2007 Tiger - The Bike that the Sprint should be

[1fastcat]

I can't believe my eyes - USD/Radial Brakes/Great ergos as standard on the 2007 Tiger? While the 2007 Sprint gets a new seat, higher windscreen, pulled back bars, and stock bags? I think armageddon is around the corner.

It would appear that the new Tiger has alot more street cred and SPORT-touring capabilities than the Sprint. I would have never imagined myself on a Tiger, but that may change.

As beloved as my 2000 Sprint was, the 2005 version was a disappointment. I thought that Triumph would finally wake up and give us the good stuff on the 2007. It appears that they view the Sprint as another Concours. Shame on Triumph for missing the mark once again.

[Stlakid]

Cat, where have you been this past year.....just lurking?

I must agree 100% with you! Seems Triumph is willing to use the upgraded parts on most models except the Sprint? I don't get it. I didn't get it when just the Speed Triple got them and the Sprint did not, even though the Sprint costs more!

[ This message was edited by: Stlakid on 2006-09-19 12:30 ]

[i_wolf]

Sprint uses a showa suspension setup. Showa is probably second to ohlins. Its actually a very good high quality suspension setup.
As for the radial brakes. I agree completely on that.... it doesn't makes sense. Although you could always fit them as an aftermarket option.. but given the cost of the sprint... it does appear crazy that the 'cheaper' models get radial brakes and it doesn't!
as to the handlebars... said it before .. say it again.. don't like the new direction with higher bars. prefer sporty bike (riding position) that can tour... as opposed to sit up and beg style ...

[mglemans86]

I'm confused. Are radial brakes better stoppers? I've been asking people who usually know all the answers and no one has given me a good explanation. I know it's a trick thing that racers use, perhaps so they can change rotor size and only have to add a couple of shims. Are there any real world advantages?

[chisel]

That subject line sounds like fightin' words.

i_wolf does make a good point,Showa are good forks. STs aren't all out sportbikes so they probably don't need the few extra percentages of rigidity that the UDs offer. Same deal with the radial brakes. Trick, but probably doesn't do anything worthwhile.

You may try to say that the ST doesn't get trick parts, but it's one of the few who keep the single sided swingarm. The new Tiger doesn't get it, although the dual side is pretty sexy.

Instead of the Tiger, the best, tricked out, touring bike may be a S3 with some kind of fairing.

IMHO, they screwed up both bikes by making the tails WAY TOO HIGH. It really makes no sense why they did that.


Here's an FYI read on the benefits of radial brakes.
Radial Brakes


[ This message was edited by: chisel on 2006-09-19 13:41 ]

[1fastcat]

Hey STlakid;

I have been monitoring the site regularly but didn't have much to say as I was waiting for the 2007 Sprint ST specs (I had heard from my Triumph dealer that the S3 parts were finally coming on the Sprint). My brother has my 2000 (as of a few weeks ago) and I'm itching to buy a new Trumpy.

[2ndSpace]

I must disagree. If the new Tiger is similar in egros to the Multi Strada or the previous model it will be a different ride. I agree that the Sprint should have USD forks, radial mounts, and hey, how this, and adjustable fork! I had a blast with my last Tiger.

[i_wolf]

Well the modern sports touring market is a very catch all generic term.
I said it before and I'll say it again... nothing has been confirmed for 07 sprint. No webapges have been updated on any of the triumph sites. Yet the new cruisers and tiger have been shown. I've only seen an artice on MCN and autonews. Both of which were also extremely reliable with their 1 litre V5 VFR for 07 news
The beauty of most bikes is that you can configure them to be more touring and less sporting if you so feel and vice versa. I have a friend who bought kawasaki's new sports tourer zzr 1400 ... like the sprint, focus is heavily on sport and yes you can also tour because its larger than a pure focussed track bike and you can put panniers on it i believe. He has gone for a larger screen and a modified seat. He is planning to put on better bar risers when he gets the chance.
The main reason I went for the sprint is because i fall into that category of bigger rider (6.3) and I want a full on sports bike but don't want to be buckled after 2 hours ride... as was the case with the GSXR. The 06 sprint seamed to have a nice stretched and leaned sporty but comfortable riding position and the engine is extremely quick. Can also do touring. If i want touring/sports I would have gone for a pan european, a BMW F800ST, R1200ST or waited for the new tiger etc.. the point is sports/touring covers a vast amount of bikes that vary considerably in their most likely roles. Triumphs tiger now can sit in this touring focussed but sporty league and they have the sprint for sports focussed but touring capable. I think it would be dangerous from a business point of view to have a stock bike straddle both camps.
I don't think there are any real tangible advantages to USD as opposed to the showa on the sprint.... if anything the showa should be a higher quality given the brand name and association with sporting quality.
Supposedly radial brakes offer better stiffness, so you get more even contact with the pads. I would have liked to have seen these myself. Although I'm sure its possible to add them as after market if the need arises. It is still a pity they aren't provided stock. the look sweet for a start

[Saigon5]

I was told by a dealer today that the 07 Sprint will all come with ABS, the regular brake option will be gone. For the rest I don't know.

[welshrob]

I agree with 1fastcat. The sprints and tigers seem to have spent the last few years leapfrogging each other in terms of development. At the moment it would seem like the tiger`s well and truly in front. I wonder what the seat height is.....