Decision time: Superduke or Speed triple(?)

[NolaNomad]

After a careless and slightly tipsy co-worker backed over my '03 Triumph Speed Four a few weeks ago......

I am now looking at a possible "total" on the S4. Boo.

I am thinking I will take this "opportunity" to upgrade a bit and have the SD & S3 in the cross -hairs.

SD: '07-'08 75deg. 990 cc V-Twin Motard based streetfighter from KTM.
It was remarkable how agile and balanced it was. It felt good in traffic, splitting. Top notch components, a bit touchy fueling but showed well in handling, very well.
slightly used with 1 year warranty.
$$$$.$$

S3: '07-'08 1050 cc inline triple classic streetfighter from Triumph. I have not tested this bike. Reported the power plant in one of the best on the road now, and is hard to beat. Very hard.
Useable powerband, better top end. Durable
Used no warranty
$$$$.$$

Me: Daily commuter, in and around SF, rain or shine. Practice skills on twisty stuff when I can, more is better. Looking ahead for track day or two, agin to build skill and general awesome fun.

I like the looks of both, coming from a S4, I like what I see in Triumph
but I was surprised at the KTM build quality, engine pedigree and overall feel of the rig. Very differant ergos will take some getting used to coming from more lean forward low grips. But kinda nice being up highover traffic

Let me pick your community brain and ask:

"Knowing what you know now, what bike would you have chosen and why"?

So if you can speak from experience on either the SD or S3.
Please tell me your story..........

 

[RcrBoy]

No experience.

SD is FUGLY!

Get the Triple it looks the business


Mark

 

[NolaNomad]

Duly noted..
Was looking for a bit more depth in your argument, however.
I'm all ears, BARF..

 

[fast4d]

triumph is so FUGLY!!

but it'll have more power than the SD.

the SD will handle better. excellent brakes.

I own a 2008 SDR

 

[NolaNomad]

triumph is so FUGLY!!

but it'll have more power than the SD.

the SD will handle better. excellent brakes.

I own a 2008 SDR

Hey fast4d,

This makes for better day to day driving I would think.
This post has my attention:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/mcy/1801452709.html

(I hope it's legit to link to another site)

The claimed Horses and slipper clutch seem worth it.
Any advice in this case?

Besides, I should try something completely different, just want some educated opinion.

 

[fast4d]

aftermarket ECU? it must be a PC III. see if it has O2 eliminators.

looks like a good deal. do test ride it. make sure the clutch was installed/adjusted correctly. see if it surges at very light throttle while cruising.

its an SD not an SDR so I would say 115hp @ the wheel.

 

[NolaNomad]

Hahaha...
My bicycle is getting one more vote than the Speedy!
Where are all the Anglophiles in the room?
Any Triumph true bloods want to talk me out of the SD?
Remember, I am coming from an S4.....

 

[spdt509]

allow me to make it even MORE confusing;street triple.some dealers still have leftover '09's for a song.

 

[NolaNomad]

Ahh yes. The ST3
I did have a test ride with that last week at Munroe(great guys over there) and wasn't into it. Not bad at all but I just wanted more stability and the ergos were all bad for me.
I really felt like I was balls up over the tank...
Motor was very responsive though.
Still focused on the the SD and S3 any one test, ride or own one of these?

 

[spdt509]

you must be over 6ft. tall to not like the ST-3.there are a few 1050 owners here but i have the older model,so no feedback from me....

 

[The Debbid]

If you go with a 1050 Speed Triple, try to get an 08. Triumph fixed the "brake issues" some owners experienced by equipping Brembos.

Also, I absolutely love my Speed Triple. Its very comfortable and responsive. It's a great all-arounder; I use it primarily for commuting but I also take it to the twisties and have done a couple trackdays with it as well. But I've never been on a Super Duke, so I got give you much a comparison.

 

[NolaNomad]

hey good point.
So I am looking at an '07 S3, can't afford the new stuff at Monroe.
What should I look for ?
What diffs will I notice.
The breaks on the SD can stop a plane.....
Also anyone know where/how to find a slipper clutch for the S3?

 

[Ironbutt]

GOLDWING FTW!!!

 

[The Debbid]

hey good point.
So I am looking at an '07 S3, can't afford the new stuff at Monroe.
What should I look for ?
What diffs will I notice.
The breaks on the SD can stop a plane.....
Also anyone know where/how to find a slipper clutch for the S3?

Other than the brakes, most of the differences are cosmetic. From what I understand, the major changes are the tail section and the wheels. I'm not sure of everything, but I've noticed that alot of aftermarket manufacturers have S3 parts list as 05-07 and 08+. So, you'd probably have any easier time finding used mods for the 07.

Also, I don't really know what the "brake issue" was on the 07s. I don't think it was an issue with stopping power, so much as weird feel in the lever. Check out this thread for more info: http://www.thespeedtriple.com/Forums/index.php?topic=500.0

That forum has a ton of useful info, so I'd suggest looking at the stickies and browsing a bit.

 

[NolaNomad]

Seems like the change was made from nissin to brembos.
Reports say good stopping power, just too much "progression" in feel.
Seems like you must grab a handful to stop

 

[Neema12]

Pictures for reference

Speed Triple

Super Duke

 

[NolaNomad]

These two pics just make it harder! My decision I mean....
Kinda on the fence about the KTM plastics. But most sportbikes have plastics, difference being the tank which regrettably is a composite.
Any thoughts on a metalwork vs. composite..
Damages, durability, cracking etc.?

 

[The Debbid]

Both the Speed Triples above are '08s. Here is an '07 (with aftermarket exhaust) for comparison.

 

[fast4d]

to steer you towards the SD....

 

[ar15600rr]

No experience.

SD is FUGLY!

Get the Triple it looks the business


Mark

+1