I went by my dealer last week. They have a demo model and have been selling them like hotcakes. The staff there, sales, service and even parts guys and a few admin types are getting their own if they can afford it. These guys are pretty up front, so if they claim they like it that much, it most likely is true. The service manager, a Triumph fan (the shop sells Yamaha, Suzuki Kawasaki and Triumph) says it is the power of a Speed Triple with the handling and lightness of a Street Triple.
It is very light and skinny, the mid section isn't much wider than my WR250R. The SM said the only cost cutting he could detect was the suspension components, and as we all know, very few bikes come through with suspension suited to the owner. So if you're going to have to fix it anyway, might as well start with an 8K bike. He also stated the handling was still better than the price would indicate, and Triumph had better watch to.
I would have ridden it but it was raining toads from the tropical storm that day, we ended up with over three inches of much needed rain. Lousy for test driving. I'd say that shop's endorsement was a pretty good indicator of what you're getting. I also realize they're a shop selling bikes. But I go there as I've been buying there for a long time, and they're pretty square with me. I never get other things from service ( You know: ask for spark plugs, get engine overhaul and a big bill) and the staff are all enthusiasts. I'm heading down later this week and riding it. Looks to be a real gem, especially at that price. Needs a slightly bigger tank, some level of minimal wind protection and something to protect that sump and pipe. It is minimalist enough that I wouldn't consider it good for passengers. I met my daughter there and had her sit on the back and give a report. There's absolutely nothing behind the seat, so off you go! She wasn't too keen on it. But as a personal bike, it looks to be fabulous.
Go see one, it really is an interesting and very well thought out design. I can't stress the lack of weight and skinny midsection enough, it is very Motard-ish.
