2006 VFR800 vs 2005 Triumph ST 955

Had the chance to ride a near new Triumph 955 ST yesterday.

We swaped bikes and did about 40km then swapped back and compared notes.

1) Triumph has a better and comfier seat
2) VFR has slightly better windshield, and better aerodynamics for the rider
3) Triumph felt like it had better low down - but red lines much earlier
4) I felt the Triumph has a slightly more plusher more comfortable ride.
5) I was supprised the other rider thought the VFR had the better riding position.
6) I thought the Triumph had the better riding position
7) I believe the VFR feels sportier and tighter- slightly harsher suspension.
8) I didnt get a chance to test the triumph on tight or fast cornering.
9) Digital speedo and hydraulic clutch on the VFR are better than the needle speedo and cable clutch.
10) Front Brake Fluid reserve looks awfull on the triumph - plastic tank.
11) Gear change on the trumpy was a bit different, with a long stroke to change gear. It was OK though, it didnt take much to get used to.
12) Headlights on the Trumpeter are pathetic.

Overall, I was impressed with the triumph, It is a much better bike than I originally gave it credit for.

Both bikes are very very similar, and the differences were very small. Exception that the triumph has a reasonably comfier stock seat and piss poor headlights.

One bad point, it blowed a bit of blue smoke when cold, and had a black carboned exhaust pipe - this would be a worry to me - it only had 5000km on the clock.

We both got off our bikes and thought we would rather keep our own, although I was too polite to say.

 

I'm thinking the new ST will stomp the crap out of a VFR but it doesn't have a V4 so I don't care.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Legs burner

The Triumph will burn the shit out of your leg. A friend who is a VFR-er loves his, but has same complaint.

Check out article (Dec. 06) in Sport Rider including VFR ,Sprint St, ST3, and Moto Guzzi Breva(?!) How the Breva was included in this defies logic.

The article is pretty predictable except for the shin burning on the Triumph.

 

When shopping for a bike this summer i spent a afternoon on the new 1050 st. Its a much better bike than the older model 955...was on the way back to pick it up from dealer when i found the new leftover 05 vfr while snooping at the zx1400 i really wanted!

Why I stopped and took the vfr home..

#1 money..the new 05 vfr cost me $4000 less.
#2 dealer network so much larger and corrsponding market when i resell it.
I like red!

What i did notice between them after a few hrs rides..

Not much, both fantastic!

Both felt the same in handling, both had same ergonomics for me.
Included hardbags nice feature on the st if wanted, but I dont care for them either way, so no factor for me..

Both had good power! st had more, would win any drag any time, but not by as much as you think. power close enough on the vfr!

Both looked great to me!

Love the instuments on the ST..My vfr very dull, like watching tv with one channel...

Heat...the sprint had typical 4 banger fairing lotsa leg cooking heat in the slow going.didnt notice any seat heat....the vfr heat turns out to be not even noticable far as im concerned..a nice factor in the 100 deg days.One i never even thought about when i bought it! Very comfy!

Sound! WOW!! nothing ever beats a triple's howl, 2 stroke or four!, and its no contest here.the st is lots louder and has a nice howl...I still want a st just because of the sound!! Plus even the engine had a cool whine to it. My vfr only has intake howl..sounds ok, but no comparison on this one..

In the end, the $$ talked...for the same price Id a taken the st , fried legs or not! But it wasnt, and the vfr has turned out to be a great bike for all round crap driving and long distance..Got 20,00 km on it since Aug and very happy...

.But I think if anyone getsa chance to drive the st, go for it..see what you think...


Just my opinion..so far.

NN

 

Great to hear another comparrison.

Um, the ST 955 comparison - I didnt mention sound.

He had an aftermarket pipe, which sounded average if not just plain.
Staintunes on mine really turn peoples heads when they hear it. No comparison, V4 with staintunes beat the tripple hands down.
Even a another guy I went riding with - had a V twin Ducatti, commented on the amazing sound from the V4.

 

I've seen articles from British bike mags that say Honda build quality is still way ahead of the Triumphs.

 

hahaa... I was raised on triples.Want one in my next bike!

No 4 banger will ever compete in the sound dept for me...But to each his own right!

I think i will make me a triple pipe for my vfr just to hear one.. pull a plug wire off.....ya ya..i know..its the crank timing, not the muffler...darn!!

NN

 

after market cans will change the sound of any bike, for ride comfort over long distance i still maintain that the Vfr is superior, it's all personal choice but as far as build quality is concerned i whole heartedly agree with the magizines that the honda build quality/reliability is far greater than the triumph.

Lank8pew