Triumph Speed Triple 2011

[Unleaded]

Originally Posted by L.B.S.

Seriously?

I swear, all the modern headlight and exhaust designers have something seriously wrong with their eyesight or have subbed out the work to Kindergarden kids.

Apologies to owners of these bikes, but jeezuz.

Agree completely. While I don't hate the look of the lights on the spy shots of the new S3, I've always loved the lights on the Speedy. It's supposed to look like that.

Admittedly, though, a streetfighter is a sportbike with the bodywork stripped off. The headlights on sportbikes aren't round anymore, so I guess an update is in order for the newer crowd. Still love the old look, though.

If I can ever afford an additional bike, a '10 or older S3 will be that bike, hands down.

[L.B.S.]

Originally Posted by Unleaded

Agree completely. While I don't hate the look of the lights on the spy shots of the new S3, I've always loved the lights on the Speedy. It's supposed to look like that.

Admittedly, though, a streetfighter is a sportbike with the bodywork stripped off. The headlights on sportbikes aren't round anymore, so I guess an update is in order for the newer crowd. Still love the old look, though.

Agreed on the S3 lights! If they can't be the old round ones, at least I think they did a pretty good job of updating without going off the deep end into territory. (from the bits I see)


Sigh, kinda sucks feeling old now and remembering back when I'd shake my head at the crotchety dudes talking about how hideous modern bikes like 1986 GSXR 750's looked compared the "good old days when bikes had style", etc.

[1200B]

i've aways thought that the speed tripple was almost perfect except for those horrible huge round headlights on the front, they do not fit...this makes it so much better tho:

the stock headlights make the bike look retarded and old...but for some reason i just love the fz style hedlights (euro versions) and those lsl headlights on naked bikes, i think all nakeds should have similar headlights to those, simple and modern design that don't protrude out too much

[RiverRatRider13]

This IS speed triple though. it has been the image since 97... I dont want that to change. its prob a marketing scam so in a few years they can sell a retro version with twin headlights

[jeffs900s]

I liked the round headlights. It was a major distinguishing difference between the speed triple and every other "naked" bike out there. Not sure why they're moving toward cookie-cutter styling already available from everybody else. Maybe I'll feel differently when I see the bike in person.

[bingbong]

Those headlights have always been a bit like marmite, you either love em or hate em. Personally I don't think a factory should be producing something anyone of us can knock up in our sheds. IMHO of course. But Vive la diference Its a good thing we all like different stuff otherwise the world would be very grey.

[bingbong]

[/quote]

I like this Monster 1100 headlight would look good too.

[gixxersteph]

Originally Posted by 1200B

i've aways thought that the speed tripple was almost perfect except for those horrible huge round headlights on the front, they do not fit...this makes it so much better tho:

the stock headlights make the bike look retarded and old...but for some reason i just love the fz style hedlights (euro versions) and those lsl headlights on naked bikes, i think all nakeds should have similar headlights to those, simple and modern design that don't protrude out too much

I for one wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. I had considered an S3 and a ST3 before going for the KTM but one of my first personalizationsmwould have been to get a single headlight on the bike. Neither chrome nor circa 1930s teardrop car headlights looked propper to me.
The LSL adds a balance to the front end that appeals to me.

[craigincali]

Great, now it really looks like a Japanese bike!

[XPADREX]

Originally Posted by craigincali

Great, now it really looks like a Japanese bike!

Bingo.

That's my beef- there's a sea of bikes that, for good or ill, look about as different as most middle-price sedans.

The Speed Triple is iconic, and part of it was those headlights.

It's like making a Springer Softail, but with conventional forks.

[1200B]

i think it is the 3 cylinder engine, ss swing arm, shorty tail, and frame that set the bike apart...

[Glenngineer]

Originally Posted by 1200B

i think it is the 3 cylinder engine, ss swing arm, shorty tail, and frame that set the bike apart...

And you know, I wish they'd put the other half of the swing arm on and give it a real ass.

[folmonty]

The S3 has had a great run. Original hooligan and IMO one of the smoothest engines made. Had one of the first in CA back in 97. Replaced it with a 2006 back then. Just sold it two days ago and couldn't resist this thread. Will miss the S3 a lot and couldn't say enough good things about the bike. Neither one missed a beat ever. I'm a fan of the Hinkley Triumphs and couldn't say enough good things about my experience.

FWIW - a local shop in No. Cal has the Triumph Demo Truck coming weekend of 10/9. They invited me to lead the demo ride groups for the day. I'm not pimping for them but think it's a great opportunity for people to see for themselves how well Triumph builds bikes today and ride any one they please. Shop is Tri-Valley Moto in Livermore CA. I'm not employed by them just a customer. If you're in the area come on out and say hi.

Memo to Mike C.. You got a very nice bike. Enjoy it!

[omnivore]

Buell's headlights have always been so much nicer, if a twist on the same take, as the S3's lights.
Chrome sucks, and the S3's were too big for a tiny bike IMHO.
This is better:


And this is such a cool mod too:

[moto_loco]

Originally Posted by RiverRatRider13

This IS speed triple though. it has been the image since 97... I dont want that to change. its prob a marketing scam so in a few years they can sell a retro version with twin headlights

I'm right there with ya, and I am confident the
speed will be a looker either way. I am trying
to decide between a current or 2011.