T509

What did you say? It is summer when the orange glows?

In theory, my three Speed Triples ride the same. The differences - like the stock wheels on the black Mk5 - should be noticeable to a good rider, but they should not account for a much different riding experience. When a fellow rider returned from a ride with the Mk5, he mentioned that the bike feels quite different from the red Mk2 and the orange Mk4.

It seemed to boil down to the ergonomics in the end, precisely: The handlebar. The Mk5 has a lower and wider handlebar than the other two machines which are equipped with Rizoma handlebars identical to the OEM shape. So what is the difference? The lower bar makes you feel more integrated and more in control. In fact, the higher and narrower bars on the Mk2 and the Mk4 make you feel a little like pushing a wheelbarrow.

This was reason enough to go out and hunt for the (meanwhile no longer available) Saito handlebar. Thankfully, my local shop still had one in stock plus a handlebar from another brand that is close enough in dimensions. Now all three Speed Triples have the ergonomics for the much desired "end boss" stance.