KTM superduke vs. Buell Lightening vs. Triumph Speed Triple please

[tyfmorgan]

<div>I just sat on the KTM Superduke at the CW bike show and I haven't been able to sleep a wink since. Drooling, fantasizing, etc...But it's that KTM price tag that is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. $14,000 for a naked bike?! Can we get a KTM superduke vs. Buell Lightening vs. Triumph Speed Triple comparison please? That way I'll know what to blow my money on.</div><div>Thanks</div>

[oldironnow]

Nice comparo' idea. I'll Second the motion.<br>The Buell and Triumph are great, but that Superduke really has my imagination, too.

[Rabid_Hungarian]

They're all attractive bikes. But, in terms of bang for the buck, my choice would be the Speed Triple. Once you hear that British triple howling under throttle, you'll know what I mean. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[hacksaw]

<div>the super duke isnt all that pretty, imho, and being from a small and somewhat far between company, spares are apt to become a problem.</div><div> </div><div>buells are ugly and small, but do have parts available if needed, and you get the better version of that famous sporty mill.</div><div> </div><div>speed 3's are killer!! imho. </div>

[Bogomil]

<div>I think the Triumph Speed Triple just won the International Bike of the Year, while the Superduke and Buell got few and no votes. So the moto press gives it to the Triumph in a landside.</div><div> </div><div>But someone raised a critical point: dealer support. I bought a new Triumph in 1998 and it spent 7 of the first 12 months I owned it in the shop, waiting for factory support (parts and warranty OKs). A horrible, horrible experiece that queered me on Triumphs forever. I think they're better now, but the point applies to your Superduke. This is the first edition so you can expect problems. Their dealer network might be thin and if yours sucks, you are SOL. Buells can get service at, I think, every Harley deal so that's easy. </div><div> </div><div>The Buell and Superduke are distinctive looking, so your personal preference should play a prominent role. I just went through the same decision (although I was thinking Hypermotard, Superduke, F800), but just couldn't wait and went to test the Buell last week. Its a fun little bike, has a sloppy rock and rolling engine that is growing on me, and I'm really, really happy with it. I don't race or really push the limits of these kind of bikes, though, so I don't have much to offer on that front. </div><div> </div><div>Report back when you buy, though. Only 11 months until my next bonus-- I'll be back asking: &quot;Superduke, Hypermotard or BMW?&quot;</div>

[Fid_Hawser]

<br><blockquote><hr>Bogomil wrote:<br><div>I think the Triumph Speed Triple just won the International Bike of the Year</div><br><hr></blockquote><br><br>That was the 675 Daytona. The S3 does seem to be the press darling, though, in it's class.

[Mark_H]

<div>I own an 07' Speed Trip and an 06' Bonnie, and I can vouch that neither Triumphs have had any problems. There was a factory recall for the Trip on one of the radiator lines that my dealer had shipped with the bike so he could install it before I took delivery, but aside from that, nothing but good times.</div><div> </div><div>It is obviously important to note that customer satisfaction heavily lies on each individual dealer, and on that front, I couldn't be any happier.</div><div> </div><div>P.S. - Haven't had any time to be active in the forums lately, but hope you guys are doing well!</div>

[tyfmorgan]

<div>What issue/magazine is that international bike of the year article? Does anybody know of any Euro magazine/issue that did a comparison of a KTM versus another bike? Anything online?? My friend has a 955i and I have never been impressed with the engine. Oh, it's powerful alright, but it doesn't wheelie worth a scrap. It also seems a little uncomfortable. Although I love the look and feeI of the newest Buell lightening, I owned a Buell years ago, and had tons of problems with the dealership as well as the bike itself. Terrible seat. Suspension disappeared after a few months/thousand miles. Things fell off due to vibration constantly. Clutch overheated in stop and go traffic. Exhaust pipe cooked my right knee in ten minutes . Of course every rep says &quot;we've corrected all of that now&quot;, but it's still a boring engine that is still made by HD.</div><div> Looks-wise, I think the superduke is the coolest. I have two KTM dealers near me so network isn't a problem. The bike has been out in Europe for years so it's not like it's the very first model year. I don't mind spending the money as long as it's going to be worth it. </div>

[SV_Rider]

I would like to second the motion for a street fighter comparo.