1100 EVO vs Street Triple R / Blasphemy?

[El-Twin]

Don't whup me here fellas, I'm just askin'

My plan for this year, which has been cooking for about a year now, has been to saddle-up a new 1100 EVO this spring and ride her home. I worry about the plastic tank, the too-lean fueling and the too-tall gearing, but I'm still smitten by the thought of a sexy Italian mistress that the wife actually approves of. A redhead no less.

That Ducati mystique, that crazy trellis frame, that torquey big twin and intoxicating exhaust note really do it for me. I'd just have to change the exhaust, swap the ECU and gear her down lower and go from there.

Expensive? Yes. And some might question the wisdom of buying an expensive new machine that's not quite complete. As they say, it's the "character" that you buy into.

So here's my problem....

Last weekend I met a Triumph Street Triple R in the dealer's showroom and it was love at first sight. I've been thinking about it all week and even told my wife that the Duc has some competition. So I come humbly before the forum seeking guidance.

This machine is the Triumph version of the Monster. It weighs 416 lbs wet, wrings out 105 hp from 675 cc's, cost $2000.00 less, has fully adjustible front and rear suspension and comes complete, with no fueling issues. Plus, it has a metal tank.

Am I wrong here? Is this blasphemy? Can one of you please set me straight? Just don't whup me, please.
 

[thought]

both are great bikes, make sure you ride both to find out which you like more, there are differences to the engines.  the triple of the str has more torque than a i4 but it still needs to be wrung out compared to a big twin.

the str will be cheaper, cheaper to insure, but be low on torque compared to the 1100.  also missing abs/dtc if that's something that matters to you.  the str will also be more comfortable for longer distances due to the more upright riding position prob.

i was also asking myself that same question when i bought my 796 but in the end i got the duc because it's simply better looking.  btwn the 796 and then str, the str is overall the better machine, but the looks of the monster were too hard to ignore.  and the str vs the 1100evo... now it's more down to price and engine characteristics.

[RC Fan]

I heavily debated both bikes, but in the end ordered the Street Triple R.  I am currently awaiting it's arrival.

If you read the reviews, the Street Triple is very well liked.

Have you visited the two main Street Triple forums?  By and large those guys are very happy with their bikes.

[El-Twin]

Have you visited the two main Street Triple forums?  By and large those guys are very happy with their bikes.

At the risk of sounding like a renegade, could you map me to those two forums?

[RC Fan]

Sure thing!

Triumph675:  http://www.triumph675.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=38


TriumphRat:  http://www.triumphrat.net/street-triple-forum/

If the links aren't working, let me know.

[hillbillypolack]

It sounds like you have done your homework so you know what you'd be getting into with either bike.  Know also that even with the mods you mentioned for the EVO, you may do something similar for the Trump.  It's a disease, I know.

But only you can tell how you like the power (grunty torque or a bit revvier) and the overall balance of the bike.  Test ride em.  Think on em.  You can't go wrong.  It's a new bike either way, so enjoy the 'problem' of choosing a new bike!!!  

[El-Twin]

If the links aren't working, let me know.

The links work fine. Thanks!

[Curmudgeon]

As "thought" says, torque characteristics and power bands are quite different. Don't blame Ducati for lean running and gearing, blame the EPA and DOT. A Monster makes nicer noises stock though by far and IMO the triple is butt ugly. The triple needs a bit of fine tuning overall as well. Ride both at length and you won't need to ask us. Never cared for buzz myself, no matter how mild.

[El-Twin]

and IMO the triple is butt ugly.

As far as the headlights go, I totally agree with you. I'm trying to get past the googly eyes, and I think I could.

you won't need to ask us.

I'm asking here because this is where the accumulated wisdom resides. Work with me here....

[Armor]

You should look at a streetfighter!

[Curmudgeon]

As far as the headlights go, I totally agree with you. I'm trying to get past the googly eyes, and I think I could.

I'm asking here because this is where the accumulated wisdom resides. Work with me here....

 

Wasn't this enough? I'd have bought 3 evos by now if I'd read this?  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=50869.0

That was July. Are you still "rusty"? Good bottom end torque always wins in spades for me. Just fit a 14T and a bar riser. You probably don't need anything else except possibly a Sargent seat.

How heavy and tall are you? Maybe a Rizoma bar and 796 riser instead?

[Travman]

As far as the headlights go, I totally agree with you. I'm trying to get past the googly eyes, and I think I could.

I'm asking here because this is where the accumulated wisdom resides. Work with me here....

Seriously.  Try to ride both before you go any further.  Your decision will be easy after that.  They are both European, handle well, light weight, and both are different from your average Japanese bike.  So they are often compared to each other.  I think the Street Trip is liked by those who are used to inline four engines.  

Hopefully you can find an 1100 EVO demo that is already setup with Termi's and the DP ECU.  And one more thing, you will never get past the googly eyes.  Can you imagine hooking up with someone with funky googly eyes?  You might be able to look past it one time, but it would only get worse as time passes.  A lot of people say the tophat fairing makes the STR headlights look better.  They are fooling themselves.  It looks as stupid as ever, like putting lipstick on a pig.  I'd get a headlight replacement if I owned a Street or Speed Triple.


Looks pretty good with a classic Monster headlight.

[RC Fan]

As far as the headlights go, I totally agree with you. I'm trying to get past the googly eyes, and I think I could.

I didn't care for the headlight on my 696 either.  If you do get the Street Triple, get the optional flyscreen.  Those new headlights have grown on me.

Have you read the reviews for the Evo?

[duccarlos]

Burn the blasphemer!!!

I test rode the Evo, Str 3, and Spd 3. The one I liked the least by a lot was the Street. The Spd was very good, but I was not used to the power band. The torque came in all of a sudden around the mid range. It surprised me a few times when I was leaned over on a turn. They told me that mounting the Arrows really helps to even out that torque. The Evo felt like a dumb down version of the 1100. Where as the original 1100 was a beast, with the dry clutch and instant torque, the Evo is more refined. Power delivery was very smooth with no surprises, but there when you really needed it.

So between the Evo and the Street, 1100 hands down. Between the 1100 and Speed, I might go with the Speed for the viciousness. Between the Speed and the SF848, I might go with the SF if they truly fixed the riding position.

[RC Fan]

What didn't you like about the Street Triple duccarlos?