sprint ST on the front covers

[InParkSlope]

At the big international newsagent in time square I counted no less than four bike magazines that picture the ST as the cover model. One had it on the front cover but the referenced page was a test of a different triumph, however a box review of the 05 was glowing. I think that was "What Bike?" mag.

Another had it featured in a test against the VFR800 and a Duc ST3 and a BMW, and the Sprint won easily, with no real negatives except for minor build quality criticisms. Tested quarter mile was 11.19 and 140mph, well in front of the other three bikes. This was a UK mag.

A third had it on the front cover and was a Sth African review. I can't remember the fourth mag .. but it was splashed across it as well.

for such a low seller (1500 total units of all triumph across usa?) this is a lot of publicity, no?

[thfwsf]

I've been waiting to see a comparison shootout for the 2005 Sprint. Do you know what mag that was in? or does anyone else know if any sport touring comparo shootouts have been done?

[BlackBeauty]

The comparo was in BIKE - a superb UK magazine. I pay through the nose for it here in San Diego but it is always worth it.

A comparo in RIDE had it against the Blackbird, VFR800 and BMW R1200ST - the Sprint came 2nd to the Blackbird (a bike I secretly hanker after!!).

[thfwsf]

Do you know how they based the ratings?

[ST]

Bike magazine rates the 05 St highly, it came 2nd to the GSXR1000 k5 which came top out of 50 bikes tested.

Each were graded at what they do best i.e handling, speed, mpg, comfort, finish etc etc and were marked on each topic.

The St has received excellent coverage to date from all uk bike magazines so much so that over here demand has outstripped supply over here. ( 4 weeks on im still waiting for my abs).
Its been on the front cover of most best selling magazines but thats only where you see them, they are a relatively rare sight on the Uk scene and when you do spot one parked up a crowd soon gathers to chew the fat.....

A decent article in T.W.O ( 2 wheels only) had a silver model equipped with the hard panniers and gps, it came out top against the ducati St3 and the now inadequate VFR v-tec. They also had a very strange BMW which i cant recall the model. St won and the word character was quoted many a time.

Performance Bikes magazine also rate it highly which is suprising as they always seem to rave on about superbikes and the more sporty focused bikes......... seems to show the naughty side of the ST is as good as the touring side of its character.

[Eclipse_Blue]

It has been a long time since the British motorbike press have lauded Triumph as much as they have done over the ST 05. Recognition to a home produced bike that takes on the rest has been long overdue but they are fickle about their praises.
Yes, Triumph has produced another exceptional bike in the ST but they could go just a little bit more by rectifying the things that the testers comment about in their articles.
I have read all the reports in recent mags here and it is a shame that with just a little bit more from Hinckley, there would be nothing to detract from what is looking like one of the best bikes out of that factory.
I am not denigrating Triumph because they gave me, in my opinion, the best bike I have ridden so far.

I say that wondering when the 1050 RS will appear to replace the 955!

[ This message was edited by: Eclipse_Blue on 2005-06-23 08:28 ]