2005 Triumph ST

Does anyone else think that the front of the new ST :

http://www.rideteamtriumph.com/images/Dealer Conference 2005 079.jpg

looks rather a lot like the helmet from this :

http://www.hollywood-costumes.com/powerrangers/5938.jpg

?

 

I think it just looks horrible. The pictures in the latest Bike don't
help either.

been looking for a new outfit? ;-)

 

No, but when I first saw the picture of the ST it reminded me of something.
It took a while to realise to it was the Power ranger.

Maybe that's their target audience?

I am/was vaguely interested as it's one of the few alternatives to the VFR,
but I just don't like the styling, or the apparent riding position.

 

dwb says...

I like it. Though the new speed triple looks like they've used Winging
Couriers ratblade for inspiration.

http://www.rideteamtriumph.com/images/05sp3_intro.jpg

 

mups secured a place in history by writing:

I like it too. Lots. And I think the new Speed Triple looks pretty cool
too, regardless of inspiration.

 

Heh. Bob it and paint it black and they will follow ...

I liked the old one, especially the SE with added black bits - but I
like this one more. The only thing that puts me off is the very
exposed position of the oil cooler - wide right and low down, where it
will get all the stones flicked up off the road (there's no guard) and
be the first thing to touch in the event of droppage.

 

Out of interest Dan, what other 'alternatives' to the VFR have you
considered?

I shall probably be looking for something a bit comfier than the Gixer
in the near future, since it looks like we may be moving house. The SO
has suggested [1], in principal at least, that a new (or at least newer)
bike would be the best way to go.

Haven't quite figured out what to go for yet. I have to admit I thought
the ST looked "okay" in Bike but that straight on picture doesn't do it
any favours. Other things I'd thought might fit the bill included, Fazer
thou, SV1000 and R1150GS.

Cheers

[1] Haven't worked out how to sell her on new bike + keeping Gixer yet

 

Something in the big trailie line of things - the DL1000 was one
possibility.

Otherwise, BMW R1100S was another possibility. SV1000S up there too.

Aprillia Falco/Futura too.

There are a few others, like the 750GSXF but that did nothing for me style
wise.

Basically I wanted vaguely sporty looks and handling, with a bent towards
touring

I think one that I hadn't considered (and probably wouldn't) was the Ducati
ST3 - seems to be getting reasonable reviews.

One of the things I decided I wanted though was ABS - and that _really_
narrows the choice to basically just the VFR currently.

And that's where I run into my problem with the VFR - it's too bloody
expensive. Same problem with all the BMW's.

Apparently the Triumph will have an ABS option, but I suspect that'll end up
being a similar price to the VFR ABS. Also considering that a new VFR1200 is
imminent, plus competition, i wouldn't be surprised to see Honda drop the
price of the VFR next year.

*IF* it has ABS, *IF* it isn't silly to insure and *IF* it's comfortable I
think the Triumph could be a lot better motorcycle than the VFR - mainly
because of the engine - 120+ BHP plus a serious wodge of torque - yes
please.

 

Tell her she can have a new cooker.

 

Sir wants an FJR1300, sir does.

You can keep the gixer in my garage if you like. I'll even turn it over
for you, occasionally


Tiff, who for the first time in 2.5years, has all his bikes and cars on
the road and running....i wonder how long for....

 

Cheers for the comments, it sounds like you've put a lot of thought into
it. Difficult though. After 18 months on a bike which made sense in my
head I was after something more, the Gixer makes no sense but it does
make me laugh.

However given the hell that would be commuting by car if the damn bike
doesn't start I'd put reliability fairly high on my list. Doing 10 miles
on a misfiring Gixer is bad enough, travelling all the way through the
city centre would not be fun.

I'd never considered the ST3 although that could be because for some
reason when I think Ducati I can't think past 916/999/748, but you are
right it's a good choice especially as my head is saying "V-twin".
Mind you the Multistrada did seem to have a lot of what I might be
looking for but I don't like the looks *at all*. In fact none of the
trailie style of bikes really yanks my chain to be honest. I can see the
positives and they would probably be ideal for what I'm looking for but
I think I'd have to be able to keep the Suzuki which really is plan c at
the moment.

I really wanted to be wowed by the VFR but while I thought it was okay
it wasn't that special, a bit boring, and as you say they are a lot of
money. My mind keeps coming back to the fact you can get a new Fazer for
£6500 and, at least from all the Magazines perspective it seems to be
the ultimate do it all bike. Can't ever remember hearing much in favour
about them on here though, which is a downside.

Oh and I's also consider a late model ZX-9R. Go figure

 

Doesn't take much figgerin'.

The 9R is quick, comfy and proven. Does it all and does it pretty
well - looks nice too. What more would you want; a Suzuki badge?

 

*Exactly* my thoughts on my current one.

Deauville?

It was the Ducati reliability reputation that put me off...

Especially when you considering servicing costs for the fancy pants V-TEC.
800cc bike making <100BHP and not a lot more torque than the GSX-R in a
frame that weighs a lot more.

Hence why I think the Triumph should be a stonking bike performance wise -
1050cc triple should be superb.

Actually for what you're suggesting a Fazor might be ideal - I discounted it
because I was looking for ABS and full fairing (but not a bloody tourer
before Simes/Champ pop up).

Yes, these do seem to be in favour at the moment ;-)

 

Tried that, the house we're looking at has a nice one built in already
although she's gutted at the thought of loosing her "range". Still good
thinking, maybe some new boots would do the trick.

To be honest I think I'm playing this all wrong. We're thinking of
moving closer (a lot closer) to her folks and this is a method of
"appeasing" me about her retying the apron strings. In fact I'm not
bothered since it will save us a shit load of money in childcare and
telephone calls . Maybe I should kid on that I'm really opposed and go
for a brand new R1200GS.

 

NO sir doesn't! The only thing below that in my list is my Dad's R1100R
which he's offered me cheap

What and have it develop an oil leak :-D

 

Carb icing & fuel taps! Could I go back to that after the luxury of a
fuel light and the smooth seamless FI (ha) on the Gixer !

Mind you they do come in a nice shade of green.

 

Indeed reliability is the key!

If you can live with the PR looks It's not that bad actually I like
the triple theme, headlights, pipes etc.

It does seem to be the obvious choice, when buying with the head.

Clique membership is assured!

 

Some? Be careful - some seems to turn into "several" very rapidly.

 

Seconded. SWMBO has discovered ebay, and new boots now arrive at the
rate of 1-2 pairs a week.

Tiff
--

 

Maybe "a pair" would be better.