Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Updates:

MV Agusta F3 and Brutale short test ride done (16-Jul-16).

F3 - Light, compact, not refined, beautiful but not comfortable. Funnily, my back or wrists didn't complain - my neck did! Seating position felt crouched such that I had to exercise my neck so I could properly see forward.
Test bike doesn't have ABS The bike is noisy and docile at low RPM but quite a beast in higher range...had few hundred meters only in straight line at a stretch but still it was fast of course. Actual product on sale has traction control, ABS etc everything..Seat and suspension are not friendly for our roads...Good only for smooth tarmac. Brakes are in similar league as Aprilia Tuono but felt sharper maybe because they were entirely dependent on human control Panicky braking action can actually send stupid riders flying in front of the bike! Brakes are that much quick!


Brutale - Wooooohoooo!

This is a hoot to ride!
Looks great and somewhat intimidating! It is indeed scary and newbies can crash easily due to very quick power delivery!

Front wheel simply wants to reach out to sky, rear wheel wants to slide out of the line, engine wants to roar to redline - all this in same time as batting an eyelid! Experts can possibly pull stunts on this in very effortless manner! I did wheelie though I had no intention first time and then once more when I really felt good due to first one

Of course, I had asked the showroom rep to keep the bike in SPORT riding mode (it did have riding modes but didn't have ABS.)
Contrary to some media reports suggesting that Brutale is stiff and uncomfortable, it didn't feel that way. Seating, handlebar, footpegs - all ergonomics are quite good..Brakes are terrifyingly quick on this too...


I felt good that at least in dry conditions I have not lost all that I learnt on Non ABS bikes and was comfortable in managing sudden braking on test bikes though in the mind I was scared to start with..

IMPORTANT NOTE:

So far, I have not seen anything which is more refined, enjoyable and yet equally easy to use when comparing with Street Triple!
Bikes which are more enjoyable are way too costly...Bikes which are more usable are not as fun...

I even got to ride Ducati Monster 821 for about 10-15 km and it is a good bike as such but again, smoothness and comfort on Street is still a level better...So, overall, Street is best combination deal in the market..

As you can see, I have so far covered all of the below bikes through test rides or sometimes longer rides also..

DSK Benelli 600i, Honda CBR 650F, Kawasaki Z800, Ducati Monster 821, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, MV Agusta Brutale 1080, MV Agusta F3-800, Triumph Bonneville (previous model not the recent Street Twin)

Even though cruisers are not my category, I have done tests on

Harley Davidson Iron 883, Superlow 883, Indian Scout

After all the above, Street Triple still scores as a best combination of daily use practicality and comfort, superb howling sound (due to ARROW), Edgy and addictive high performance on tap throughout the RPM range, decent amount of safety due to ABS, quick brakes, high-grip tyres, light weight, smoothness of engine...Ducati riders who tried my bike also felt it was quite smooth and quick..

While maintenance of Street Triple can be considered as costly, it is still reasonable compared to most other brands....So it remains the bike to beat in the middle weight category...I hope in longer term this equation remains same! Closest competition is still from Z800 I would say....

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Minor Maintenance Updates:

After continuous usage in rain and mud and start stop traffic, following issues faced:
a) Some noise started from front wheel/brake
b) Clutch became slightly jerky
c) Radiator seemed to have got jammed with mud which dried up due to the heat and reduced its efficiency - it caused the fan to get switched on frequently in bumper to bumper traffic (far more than searing heat of summer when ambient temperatures are much higher!)

Went to Pune service centre. They inspected and just washed it up - mud was removed in kilos! Radiator fins got unclogged, fan stopped coming up frequently. Brake pads were cleaned up and also they sprayed a cleaning liquid on front bearings. This has resolved the noise. They made minor adjustment to clutch lever/cable play and this solved jerky feeling of the clutch.

I also got headlights checked as I suspected some alignment issue but service centre people felt it was alright so left as it is.

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

DSK Benelli 600i, Honda CBR 650F, Kawasaki Z800, Ducati Monster 821, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, MV Agusta Brutale 1080, MV Agusta F3-800, Triumph Bonneville (previous model not the recent Street twin).

While maintenance of Street Triple can be considered as costly, it is still reasonable compared to most other brands....So it remains the bike to beat in the middle weight category...I hope in longer term this equation remains same! Closest competition is still from Z800 I would say....[/QUOTE]

Great. I own a street twin and its absolutely like street triple minus the weight and three cylinder refinement.

Why and in what ways you are saying maintenance of street triple is costly?just want to k ow this because I want to get street triple first then only changed to street twin.

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Great. I own a street twin and its absolutely like street triple minus the weight and three cylinder refinement.

Why and in what ways you are saying maintenance of street triple is costly?just want to k ow this because I want to get street triple first then only changed to street twin.[/QUOTE]

Hi Kamlesh,

Costly is simply a comparison that came to mind when I think of all the bikes I owned in the past. Only bike costlier or difficult to maintain compared to any super bike was the Yamaha RD 350 as it is a rare species! Otherwise, maintaining any super bike in India is going to be a very costly affair (I am talking from my own middle class perspective - not from that class which already has BMW 320D or something in garage and has bought a super bike as an additional toy for their entertainment! Believe me, there are hell lot of people like that and I am happy to see those people still willing to face the danger by riding super bike.)

Think of it - already at the time of buying Street Triple cost me 9 L. I have added so many accessories:

1) Frame sliders, Swing Arm Spools, Fork Sliders = 23000
2) Cyclops LED head lights = 12500
3) Arrow Exhaust = 24000
4) EU spec air intake transition box = 1900
5) Service/Repair cost so far = 10000 (includes oil change etc)
6) RJAYS Bike Cover with inner soft lining = 2500


This kind of bike obviously demands good riding gear.
Helmet, Gloves, Jacket, Boots, Pants = nearly 81000!!

In another few months, it will be time to buy new tyres - these bikes use very expensive tyres - Pirelli Rosso Corsa (Made in Germany!!) These are anything between 30-35K for one pair.

1 Year service is also coming up soon which will be about 10-12000 if not more.

The insurance amounts are also significant for this kind of bike - anything around 16000-18000!

Also I have more wishlist of things to buy!

Like GoPro Action camera (you do want to record your speeding or your exploration of beautiful hill roads etc!) This could be a set back of another 20000 or something!

I would also like to attend Race Track Riding Schools etc (easily expenses will be above 30000 or something all inclusive!)

Petrol expenses are almost about 600-700/week *my office is not too far - just about 9-10 km from home but traffic is many times bumper to bumper* Plus each short weekend ride costs about 600 for petrol at the minimum and any other expenses will be extra.

Compared to other brands, I can't say Triumph is particularly costlier - it is not so. Certainly, nearest competitor bike is Kawasaki Z800 and that bike isn't cheaper to maintain, though it is a bit cheaper initially. Annual maintenance of both won't be very different unless I find some major issues in Street Triple. But all international forums indicate a very strong hold on middle weight market for Street Triple across many countries and similar is case in India.
Despite its cost and power disadvantage in stock condition, Street is holding fairly well against Kawasaki Z800.

Overall this is a white elephant. Middle class people should think a lot and then only go for this kind of vehicle. I went for it simply because I wanted it badly from childhood to own a really really fast bike and I still can't believe it but now I am owning such a dream machine! Also time was running out - my age is not going to reduce, right?- so to enjoy, the time is NOW!!

Street Twin will be a bit cheaper to maintain - tyres will be cheaper, the brake pad replacement etc will be cheaper for sure. Engine will also have much longer life as it is not high revving one like Street Triple. Chain etc replacement should also be marginally cheaper.

Anyway, compared to Ducati etc European brands, Triumph is going to be cheaper (it is all relative).

Ultimately, there can't be a price/cost put on the pleasure aspect! You forget all the above monetary stuff once you thumb the starter and hear the roar! And once you unleash its power on an empty road, you are hooked for life! Screaming at high speeds, surroundings disappear in a blurr....your life is very good no matter what for those few moments!

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Hi Jeevan
You have nailed it superbly. Each and every aspect of owning a super bike for middle class perspective is very clearly explained. At last our heart wins,there is no replacement of the thumbing the starter and hearing the exhaust and engine noise inside the helmet and a big grin we have which is not known to others is ultimate. We are living our own life only when we are all on our rides. Passionate bikers are passionate humans.

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Hey Jeevan. How are the Led's working for you? Are you happy with them? Was thinking of getting something more powerful for the bike. Do let me have your thoughts.. Thanks in advance.

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Hi Odeen,

Definitely Cyclops LED lights are PAISA VASOOL! They are worth it. The brightness in dry running conditions is quite high compared to normal Halogens that come OEM. Even during the day, people in the oncoming traffic are going to notice you from a long distance.

The road coverage is definitely much more on low beam setting. When you switch to high beam, really these LEDs light up the road in a way OEM lamps never can...
Now I am able to give it back strongly to crazy Taxi and Truck drivers who perennially switch their high-beams on!

In wet running conditions, the advantage is not so much and they are on par with normal lights or marginally better.
In semi-lit conditions where ambient light is also white light, they are again on par with normal lights or marginally better.

In total dark conditions with dry roads, these lights are 10 times better!

Price is 12000 for 2 bulbs in Pune with 500 fitting charges. Go for it if you wish - you won't regret it!

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Awesome will absolutely have a look when in Pune. I was also looking at another company, i don't know if you have heard about them. MOTODEMIC. However that involves me changing the headlight assembly. And converting it to a single cup design. Though it does not look bad at all. Have a look here. Installation here is on a Ducati, but the same fits a Speed Triple too.



Just stuck between "the bug eyed" stupid look or this disco one.

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Hey,
Actually very first impression of that bug eyed look isn't too great when you look at single eyed beauties like MV Agusta Brutale and Ducati Monster etc...But then, at the same time, it is very much identity of Triumph Street and Speed Triple bikes which makes them quite recognizable. But as I used this bike more and more, that look has grown upon me and now I like it...

If you change headlamp, you change its original personality in a way. I would say don't spend money on anything that is cosmetic!

IF you do have money to burn, then by all means, spend on more power, better suspension, better tyres, better brakes, mirrors and what not - there is plenty to spend!

By the way, I do need suggestions about buying an Action Camera within a tight budget. Any suggestions? Go Pro I love but it is way too costly.

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Hey Jeevan

Thank you. I know where you coming from in context to not spending on the light. I think I'll just change the bulbs in there. Plus I really don't want to spend any more on the bike. She has all that needs to be there honestly.

For action cams on a budget. There is Tom Tom or SJ cam. The SJ CAM looks like the GoPro but is much cheaper. I am sure the mounts are identical as well. Some of the guys I ride with, use this and have no complains so far. I should have the number for the dealer in Mumbai, I'll post or message it to you.

Thanks a ton!
Rahul

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Thanks Rahul!
Yes, I am indeed considering SJCAM because though it is not exactly as good as the Go Pro, all reviews are saying that it is giving roughly 80% goodness at 20-30% price compared to Go Pro - so overall good bargain for those who are not really looking for true professional video footage. I am not looking for professional quality as all I am interested is in capturing few adventurous rides that I will possibly have...And may be one day some riding school I will attend etc..

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Absolutely perfect about the SJ Cam. The quality is HD so you'd still get high quality pictures and vids.

I'll send you the number for sure. I seem to have deleted it on my phone. Will get it from one of the guys and forward it..

Cheers!

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Update:

As the rains took a break on Saturday, I went for a short ride to Ranjangaon/Saradwadi at about 60 km from Pune.

I did get chances to open up the accelerator few times and I am glad to report that recent Arrow Exhaust related mods have definitely made a difference.

One one occasion, I was able to 169 kmph come up in just 3rd gear while on another occasion I was able to pull to 200 kmph rather quickly using just 5th and 6th gear acceleration!

Of course high speeds can't last more than few milliseconds but I did go beyond 160 multiple times and everytime it was rather quick...

So, definitely the ease with which bike is pulling to 160-180-200 range is much more than the stock bike irrespective of whether my bike is still truly EU matching power spec or not...

By now I have about 7000 km on the ODO..And no, haven't faced stalling yet.

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Updates:

Squeezed in couple of rides during recent weekend (20th and 21st Aug 2016).

Achieved few firsts for myself

1) Was able to pull couple of power wheelies in first gear and at one time the wheel went a bit up even in 2nd gear - tried this on empty roads in Aamby Valley near Lonavla as on Saturday morning there were almost no people early morning.

2) Was able to reach 219 kmph in 5th gear in straight line for few milliseconds on a particularly empty stretch of 1-2 km towards Satara...

Ride on Satara Road was not so great except few good patches with less traffic. Majority of the roads are quite bad due to heavy rains and not conducive for speeding. There are just too many diversions.

But, hey, all the bike eye candy that we were able to see during that ride was "paisa vasool" anyway...plus unexpectedly I was able to get some real good speeds so it was all worth it..

Adding few photos from these rides...

Re: Red Rose - my new Triumph Street Triple 675 RED!

Wow Jeevan, you are really living it up and lovely pictures too.

Keep going brother and ride safe, always!

Take care
Kurush