ST vs. GT Decision

[Sparky65]

Originally Posted by fredsprint

BTW:

http://www.triumphrat.net/sprint-for...andlebars.html

The position is more upright w/ the GT. Forgot that. In addition you can add risers.

Those GT higher handlebar were an option in the ST triumph catalog but I think they aren't any more. Might find used one. Or GT handlebars to fit the ST and get rid of the black painting. Exactly same parts.

I am in the process of building even higher handlebars. I just bought used tiger throttle and clutch cables for that purpose. I'll post pictures once finished. But it's a lot of work.

Fred

The ST and GT bars are exactly the same height. The ST used to be lower but no longer, which is why Triumph don't offer the higher bars as an option.

[elevens]

Regarding weights, my ST is 485 pounds with panniers and ready to ride 2-up, at least straight to the gas station anyway If you hate a heavy bike, they can can be fixed.

[toronto_sprint]

Originally Posted by fredsprint

I think this being close to the asphalt, that doesn't count too much in the feeling.

Fred

Perhaps that's true with respect to handling but a 2% drop in mass will lead to a corresponding gain in acceleration (and that's without considering the potential hp gain from the trident exhaust).


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[DaveM]

Hi Gregness this may or may not be helpful:

http://www.triumphrat.net/sprint-for...evious-st.html


cheers
Dave

[Yak1050]

Originally Posted by toronto_sprint

Perhaps that's true with respect to handling but a 2% drop in mass will lead to a corresponding gain in acceleration (and that's without considering the potential hp gain from the trident exhaust).


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Less mass will also improve braking performance. Physics is physics.

[Gregness]

Thanks for all the tips and links guys. I only found out through this forum that the GT will no longer be available in the US. So much for the "Lighter" side of Sport Touring in this country, your choices are now big and heavy or bigger and heavier!

Guess I better find a mint late model ST while I can...

G

[fredsprint]

Originally Posted by Gregness

Thanks for all the tips and links guys. I only found out through this forum that the GT will no longer be available in the US. So much for the "Lighter" side of Sport Touring in this country, your choices are now big and heavy or bigger and heavier!

Guess I better find a mint late model ST while I can...

G

The 1050 tiger is no more in the US catalog too.

Fred

[swartsie]

hi G
i went from a ST to a GT because of my wife's comfort as the ST's underseat exhaust caused her to be much higher up and was a like a bobblehead on the back of the bike!
the luggage latches are better on the GT, and the way they latch on the bike is better as well. Even the frame work where the bags latch on is much more appealing as well. The headlights are much better and shine wider on the road than the ST for seeing critters come out of the ditches at night. Also the wheelbase is slightly longer which i found it made it just a little more stable than the ST. Still very "flickable" in the corners but not quite as quick as the ST, but not enough to make that much of a difference. Also the seat is removable on the GT with the key whereas the ST is a pain to get off!
The only gripe i have so far is i find the seat is not too good, but then i have seen some people who think the seat is great ! i only weigh 155 lbs
Hope this helps ...
Swartsie

[DaveM]

Hi Swartsie you may also find my link in post # 14 of interest.

Cheers
Dave

[XL1200R]

The GT is basically just an "improved" ST. Yes, it's a little longer and about 15-25 lbs heavier when considering luggage, but other than that, everything is better. The suspension is better, there's storage under the seat, the headlights are better, the bags are way better and larger, better highway gearing,, better for 2 up if you need it (no hard if you don't) etc. etc.

I would seriously consider an ST if you really like the undertail exhaust, want a color other than silver, blue or (sometimes) black, are looking to save some cash on an older model or have a big mental hangup about the wheelbase (see swartsie's post above). Otherwise, aside from cost, they are so similar with the nod going to the GT in my book. Don't get me wrong, I love the ST, but if an ST and GT were put in front of me, both for the same money and with the same miles, I would pick the GT every time, but wouldn't feel bad at all if the ST was forced upon me.

At the end of the day, you'd really need to ride both to get the full story. My advice with bikes is to always pick the one that "moves you" the most for the cash you want to spend. Sometimes that sexy undertail exhaust or blazing red color is what does that.