2005 k1200S vs. 2005 Sprint ST

[1fastcat]

No doubt that the new 2005 ST is a sweet design: Sweet headlights!!! Sweet clocks!!! Sweet exhaust!!! Very nicely integrated design. I was just comparing the new k1200s side by side and IMO Triumph definitely has the edge on the styling.

However it sounds like the power from the new motor is nothing to write home about - 123hp and 77# torque. Brakes and suspension (unless i'm not seeing something) also look like the got the short end of the deal. How incredible this bike would be with the new Speed Triple USD and radial brakes. (I would gladly pay an extra $1000 for that option)

I keep hoping that the real world test results are going to be far better than they look on paper, but I'm afraid the results will be "The emperor has clothes, but no b*lls".

I am fortunate to have saved up the cash to buy the exact bike that I will keep and rack up the miles on over the next five years, and the K1200s looks to have far better ergos, a stokin motor (1157cc with 167hp and 96# of torque), a better transmission, state of the art suspension and world class brakes. at $15.5k w/o abs it is not a bad deal when you look at the technology you get.

We'll just have to see how they two stack up on the test ride.

[1fastcat]

No doubt that the new 2005 ST is a sweet design: Sweet headlights!!! Sweet clocks!!! Sweet exhaust!!! Very nicely integrated design. I was just comparing the new k1200s side by side and IMO Triumph definitely has the edge on the styling.

However it sounds like the power from the new motor is nothing to write home about - 123hp and 77# torque. Brakes and suspension (unless i'm not seeing something) also look like the got the short end of the deal. How incredible this bike would be with the new Speed Triple USD and radial brakes. (I would gladly pay an extra $1000 for that option)

I keep hoping that the real world test results are going to be far better than they look on paper, but I'm afraid the results will be "The emperor has clothes, but no b*lls".

I am fortunate to have saved up the cash to buy the exact bike that I will keep and rack up the miles on over the next five years, and the K1200s looks to have far better ergos, a stokin motor (1157cc with 167hp and 96# of torque), a better transmission, state of the art suspension and world class brakes. at $15.5k w/o abs it is not a bad deal when you look at the technology you get.

We'll just have to see how they two stack up on the test ride.

[SpiderTex]

Well 1FC you've hit the nail again!
I have the same thoughts... pricing is going to be key in my decision... if the Sprint is only +-1500 euro's cheaper, I might be hesitating a lot when I'll be buying a new bike. The K is technically very state of the art indeed!!

[SpiderTex]

Well 1FC you've hit the nail again!
I have the same thoughts... pricing is going to be key in my decision... if the Sprint is only +-1500 euro's cheaper, I might be hesitating a lot when I'll be buying a new bike. The K is technically very state of the art indeed!!

[ProudRAT]

"The grass is always greener" and "figures always lie and liars always figure" are two phrases that come to mind.

I understand the discussion on this topic but until you, Fastcat, ride a 05 Sprint and 1200 you will not know which one you prefer the most.

Sooner or later one learns to simply enjoy what they have and quit looking for greener grass and compiling figures.

[1fastcat]

Hey Proudrat:

Absolutely right - my test ride, not a magazine article or factory specs will be the deciding factor. That's why I cancelled my FJR order last week.

I just have major concerns because instead of leapfrogging the competition, Triumph has decided to finally try to catch up? One year before major redesigns of the competition? Just to find out that for the next five years the bike will fall further and further behind?

Triumph has a HOMERUN in the DESIGN of the bike, However, I for one do not want to spend the money on a bike that performance wise is modestly improved from the old model. Hell I've already spent all the money modifying front/rear suspension, and engine performance.

I highly doubt the new stock ST will handle or perform any better than those of us who have modified our current models.

Trust me, I soooo much want to fall in love with this bike's performance. But again I'll say it - looks won't get me to part with my money. I put over 15,000 recreational sport-touring miles on a bike each year. I don't want to waste my money on a "pretty face" Cause once I've dropped the bones, I don't want to be bored and jealous after a couple of months and suffer the notorious Sprint ST's 50% loss in value.

Why would I want to spend alot more money on a twin sister just because she has a new dress?

Test ride will answer all the questions.

[ This message was edited by: 1fastcat on 2004-09-08 11:02 ]

[keithu]

Well, it'll be interesting to see how the two actually stack up in the real world. Speaking for myself I can say that the new Sprint ST appeals greatly. I could never get excited about the current Sprint because of the lame (IMHO) styling and the cruddy OEM suspension. The new Sprint addresses my concerns and I can finally get excited about it.

The K1200S is appealing too, but I like to save money and frankly, based upon my own extensive experience and the experience my friends, I just don't trust the BMW brand as much as Triumph. Been there, done that, replaced the self-destructing Beemer tranny

The clincher is that I have a great local Triumph dealer and I like doing business with him.

[2ndSpace]

On 2004-09-08 01:19, 1fastcat wrote:
No doubt that the new 2005 ST is a sweet design: Sweet headlights!!! Sweet clocks!!! Sweet exhaust!!! Very nicely integrated design. I was just comparing the new k1200s side by side and IMO Triumph definitely has the edge on the styling.

However it sounds like the power from the new motor is nothing to write home about - 123hp and 77# torque. Brakes and suspension (unless i'm not seeing something) also look like the got the short end of the deal. How incredible this bike would be with the new Speed Triple USD and radial brakes. (I would gladly pay an extra $1000 for that option)

I keep hoping that the real world test results are going to be far better than they look on paper, but I'm afraid the results will be "The emperor has clothes, but no b*lls".

I am fortunate to have saved up the cash to buy the exact bike that I will keep and rack up the miles on over the next five years, and the K1200s looks to have far better ergos, a stokin motor (1157cc with 167hp and 96# of torque), a better transmission, state of the art suspension and world class brakes. at $15.5k w/o abs it is not a bad deal when you look at the technology you get.

We'll just have to see how they two stack up on the test ride.

Complaining again. Sell it. Buy a Beemer. :evil:

[PassTheGravy]

On 2004-09-08 18:34, 2ndSpace wrote:

Complaining again. Sell it. Buy a Beemer. :evil:

What's the problem? This is not Triumph Cheerleading School. 1FC is simply voicing his legitimate concerns about the potential of the new ST versus its competitors.

Like it not, Triumph's potential ST customers are going to cross-shop the ST against the FJR, ST1300, R1150R, K1200RS and GT, K1200S, etc, etc. If it doesn't stack up or provide good value, the marketplace will certainly let Triumph know about it.

[PassTheGravy]

On 2004-09-08 18:34, 2ndSpace wrote:

Complaining again. Sell it. Buy a Beemer. :evil:

What's the problem? This is not Triumph Cheerleading School. 1FC is simply voicing his legitimate concerns about the potential of the new ST versus its competitors.

Like it not, Triumph's potential ST customers are going to cross-shop the ST against the FJR, ST1300, R1150R, K1200RS and GT, K1200S, etc, etc. If it doesn't stack up or provide good value, the marketplace will certainly let Triumph know about it.