Leftover M1100 or 2011 Street Triple R?

[Punx Clever]

OH GOD.  I hadn't seen the lights untill now... get the m1100... good lord.

[Triple J]

No, I have not ridden either.  Unless my dealer has a used version of both, I won't be able to do a test ride as both bikes are new. 

They don't offer test rides of new models? WTF?

[Travman]

I'm sure the street triple rides well, but I just can't get past the headlights of those bikes.  I'm not a fan of dual headlights on a naked bike, and the triumph ones look huge.

I agree and the latest versions of the Street & Speed Triples are even worse with those cat weird cat eyes.  If I had a Street Triple I'd spring for the LSL Urban headlight kit made for the Striple.

http://spieglerusa.com/lsl-urban-headlight-kit-for-street-triple-3273.htm

[Triple J]

^^^ That would be a huge improvement over the stock bug eyes.

What's up with LSL's site though? If you're gonna offer a $599 headlight kit, and you took the time to install it on a bike to take some pictures, you'd think you might post more than just one close-up photo. 

[RC Fan]

They don't offer test rides of new models? WTF?

Yeah, I know...I haven't had a test ride of any of my bikes.   

That LSL headlight is sweet.  I think I saw it online somewhere yesterday.

[RC Fan]

i saw one the other day when i stopped by the dealer... 2012 black str with arrow 3 to 1 carbon low system... sad thing was that it was already laid down.

18 yr old just bought it, had it a hour, went down and broke his leg.  damage to the rim, forks, radiator, slip ons, etc etc... whole right side was pretty banged up.  kid prob tried to go nuts on it right out the door on new cold tires.

that being said, the new lights are growing on me... with the screen and fairing on it i like it better than the old one now i think.

here is a review on the 2012 str:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1109_2012_triumph_675_street_triple_r/index.html

That is too bad!

Thanks for the review!  If the bike is as fun as they say it is, I can suck up the headlights.

[jsd2]

One of my best friends has a 2009 Triumph Street Triple R.  I have spend some time on it.  I have a Monster 1100 EVO, not exactly the same as a leftover M1100 but not that different either.  I also had a 696 before the 1100.  For me the choice is pretty easy and that would be the M1100.  I read a lot about the motor on the Triumph and how much character it had.  I think the Monster's motor has way more character.  Some of that may be that I am not used to the power delivery of the Triumph but I enjoy the motor of my 1100 so much more.  The sound of the Ducati will be much better also (and it is better than the 696).  The Triumph seating position is more upright than the EVO and much more than my 696 was.  I like the position of the EVO the best.  I don't feel like the Triumph is aggressive enough.  As far as looks that is so subjective.  I think the ST is super ugly.  The front lights on the new ones are even uglier than the older ones, in my opinion.  My friend that owns it thinks it is the best thing ever.  The lights are one of the things that got his attention about the bike.  He has also had the bike in the shop to be repaired under warranty several times in about 5000 miles.  Maybe that's a fluke but I know he get discouraged about it sometimes.   

Anyway in my opinion I would go with the M1100.  The engine is awesome, I am amazed at how much more I enjoy it over the 696 (and the ST).  I like the seating position better and I think it is a way better looking bike.  And it is a Ducati.  Honestly they are both great bikes and you probably can't go wrong with either. 

Jim

[CromoMann]

...As far as what I want out of it, I want a better suspension than my 696...

Have you considered getting your suspension customized/updated?  Are you looking to upgrade the powerplant too?
-m

[SDRider]

I came from a Suzuki SV650 to the Monster 1100 EVO and I can honestly say, the Monster is just as light but with more of everything else.  The SV had a great chassis but mediocre brakes and horrible suspension.  I think the Triumph would be more like a naked 600cc supersport but with a budget suspension and brakes...kind of like the SV650 but with 25 more hp.  I haven't ridden a Street Triple but I was considering it a few years ago when I bought my SV.  Dealer support is better with the Ducati for sure.

Depends on what you want in a bike.  Screaming high revving engine or torque monster.  I think the Ducati would pull harder on the freeway.  Of course, you could just go with a Japanese supersport and be like everyone else...

[RC Fan]

Depends on what you want in a bike.  Screaming high revving engine or torque monster.  I think the Ducati would pull harder on the freeway.  Of course, you could just go with a Japanese supersport and be like everyone else...

I am not immune to the Japanese supersports...sadly the seat heights and weights are not comfortable for me.

Have you considered getting your suspension customized/updated?  Are you looking to upgrade the powerplant too?
-m

  I won't be upgrading my bike, unless it gets upgraded to a M1100 .   I have certainly been considering the Evo as well.

[DucHead]

Both bikes are really nice, so I don't think you'll go wrong either way.

The Street Triple is a great package by all accounts, but having ridden the Speed Triple...      

The M1100 has superior looks, especially with the SSSA and there are some great pics of some modded ones on this site.

If I were in your shoes, I'd go with the M1100.         

[geoffduc]

No contest...

It's got to be the monster...

Geoff...

[RC Fan]

Both bikes are really nice, so I don't think you'll go wrong either way.

The Street Triple is a great package by all accounts, but having ridden the Speed Triple...      

The M1100 has superior looks, especially with the SSSA and there are some great pics of some modded ones on this site.

If I were in your shoes, I'd go with the M1100.         

I do have the dreaded single-sided-swingarm envy... decisions, decisions.

[DucHead]

I do have the dreaded single-sided-swingarm envy... decisions, decisions.

I believe that I remember you're saying that you were tippy-toeing the Bandit, so I would think the seat height of the M1100 would be a better match for you.  Have you sat on both?

[RC Fan]

I believe that I remember you're saying that you were tippy-toeing the Bandit, so I would think the seat height of the M1100 would be a better match for you.  Have you sat on both?

Yep, the Bandit was too tall, but I still love them anyway!  I have sat on the Triple, but not the R version, which is slighty higher.  I haven't tried out the M1100 or the Evo(which I guess has a different seat than the 1100), but I have sat on the 796.  Both the Triple and the 796 were fine height-wise.  I do intend to have my boots 'lifted' by a cobbler, so I think the seat height will be fine on either.