Discussion:
SV1000 vs Speed Triple and bike choice in general
(too old to reply)
l***@hotmail.com
2005-02-27 04:33:37 UTC
Permalink
So... I'm thinking of swapping my VFR for something different, maybe a
bit more sporty (but used and up to $6000). I'm seriously considering 2
used bikes: a Suzuki SV1000 and a Triumph Speed Triple. I've been
looking at a '98 Ducati 900CR, too, but it looks like that bike has
pretty crappy front suspension, so maybe that's out. I'd like to hear
what people think about those bikes. Any input at all would be helpful,
because I just can't decide...

I ride in city traffic year-round, but I take longer trips during the
summer, and I do occasional track days, too. I rode the SV650 on the
track, and I really liked that bike. I've never ridden a Speed Triple.
From what I've read about those 2 bikes, the Speed Triple is a bit more
sporty. But the SV1000 does have fully adjustable suspension, so it
can't be that bad, right? Which one will handle better on the track?
Which one will be more comfortable on long trips? In the city?

In general I like the V-twin feel - low-end torque, growly sound,
narrow feel. I've ridden a CBR600RR (also on the track), and I'm not a
big fan of screaming inline-fours. I want something a little different.
Both the Suzuki and the Triumph fit the bill here, right?

What about parts? I imagine Suzuki parts will be easier to get and
cheaper than Triumph parts... What about aftermarket stuff?

I've seen a nice Suzuki TL1000S, too, but the weird rear suspension is
a big negative for that bike. Any other "different but sporty" used
bikes?

Anyway, I'd appreciate any thoughts/advice.

-Gniewko
Tim
2005-02-27 04:59:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by l***@hotmail.com
So... I'm thinking of swapping my VFR for something different, maybe a
bit more sporty (but used and up to $6000). I'm seriously considering 2
used bikes: a Suzuki SV1000 and a Triumph Speed Triple.
Anyway, I'd appreciate any thoughts/advice.
Great subject! Great questions! Great bikes. I've long had a preference for
sporting twins; dating back to the bevel drive cam Ducatis, up through both air
cooled 2 valve belt drive Ducks to liquid cooled 4 valve models. In fact, I
owned a 750SS and an 851 Superbike at the time that I bought my first Speed
Triple from former reeky regular Larry Wallerstein in San Jose. After riding
that bike all the way back across the country to Virginia, I was sold on the
combination of multi cylinder multi valve fuel injected ZINGiness combined with
low end torque that the average four couldn't match. None of the low speed
snatchiness and general unpleasantness I associated with both my Ducatis in
heavy stop and go traffic, for me the Speed Triple had the best of both worlds.
So much so that I sold both Ducatis. I eventually sold my '97 885 Speed Triple
for a '99 with the 955 engine, and that same bike has recently found its way
back into my garage. I commute to work on my heavyweight, hard bagged, faired,
and radio equipped Road Glide, but even after putting 16,000 miles on that bike,
if I had to choose just one bike to inhabit my garage, it would be the Speed
Triple.

Parts? Other than oil filters, tires, brake pads, and (recently) fork seals
(bought from my local Honda dealer because the forks on the '97-'01 Speed
Triples are the same as CBR929RR forks) I've not needed any.

Aftermarket stuff? Like what? My Speed Triple has Triumph accessories like a
tank bag, flyscreen, passenger seat cowling, and carbon fiber sport muffler.
I've added K&N GP Touring handlebars, Napoleon Baren bar end mirrors, Sky King
air intake screens, modified the rider saddle bolts for quick release operation,
and converted to a single front headlamp using slightly modified Triumph
Thunderbird headlight mounting hardware and a generic 7 inch headlamp assembly.

The bike serves well as a cross county sport tourer, a day to day commuter
strafer, a congested traffic dispatcher, a West Virginia sport bike annihilator,
and a MARRC Road Racing School instructor platform.

Heck, I better shut up before I talk myself into selling the Harley.
l***@hotmail.com
2005-02-27 23:22:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tim
Post by l***@hotmail.com
So... I'm thinking of swapping my VFR for something different, maybe a
bit more sporty (but used and up to $6000). I'm seriously
considering 2
Post by Tim
Post by l***@hotmail.com
used bikes: a Suzuki SV1000 and a Triumph Speed Triple.
Anyway, I'd appreciate any thoughts/advice.
Great subject! Great questions! Great bikes. I've long had a preference for
sporting twins; dating back to the bevel drive cam Ducatis, up
through both air
Post by Tim
cooled 2 valve belt drive Ducks to liquid cooled 4 valve models. In fact, I
owned a 750SS and an 851 Superbike at the time that I bought my first Speed
Triple from former reeky regular Larry Wallerstein in San Jose.
After riding
Post by Tim
that bike all the way back across the country to Virginia, I was sold on the
combination of multi cylinder multi valve fuel injected ZINGiness combined with
low end torque that the average four couldn't match. None of the low speed
snatchiness and general unpleasantness I associated with both my Ducatis in
heavy stop and go traffic, for me the Speed Triple had the best of both worlds.
So much so that I sold both Ducatis. I eventually sold my '97 885 Speed Triple
for a '99 with the 955 engine, and that same bike has recently found its way
back into my garage. I commute to work on my heavyweight, hard bagged, faired,
and radio equipped Road Glide, but even after putting 16,000 miles on that bike,
if I had to choose just one bike to inhabit my garage, it would be the Speed
Triple.
Parts? Other than oil filters, tires, brake pads, and (recently) fork seals
(bought from my local Honda dealer because the forks on the '97-'01 Speed
Triples are the same as CBR929RR forks) I've not needed any.
Aftermarket stuff? Like what? My Speed Triple has Triumph
accessories like a
Post by Tim
tank bag, flyscreen, passenger seat cowling, and carbon fiber sport muffler.
I've added K&N GP Touring handlebars, Napoleon Baren bar end mirrors, Sky King
air intake screens, modified the rider saddle bolts for quick release operation,
and converted to a single front headlamp using slightly modified Triumph
Thunderbird headlight mounting hardware and a generic 7 inch headlamp assembly.
The bike serves well as a cross county sport tourer, a day to day commuter
strafer, a congested traffic dispatcher, a West Virginia sport bike annihilator,
and a MARRC Road Racing School instructor platform.
Heck, I better shut up before I talk myself into selling the Harley.
Thanks, that's pretty useful info. I'm leaning more towards the Speed
Triple now. The only problem is that I haven't seen one for sale nearby
since I started looking around a few weeks ago. Anyone in NYC area
selling a Speed Triple? There is a nice, low mile SV1000 calling my
name, but I'll try to resist its siren song...

-Gniewko
Ari Rankum
2005-02-28 00:07:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by l***@hotmail.com
Thanks, that's pretty useful info. I'm leaning more towards the Speed
Triple now. The only problem is that I haven't seen one for sale nearby
since I started looking around a few weeks ago. Anyone in NYC area
selling a Speed Triple? There is a nice, low mile SV1000 calling my
name, but I'll try to resist its siren song...
You should see some soon. The 2005 Speed Triple features 100 more ccs,
20 more horses, and 10 more pound-feet than the 955. It also is the
coolest looking Triple yet, IMO. So true Triple enthusiasts may be
trading in some relatively recent examples in greater numbers than usual.
Greek Shipping Magnets
2005-02-28 17:30:54 UTC
Permalink
Anyone in NYC area selling a Speed Triple?
Not me!

I doubt you'll find one here anyway. I've seen like three of them
floating around and one is mine. Check out Ebay and cycletrader. And
open yourself to some traveling. I went to Massachucettes for mine.
Enterprise in Fort Lee, Joisey rents a full size van for $55 with
unlimited mileage. That's just the ticket for a road trip to pick up a
bike in this shitty weather.

Alternately Gold Coast Motorsports will sell you a used Triple for
$6,000 which is right in your ballpark. Only problem is I got mine for
$4500 from a private seller! For the money I don't think there's a
single bike out there that can touch the SP3.
l***@hotmail.com
2005-02-28 17:04:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tim
Aftermarket stuff? Like what? My Speed Triple has Triumph
accessories like a
Post by Tim
tank bag, flyscreen, passenger seat cowling, and carbon fiber sport muffler.
I've added K&N GP Touring handlebars, Napoleon Baren bar end mirrors, Sky King
air intake screens, modified the rider saddle bolts for quick release operation,
and converted to a single front headlamp using slightly modified Triumph
Thunderbird headlight mounting hardware and a generic 7 inch headlamp assembly.
Is there hard luggage available for the Speed Triple? I like being able
to put a top box on my bike. I've seen luggage racks for the SV1000,
but I'm having trouble finding any compnay that makes racks for the
Speed Triple... If I'm really restricted to soft luggage and tank bags
on the Speed Triple, then that SV1000 is looking a little better...

-Gniewko
Tim
2005-03-01 00:31:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tim
Post by Tim
Aftermarket stuff? Like what? My Speed Triple has Triumph
accessories like a
Post by Tim
tank bag, flyscreen, passenger seat cowling, and carbon fiber sport
muffler.
Post by Tim
I've added K&N GP Touring handlebars, Napoleon Baren bar end mirrors,
Sky King
Post by Tim
air intake screens, modified the rider saddle bolts for quick release
operation,
Post by Tim
and converted to a single front headlamp using slightly modified
Triumph
Post by Tim
Thunderbird headlight mounting hardware and a generic 7 inch headlamp
assembly.
Is there hard luggage available for the Speed Triple? I like being able
to put a top box on my bike. I've seen luggage racks for the SV1000,
but I'm having trouble finding any compnay that makes racks for the
Speed Triple... If I'm really restricted to soft luggage and tank bags
on the Speed Triple, then that SV1000 is looking a little better...
Don't see why you couldn't put Givi side bags and top cases on the thing if you
wanted to.
l***@hotmail.com
2005-03-01 02:04:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tim
Post by Tim
Post by Tim
Aftermarket stuff? Like what? My Speed Triple has Triumph
accessories like a
Post by Tim
tank bag, flyscreen, passenger seat cowling, and carbon fiber sport
muffler.
Post by Tim
I've added K&N GP Touring handlebars, Napoleon Baren bar end mirrors,
Sky King
Post by Tim
air intake screens, modified the rider saddle bolts for quick release
operation,
Post by Tim
and converted to a single front headlamp using slightly modified
Triumph
Post by Tim
Thunderbird headlight mounting hardware and a generic 7 inch headlamp
assembly.
Is there hard luggage available for the Speed Triple? I like being able
to put a top box on my bike. I've seen luggage racks for the
SV1000,
Post by Tim
Post by Tim
but I'm having trouble finding any compnay that makes racks for the
Speed Triple... If I'm really restricted to soft luggage and tank bags
on the Speed Triple, then that SV1000 is looking a little better...
Don't see why you couldn't put Givi side bags and top cases on the thing if you
wanted to.
I checked the Givi and Nonfango websites, but they don't make luggage
racks for the Speed Triple...

-Gniewko
Tim
2005-03-01 02:20:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by l***@hotmail.com
I checked the Givi and Nonfango websites, but they don't make luggage
racks for the Speed Triple...
-Gniewko
What about Givi's universal side mounts?
l***@hotmail.com
2005-03-01 04:51:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tim
Post by l***@hotmail.com
I checked the Givi and Nonfango websites, but they don't make luggage
racks for the Speed Triple...
-Gniewko
What about Givi's universal side mounts?
I'll have to check those out. I didn't know universal mounts existed, I
thought they had to be designed specifically for the mounting points on
a particular bike. Are they shown on the Givi website? That's one of
the least usable websites I have ever seen when you're looking for
actual info on what fits a specific bike...

-Gniewko
Tim
2005-03-01 05:47:42 UTC
Permalink
Post by l***@hotmail.com
Post by Tim
Post by l***@hotmail.com
I checked the Givi and Nonfango websites, but they don't make
luggage
Post by Tim
Post by l***@hotmail.com
racks for the Speed Triple...
-Gniewko
What about Givi's universal side mounts?
I'll have to check those out. I didn't know universal mounts existed, I
thought they had to be designed specifically for the mounting points on
a particular bike. Are they shown on the Givi website? That's one of
the least usable websites I have ever seen when you're looking for
actual info on what fits a specific bike...
-Gniewko
It's been a couple of years since I've shopped for Givi. They had a thing
called a Wing Rack that had either SPECIFIC mounting kits for individual models
of bikes, or a GENERIC mounting kit that was - I think - called the universal
Wing Rack Mounting Kit or somethign to that effect. And I agree about their
marketing in general - haven't been to their website in years, but they sure
seem to know how to inhibit sales of a dynomite product.

Tim
Michel Clasquin
2005-03-01 21:26:43 UTC
Permalink
Post by l***@hotmail.com
Post by Tim
What about Givi's universal side mounts?
I'll have to check those out. I didn't know universal mounts existed, I
thought they had to be designed specifically for the mounting points on
a particular bike.
Triumph triples tend to be pretty modular, ie they use basically the
same frame and engine for a wide range of models. I'll bet anything
designed for a Sprint ST or the ealy Daytonas could be made to fit
with a little effort.

Or you could just buy a Trophy and remove the fairing! <ducking>

David
2005-02-27 15:24:57 UTC
Permalink
I agree with all the comments made by Tim.
Great bike, underappreciated in general by US riders, IMHO.

Still, I would go for the Thruxton if buying new...

-David
Tim
2005-02-27 16:23:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by David
I agree with all the comments made by Tim.
Great bike, underappreciated in general by US riders, IMHO.
Still, I would go for the Thruxton if buying new...
-David
I'm currently in love with the flat track replica prototype that they [Triumph]
commisioned for the Cycle World motorcycle show, and/or the Mert Lawell (sp?)
Sportster 1200 based flat track replica. Hell, I might buy an old Sportster 883
and convert it using the Storz flat track components.
Beardg
2005-02-27 21:51:38 UTC
Permalink
Speed Triple...I have ridden this baby and it is a very nice
combination of high end performance, suspension, torque, comfort with
it's stock bars, twin headlites...ever burn a bulb at nite late on a
single headlite bike??The Speed Triple is hard to beat and even though
the SV surely is a nice bike, it's still a Suzuki, a company who
certainly doesn't set the standard for build quality, welds are
mediocre, castings are grainy....get the S3...
Beardg
2005-02-27 22:12:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by David
Still, I would go for the Thruxton if buying new...
-David
Spoken by a man with very long arms...
Bryan
2005-02-27 22:46:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tim
I'm currently in love with the flat track replica prototype that they [Triumph]
commisioned for the Cycle World motorcycle show, and/or the Mert Lawell (sp?)
Sportster 1200 based flat track replica. Hell, I might buy an old Sportster 883
and convert it using the Storz flat track components.
I dated a women many moons ago that worked for Steve Storz. All I got of
the deal was a cool t-shirt. hehe.

Bryan
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