I currently own a scrambler but have decided that it's time for something a bit more sporty so today I test rode the speed triple and the street triple. After more than an hour on both I knew that the speed triple is for me it was the R model that I took out but I now am uncertain as to whether to go for the R or S model. So what I'm asking is what have you got and what do you think of the bike and the differences between the two models?
Colours are a limiting factor.... something a lot of people dont tend to bring up. I love the matt grey but im concerned on how tough the finish is. I got the S purely to fit a budget as i wanted the arrow lowboy exhaust. ive since added belly pan and seat cowl and extras from evotech and some carbon. The suspension is what prehaps what sets the models apart the other extras on the r are that special imo For example the carbon infills are £400 from triumph or £100 aftermarket! the belly pan can be added from factory for not very much. The engine erformance in both is the same. Would i like a R model? yes. Am I more than happy with the S? also yes
I have the R model not because it's what i wanted as first choice but just because i got a fantastic deal on it, having now ridden it for the last six months i can say that the Ohlins suspension is amazing and worth the little extra. The only thing i have changed are the bars and fitted a single exhaust can
I must admit one of the main factors for me being drawn to the R model is the colours but it's whether it warrants the extra money although I am aware of the few extra bits you get over the S. I was really surprised at how comfortable the R was because most of the reviews I have seen have said it's stiff and uncomfortable. I did mention this to the dealer and he said it had been setup to be a softer ride so obviously as long as you are prepared to play with the suspension settings you can get it how you want it.
Suspension is very easy to adjust and i have reduced the compression on the rear shock and dropped the rear tyre pressure by 4 psi to find a setting that i am happy with, as for the extra money yes it's worth it in my opinion because of the extra feel i get with the Ohlins. I guess the only thing is to ride the bikes back to back for a fair comparison or just buy the R because you know you like it
If anyone has one and you want the Matt Grey to stay Matt don't use polish on it, otherwise it will eventually take on a slight glossy finish
There are special water based sealants and cleaners for Matt paint finishes, they are just as tough as gloss finished if looked after correctly
Not sure how one would go about polishing out small scuffs or marks? in terms of general cleaning sure its fine but lacks the protection of a clear coat i fear?
My scrambler is matt blue and I do have to be careful with it. I had a small light scratch on the petrol tank and attempted to lightly polish it out......not a good idea. Although I haven't damaged the paint work the small area I was working on did start to lose some of its matt finish. Spoke to triumph about this and they said try to refrain from polishing matt paint at all times.
Mat finish paints have a matt lacquer so you have the same protection as gloss paint, as for marks in the paint finish there are specialist ways to remove very small marks just like you would with a gloss finish. very fine wire wool and abrasive papers can be used to return a matt finish to glossy area on a matt finish, matt does not show swirls like a gloss would.
I own a 2011 S3 and I love it. But if I had the money then I would have bought the R ;-) as this version comes with front and rear ohlins and lighter wheels (I think).
Triumph only fitted the lighter wheels (5 spoke PVM) to the R model for a short while, around 2012 I think. They soon went back to using the same wheels for both R and standard bikes, I assume due to cost. A set of PVM wheels has been on my wish list, I imagine they make the bike quite a bit more flickable (it's no slouch with standard wheels). A good review from the late great Kevin Ash here
Thanks for the headsup buddy. There me thinking all R models comes with lighter wheels :-( I have ridden a KTM 990 with marchesini wheels and std wheels and the Marchesini..... they make a real good difference even on road riding.
Never ridden the 's' but have ridden a 2014 SE, personly couldn't tell much difference. I only bought the 'r' coz I wanted white.
The PVM wheels were available on the R's up to 2013. When you pay the extra for the R you should get the ohlins front n back and the PVMs imo. Its actually damned good value if you think about it.
100% right you used to get the Arrow cans as well, It's the main reason why I didn't trade up for the new R. just seem to be getting less and less for your money.
I agree we seem to get less for our money, based mainly on those lovely PVM wheels we don't get any more. I think for the short time they were fitted they realy made the R the genuine article.... But back then you didn't get the belly pan or fly screen as standard and I don't think the Arrows were ever factory fit, but there were often "free" £1000 accessory deals to be had (which often went on the Arrows). The Ohlins & Brembos have been there throughout, but the carbon fibre bits went missing fairly quickly too.
