Triumph Speed Four (2002-2006)

Fantastic bike, the S4 is my first big bike since passing my test last June and it really is a jack of all trades. In only a year and a half of ownership i have done everything on it from going to Italy and back to commuting to work and college. It is only let down by a slightly clunky (Triumph) gearbox and iffy fuelling at low speeds which can be a bit of a hassle around town in traffic but otherwise it is a superb handling bike with excellent brakes and above 4000 rpm a great engine that sounds awesome. Some say that it is not for a new rider but I have found it perfect and my only previous experience is on a GPR50 and an old XL125 but it is probably more down to the individual than the bike. All in all the speed four is a great bike for anyone from new riders to experienced track hacks.

Handles like a dream, can even be used for a bit of touring if you're determined, but be warned it makes you want to take the long and twisty way where ever your going cos it's just to good on the twisties.

As you can tell by the title its my 2nd one,Killed the first one 2 years ago.Had all sorts of bikes from GS500 to SV1000s 11 in total (wife not to happy!)But this S4 came up 05 plate 2500 miles for £2500 had to have it.Looks wise there is nothing else like it which makes it cool to start with.Best handling bike so much better than other so called bugget 600 Hornet,SV,Fazer,CBF,Z750,Beats all of them hands down!Will give most sport bike 600 a run for there money.Its not wot you ride but how you ride it!

...or short legged (so I had mine lowered as I live on a hill, not a good combination). A superb handling machine with awesome brakes and excellent engine, aside from the flat spot at the 3k rpm mark - easily manageable by just changing gear/speed. Totally addictive. So a total shame that it's been discontinued and the gap filled by the Street Triple - because I can feel the money burning a hole in my pocket right now. Expect some real bargain S4s around this summer, as owners p-ex them for the new Street Triple.

Had my speed four now for two months and done over a thousand miles on her. Running in is always a pain but I could feel the true potential of the bike even then. After first service (which I was told to go over its better) at 650 miles I have really bonded with the little black beast. I swopped my SV 1000 for the Triumph and was a little worried I would miss the tourque, overtaking has been interesting until you start remembering to click down. But on the handling "boy" you only have to think of leaning over and it has done it for you. Engine again, horror stories of bad fueling. I have found the fueling to be faultless, guess they had it sorted by 2006 model. Brakes are awesome, back a little wooden (dont use much anyway). Comfort is up compared to the SV at least an hour and a half before numb bum time compared to 30 mins on SV. Strengths: Handling, Handling, Handling, Brakes, Retro style and looks English. Weaknesses: Back end looks dated.

Having rode a 2000 faired Bandit for my first year of biking, the Triumph is MILES away from the quality of the Suzuki. As soon as I rode away from the dealers having snapped up a brand new S4 for £3700 (plus alarm) (!!!) I knew instantly I was totally hooked. The sound of the engine is great, it sounds like a modern, tight engine, one to be proud of compared to the lazy, loose sounding Bandit. Although I'm still officially running it in, the pick up is very quick and responsive. Obviously being a 600, the gears dissappear pretty quickly, nonetheless when comparing to the Bandit, this feels 10 times quicker :) Brakes are superb, handles like a dream, goes around roundabouts lower than I ever imagined I could go, but am using nearly all of the tyre...eek. Sounds too good to be true.......It is. Just a shame you see the big name bikes like Bandit/Fazer/Hornet/Sv650 in the mags every week and the S4 is missed out...why? Probably because it's better :). Strengths: PRICE Quality of components Handling Looks Hooliganism. Weaknesses: Tank range only 100 miles ish.