Triumphrat

Cabinetman · 10-16-2006

Last week I sold my Thruxton with the intent of buying a SPORT/touring bike. I narrowed my search down to the BMW K1200s, Yamaha FJR 1300 and the Sprint ST ABS. Once I went to look at the bikes I found myself leaning toward the Sprint especially when price was factored in. Over the past weekend I have spent hours researching the Sprint and I keep hearing about bad brakes and drag link bolts that are just waiting to break. Sould I steer clear of the ST due to quality issues? I've had both the Truxton and a 2000 Speed Triple that were very solid bikes, but now I'm finding myslef worried about Triumph quality.

Kevin

expatbrit · 10-16-2006

I did.

So my answer is 'yes, I love it'.

GrahamG · 10-16-2006

Prior to my 06 Sprint ST ABS I had two BMW bikes - an R1100S and a R1200GS. I would say that all the negative comments about the GS did add to my letting that bike go. The forum I belonged to for the GS was about 95% moan and groan about doom and gloom. The R1100S was a good bike and the forum I belonged to for that didn't moan, but was really constructive.

I haven't detected any negative whinging on this site, just constructive points and 'Good to Know' posts.

I did look at the K1200S. Nice bike with a good engine. But it did have the BMW price tag, and after all the negative stuff I'd read about the GS I thought 'not sure'. Then I read a comparitive review of the K1200S and the Sprint 1050. The Sprint 1050 was a much better all round bike compared to the Beemer. That confirmed my choice and decision to go ahead with the Sprint 1050.

After six weeks I know it is the best decision I've made in terms of bike. Bits may break and I keep this in mind, but I really enjoy riding the bike now - in the moment. Worrying about what could happen just spoils the enjoyment you could be having.

If I had the money I'd probably have the Beemer, the Yamaha and the Triumph Sprint. But I haven't won the lottery yet, so am quite happy to have the Sprint 1050 - I love every chance I get to ride it.

Should you get the bike? It's a double-edged quandary - if you don't then you don't have the worry, but somewhere at the back of your mind you may be thinking "Could have been the best ride ever".

Just my thoughts. All the best with whatever your decision is.

GrahamG

Whisperinsmith · 10-16-2006

Buy the Sprint. I have the '06 and haven't had one problem with brakes or any other mechanical issue. I feel for the guys who have, but of all the Sprints out there, I think the vast majority have had good luck with this bike.

I love it more each time I ride it.

Grip · 10-16-2006

why buy a barge when you can have a sprint........

its as simple as that!

Django · 10-16-2006

Not one real problem with mine. The brakes have been fine, the whole build quality is great - only gripe is a bit of discolouration on the heel guards - and the ride is unbelievable.

I would recommend it every time. It is natural that these boards will often focus on problems and there is no question that one or two have had a poor deal. But I can say in all honesty that I am still deeply in love, even after 16 months. Wouldn't change her for any other bike.

Cheers,

Django

climbbike · 10-16-2006

To me the FJR doesn't even fit into the same category as the others so before you decide the specific bike you want, maybe you should spend some more time deciding on the "type" of bike you want.

That being said, I just did a long trip to Canada last summer on my Sprint and it was fantastic. One of the guys on the trip had an FJR and he loved it as well. I don't really think you could go wrong with either bike.

As far as the K12S goes . . .. well, I considered that bike but when you factor in price . . . . . Also, when I saw the luggage for the K12S I just laughed and forgot about buying that bike. The luggage is a joke and ugly. Of course, that's just my opinion but that was the nail in the coffin sort of speak for the K12S for me. I suppose Givi is probably making someting . . . . And oh, did I mention price . . . lol. Way too expensive when there are great alternatives out there like the Sprint.

I'd ride all of them if possible. You never really know until you throw your leg over it and go for a ride . . . . Good luck.

[ This message was edited by: climbbike on 2006-10-16 12:33 ]

climbbike · 10-16-2006

And bye the way, I am one of the guys having problems with the front brakes . . . which really sucks and the dealer has been less than helpful . . . but based on the bikes that are currently out there, I think I would still buy the Sprint again.

There are a few options people have been exploring to deal with the breaks and as long as I clean/bleed them once every couple of months or so, it's more of an annoyance than anything. Every bike has something . . .

Cabinetman · 10-16-2006

Thanks for all the comments. It seems that I may be a little too paranoid about Triumph's current quality. I really like the Sprint and will probably end up with one. The Bimmer is nice, but the price makes it a hard sell with the wife. Please keep your comments coming.

Thanks,

Kevin

sodapop · 10-16-2006

The thing I like about the BMW K12S and the Yammie FJR is the shaft drive. I think if my Sprint ST was a shaft drive I'd me happier. Just my choice. Otherwise, I love everything about my new Sprint ST. It's sexier, sleeker, and sportier. Just my opinion. The negative things about the other choices are the huge price difference and lousy percentage financing, and the biggest thing...the much higher insurance costs. Arrrgghhh!!! Way too much for me. Just my thoughts.