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After riding GT650 for a year and a half, I came to realize that this bike was not for me. Though a good bike, and a café racer, the riding posture was too demanding (personal opinion) and at the end of the day, the connection that a biker has with his/her bike, was not there. With CBR250R however, this emotional connection was strong. My thoughts jumped from Royal Enfield to Triumph when Trident news hit me. After consideration and discussion with fellow riders, Street Triple R attracted me!
In comes Trident
This was around the time when Triumph teased Trident and the bike was given to media for test rides. All the walk around and riding videos were positive. One particular video caught me by surprise – the reviewer said 3 specific things – opt for Triumph Trident only if are
- New to biking and want a mid-segment bike
- Already own a big bike (liter class) and want a second bike for breakfast rides
- Coming back to the biking world after a break
Now I do not fall into any of the category but still wanted to test it out. Weeks rolled by and finally bookings were open (50,000 INR, fully refundable). Now this is not a fast moving commodity where I need to prebook and get it delivered on time. I rather wanted to test ride the bike before making the decision.
Few of the ROFL members had a detailed discussion about Trident, though when the bike will be available for a test ride – even Triumph were not able to give us a specific date.
Moving to the other club I am part of – CBR – Sabarish has told me about a used Street Triple RS on sale and that too, at a good price. The very next day I had visited the showroom only to find out that the bike was no more. Had my hopes up for naught.
Street Triple R, perhaps?
It was expected that launch price of Trident was around 7 to 7.5 lac (ex-showroom). Along with all the bare essential accessories, the on road price of the bike would have been around 9.5 to 10 lac. Shocker! This was when I saw the specs of Street Triple R. The on road price came to 10.5 lac. The price difference was definitely substantiated by Street Triple’s offerings.
Time for a test ride on Street Triple…but to no avail. No test rides bikes were available – either the R or the RS, and still no news as to when Trident test bike would be available.
Cutting the scene to one of the year end rides to Haritham for a breakfast ride with CBR team (Sabarish, W, Manoj, Dinesh, Kamlesh and myself). I had requested Sabarish and Manoj for a short ride on their bikes (they have the RS version). The bike was awesome! Right from sitting ergonomics to the feel of the bike – ecstasy. I decided then and there, my journey is from Royal Enfield to Triumph.
Street Triple R it is!
Having ridden the RS, I was clear on my choice – R it is. Got the family’s concurrence on my decision to buy the bike. They know how I feel about bikes and rides. Paid an advance to block the bike (Black color) which was expected to reach Chennai on 30th December.
Come 31st December, I had paid for the bike and went to the godown to check it out. Only one word to describe how I felt – Euphoria!
Now all that was left was for the bike to be registered and delivery, which was scheduled on Jan 8th. Countdown starts!
