My New-To-Me 2012 Triumph Street Triple R

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On Monday I picked up a bike that I've been lusting after for over 5 years. A gently used 2012 Street Triple R! Oh boy. 

A couple weeks ago I sold my SV650 to my coworker. She was looking for an upgrade, and I happened to have exactly what she was looking for at the right price.

2006 Suzuki SV650

So I started my hunt and got very lucky with this gently used, 2012 Street Triple R with 5,000 miles on it. Pretty much in perfect shape, with a few minor scuffs.  Meet Goldie!

Yep, those are gold wheels. I couldn't say no. It was the perfect price and I just couldn't pass it up.

2012 Triumph Street Triple R

I cannot wait to shave off those chicken strips!

2012 Triumph Street Triple R

I picked her up yesterday and had a very, very cold ride home. But it was an awesome 45 minute ride home. It's exactly what I imagined and felt better than I remembered. I think it's been 5-6 years since the test ride I had back in San Francisco. I remember thinking how much I wanted one, but definitely couldn't afford one. I knew I would get one someday, just didn't know how long it would take!

It's been worth the wait. Having ridden my husband's Speed Triple many times, I knew I had to have one. But a smaller, lighter version of his. And that's exactly what I ended up with. I've never ridden on Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires, but they felt fantastic. Since I had a rather straight ride home, I didn't have much of an opportunity to lean her over much but I'm looking forward to the weekend.

It was missing some turn signals, but I reinstalled the rear and need to order some aftermarket options for the front. My plan is to install handguards with integrated turn signals. Before I rode home I installed my heated liner harness real quick. Then when I got home I installed Oxford Heated Grips.

This install took forever, much longer than the SVs took. I had to shave the entire throttle tube down, because the ridges were making the handgrips too thick to slide the Oxfords over. But now I have glorious heat! Is that considered a farkle? If so, then I guess that would be farkle #1. The next set of farkles include:

• Techspec Gripster Tank Pads

• CRG Shorty Levers!!! I couldn't help it and had to order the matching gold ones. :D

• Battery Tender Harness

• Coax adapter for my WarmnSafe

New Addition to our Motorcycle Family

Someone picked up a new-to-him Speed Triple this week. I've yet to climb aboard but I'm sure that will end soon when we take a 4 day weekend trip to Williamsport, PA during the 4th of July. We'll be meeting up with a couple of very good friends to ride back and forth across the state and finally hit up some incredible twisties! Sitting on this bike, it's a bit taller than my SV, but nothing crazy.  

Sportbike Touring on an SV650S

I'll admit, it's not that comfortable. But here are 3 inexpensive ways to instantly improve your sanity while riding over 350 miles/day.  

1) Tech Spec Gripster Tank Grips

I have a fully stock set up on my 2003 Suzuki SV650S, as far as bars/seats go. One of the best $40 investments (I got a special price at the Tahoe Adventure Rally) I spent last summer was on a set of Tech Spec Gripster Tank Grips. You can see all 3 pads on my tank above. They're an absolute necessity on ANY sportbike. Not only do they help you grip the tank better but they just make longer rides a little easier. The more you can grip your tank, the better you can hold your position squeezing the tank. And if you've used your body position to lean harder, you know how important it is to have a solid place for your opposite knee. :D

They make grip pads for many makes/models of bikes and even sell the material in sheets so you can make your own if necessary. They come in two different compounds and the one I have is the "C3 Grip" ($51.95). They aren't just pads, to protect your tank, but they provide so much more comfort on a long distance ride. I have a much easier time holding my body in place.  

If you ride a sportbike, why don't you have these???

Where to Buy: Tech Spec (online), Scuderia West (San Francisco)

Cost: Starts at ~$45 depending on the compound you choose.  They're having a daily contest to get yours free, but it's not clear on their website or Facebook page as to how you can win.....

 

2) Seat Pad / Custom Seat

I forgot to bring my trusty sheepskin seat pad. How did I forget something so crucial??

A few years ago I bought a sheepskin pad from Alaska Leather Online. I didn't start using it until last summer when I went on a ton of long weekend trips, riding over 250 miles/day. I don't kno why I forgot about it this time! I just know that it would've brought me much comfort on this 990 mile weekend. For $65 your butt will thank you! At least, that was the cost for my bike. Since they don't make one specifically for the SV, the Pillion seat worked perfectly. 

Where to Buy: Alaska Leather Online

Cost: ~$65 (for an SV, other bikes may vary)

3) Tank Bag

It seems obvious but having something right there for you to lean on is such a huge relief. Especially if it's magnetic. I can reposition the tank bag by shifting the magnets forward or back. Since I've only ever had magnetic tank bags, I'm not sure how else this would work with a strap mount tank bag since you have to preposition the straps.  (this photo is pre TechSpec)

I usually stuff mine pretty full (not extended) but full enough for me to push forward so I can lean in. Here's another shot of the pic above so you can see how perfectly placed my tankbag is. 

Givi T470 Tank Bag - I believe this is discontinued but there appear to be some other versions on Givi's website. Also check TourandRide.com

Also, if you're wondering about the vest I'm wearing it's from Spectrum Ultra Sports.