So I am selling my 5 month old sportster as I need something a little more practical for my 24 mile daily London commute.
I test rode the new BMW F800r which I really liked, felt v comfortable and obviously far more maneuverable than my Harley, quite frankly it was a joy to ride. I test drove out of the park lane BMW motorad.
I also sat on a Triumph Triple Speed at Metropolis in Vauxhall and had a test drive booked for today which I had to cancel.
My bike is my main transport (hardly drive these days, leave that to the wife, love biking too much), as well as my daily commute I am looking at doing some day touring.
My question is 2 fold.
BMW or Triple, I know the triple ( I am still to test ride one) seems to be loved by all that have sat on one, my heart says BMW but wanted some experienced advice.
I have read some negative comments on the Praise and Shame section of this site about both Metropolis - Vauxhall and BMW -ParkLane/ Battersea for quality of there service work and customer care, this is v important to me especially as I intend to buy new and will need an early service. Are there any other Triumph dealers in central London or near N13? With BMW has anyone experience with the Sawbridgeworth branch, they have been praised on this site and if I go for the BMW I may go there.
Sorry to hear your selling the sportster Fella, leaste your dentist will be pleased, herd they can shake your fillings out
BMW or a triple speed, thats a tuff old choice you got there. If your gonna use it for a bit of commuting/stunting, I’d go for the triple speed, they say they come up with just a blip if its more a commuter/and have no consideration for any other bikers, I’d defo go for the BM, you can carve up anyone on those f*ckers :D…saying that I have seen some sweet BM Fighters
One of the guys I work with has the BMW and has had a lot of issues with it. He’s now about to get his third engine under warranty and he no longer uses Park Lane, he goes to Guildford.
Not sure about the speed triple but I bought an Aprilia Tuono which I love. In fact I’ve two, both the old and new models. I commute about 50 miles a day from Surrey into central london and I find it ideal.
i love my speed triple, its amazing, i wouldnt have a beemer myself, the triumphs are tough, look and sound good, and can even go to wales, even if it is pink.
I went from a Triumph Speedmaster (not unlike the HD Sportster) to a Speed Triple a couple of years ago, and I haven’t looked back I’ve got a 45 mile daily commute and it’s a hoot on the Triple! As my bike’s now four years old it’s starting to give me some electrical problems, but if you’re buying new then you shouldn’t have to worry about that.
As for dealers, give North City Triumph (Chigwell) a call - they’re an excellent bunch up there, can’t recommend them highly enough! 0208 500 4144
After much gnashing of teeth, many blind alleys and lots of missinformation and changing of minds I ended up with 2 bike on my shortlist. F800R or Triple. The Hornet nearly made the list.
After the tes ride there was no competition, it was always going to be the BMW. Like you, it was the comfort factor that swung it for me.
I got mine yesterday from Vines in Guildford after seeing praise in here. It was delivered as promised. Let’s hope the after sales service is as good as their pre-sales.
congrats on the new beemer and let me know how you get on with it!
I gave Triumph Chigwell a call and they do not have a triple available for a test ride.
Funny enough I looked at a hornet today, just felt it was not ‘special’ enough, fine bike mind you.
Off piste I sat on a Honda Transalp and loved it! taking it for a ride next week, totally different from the BMW and triple! I think I may have developed an indecision issue when it comes to bikes!
Going up to BMW Motorad in Sawbridgeworth tomorrow to have another look at the f800r!
if its more a commuter/and have no consideration for any other bikers, I’d defo go for the BM, you can carve up anyone on those f*ckers :D…saying that I have seen some sweet BM Fighters 
