New Triumph Speed Triple vs KTM SMT

6 replies [Last post]
Tue, 03/05/2011 - 23:04
deston1978
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Joined: 26/04/2011

This is my first post, looking for some advice on a purchasing decision, as I am torn between bikes, the new Triumph Speed Triple and KTM SMT. I like both bikes, but just can't make decision. I am aim to ride both in the next couple of weeks, but would like to hear your views. From what I have read, I like the smoothness of the S3, but also the edgeness of the SMT.

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Wed, 04/05/2011 - 16:43
#1
vroum_ninou
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Re: New Triumph Speed Triple vs KTM SMT

Hi Deston,

I think that your test ride will be the deciding factor.

I have always heard great things about the Speed Triple. I rode one a few years ago and it did not "rock my world". Nice bike, but nothing out of this world. May be the new one would make more of an impression on me...

Now, the SMT, on the other hand, was a complete revelation. I have owned one for the past 2 years and I am completely smitten. Best bike I have ever owned and 40.000 km of pure bliss!

Ninou

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Wed, 04/05/2011 - 17:39
#2
silvercub
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Re: New Triumph Speed Triple vs KTM SMT

vroum_ninou wrote:

pure bliss!

At last, a thread dedicated to ninou's abiding love of the smt. Smt-en indeed!

Hard to disagree, particularly since KTM hard luggage now available.

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Thu, 05/05/2011 - 13:46
#3
dogfm
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Joined: 24/12/2009
Re: New Triumph Speed Triple vs KTM SMT

I love the KTMs V twin too, I have the KTM 950 SMR which is a bit less powerful (carbs) and with a smaller tank than the SMT, really great bikes.

Incredible fun to ride, great balance and good quality too. I should probably have got an SMT instead as its a bit more practical and more powerful. But don't let me sway your decision - try the test ride and go from there :)

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Sun, 03/07/2011 - 17:01
#4
Rols
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Re: New Triumph Speed Triple vs KTM SMT

I have ridden both.

The Triumph is surprisingly sensible. The KTM will make you happy to be alive,it is hilarious.

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Sun, 03/07/2011 - 21:52
#5
Captain Scarlet
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Re: New Triumph Speed Triple vs KTM SMT

I haven't ridden the new Speedy, but I have owned two 1050 Speedies, plus other 1050 Triumph's too. It's a classic road-engine and better compliments the nature of the Speedy than any other bike in Triumphs range.

I've ridden the, pre-ABS and free panniers, SMT and really enjoyed it. If I was short and 25 I'd want the Triumph. But I'm tall and 45, so I prefer the riding position and practicality of the KTM. I could certainly be tempted by one to compliment my Diavel Carbon.

I'd certainly choose the SMT over the soft and lardy R1200GS or the uncomfortable and buffeting Tiger 1050 (owned both) and I think it's just as much fun to ride and noticeably cheaper to buy than the Multistrada 1200, which I've also ridden a few times too.

The Tiger 800 is a good bike, smooth, practical and comfortable. But by the time you fitted the accessories it's roughly the same price as the SMT. And that then starts to make the, still lightweight and 35 hp more powerful, KTM look like good vfm. With it's (KTM owned) WP suspension front and rear it also has better ride quality than all those bikes I've mentioned above too, IMHO.

I hope you enjoy your ride of both, it's definitely a win-win decision, and do let us know which earned your money.

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Wed, 22/08/2012 - 09:42
#6
deston1978
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Joined: 26/04/2011
Re: New Triumph Speed Triple vs KTM SMT

Thank you to everyone for the comments.
I ended buying a Speed Triple R. WHOA, what a bike. I love it! Shared the road (read diced) a SMT this morning on the way to work. I must say, I still like it.I bought the S3R only after concluding, no one bike can do everything. So, the SMT is next on the shopping list :-)

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