Triumph Speed Triple...looking at a NEW 2007 for about $9k. or a used 2006 S2R 800 for $6500. 

I have ridden S2R's before and know what to expect but have no experience with the Triumph...any thoughts?

I rode one before. A 2005 with a Zard 3-1 exhaust. Beautiful exhaust note. Torque out the ying-yang. Wheelie machine, looks good, but a bit porky on the weight.

cg

I have a couple friends, and out of all their bikes, the Triples get the most use. The other steeds are a 996 & a ZX6 ~

JM

The S2R800 is MUCH weaker than the SpeedX3.  If you want a shit load of power your never gonna use get the triple.  I have an S2R8 but I am lighter then a toothpick so it works out for me...really a great bike no complaints.   

I love my s2r and I almost never feel the need for more power.  However, since I am a total Lard-Ass there is the rare occasion when i want just  a teeeeeeeenie bit more hopo.  Before I bought the duc, i was considering an S3, but it just doesn't compare in the aesthetic category.

I'm not a horsepower queen...I actually ride pretty slow by most standards. 

I am really most interested in how the Speed Triple would feel.  Having owned a Monster and LOVED it (mainly for it's looks) I would be interested in a naked that was more comfortable for a long days riding ...but my heart tells me I am a Ducati man and anything less will leave me sad.

That said I just found a 2006 Triumph Sprint ST ABS for $7800 with hard-bags.  This is the practical choice for sure but seems to lack any soul or passion to me (if I wanted that bike I would get a BMW, me thinks).

well, as it happens, i have both....
just joined the duc family last week with my new '07 s4rs,
and have owned the newest generation speed triple since new,
2006 model bought 12/05....
about 9500 miles on her now, crgs, pazzos, arrows,
youll LOVE the torque, AND the topend...
the motor is AMAZING....
wheelie machine, yes, but pulls all the way to the topend as well, truly the best of both worlds....
and yes, its IS porky...
i didnt notice it at all until i rode my s4rs....
speedy carries its weight quite high....and is a bit on the hefty side...
but theres more than enough power to make up for that....
ZERO mechanical issues in almost 10,000 miles, VERY happy with it....
you wont be disappointed with the '07.
same bike, better ECU, minor changes.
go for it.

I also have a new gen S3 and the bike has taken over my garage. My 800 Duc sits mostly neglected. I have put on about 9500 miles on my S3 since I bought it last October. The bike is fvcking killer especially with a coupla mods. Get a nice slip on (I have the M4 full carbon) and save about 20+ pounds.
I agree with lazarus that the bike carrries its weight a  little higher than the Monster but that's mostly because the bike is taller but it's not porky. The Triumph corners "like a rabbit in Reeboks" to quote Motorcyclist Magazine. I can do everything on the Triumph and then some.
Buy that bike, man and you won't be disappointed.

Another option for you could be the Street Triple...I haven't heard much about it but I'm sure it's a good bike. 

They never tickled me fancy. I found them wooly (numb chassis and suspension, it's hard to feel what's going on beneath you) and not all that impressive. The motor is good if you are used to four cylinders, compared to a 4V Ducati they are not that special. Makes power everywhere with a good top end rush, but it's still "electric" (needs winding up, makes power in a very linear fashion) compared to the instant snap of a proper sport twin. They are much heavier than they have any right to be, almost 550 lbs, and the seat is high if you are less than 5'8". You don't feel the weight at low speed, fortunately, but it's there. Full exhaust system really uncorks the motor, gives over 10hp on the dyno. And the downloadable fuel maps are handy, no need for a power commander, just bring it to the dealer and 30 minutes later it's spot on with factory maps.

Main issues are the brakes on pre-07 models. They need new pistons and seals in the calipers to fix the mushy feel and excess of travel. It's actually very dangerous, you grab the brake and nothing happens with the lever going straight to the bar until you pump it.

Motor is well developed and rarely has problems (I saw one pop a cam chain due to a faulty tensioner, that was it).

My opinion - a very good bike, but not the best for my money. I like something more focussed and sharp, especially at the price they go for up here (about 14 000$).

+1 on the street triple!! 

I've had a 944 two valver and a 748 d-quattro and now I have a 675cc Street Triple.  I have no regrets of selling my previous two Ducs after putting a few thousand miles on the Triumph.  I could have gotten a Speed3 for not too much more $$, but didn't want a heavy bike or that much motor.  The Striple's light chassis (365lb dry) combined with the more torquey 675 lump makes for a very fun ride.  I can hit very tight twisties in 2nd, 3rd or even 4th gear without any complaint and it seems to like to pull nicely any whatever gear I happen to be in, even at 2-3k rpms.  At anything over 8k rpms, the engine note changes and it pulls every bit as hard as my 749S did, maybe even faster to the 12k redline.  It's exceptionally smooth and has a wonderful intake noise that forces me to crack the throttle any chance I get. 

I've repl the shock with an oem Daytona adjustable unit and the thing handles very well as long as the pavement is relatively smooth.  The only real complaint I have with the bike is the non-adjustable front end.  Mid-corner imperfections in the road can unsettle the bike and are sometimes transmitted through the bars pretty harshly.  Other than that the thing flicks side to side easier than anything I've ever ridden and it feels very stable leaned over and rolling on the throttle.

I'm 6'3", 185lb and comfort is very good, although the seat gets a little painful after an hour or so.  Nothing a gel seat wouldn't solve.

All that being said, I do miss having a Duc in the garage and am keeping my eye out for a square headlight SS or would consider an 848S if they release it.

Here's the Trumpet

The Street Triple is a totally different beast, probably better for it. I never got a chance to ride one, but I rode plenty of 675s and if you like small sportbikes they are a good choice. More torque than any 600 class bike, but still very top-end heavy compared to a twin.