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Photos from Roslyn, WA

Current bike #1: Triumph Speed Triple Current bike #2:  DRZ 400SM


Motorcycle Consumer News article "Bug Eyes Streetfighters Face Off" (Speed Triple vs. Buell XB12Ss Lightning Long)
page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Motorcyclist Online review of Speed Triple and 3 other naked bikes

Specs From Triumph's Speed Triple page

Engine Type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Capacity 1050cc
Bore/Stroke 79 x 71.4mm
Compression Ratio 12.0:1
Fuel System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Ignition Digital - inductive type - via electronic engine management system
Transmission Primary Drive Gear
Final Drive X ring chain
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 6-speed

Cycle Parts Frame Tubular, fabricated aluminum alloy perimeter
Swingarm Single-sided, aluminum alloy with eccentric chain adjuster
Front Wheel Alloy 5-spoke, 17 x 3.5in
Rear Wheel Alloy 5-spoke, 17 x 5.5in
Front Tyre 120/70 ZR 17
Rear Tyre 180/55 ZR 17
Front Suspension 43mm USD forks with dual rate springs and adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping
Rear Suspension Monoshock with adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
Front Brakes Twin 320mm floating discs, 4 piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes Single 220mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Dimensions Length 2115mm (83.3in)
Width (Handlebars) 780mm (30.7in)
Height 1250mm (49.2in)
Seat Height 815mm (32.1in)
Wheelbase 1429mm (56.2in)
Rake/Trail 23.5 degree/84mm
Weight (Dry) 416lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.7 gal
Performance (Measured at crankshaft to DIN 70020) Maximum Power 132PS (131bhp) at 9,250 rpm
Maximum Torque 105Nm (77ft.lbf) at 7,550 rpm
Colours Jet Black, Fusion White, Roulette Green
Inspired by long distance travel stories, I've spent the past year saving up and debating the merits of various dual-sport motorcycles.  In my opinion, dual-sports are among the most fun bikes on the market today, offering great versatility for use both on and off the road...the difficult point is determining how much offroad competence you want and how much long distance comfort you're willing to give up for it.

The Suzuli DRZ400SM falls more into the "very competent offroad" camp.  At the same time, it has a very reliable engine and can be fitted with options such as a windscreen and hard luggage.

A couple reviews of this excellent bike:

On Motorcycle.com.
On bestbeginnerbikes.com.


I call her my Incredible Hulkette (new images below 6/10/07)

The morning after she came home with me

Around the town in Snohomish