Considering a Sprint GT or Concours 14

[GTO Bruin]

I would like to add a sport touring bike to my garage. I plan to buy a good used bike, maybe three or four years old. I LOVE my Bonnie, so I will certainly consider a Sprint, and stay with the Triumph brand. I will also consider a Kawasaki Concours, which its universally praised by the press.

I've been surfing classifieds to get a feel for what's out there locally, and I rarely come across late model Sprints for sale. I suppose owners don't want to part with them. Way more used Kawasakis out there.

Anything I should be thinking about as I go through the decision process?

Sent from my GT-P7510 using Motorcycle.com Free App

[KitNYC]

Whether you really want an addiction to Triumph triples?

Cheers,
-Kit

[Tri-oomph!]

Probably both decent choices. Sprint will be lighter, a little less power, but still a great engine. Concours probably has a bit more comfort. I'd say it comes down to a test ride on both if you can get that, and whether you can find a clean used one of either model.

[elevens]

Classic case of ST - Sport for the trumpy and Touring for the big ninja. Pick the tool that's best suited for its intended job.

Admittedly, I'm hopelessly biased.

[Yak1050]

The Kawi has about 20 more Hp and 100 more pounds. Also shaft vs. chain if that matters to you. There were some improvements (heat management, etc.) made to the Kawi (2010?) so look for those.

[Motorrader]

I see some comments about the Triumph ST and GT. Which of those you are looking at will make a difference. I have an ST and I've test ridden a 2008 Concours. The Concours is definitely heavier and larger, but the power and speed are exhilerating if not frightening. The seating position on the Concours is more upright. The 08s and 09s had reported heat issues (Yak1050 is right, there were imrpovements in 2010). I also discovered that due to the weight, the Concours eats front tires. Check out a Concours forum for reports. The 1050 Sprint ST is narrow, light, nimble and plenty fast for me. The riding position for me is sporty. The Sprint is awesome and very fun!

[Yak1050]

The GT is more upright than the ST, has larger bags so may fall between the ST and the Concours. I love mine for touring and carving the twisties. You can't go too far wrong with either if you match the bike to your intended style of riding.

[vitesse]

When you choose a Sprint it is because it is a Sprint (or GT) that you want. It is a unique machine.
You can do all the comparo's you want but either you love the Triumph or you don't If you just want another very good motorcycle the Concours, Honda Pan European (ST/U.S.) , FJR, or BMW will work but it's not a Triumph ST.
There is something to living with a Triumph.
Get what really suits you.

[elevens]

Another thing to consider.... an inline 4 sounds great at 14,000rpm. The 1050 triple sounds gorgeous everywhere in the rev band.

[Werks]

The 1050 triple sounds gorgeous everywhere in the rev band.

Gorgeous yes, but not as awesome sounding as a Italian V-twin ... Even if the twin, like mine, is of Austrian descent

Bellissima ...

Tom

There are other SPORT touring options to consider. Think of this one as a Sprint on steroids, with an
extra cylinder thrown in for good measure