Triumph Street Triple

Loosening up nicely now, with about 600 miles on the clock. I'm taking
it up to 7000rpm now, which is 80+. It's geared for about 150 at the
13k redline. It's presently giving 50mpg, and a range until the
warning light comes on of about 155 miles. I think there's about 30
miles left with the light on, but I haven't tried that yet. A decent
tank range, anyway.

Still loving it to bits, chiefly because it has soul and *so much*
bloody punch. Anyone here ever ride an old air-cooled big Kawasaki?
Z900, Z1000, something like that? You were always footing for a sixth
gear because it was driving so hard. The 675 is like that: I'm
frequently trying to find a gear above top (sixth), not because it's
undergeared but because it pulls so well from virtually no revs. What
a wonderful engine.

Dislikes.... the instruments are fiddly. The digital speedo is placed
a little lower than I'd like and the various buttons for tripmeter,
fuel consumption, clock etc are awkward to use. and the steering lock
is surprisingly restricted. The wide bars disguise this, but try and
do a U-turn in the street or something and you'll get a surprise. And
the rear suspension seems a bit harsh: I must have a fiddle with the
preload and damping, if that's adjustable. Haven't looked yet.

Basically, it's a hooligan machine. Absolutely anarchic though
surprisingly practical. Huge, huge fun: four-stroke LC, almost. I
still love the Ducati, but the Triple is showing it up as a museum
piece.

 

Interesting TOG.

I sat on one for the first time a couple of weeks ago and loved the
sitting/riding position. The dealer in Blackburn asked if I wanted to book a
test ride and I'm currently contemplating that. I'm a bit surprised at the
lack of steering (lock to lock) though as the Zed is fucking unbelievable
and you get used to having the ability to do a 180 in narrow roads I'd hate
to lose that with the Crop.

It felt almost featherweight in comparison with the Zed too, which was nice,
so it's looking like a test ride will have to be done.


--
Beav

VN 750
Zed 1000
OMF# 19

 

Well, the steering lock isn't as bad as the Ducati's, but then that
needs a dual carriageway to do a three-point turn. It's just that with
the wide bars, you sort of expect a generous helping of steering lock
and you don't get it.

The riding position is excellent, yes. It absolutely needs the extra
little cowling and flyscreen, mind. It keeps the wind off your chest.

It's an extraordinary bike, really. It's so different from the usual
Japanese 600 nakeds or semi-nakeds (Bandit, Fazer, etc) because of
that howling engine. Triples are always fun - you have to look really
hard to find any triple that wasn't fun to ride - but this one's a
bloody banshee. It should not, it absolutely should not, rev like that
and have as much torque as it does.

Oh, and the noise. The noise.....

 

Angle grinder.

I may have a sit on one. They look small to me.

I can't hear you.

 

Actually, I think that's a common feature of many Kawasakis, from
different decades. Kwack are always quite clever on their gearing (as
evidended from PB's "thrust through the gears" charts), and I suspect
they purposely build that sensation into their top gear calcs.

Assuming it's properly run in, I'd love a go in France. When you take
my Hayabusa out, say?

 

AOL, but I don't think he's taking the Street Triple.

 

That would have been John Robinson. I really miss his techie stuff,
because it was always good, always interesting, always relevant and
always explained so any numpty like me could understand it. Nobody's
ever filled the gap he left.

I'd love to take it to France, I really would, but I've got The Doctor
[1] on board this time and so I'll be taking the BMW.

[1] And I know how you feel about my missus, so I'll just say that
I'll be watching you, Champion.[2]
[2] As will your intended, I guess.

 

You can be *such* a twat sometimes Tog. I should execute you shortly.

I'm off down the fucking Triumph dealer in a few mins.

 

Was she watching I wonder as he gritted his teeth and resisted squeezing
Charlene's bum?

 

oh. Well I spose I could take F out on that to show her what she's
missing...

Harumph. I think you must be confusing me with someone else.

Whilst I think your missus is nothing less than delightful, she's not
really my type, and I'd challenge to you to google any lewd comments
from me about her.

 

heh.

 

Bugger. Did you notice that?

 

Hmmm, Jack Lilley will do me one for £4922[1], which sounds like
rather a bargain. I was reading the warranty info on their website and
thought it was a bit shit that they only guarantee the exhaust for 12
months (and it doesn't cover internal corrosion) and the battery for
only 6.

Bit of a bugger that you're not taking it to France as I would have
been in the HAGM queue.


[1]I don't need to pay the VAT

 

I liked the Zed thou I rode. I just don't like naked bikes that much,
I find them tiring over distance.

The Tiger is restricted badly by the standard exhaust, it was sluggish
through the revs until I replaced it. I've also got a K&N air filter
to go on it, as it still doesn't seem to be breathing right.

It truly does rev around the clock now, it has completely transfomed
the bike.

P.

 

I'm pretty sure I would have had a Triumph by now if they matched the
quality of the noise with general fitment and finish. Although I suppose
they've improved those over the last few years.

 

In message

I shall have to pay you a visit with the Daytona

 

Two that spring to mind immediately - GT750, XS750.

 

OK, I might allow the latter, but the Suzuki? No way was that "not
fun to ride".

 

I found some lovely KH porn too. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=LFMtPmZgbQo>

I need a cold shower.

 

How about when smoke gets in your eyes as all those Kwacker triples
overtake you?
That's not exactly fun.