The Power and the Glory: Ducati Streetfighter S v BMW K1300R v Triumph Speed Triple v Honda CB1000R

Hugely powerful and slickly suspended, the new breed of big streetbikes are superbike-fast

Posted: 2 July 2010
by Rob Hoyles

Getting naked on the South Downs is nothing new. Since the beginning of time, getting over-excited among the rolling hills that straddle the back of Hampshire has been the pastime to many. From over-sexed, rampaging Romans to underdressed, chemically-fuelled weekend revelers, the Downs have been a playground to a great many people.

For Visordown the Downs mean a traffic-free, mid-week blast on some of the best roads the south has to offer, with the mighty A272 running through the heart of it. A twisting, writhing ribbon of tarmac that undulates with every type of camber and crest along its 90-mile length between Winchester and Poundford, on a sunny weekday the A272 is pure motorcycle heaven. In fact, it’s a road so revered that Pieter Boogart wrote a book about it: “I love this road. It represents England. It epitomises England,” explained the Dutch Anglophile.

So we needed bikes that could live up to such a setting. Visually striking, dynamically stunning and yet traditional, we needed bikes that would bring us right back to the basics of fast. Big-capacity street machines with plenty of attitude and lashings of style? Perfect. And with two new additions to the 1000cc streetbike class for this year, there’s a new winner to be chosen...

Jump to the Ducati Streetfighter S, Honda CB1000R, Triumph Speed Triple, BMW K1300R or skip to the verdict.



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road test, triumph speed triple, honda cb1000r, ducati streetfighter s, bmw k1300r
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EA$Y RIDER

A local Honda dealership very kindly gave me a test ride on one after i had my X11 serviced.

they said if you like naked bikes this will blow you away

suspension is very good its nice and light, but the engine, i was so dissapointed. Too revy not enough torque.

Was considering selling/part exing the X11 for some stupid reason for the CB1000R but decided it would be a lot less fun then my 10 year old "heavy ugly" X11. They got the beast engine sorted in that, if only they could put the 1100cc lump into the CB1000R....


Posted: 02/07/2010 at 16:17


Billy Evidence

Guys,

I'm a fan of your magazine and I think this article was included in one of your issues about a year ago. Reason I'm commenting is that you've the prices of these machines (especially the BMW) wrong. It is now costing a whopping £10,250 according to their official website and NOT £9500 as you are stating above. 

Just thought I should let you know...keep up the good work and the reviews coming...

Regards,

B 


Posted: 02/07/2010 at 20:17


rgo
Thanks Billy, the prices have been amended to reflect the current market.

Posted: 05/07/2010 at 13:14


Norris01
In January I tested a K1300r while my F800r was in for servicing. I immediately thought it was absolutely stupid, ordered one, bought one and now ride mine as often as possible. Commuting, playing out, I still think its stupid, no one needs that amount of power, but then no one really needs a motorbike. Then again, its not really about what we need is it?

Posted: 10/04/2013 at 13:08


WORTHY

Did very much the same. called in to local dealer in September. Took up the offer of a test ride. Bought a K1300r two hours later! Abolutely bonkers, the bike that is. although some would argue that one! Now booked into BSD for a power commander!!!!


Posted: 10/04/2013 at 22:05

Talkback: The Power and the Glory: Ducati Streetfighter S v BMW K1300R v Triumph Speed Triple v Honda CB1000R


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