Street Triple R

[knobnose]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a new Street Triple R. My reasoning is that I almost never made full use of the power of the RC51 on the street and on the track, while lots of fun, it was a lot faster than I am. Perhaps flogging a bike with less power will be more fun. It is not so heavy that I can't pick it up when I drop it and has a more comfortable riding position.
Anyone care to talk me out of it?

[1000lbs]

Sorry, can't help you here.  I picked mine up in January and love it on the road and the track.  There is a new gen. coming for 2013, so depending on your time line, you may want to wait for details.  From the "spy" pics I've seen, I'm glad I grabbed my 2012.

[knobnose]

They're telling me that production is delayed on the '13s with availability possibly delayed 'til Spring. Looks are not much of a factor for me but I think the '12 looks fine.

[falconati]

No help here either.  I've ridden 2, and they're more fun than should be allowed.  Not to mention inexpensive to maintain, reliable, and great looking.

[coucours grad]

No help here either.  I've ridden 2, and they're more fun than should be allowed.  Not to mention inexpensive to maintain, reliable, and great looking.

+1 here.....If only the wife had told me she wasnt interested in riding BEFORE I bought the ST1300 things in my garage would be VERY different!

[knobnose]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna do it. My wife took a couple of rides on the back of my 250 Yamaha street bike 45 years ago and has had no interest in ever doing it again.

[falconati]

Excellent!  Now we can all argue about which color you should get  

Honestly though, it's not even a discussion since since the Imperial Purple is the best color ever on that bike.  Unfortunately it's not an option on the R model, so you'd have to settle for runner-up (the black with gold wheels, of course).

[Rincewind]

I had a 2010 model for about 2-years and 22,500 miles.  Fantastically fun and a great-handling bike.

Pros: visceral engine; great suspension and handling; lightweight; strong brakes; FUN!

Negatives: it's pretty small, which can be fun but also can make it semi-cramped for longer distances.  Touring amenities are limited.  No ABS.  Tank range drops significantly if you ride it hard.

If you are planning to run this bike in Hawaii, I think you could have a lot of fun with it.  

My STR had a rubber part that tore in the intake or exhaust (I don't recall).  The service tech found it during an appointment right before a multi-day trip, and the part could not make it in time.  I ended up trading for a more comfortable and tourable bike, the Tiger 800.  I sat on the new STR's and thought hard about getting another.  Though I'm glad to have owned a STR, I'm happy to be on the back of another Tiger.  

[knobnose]

I plan to keep the bike on the mainland.With the track gone there is very little in the way of fun rides on Oahu.

[mikeyman]

I love my 2009 Street Triple R. I guess comfort is all relative, but the dimensions of the bike fit me perfectly and the gel seat is compatible with my butt. I can routinely go 500+ in a day. I put a Givi rack, trunk and tank bag on it, and as equipped  I consider it a great "short tourer". The engine is really flexible and the bike overall is one of the most fun machines I have had the pleasure of riding.

[knobnose]

I went ahead and did it. Will pick it up in Seattle on Tuesday and take 5 days to ride down to the Bay Area.

[falconati]

 

Congrats!

[GerryPetrecca]

I love my 2009 Street Triple R. I guess comfort is all relative, but the dimensions of the bike fit me perfectly and the gel seat is compatible with my butt. I can routinely go 500+ in a day. I put a Givi rack, trunk and tank bag on it, and as equipped  I consider it a great "short tourer". The engine is really flexible and the bike overall is one of the most fun machines I have had the pleasure of riding.

If possible I'd like to see some pics of your "touring" set up.

Gerry

[mikeyman]

If possible I'd like to see some pics of your "touring" set up.

Gerry

Here goes a second try for a post with picture...hope this gets there.

[nevinfs327]

Very nice - I really like the red.  Rode about 400 miles into the Sierra foothills on my '09 yesterday.  Just shy of 30k and no issues to speak of.  

Post a report from your trip!