Triumphrat

Sport · 03-12-2007

So I drop my 2002 Sprint ST with 24,000 miles off at the dealer this evening for a 24,000 mile service. He happens to have a 2007 Sprint ST ABS in Caspian Blue (Prefer Saphire Blue) or black for $11,680. Last month when I was in they offered a trade-in value of $5,000USD. I mentioned I may be interested if the OTD price is right. He promised to run some numbers and have it ready when I pick up my bike.

Well then, do I consider trading her in since the trade in seems good? I would have roughly a $6,000 loan payment. Of course I was planning on installing an underseat exhaust on the 02, which will cost around $1,800 installed and tuned; now the 2007 ST is only about $4,200 more than my 02 ST.

Are the 07's that much improved over the 02's?
~The seating on the 07 is definately more upright and seems more comfortable.
~Is the power that much more improved?
~How about tank range? What kind of distance are you getting on a tank of gas?

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

Cuyose · 03-12-2007

not that everyone has this luxury, but I have refused to ever buy a bike that I need to finance. The 02 sprint is a great bike, I have an 03.

that is a great deal on a trade, but you are still out over 7K after trading it in when you consider interest and insurance.

with a set of genmar risers your 02 will be plenty upright for you. Not trying to talk you out of it, just playing devils advocate. There is something to be said about not making payments on something!

RandyDTFR · 03-12-2007

Thats a tough choice. I've had lots of experience with the '02 era Sprints (though I haven't owned one), and know they are great bikes. Add the triumph carbon fibre can, and it makes a wonderful noise!

Just comparing the bags between the two bikes, I'd rather have the '02... they seem to hold more, and the mounting looks a little friendlier.

However, being the owner of an '06 for some time now, I'd never think of trading for the older version.

If I were in your position and happy with the '02, I'd walk away from the trade, avoid the under-seat mod, spend a bit of the money on a end-to-end inspection / service and spend the remaining money on a grand road trip; something like East to West coast, home through Canada.

But I'm not normal

and you know what they say about free advice...

Either way you'll have a wonderful bike.

Cheers! :-g

~Randy DTFR
Ride safe!

[ This message was edited by: RandyDTFR on 2007-03-12 21:19 ]

86gn · 03-12-2007

Not quite the years you are talking but I had an 01 and traded for an 06.
Power is much better.
200 plus per tank.
I am more comfortable on the 06.

PaloAlto · 03-13-2007

Sport,

My brother used to make me mad by asking why buy a BMW 325i (not that I ever wanted one) when you could get two Civics for half the price and get twice the interior space. He's the same brother (out of six) that asked how long it should take for him to "bond" with his Lexus ES300 - he never did and finally sold it.

The cost benefit of a new bike never pencils out - it won't be $4,200/$11,680% better. That's not what it's about.

I really LIKE my '02. I've ridden the new Sprint (not the '07 version yet) and I don't think I'd ever bond with it. If you're not going to "bond" with the '07, buy your '02 a new trinket and be happy with it.

But if you think you will "bond" with the '07, go for it.

Bern

amanger · 03-13-2007

Yep,

I know that loverly new bike is tempting but ask yourself, its twice the price of what you have now,but is it twice the bike.With that $6000 you could probably have a nice Bonnie (vintage or Hinckley) to play with in the garage as well.
I sold mine when I bought the Sprint and miss it heaps.

Sport · 03-13-2007

So far, You'all seem to be supporting my subconcious :wink:

I have truly bonded with my 02!

Things I prefer:
~ the seating position of my 02 over the 07.
~ currently I have Triumph soft saddle bags and seem to prefer them over hard bags.
~ I have a seat cowl for the 02...The 05-07's don't offer one.
~ My 02 is payed for (Only had a loan for 1 month). I too don't like loan payments
~ Saphire Blue is still the fastest color
~I'm looking at buying a new truck this fall :-D

Reasons for trading:
~Newness/performance and technology improvements
~My paint is beginning to chip (A friend dropped it last summer so I ended up repairing and repainting...same color and decals) I spent a fortune on the paint but it doesn't seem to be chip resistant. May need to talk to the painter.
~Underseat Exhaust. I REALY LIKE the underseat exhaust!
~Current trade in value seems Great!

Anyhow. I am pleased with what I have and don't want to let it go that easily! For those of you considering a Sprint, YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will wait and see what kinda deal they make. I might consider a trade if they offer a straight across trade...my 02 for their 07. That might be worth it :-D

Thanks for the inputs.

oldsprint03 · 03-13-2007

I know, I know. I am currently riding 80 percent two up. Not an issue, but I think I like the RocketIII, it has lots more room for two up. Only problem is the twisties here in North Carolina. I love em, and so does my Sprint!!

:-D

SR1 · 03-13-2007

I'm with the others. I have ridden an 02(?) and thought it was just fine on its own, but different than my 05. I say keep what you have and be happy with it. Hard to do I guess, but it is a good bike and I don't think you'd feel $6k difference.

If you've got $6k burning a hole in your pocket, look for a used bike of a different nature...something that will be fun in a different way.

Bonnie?
Thruxton?
Buell lightning or city x?
Ducati monster?
Ninja 636?

the list goes on and on. Lots of bikes under $6k

harrya13 · 03-13-2007

G'day Sport.

I've been thru the same dilemma. I have a RED 02 ST that just fits me like a glove - others mentioned being bonded with your bike, that's me and mine to a T.. Mine has 55K klm ( say 33k miles ) and still feels and runs like new. ( Also have the seat cowl Gen mar risers, TOR, but would LOVE the under seat exhaust too :-D )

I thought that it was time to trade up to a new bike due the the high k's (miles) I'd put on mine and I'm hooked on Triumphs, so at the time I looked at the 05/06 ST's

I have ridden both but not the 07 yet, and sure the 5&6 had a bit more grunt, but (for me) did not feel anywhere near as comfortable, specially for my pillion ( she hated it, seat was too high, too much wind buffeting )

Your 02 still has lots of good miles left in it. Suggest that you get a long test ride on the 07 and see how it fits you.. then make an honest comparison..

Good luck - let us know what you do.

ps; US $6k = AU$7.7k would get you a nice holiday " down under "