New Steed ub the garage

[david_m]

After seven months of indifference from Triumph regarding their product, I sold my '06 Sprint.

I diagnosed and fixed the brakes on my own with outstanding support from this group. However, I got nothing from Triumph on this issue. That's really a shame.

I enjoyed riding my Sprint more than any other motorcycle I've ever owned. I didn't particularly enjoy owning my Sprint.

Triumph bikes are generally good, but they have have some issues to iron out on the Sprint.

Triumph's interest in keeping customers happy is pathetic. I'd like to see Triumph step forward and acknowledge the brake problems on the Sprint and Speed Triple. It's a mechanical flaw that is ruining what are otherwise outstanding motorcycles.

In the end, Triumph's apathy towards supporting their product ruined the experience for me.

I've decided that although I loved the Sprint, I don't want to own a new Triumph motorcycle. I may consider a used Triumph motorycle in the future (where I would expect factory level support to be reduced), but I will never purchase another brand new Triumph.

For those that care, I now have an Aprilia Tuono parked in the garage.

[alancb]

Sorry to hear that but, hey, life is short. Appreciate your contributions to the board.

Tuonos are way cool. Hope it works out for you.

[upnet]

Ditto...Thanks for your many posts. Don't be a stranger. We value your input. Aprillia......hope it works out for you. You can give us an update.....comparison on the two bikes. Plusses...and minuses.

Adios

[speedjunkie]

David, sorry to see you're leaving, you truely were a valuable contribution to this board. Too bad your dealer was so difficult to deal with. Good luck with the new scoot and stop by and say hi now and then!



Mike

[bareyb]

Wow. An Aprilia Tuono is about as different as you can get from a Sprint. I had a horrible experience with those. Only used for a day, but couldn't wait to give it back. Much too full race mode for my taste. Rock hard suspension, transmission was very stiff and hard to find neutral, ergos were cramped. Still... What a looker. Hope you find what you are looking for in Aprilias' customer service. I've heard they are like talking to the wall. Be interesting to see a comparison.

[ This message was edited by: bareyb on 2006-09-09 19:36 ]

[david_m]

Wow. An Aprilia Tuono is about as different as you can get from a Sprint. I had a horrible experience with those. Only used for a day, but couldn't wait to give it back. Much too full race mode for my taste. Rock hard suspension, transmission was very stiff and hard to find neutral, ergos were cramped. Still... What a looker. Hope you find what you are looking for in Aprilias' customer service. I've heard they are like talking to the wall. Be interesting to see a comparison.

Are you sure you're not talking about the Mille? I don't think the Sprint and the Tuono are all that different. Both bikes are about power AND comfort.

So far the Tuono has a bit more room for me to move around on, and it's definitely more comfortable (Sargeant seat). I'm only 5'8", and the Tuono fits me well. The riding postions is straight up and down. It feels like a super motard.

I haven't adjusted the suspension, but I would say that the Tuono is a bit more plush. I always thought the Sprint compression setting was a bit harsh on the front end. The soft springs and harsh compresison damping were always a bit unusual feeling. The Tuono feels more comfortable.

The Sprint transmission was kind of notchy when new, but was VERY smooth when I sold the bike. The throws on the Tuono are shorter. I'm not as smooth on the Tuono as I was on the Sprint, but I'm getting there. I wouldn't say neutral is hard to find, but it is more difficult to find neutral than on the Sprint.

I went to the Aprilia dealer today. Plenty of parts in stock, the service manager was amazingly friendly. I asked about the slow parts availability. He said he hasn't had any problems, and doesn't forsee any issues. We'll see. I asked about a taillight/blinker integrator kit, and he had four in stock. He also had a set of LED brake lights ready and waiting.

The Tuono is about 100 pounds lighter than the Sprint, and it is REALLY apparent in the handling. The Tuono turns in remarkably fast.

The Tuono has the factory chip and the Aprilia racing exhaust installed. My Sprint was completely stock, so this may not be a fair comparison. In terms of power both bikes pull off the line about the same. Given that the Tuono is a twin, I think that speaks highly of the triple. After about 6,000 rpm the Tuono really opens up. The power delivery on the top end is noticeably greater on the Tuono. Again, my Sprint was completely stock.

This Tuono has the MRA touring windscreen installed. Again, my Sprint was stock. The wind protection is surprisingly similar. I have slightly more wind on my shoulders on the Tuono, but I would say the wind protection is about 95% as effective as the Sprint.

I REALLY enjoyed my Sprint as a motorcycle. I just didn't care for the Triumph owner experience. Maybe Triumph will fix the front brakes, the rubber parts, the rear brake and the swing arm bolt on the new Sprints. I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't have the time nor the money to diagnose and fix all these issues on a new motorcycle without any factory support.

[david_m]

Too bad your dealer was so difficult to deal with.

My dealer wasn't difficult to deal with. Quite the contrary.

I came to them with problems on my new motorcycle. The dealer forwarded the issues to Triumph. Triumph claimed the Sprint had no problems, so Triumph would not support any warranty work.

I don't expect my dealer to give away service. They were willing to diagnose my problems. They offered to bleed my brakes or even rebuild my calipers. However, NONE of that would be work Triumph was willing to reimburse the dealer for.

In my mind the dealer was fine and Triumph turned their back on a customer. I have sent a letter explaining this to Peter Carleo. I don't expect it will make any difference at all. Triumph appears to be completely indifferent to their customers.

[DaveM]

david_m,
Isn't the Tuono a naked bike more in line with the Speed triple or am I getting confused?
:???:

Davem

[Beach]

Dave sorry to hear of your troubles.

Once again i would like to thank you for the trouble you went to with the brakes and taking the time to post the results and the instructions. Very much appreciated.

I hope you have many great miles on your Aprilia and be sure to drop in and say hello.

Brett.

[speedjunkie]

David, I should clarify a bit on the difficult part. I went to my local dealer for something trivial on the bike. The parts guy said I was hosed, no warranty. I called BS, talked the the service guy, he said yeah, no problem. He also mentioned he has a certain amount of lattitude to order parts up to a certain dollar amount and still get them covered under warranty, without actually having to file a claim. That is where I see your dealer failed you. Good luck with the new 'priller!!!


Mike