Triumphrat

ricster · 05-20-2006

Hi all,

I know..its a triumph web site but im looking at both these bikes...I like both bikes but which bike is the better bike overall...durability etc.

zore · 05-20-2006

I've never owned a vfr, but I like the sound the V4 makes. I guess the closest thing to a VFR I have ridden was an RC45. I have had my 03 sprint just over 2 years and have 35,000 miles on it. I've not had any issues. If you want to go by reviews, Rider magazine just compared the Sprint against the VFR and a few others and it came out on top.

Paul-K · 05-20-2006

You are really talking about a matter of preference here. Both bikes handle well and do the same tasks well. There is a great comparison in the June issue of Rider magazine that might help you get the answers you want. I'm going to tell you that I chose the Triumph because it is different and the dealer support here is better. If I was going to break down in a small town somewhere else in America, the likelihood of finding a Triumph dealer is far less than finding a Honda dealer. That being said, I don't expect my Sprint to die on me in the middle of nowhere. I don't like the Honda dealers anywhere near here and the Triumph dealer is Great! I also HATE the V-Tech system on the Honda. My Sprint is smooth and has personality to boot!

Your choice! They will both be fun to ride

AZWildcat · 05-20-2006

Both are good bikes. In my opinion the VFR is the better bike if you ride single but the Sprint is better when loaded and carrying a passenger. It's a matter of personal preference but when you consider maintenance costs, styling, performance and the proverbial "cool factor", I think the Sprint is the slim winner. I have 2 of them so I guess I'm convinced.

Nelson955 · 05-20-2006

If you are looking at the 2002 onwards VFR's with the VTEC system, don't forget the cost of the 16000 mile service. This is where the valves need checking. It's a big job and the labour bills that owners are getting for this service are horrendous.

welshrob · 05-20-2006

You`re going to get a good bike no matter which one you choose. As Nelson says, avoid the Vtec ones if you can. A mate has one and says you get a 'jerk' at 6800rpm when it kicks in which can be unsettling in the wet and at lower revs it`s a bit flat. There was a big electrical problem with the pre 02 models, I can`t remember if it was CDI, coils or rectifier but I`m sure you can 'google it up' for further info.

DaveM · 05-20-2006

I would have to agree with what has been said already
about both bikes. Based purely on what I have read. (I read a lot)

I also love the V4 sound but I also love my Triples note.

I have not ever ridden the VFR but have read many comparo's and articles on both.

The only real common gripe with the VFR I have consistantly read reviewers and testers complain about is the VTec system and how as Rob says it cuts in rather suddenly which is NOT a good engine characteristic.

Also the VFR's lack of any low end grunt, you have to cane it to make it go hard.

The most common gripe I have read about the Sprint is some problems with spongy brakes, although I personally have not had this as very bad as a few here seem to have especially the new '05 onwards models.

And the supension is not a high end set up like say you get on a Ducati and it can get upset on rough terrain. From my reading the VFR seems better on uneven surfaces.

On the up side I think the Triumph has gobs of character and the power is seemless from low down throughout the rev range. It also tracks a line through a corner like a "Rhino on heat".

Your choice, the Sprint is the best all rounder I have ever owned in 30 years riding.

Davem

Yes of course I am biased! :-D

ST-ern · 05-21-2006

You have to be clear about your priorities. Balance of sport riding vs. touring? Usually carrying luggage and/or pillion? How close the dealer is.

I rode a pre-VTEC VFR when I was looking around for my next ride, which ended up being a new '04 ST.

I found the Honda to have a flat spot in the rev range, a high revving motor and I hated the linked brakes - they felt wooden.

On the other hand, the build quality was excellent and all up it was a more poised and together package out of the box.

The ST has a pearl of a motor, excellent brakes (when maintained) and character, but I've had a bad run with faults, all fixed under warranty without argument. However I'd never buy a Triumph again. Other ST owners have not had anything like the same hassles.

The standard fault with the VFR is the regulator/rectifier. Otherwise, they clock up high mileages without any drama.

If Honda built a non-VTEC VFR of 950-1000cc I'd be very interested.

Bottom line is to ride both, and not just 20 minutes around the dealership. Hire if you have to. Small investment.

[ This message was edited by: ST-ern on 2006-05-21 01:18 ]

Beach · 05-21-2006

In 2000 I was all set to buy a VFR 800, as I was convinced there wasnt really much else around. A work mate gave me a test ride on his newbie complete with Staintune pipe and I have to say I was largely unimpressed. It sounded great and did all the things it was suppoed to, but it really didnt impress me.

A few days later I test rode a 1999 Sprint ST with 12,000kms on it. Within 200 metres I had decided that this was my bike.

The GSX750F I had at the time felt very agricultural on the ride home that day.

My advice would be to take both for a good ride and dont rush your decision.

Good Luck,
Brett.

(PS - Be sure to drop us a line when you've finally got your new Sprint in your garage...

Windblown · 05-21-2006

As said above, ride both. They are very similar but have different charactors. For me the factors that tipped the scales towards the Triumph were:

1) Power comes on earlier in the RPM scale on the Triumph.

2) I had never owned a Triumph and wanted something different.

3) I prefered the looks of the Triumph by a slight amount.

4) I prefered the sound of the Triple.

Triumph issues: Front brakes take some sorting out, at least for me, others have no complaints. Suspension: High speed damping feels a little harsh. Low speed damping feels a little weak. However my complaints on the suspension are nit-pics. This bike carves up twisties almost as well as my R6.