Striple or older S4R?

[bpreynolds]

I'm selling my Guzzi Stelvio and am going to a much lighter, more pure hooligan machine.  I owned and enjoyed a GT1000 for about 23k miles, also had a dual spark MTS as well.  I'd like new ride to be, however, a bit more powerful and sporting.  I'm completely new to Monsters though I have a good bit experience with these other bikes.  Great deals available locally.  First, the older, 2005 metal tank (yay!) S4R with (wow) only 2500 miles, garage kept by older gentleman and treated like a queen.  Also locally is a wonderful 2010 Street Triple (standard) with only about 5k on the odo and in new condition. 

Which one of these bikes would you choose and why?  My riding is going to be mostly urban assault with some freeway.  Though I've ridden about 80k miles in the last 8 years, I'm not a good enough rider to appreciate or exploit minor differences in suspension and so forth.  I don't mind the Duc maintenance but it is certainly a factor in the deal as I understand (?) the Striple servicing will be less pricey overall per se.  I think the S4R has more horsepower but maybe slightly more weight too.  For highway driving I imagine the extra weight might be a plus. 

Anyhow, which of these would you choose and why?  Thanks.

[red baron]

Horsepower:

S3: 130

S4R:  115

Torque:

S3: 77

S4R: 75


Are you sure that's not just an S4?

S4R should have a plastic tank.

[bpreynolds]

Horsepower:

S3: 130

S4R:  115

Torque:

S3: 77

S4R: 75


Are you sure that's not just an S4?

S4R should have a plastic tank.

Thanks for replying.  I think you may be referring to the Speed Triple which I am not interested in.  I believe the Street Triple has around 97hp, not certain.  Yes, the older S4Rs had the metal tank.

[red baron]

Ah, need coffee, you said street not speed.


I would go for the Duc:

Better power

Adjustable suspension

Better brakes


Are both bone stock?

[bpreynolds]

Ah, need coffee, you said street not speed.


I would go for the Duc:

Better power

Adjustable suspension

Better brakes


Are both bone stock?

Yup.  I think Monster owner might have added a couple bling bits but nothing as to performance. 

[koko64]

I rode a buddies Street Triple. Honestly, I got bored. It felt a bit buzzy  and no fun at anything around legal speeds. For such a nice bike, it was dissappointing. The grunt of a big twin was a much more substantial experience and I couldnt wait to swap back to my 86hp 68ft/lb M900 . My M900 is pretty flacid compared to an S4R. Im sure an S4R feels a whole lot better again.

Another thing and it surprised me. My buddy got bored with the Street Triple and instead bought two T150 Tridents on vintage registration. The Tridents are longer stroke triples and quite torquey. He says they are more fun to ride, and having ridden them, to my amazement I would have to agree. The Street Triple he said was better for track days but he doesn't really do them anymore.

Monsters are fun at any speed.

[SpikeC]

 I shopped the triumph and the ducks pretty hard a while back, and I would definatly go for the duck. You can easily do all of the maintenance save the actual valve adjustment, and that too with some courage and study.
 The Street is nice on paper, but that high revving engine has little appeal to me. Big torque is where it's at especially in the city. The body of knowledge about the 4 valve duck engine is also pretty large (enormous?). Riding both would probably let you know which is for you, though.
 Different strokes and all that!

[bpreynolds]

I did just sell the Stelvio today so this thread does become more relevant; however, guy sold the local S4R day before yesterday. 

[duccarlos]

I've had experience with both. The S4R at traffic speeds is awful, but it's definitely more fun once you get them going. Suspension and brakes on the S4 is considerably better. The STrip is more comfortable and maintenance is cheaper and easier to handle on your own. depends really what you will end up using them for. Comparing practical over fun is always difficult.

[Scoober1103]

Just wondering why you wouldnt also be interested in a Speed Triple as everything that is horrible about the Street Triple is somewhat gone in the bigger brother! I have ridden the 2012 Speed triple and I found it to be absolutely brilliant with similar engine characteristics as my monster. I stress similar NOT the same but the suspension was great and power was not intimidating and they hold there weight well! I'd happily have one as an everyday commuter and keep the monster for the weekend! Just my 2 cents.

I do love the s4r as well so as already mentioned it would be a case of which suits and fits best!