Triumphrat

thinkjerm · 04-26-2007

I am looking to purchase a new Triumph St ABS. Unfortunately the dealer said that the '07's are sold out. I got the call today that they found a '06 non-Abs. Should I purchase the '06 or should I wait until an '07 is available. Is there any real benefit in buying the '07, is it worth waiting for?

I know the '07 has a new ECU and Higher handle bars.

The dealer offered me the '06 for 9,300 w/bags (+tax and prep).

[ This message was edited by: thinkjerm on 2007-04-25 22:58 ]

NikosR · 04-26-2007

I think the price is for the 06 is very good. You just have to decide if ABS is a must for you or not and if it's worth the price difference.

ECU changes, only noticeable positive thing might be faster cold starting in very cold conditions.

Higher grips, well that's a personal thing. I personally hate the 07's higher grips and if I had got a 07 I would probably have to pay extra for installing the lower grips (that was before my latest shoulder problem).

Tartanleathers · 04-26-2007

07's have a few other changes too
From what I know:

Larger vents in fairing to aid cooling

Gel Seat - 06 Seats have a small plastic lug about half way down seat, 07's don't, having ridden 06 recently the seat is more comfy on 07.

Better heat shielding under pillion seat on 07's

And not all 07's had the high handlebars

I was speaking to my dealer in UK the other day, it's not that 07's have run out, it's that there are alot of unsold 06 models, and Triumph has incentivesed dealers to sell these.
He said he could source 07 if ye really wanted one.

NikosR · 04-26-2007

Are you sure the stock 07 is a gel seat? I wouldn't be too sure about it. It is redesigned but nobody in here has been able to describe the differences.

If it is really a gel seat, that would cause problems with burned butts in hot and sunny climes like down here :-D

First time I hear of better heat shielding under the seat also. Can you elaborate on this?

Also, at least I have not seen a 07 either 'live' or in pictures without the high grips. Lows are an after-market option for the 07 AFAIK.

With the price difference you can get the optional high grips and new seat and aero screen if that's what you like for the 06 and still save a significant amount, I believe.

[ This message was edited by: NikosR on 2007-04-26 04:02 ]

Tartanleathers · 04-26-2007

NikosR

I am talkin about UK spec here, so might not apply in other countries.

I definately have an 07 spec bike, but it has the lower bars and screen. In the UK at least there are a number like this. Triumph have offered to pay for these to be altered, but I have decided to stick with what i've got.

On the seat, I was loaned an 06 Demo bike last week while mine was havin it's 500 mile service. The seat on the 06 was noticeably narrower and harder than mine. When I asked dealer on return he said 07's had Gel Seat.

On the heat issue from seat, the missus says she doesn't notice any heat issues from my bike, but she complained alot about the heat coming from the 06 demo bike.
Again according to my dealer, he said 07 had extra sheilding to combat this.

As I don't build the bikes I can only go with what I'm told. There was definately a difference on the 06 demo bike an my 07.

I'm hoping to go on a factory visit this June (as we get this free in the UK), I will try and get an answer then.

NikosR · 04-26-2007

With regards to the grips and screen, maybe there was an early batch that left the factory with these? Definitely not an option to get a 07 with these in Greece unless as aftermarket items.

With regards to gel, Triumph catalog lists the gel touring seat as accessory independent of VIN if I recall correctly, so the stock 07 shouldn't be gel. Somebody should confirm this.

The difference between stock 06 and 07 is that the 07 is called a 'touring' seat. I'm not sure what to make of it but I take your word that it's softer and wider (these might be good or bad things depending on personal preferences).

With regards to the under the seat insulation, as I said it is the first time I hear it, but it may well be true, since T had received lots of complaints regarding this (BTW, installation of a TOR does away with all problems related to underseat heat on the 05 and 06 models).

86gn · 04-26-2007

I rode an 07 late last year. The seat on it was firmer and the front had been "nosed" compared to my 06. It didn't feel like a gel seat to me.
Anyway it gives us all more options for a seat without going through the aftermarket.

Vox · 04-26-2007

I bought an '06 ST about 2 months or so ago. Rode the 07 ABS as a test ride.

I have no regrets. If you like more of an upright position, you can modify the 06 using genuine Triumph spacers and windscreen to perfectly mimic the 07 for about 400-500 bucks. You can get aftermarket parts and do it even cheaper. I considered this, but I'm liking the seating position on the 06, so why bother?

The seat on the 06 feels like heaven to me compared to most other bikes I've owned. Lots better than the Sargent seat for my SV650s. LOADS better than the stock Suzuki--I think they use that thing in Guantanamo. I've ridden through a full tank on the 06 without a break and my butt was fine.

ABS is a matter of preference--I never had it before, so I don't miss it now. For the money, I'd say you're getting a great deal.

Tartanleathers · 04-26-2007

Like I said the 07 I have was a prodution "error", it wasn't ordered with low bars. I had wanted the higher bars, but I have decided to stick with the 06 style low ones, just cause they are not uncomfortable.

I don't know for sure if there is extra heat shielding at rear from exhaust, but my wifey was maoning that the seat and grab rail were hot on the 06 demo, but not on my bike.

The TOR exhaust is on my HAVE TO HAVE THIS, list.

Checked the seat on mine today, it doesn't feel like a gel seat to me, but again I thought it better than the 06 one from last week. But this is my opinion. Both seats were miles better than the plank fitted to my Yamaha FZ6!!!

duckie · 04-26-2007

Quote:

On 2007-04-25 22:51, thinkjerm wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new Triumph St ABS. Unfortunately the dealer said that the '07's are sold out. I got the call today that they found a '06 non-Abs. Should I purchase the '06 or should I wait until an '07 is available. Is there any real benefit in buying the '07, is it worth waiting for?

I know the '07 has a new ECU and Higher handle bars.

The dealer offered me the '06 for 9,300 w/bags (+tax and prep).

If that is the price for an '06 ABS then go for it if you like the colour.
But if that's the price for a nonABS '06 then the price isn't great. That price is close to the invoice of a nonABS '07 so really they are not doing you any favours... (btw the bags come standard on '06 & '07's - so don't let them con you into thinking they are giving you a price break by throwing in the bags for free - it happened to me at one dealer!) :hammer:

In the end it will come down to price and colour choice. If you really like the colour and the price is good then no need to wait for the '07.