Triumph T509 Speed Triple Review
January 26th 2008 08:50
Most of my regular readers will know by now that I am in the market for another motorcycle but the problem is trying to decide on what make, model and style? As I am looking for something just a little different, I thought this would be worth a try?
The first thing that I liked about this was the colour, just a bit different and stands out from the crowd which is what I'd like when you have 20 bikes all parked up together. This combined with the naked twin head lamps, tubular frame and racy look all make this bike a winner. Also has the single swing arm which is good for changing the wheel but as this model has no centre stand, might be a little tricky.
First impression when sitting on it, is the riding position, the bars are a nice and upright although the seat is set quite low which combined with the sporty rear set pegs setting, made me feel like I was tilting forward a little. A shorter rider would find this okay though as I do have longer legs and I found that when stopped, the foot pegs dug into the back of my legs.
Starting her up and you are greeted with that familiar triple burble and clicking into first, responds with a nice solid snick. Pulling away into traffic, the Speed Triple delivers its power urgently, almost angrily, like a dog constantly pulling at its lead to be off. With the snap, crackle and popping of the engine beneath you, I christened this 'Jasper' after a wasp like bug from the UK. For with its colour, responsive aggressive handling and speed, it was like sitting upon a giant wasp, zipping around but would sting you if you got cocky.
The brakes were very good with the front discs stopping you violently although the idiot lights were very hard to see and I struggled to see them( unsure if just this model or with others?) I would have prefered the speedo to have been in my line of sight as the 30-80km markings are right at the bottom and you go past them very quickly and easily.
'Looks good doesn't it?'
The handling was very light and responsive although I found the steering lock and turning circle was pretty bad. Due to a sudden rain storm, I couldn't push it into the corners but I felt pretty stable and confident on the wet roads.
'The heart of the beastie'
'When the flag drops....'
I liked this bike, it oozes quality and style, its looks are just 'Don't mess with me' and it goes like a whippet. The thing I'm learning about bike buying is its all down to compromises. Can I tour on it? Will it be comfy for two people over longer distance? Although it does have the look and style that I'm looking for. So if I was looking for a fun second bike just for around the city, then this would be it but for my only bike, think I might have to pass at the moment.
Specs ( net sourced)
Engine
Type l-c inline-three
Valve arrangement dohc, 12v
Displacement 1050cc
Transmission 6-speed
Chassis
Weight 416.7 lb. (claimed, dry)
Fuel capacity 4.8 gal. (18.0L)
Wheelbase 56.3 in. (1429mm)
Seat height 32.1 in. (815mm
kiwiauthor rating 8/10, plus looks/styling, ommph factor, minus lack of versatility
grin factor rating 8.5/10
words and photography by H Ling
The first thing that I liked about this was the colour, just a bit different and stands out from the crowd which is what I'd like when you have 20 bikes all parked up together. This combined with the naked twin head lamps, tubular frame and racy look all make this bike a winner. Also has the single swing arm which is good for changing the wheel but as this model has no centre stand, might be a little tricky.
First impression when sitting on it, is the riding position, the bars are a nice and upright although the seat is set quite low which combined with the sporty rear set pegs setting, made me feel like I was tilting forward a little. A shorter rider would find this okay though as I do have longer legs and I found that when stopped, the foot pegs dug into the back of my legs.
Starting her up and you are greeted with that familiar triple burble and clicking into first, responds with a nice solid snick. Pulling away into traffic, the Speed Triple delivers its power urgently, almost angrily, like a dog constantly pulling at its lead to be off. With the snap, crackle and popping of the engine beneath you, I christened this 'Jasper' after a wasp like bug from the UK. For with its colour, responsive aggressive handling and speed, it was like sitting upon a giant wasp, zipping around but would sting you if you got cocky.
The brakes were very good with the front discs stopping you violently although the idiot lights were very hard to see and I struggled to see them( unsure if just this model or with others?) I would have prefered the speedo to have been in my line of sight as the 30-80km markings are right at the bottom and you go past them very quickly and easily.
'Looks good doesn't it?'
The handling was very light and responsive although I found the steering lock and turning circle was pretty bad. Due to a sudden rain storm, I couldn't push it into the corners but I felt pretty stable and confident on the wet roads.
'The heart of the beastie'
'When the flag drops....'
I liked this bike, it oozes quality and style, its looks are just 'Don't mess with me' and it goes like a whippet. The thing I'm learning about bike buying is its all down to compromises. Can I tour on it? Will it be comfy for two people over longer distance? Although it does have the look and style that I'm looking for. So if I was looking for a fun second bike just for around the city, then this would be it but for my only bike, think I might have to pass at the moment.
Specs ( net sourced)
Engine
Type l-c inline-three
Valve arrangement dohc, 12v
Displacement 1050cc
Transmission 6-speed
Chassis
Weight 416.7 lb. (claimed, dry)
Fuel capacity 4.8 gal. (18.0L)
Wheelbase 56.3 in. (1429mm)
Seat height 32.1 in. (815mm
kiwiauthor rating 8/10, plus looks/styling, ommph factor, minus lack of versatility
grin factor rating 8.5/10
words and photography by H Ling
| 66 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
