blogspot.ca/ has actually ridden my Street Triple. You can find the account in her old blog when she was visiting NZ here: http://2wheelersrevisited.blogspot.de/2012/05/embracing-my-inner-hooligan.html and here: http://2wheelersrevisited.blogspot.de/2012/05/triple-fun-beaches-bikes-and-scenic.htmlGeoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-9845605430758696802013-07-13T02:45:02.335+12:002013-07-13T02:45:02.335+12:00Hi Geoff,
yes, it helps.
The Streety is one of ...Hi Geoff,<br /><br />yes, it helps.<br /><br /><br />The Streety is one of my favorite bikes to buy.<br />But here in Germany most people say that BMW or japonese bikes are more fiable...<br />Well, most people in Germany ride 2000 km a year...<br /><br />The liquidcooling system of my Kawasaki makes trouble now....so it is maybe "time to change" .<br /><br />greetings and thank you very much<br />Beate<br /><br /><br /><br />PS: I will tell you if I buy a bike....<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-83747665306055619812013-07-12T10:00:45.639+12:002013-07-12T10:00:45.639+12:00Hi Beate!
Yes, after 38,000km, the Triple has bee...Hi Beate!<br /><br />Yes, after 38,000km, the Triple has been completely reliable. I have some corrosion on the front of the mirror stalks and a small amount of corrosion on the ends of the radiator but neither are really bad. Apart from that, the bike is still great.<br /><br />Maintenance costs are lower than for my Blackbird, simply because it's a naked bike and easy to work on. My 10,000 km major service costs average around NZ$550 which is lower than the Blackbird was. Being a light bike, the tyres last well, especially the Michelin PR3's I use. The rear lasted for 14,000 km and the front 17,000 km (and the bike gets used hard!)<br /><br />The BMW is a nice bike but it has much less horsepower than the Triple and equivalents from Yamaha and MV - more of a sport tourer than a sport bike. It really does depend on what you want from a motorcycle. The other important consideration is after test riding several bikes, which one gives you the greatest emotional appeal?<br /><br />Hope this helps and best wishes!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-37921630676234297172013-07-12T03:04:12.958+12:002013-07-12T03:04:12.958+12:00hi Geoff,
do you rely on your Streety like on the...hi Geoff,<br /><br />do you rely on your Streety like on the Honda?<br /><br />Are the Costs still less?<br /><br />I drve 15000-20000 km a year ...<br /><br />What do you think about the BMW R 800r?<br /><br />Greetings from Germany<br />BeateAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-67469297562081718832013-07-09T17:10:50.638+12:002013-07-09T17:10:50.638+12:00Stevan,
Thanks very much - I try and be as factual...Stevan,<br />Thanks very much - I try and be as factual as possible as I hate the ra-ra reviews on a lot of websites and magazines. Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-42062629041497879812013-07-09T16:44:41.481+12:002013-07-09T16:44:41.481+12:00It has been some time since I visited website with...It has been some time since I visited website with such high quality information. Thank you so much for providing such helpful information. This is really informative and I will for sure refer my friends the same. Thanks.<br /><a href="http://www.powersportsindustries.com/" rel="nofollow">Street bike parts California</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07025178406430342355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-25142795996192608312012-11-26T10:14:22.049+13:002012-11-26T10:14:22.049+13:00Hi Anon and many thanks for the kind words. One of...Hi Anon and many thanks for the kind words. One of my good mates has a Sprint ST and they're a fine bike. <br /><br />Kudos for your wife taking lessons. It's beyond me why formal training isn't mandatory!! It's true that the Triple has an extremely flexible engine and is very forgiving in its handling characteristics but it also has a lot of power that will get you into trouble with a moment's panic or incautious use of the throttle. I actually prefer someone starting on a less powerful bike to build confidence and skills but freely admit that I'm biased because I grew up with that system.<br /><br />I take it you're from the USA and I know that some dealers are ok with test rides and some are not (free test rides are the norm down this way). Before any decision is made, a test ride is a "must" for ergonomics, general "feel" and that oh so important emotional connection with the bike.<br /><br />Best wishes whatever you decide.<br />Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-42468871769788705712012-11-24T15:20:53.780+13:002012-11-24T15:20:53.780+13:00Geoff,
A great review of the Street Triple. I ha...Geoff,<br /><br />A great review of the Street Triple. I have a '08 Triumph Sprint ST and I enjoy riding it and now my wife is looking for her first bike! She likes the 2010 Street Triple as well as the 2010 Yamaha FZ6. I'm looking for a bike that will be kind to her and not have a strong desire to leave her behind. She has taken a motorcyle class to learn to ride properly and I'm sure she will do fine. She's a responsible 4* year old mother of two.. and wife to one goofy husband. I will be riding with her for a while on the side streets before she gets cut loose on the highway. It seems from your review that the Street Triple has a good power range that will not shoot her from a cannon when she lets off the clutch, unless she grabs a fist full of throttle.. but that would be expected from many 600cc bikes... as well as plenty 'o power to accelerate when needed. I am going to set up a test ride before I let my bride straddle this beast. She really does not want to start out with a 250cc scooter and I can't say I blame her. I learned on a 600cc Ninja after just reading the owners manual and putting on a helmet. I dropped it once during a slow turn and it stalled out, tossing me off the side. She's already done that one in school! And I don't want to buy one bike only to turn around and sell it a few weeks later so that she can drive on the highway without getting run over from behind. Am I letting her go in the wrong direction? With so much experience I value your opinion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-59351655370433678032012-10-21T10:29:25.197+13:002012-10-21T10:29:25.197+13:00Hi Paul and thanks for dropping by!
I'm certa...Hi Paul and thanks for dropping by!<br /><br />I'm certain you'll never regret the purchase. They do everything well apart from carrying passengers very far, which I'm sure is fine for most owners ;-).<br /><br />I LOVE Mt Messenger! In fact, you have some fabulous roads for the Triple down that way. In the November 2011 section of the blog, you'll find a 3 part story of a trip across the Forgotten Highway and Gentle Annie on the Triple.<br /><br />Safe riding...Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-11791893947045935512012-10-20T22:26:48.595+13:002012-10-20T22:26:48.595+13:00Hi Geoff,
I thoroughly enjoyed your Street Triple...Hi Geoff,<br /><br />I thoroughly enjoyed your Street Triple review. I purchased a 2011 model new in August this year. What a beautiful and competent bike. I've had my eye on them for many years and have been saving hard for the same time, knowing eventually the deal will happen. A bit of a late starter - although always wanted a bike, I started with a GN250 in about 2003. I'm now 54 and I've spent the last 6 years honing skills on a naked Suzuki SV650. Also a brilliant bike for the money. I eventually knew the time was right and after about 50,000km all over NZ - including the Coro roads, Forgotten Highway, lots of West Coast (Nth Island)- back roads around Raglan, Kawhia, Te Anga, Dargaville, Taranaki as well as the Sth Island, I now look forward to a more refined and crisper ride on the Striple. It's 'run-in' at last and now that I'm doing more of what it is capable of I've decided the three sounds it creates are Bumble Bee, Honey Bee and Mosquito - I'm enjoying mosquito :-)<br />I enjoyed blasting past a big cruiser on Mt Messenger today and like you, bikes are for whoever likes them, but I like the crisp purposeful brilliant handling needed for the windies and the coastal or car-free back roads. The Street Triple does it brilliantly.<br />Very best wishes for some of your best rides yet.<br />Cheers,<br />Paul L. Adams<br />New Plymouth.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-82557718673576887992012-10-05T17:14:25.668+13:002012-10-05T17:14:25.668+13:00Hi Paul and thanks for stopping by!
The KTM is a ...Hi Paul and thanks for stopping by!<br /><br />The KTM is a great machine too but after all the analysis and test rides, it's the one with emotional appeal which needs listening to! With regards to turn radius, what Anon of Nov 16th says is true in that the lock is a little more restricted than other bikes, but it also shows he has a lot to learn about riding bikes. A combination of clutch, throttle and rear brake at slow speeds together with a bit of lean and you can turn anything - just watch the US cops doing gymkhanas on YouTube. Really recommend doing some advanced roadcraft such as IAM or RoSPA - I've loved every minute of it.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-7403209129665687692012-10-05T10:17:22.455+13:002012-10-05T10:17:22.455+13:00Hi Geoff,
Enjoyed your well-written musings on t...Hi Geoff, <br /><br />Enjoyed your well-written musings on the Street Triple. <br />I'm coming from a similar direction, but a bit different requirements. Had all sorts of bikes, currently own the original FZS1000 Fazer (FZ1 in some countries) but I want a smaller, lighter bike to deal with the intense city traffic that is central London, England in rush-hour. Was thinking about a KTM Duke 690 but every time I saw a comparison, the Street Triple came up, which I thought slightly odd. Very tempted by the Duke, thought the Street Triple might be too similar to the Fazer but reading your blog makes me seriously wonder whether this would be a better choice. Going to get myself a test ride. Anon of 16 Nov 2011 makes me wonder about the turn radius of these things though, but I need to try one. Yeah, and as I have also been riding since 16 (now 43) I agree with all those who recommend advanced rider training and decent kit. Just come back from a holiday in Croatia and those guys don't even bother with helmets! Thanks for your write-up.<br />Cheers, <br />Paul.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-26618836387052421582012-09-28T10:45:17.814+12:002012-09-28T10:45:17.814+12:00That's very kind of you thanks. I guess that ...That's very kind of you thanks. I guess that a long term owner has the advantage over a motorcycle tester as he or she gets to live with them for a while. I've now owned it for almost exactly 3 years and still love it to bits. Guess that speaks volumes!<br /><br />Thanks for dropping by......Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-29786697822003376312012-09-28T10:37:34.443+12:002012-09-28T10:37:34.443+12:00This was a great review -- better than any profess...This was a great review -- better than any professional reviews I've read of it. You certainly hit the "this is a great bike that you will fall in love with" note, but also pointed out what pieces aren't quite perfect, and (even more importantly) what you can do to improve them. And then you posted updates when you found an even better solution. Fantastic!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-69524544279806721112012-08-28T09:03:07.409+12:002012-08-28T09:03:07.409+12:00Hi Anon!
I know exactly how you feel having owned ...Hi Anon!<br />I know exactly how you feel having owned the heavier, less agile Blackbird for many years - swapping it for a nimble bike was, and still is a refreshing experience.<br /><br />The only way to find out if it suits is to try it! If you feel cramped with leg room issues, it's not a big issue to have the seat customised. Best wishes in looking for the "grin factor" and thanks for dropping by!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-57324117408639268282012-08-27T23:11:00.145+12:002012-08-27T23:11:00.145+12:00Hi Geoff
I intend to try out the Street Triple her...Hi Geoff<br />I intend to try out the Street Triple here in the uk. I went out on the Tiger and Speed In 2008 but liked neither for various reasons. Just loved the look of the Street but the dealer I went to advised against the Triple for me! I bought BMW 1200 GS toured all over Europe got soaked too many times and now decided I want a fun bike. Trouble is maybe I'm too big over 6ft and 18st, but I did go to Spain on a Faser 600 once!!<br />Been riding for 30 years and heart set on street, but wondering if too small. As someone else said 1050 was too clunky, mind you was told by my Dr who is also motorcyclist that I ride a Bavarian Tractor.......<br />Thanks for the great info on here really enjoyed he infoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-14453188641255917102012-07-09T19:08:46.097+12:002012-07-09T19:08:46.097+12:00Anon writes:
Excellent write up! I test drove the ...Anon writes:<br />Excellent write up! I test drove the Speed Triple and the Street Triple R yesterday. My pick was the Street. I've been riding for over 30 years , I have had bikes from 50cc to 1000cc and can say that the Street will be my favorite. All that you mentioned in your write up is spot on! It feels like a 750 and handles like its connected to my brain. The Speed was good but the Street was better. The Speeds gear box felt clunky and the throttle was on or off and upset the front end while making adjustments mid corner.The Streets throttle was very smooth and allowed for early pick up coming out of the corners. The handling was very light and precise.<br />This is the perfect bike for anyone who knows how to ride and doesn't need the IMAGE. This bike will give fits to those racer boy wannabes who ride in shorts and a t-shirt when the see you hanging on to their tails. The fit and finish of the Triumph was rather good, very clean welds and nice bits. And as for the brakes, they are excellent as good as the brembos on the Speed. After a year long search for a replacement bike I found it. The Triumph Street Triple R. <br /><br />Hi Anon and thanks for dropping by!<br /><br />Yep, the Triple is almost all things to all people. If I was freeway commuting all the time, then I wouldn't have a Triple or at least, I'd have something else in the shed too! Long may you enjoy yours....Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.com