Supersport S vs Street Triple RS

I rode the Triumph just yesterday but unfortunately, we don't have the Supersport in Australia yet so I can't give you a comparison. The Triumph is a lovely bike, but it really is barely different to the previous Street Triple, just with a bit more power and torque and upgraded brakes - they are really impressive and work beautifully. The dash is very trick too, but then again I kind of prefer the old analog tach but thats just me. It does make the Ducati dash look kind of boring though and I had no problems with visibility in the sunlight. Having ridden various Ducatis I'd agree with the other poster in that you are looking at two quite different bikes. While the power spec is similar the Ducati will deliver it quite differently with a lot more low down torque and less of a rev range.

One negative I did notice is that the seat on the Triumph is not as comfortable as the old one. It is quite flat and when you first sit on it it is plush, but if you shift back when you are riding you quickly go onto a hard part of the seat and you then hit the passenger seat setup. It doesn't feel very ergonomic. I suspect the Ducati seat will be much better from the look of it and it seems similar to the old Triumph seat which is very comfortable. If you are looking to tour the Ducati is likely the better choice.

Another difference is the quickshifter - the Triumph only goes up while the Ducati has a blipper as well. You will really need to try both bikes and see which one makes you smile more.

Interestingly, a Street Triple test ride is why I am here

I was looking at buying a Street Triple and had the Triumph brand manager (over all of the Triumph sales and salesmen) working with me. After the test ride he told me he wanted to put me on a Ducati so I could see how smooth the Triumph is. He put me on a Monster and told me I would find the ride "chunky". I LOVED the ride on the Monster. Something about that twin just hit the numbers for me. He then put me on the Speed Triple and said I would like it. But, nope, I was hooked. He had to pass me off to the Ducati team.

I was thinking about a Monster but was just not quite sure it was the bike...when the SS was announced (this was last Oct). And, like I'm sure most of you, i put money down on it a couple of weeks later.

I've had it for 2 weeks now and couldn't be happier with my choice!! And, if I could figure out how to post pics I would post one now

Coming originally from a Honda CB500F that i used to commute with mostly, i was originally looking at the Street Triple Rx but held off when i hear they might be doing an 800cc model. Then along comes rumors of the Supersport. Since i'm a fairly new rider (~4 years) and really into tech, i actually don't mind the looks of the headlights of the STR as well as the new dash which personally the whole "analog" gauge thing is dated and if you really want that kind of thing, get a "classic bike". I like all the modern tech with the bikes that's been coming out recently (clutchless upshift/downshift), cleaner all digital dashes, cruise control, heated grips, LED headlights...etc.
As someone who commutes pretty regularly to work, i enjoy having some of the extra features. I wouldn't probably do a track day, but would hit the canyons once in a while. That being said, this is one of the reasons why i was interested in both the Street Triple RS/R and the Supersport S. Both nice bikes capable of commuting to work and riding most days of the week, even in the rain, which i'm not afraid of.

Sarvic said:

Still haven't bought my Supersport S yet, although i have test rode it once. The other bike i was looking at and still need to test it out was the new Triumph Street Triple RS. Have any of you guys tested both out and if so, what were your thoughts?

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I've not read the whole thread, but hope it's not too late. I do own both, but my SuperSport S has just a bit over 100km. on its odometer. However, both bikes are ridden on a 650 metres gokart track exclusively, so I can judge them quite well. Both have ride by wire, a feature that I consider top priority. Both have very good brakes and suspensions. THe SuperSport has tyres that warm up much slower than tyres on Street Triple 765RS. The heavy curb weight doesn't help here either. Tyres can be changed, but weight is going to be a burden on the SuperSport. However, on long tracks, the SuperSport may be more comfortable to ride. I'll be taking lessons on 2,410 metre track end of this month, and may move my SuperSport there in a couple of months. May be I'll see the better side of the SuperSport. On gokart track, the 765RS edges the SuperSport on handling, while the SuperSport could be on par at longer track>2,400 metres.
Mean while, I can only say that if you're a content man, with limited budget, the 765RS is entirely adequate. However, If looks is very important, and you regularly ride near the side of a "ton", the SuperSport should be more comfortable.:grin2: