ST Purchase

[GaryParky]

Need a little help
Transplant Brit in southern california - 35 years of riding experience (old phart) - feeling the need to ride a triumph - interested in a sport tourer because I would like to do some serious miles .
I currently ride a HD Wideglide but with the apes and the stirrups it gets uncomfortable after a hundred or so miles (old phart again)
Two options. I have located a 2001 ST with 10,000 miles on it for about $4500.
The Local dealer has a left over 06 for $10800, this has the free bags with it.
I am unsure which way to go.
Is this bike the distance machine some people claim?
Are decent soft bags available for the 01 at a reasonable price
Opinions, recomendations, abuse, sarcasm all welcome

[Sparty]

On 2007-05-20 19:24, GaryParky wrote:
Need a little help ... Opinions, recomendations, abuse, sarcasm all welcome

Hi Gary, I ride an '06 and I love it. If the 2.9% dealer financing is still available, that's another attraction of buying new. I've ridden as much as 500 miles in a day on my bike and although I was ready to call it a day at that point, I am eager to do it again. Personally I think the Sprint ST's stock seat is awesome (and I'm 53).

I've heard the older Sprints are awesome as well.

--Sparty

[GaryParky]

Thanks Sparty
How does it manage two up?
Gary

[airrider03]

I've ridden 1750 miles in three days, combining the interstate and the Blue Ridge Parkway (nice semi-twistie). The only thing that wore out were my tires.
One of those days, I spent 15 hours on the bike and I would've gone more but it was party time!
I have the 06 Gel seat, which made it easier, but now I hear the 07 Gel is refined even more (and there's two versions of it?)
Coming off the upright Tiger, the Sprint is my first sport touring bike, and I had to condition my neck and hands for the new position. But after you spend time on the bike, all seems perfect for the mission.
Two-up, adjust the suspension as they say in the manual, and you'll get thumbs up from your passenger. The stock seat may not be the choice for long two-up trips, so start by upgrading to one of the Gel Seat options or some other.
I'm 6'0 at 200 lbs.

[duckie]

Hi Gary

Welcome from a fellow Brit transplant (in Northern California...)
The price of the '06 sprint - I paid just under that price for my '07 before tax and fees... so you should be able to get a better deal than that. I can't comment on the price of the '01 as I haven't any experience with that bike. Good luck with your choice. I reckon once you test ride the sprint you'll love it...

[PaloAlto]

Gary,

The '01 Sprint price you mention is in the reasonable range. Unless the '06 price is either OTD (i.e. including taxes) or is an ABS version, it seems high. Non-California, non-ABS bikes are being advertised for as low as $9000. (Unfortunately, you cannot bring a new non-California emissions bike into the state.)

There are also slight improvements between the '01 and '02 years - about 10 HP more, quieter engine, slightly smoother tranny.

Some feel the '05-'06 Sprints are a little less tour friendly than the '99-'04 model because of slightly lower clipons. The '05+ seats are much more contoured and are a matter of rider preference. I understand the '07's are taller and a little closer to the seat. OTOH, the '05+ have the updated engine, etc. In any case, lots of riders here put lots of touring miles on both models.

Most Triumph dealers have demo bikes to ride - take advantage of one!

Soft saddle bags are available for the '99-04 Sprints. I have a pair that I use several times a year. They're not as functional as hard bags but they get the job done.

Have fun with your choice.

Bern

[ricster]

My suggestion is to ride both. The 2006 is definetly more on the sport side, but it also can chew up the miles in comfort and I feel it has a better look. Price wise...I would say otd you should get an 06 with bags for just under 10k. :-D

[REGULATOR]

I love my 01,
plus the insurance, taxes and everythign else will be so much cheaper on it.

can ebay the stock hard bags, or go with soem givis and a mount ( plenty of info and how to do on this site)

if your going to buy a bike and make it fit your style ( risers, seat etc, be nice to have the money to do it!!)

not knocking the 06's ( I won't test ride one because I migth liek it!!!) but my 01 does it all and then some and still gets looks and attention