2009 Triumph Street Triple RI've now owned over 40 two-wheeled machines in my lifetime. Yet if I were to say I had one favorite of all time, this would be the one. This was originally purchased with the plan of turning it into an adventure bike, complete with Continental TKC-80 knobby tires, a skidplate, and some crash protection. However, before I even got it home, I knew there is no way I was going to make a Scrambler out of it.
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In every review you read about the Street Triple R, they all mention the sound, and visceral experience. I always thought that was just some prose to make a review interesting. But, the triple is very unique. The noises this bike makes are unique and wonderful - the whine of the straight cut gears, the intake howl, and the exhaust note all add to the riding experience more than I would have predicted. It also doesn't hurt that the chassis and suspension are marvelous. The riding position is sporty, but much more upright than a sportbike. The engine is tuned for decent midrange, and the ECU may be the best tuned I've ridden on any motorcycle. Aerodynamics are terrible for something like racing or track days, but at public road speeds, they are just fine. I am a big fan of naked bikes though, so my opinion is pretty biased.
Good and Bad
Good:
I have very few bad things to say about this bike. I love the riding position. I love the aural qualities added by the three cylinder engine. I love the engine character. I love the chassis and how telepathic and precise it is through corners and transitions. I love that the bike doesn't want to stand up when trail braking. I love that this bike put Triumph back as a mainstream motorcycle manufacturer, yet is rare enough that you almost never see another one.
Bad:
1) For casual street riding I think the suspension on the R model is a little stiff.
2) There is almost zero storage capacity on this bike. It is not for getting groceries.
3) This bike makes me feel like I'm a kid again. Unfortunately this means I sometimes *act* like a kid when I ride it.
4) As a naked bike, you are more exposed to the elements than most other motorcycles.
I have very few bad things to say about this bike. I love the riding position. I love the aural qualities added by the three cylinder engine. I love the engine character. I love the chassis and how telepathic and precise it is through corners and transitions. I love that the bike doesn't want to stand up when trail braking. I love that this bike put Triumph back as a mainstream motorcycle manufacturer, yet is rare enough that you almost never see another one.
Bad:
1) For casual street riding I think the suspension on the R model is a little stiff.
2) There is almost zero storage capacity on this bike. It is not for getting groceries.
3) This bike makes me feel like I'm a kid again. Unfortunately this means I sometimes *act* like a kid when I ride it.
4) As a naked bike, you are more exposed to the elements than most other motorcycles.
Future Plans
Just ride it. Change the oil and keep up on maintenance items. Put on better tires, then wear them out. I may consider adding some wind deflectors for the hands if I can find some that look nice.
