Triumph Speed Triple R

[shdwghst457_imp]

Anyone here have any hands-on experience with the Triumph STR? It caught my eye today. Still trying to plan the next stable member!

[thessler3_imp]

I have owned two Speed Triples (2001 and 2004) and have ridden the Speed Triple R. A nice bike - great motor, handles quite well, very reliable. The base models (not R version) are selling for as low as $11,000 in Jersey.

[shdwghst457_imp]

For the R, are the Ohlins worth the extra cash? I guess that's not really a Speed Triple specific question, but I've never ridden on Ohlins.

Does it have that magic spark that the CB1100 has? Or is it just another sport bike?

[thessler3_imp]

The R model has lighter wheels and the Ohlins, plus a few bits. My experience with Ohlins is that they are exceptionally good, but pricey. The difference in cost is too much, in my opinion. The R models are sitting unsold in several dealerships in NJ. Perhaps you can find a deal to get the R for less of an upcharge.

[The Spaceman_imp]

For the R, are the Ohlins worth the extra cash? I guess that's not really a Speed Triple specific question, but I've never ridden on Ohlins.

Does it have that magic spark that the CB1100 has? Or is it just another sport bike?

It doesn't...nothing does.

[shdwghst457_imp]

Nice Spaceman.

Well the insight is much appreciated. I might pick one up down the road but realistically the CB is fast enough for me, and any second bike (as I plan for the CB to be a permanent fixture) would have to fill a different need, either deep growling power like the Rocket III Roadster or off-roading like the BMW GS (specified because I think another mfr. makes a bike called the GS). And then of course there's the 850 Commando in my family that I'm working on obtaining ('74).

[shdwghst457_imp]

Went to the local(ish) BMW/Triumph dealerships today to see how I fit on all of the ones I've been contemplating. I still would like to find a cheap GS, probably an 1150, as I certainly don't want to pay full price for something that's most likely going to lose it in a patch of loose dirt. I sat on the Speed Triple R, and it just isn't for me. Beautiful though.

The Rocket III Roadster, however, fit me perfectly. I think I found next year's bike!