What to buy

[Big Troubled Bear]

Insurance will be replacing my stolen 696,

Problem is that I can get a new off the floor 08 Triumph 1050 Speed Triple for 900 dollars less than a 09 new 696 Monster.

What would you do, and if I go with what my head tells me, will I still be welcome on the DMF

[Speedbag]

You're gonna love that Triumph.

[RB]

I can't compare the sped3 to the 696, since i have an S2R(800). A good friend of mine has the triple, and we have traded off bikes on many occasions. If i had to make the same choice, i would have still chosen my S2R over the triple.
The triple has great power delivery, very smooth and makes the front-end very light when you get on her. The riding position is more up-right(i am 5'7"), and you don't feel smashed into the tank, like i have heard about the 696(no FHE with the 696). The triple looks bad-ass, sounds unique in a different way as the triple employs a timing gear instead of chain for the potent inline 3, we call it the tea-kettle 1000 due to the whistle the gear makes. Even with a Mivv Gp-exhaust you can here the whistle of the engine. Another plus is that there is a good amount of knowledge on this bike as the user base is pretty large(www.triumphrat.net). However, this user base doesn't compare to the DMF, you may wait days to get a response to a common issue on the T-rat board, just my experience(i am spoiled by the DMF).

Another thing i don't like about the sped3 is the suspension, sad to say my cheaper S2R handles like it wants to turn, the triple seems to react like a muscle car, it will turn but requires more effort. Perhaps this is a combination of geometry and suspension set-up, but it doesn't feel 'tight' like the S2R that inspires apex guidance. I won't go into the sound of the bike, because lets face it, nothing  sounds as good as a duc. The sped3 also sits taller then the Monster, and seems to be most noticeable at tip-in. I like my seating position better on the S2R, and i understand the 696 is smashes some riders into the tank, but i have no FHE.

Don't get me wrong, i think the sped3 is a great ride, looks great, and has gobs of power. Suspension can also be corrected with enough money. I have already changed my sloppy stock forks out for full adjustable, and that made a huge difference.

Just my opinion, i have never ridden a 696.

[LA]

That 1050 is a serious motor cycle. I like em a lot. 

LA

[Raux]

comparing my old 900 (albeit it was the not-to-mention City) monster to the 696... the 696 turns even better as teh weight distribution feels better. it's more responsive but you do have to sit with your manhood about an inch or two back from the tank and use your knees to keep the weight right. But this give you great feedback as well.. you're more part of the bike than just sitting on it. I rode a BMW F800S recently and i hated that sitting high on top of a bike feeling and trying to manhandle the bike into a corner. god i miss my monster being rideable 

[Grampa]

I'd buy a dark 1098

[Raux]

are you allowed to jack EVERY thread about purchasing 

[Porsche Monkey]

Get the triple

[Grampa]

are you allowed to jack EVERY thread about purchasing 

[moto]


weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[RC Fan]

Speed Triple!  If you get it, can you please post some pictures?

[He Man]

1050....unless u can get the street fighter....

[kingbaby]

1050....unless u can get the street fighter....

+1

[Scottish]

You're gonna love that Triumph.

+1

[Big Troubled Bear]

Just some background.......

I have had a couple of bikes to play with on the track, the latest being a R1 and have mainly used the Monsters as roadbikes for scratching over weekends.

After test riding the Speed Triple yesterday I can say that it`s a much better bike out the box than any Monsters I have ridden and that includes the S4RS, I have not test ridden the new M1100 so there are no comparison to that but if it is in any way like the 696 then the 1050 is the way to go.

The comparison I would like to make is that for the same money as a new 696 you get a new 1050 with some added goodies

The money saved will go towards pipes or some other goodies

[Speedbag]

Don't forget pics!