Triumphrat

Catenaccio · 09-21-2007, 10:37 PM

I've been kicking around what bike to buy next. I thought for a long time the Tiger was the answer, but lately the Sprint has been whispering sweet nothings in my ear. (The one that doesn't listen to my wife, who doesn't whisper near as sweetly.) I'm looking at a new just out of crate 2006 Sprint.

Q: What issues does the bike have?
Q: Does the '07 Sprint have any advantages over the '06?
Q: Underseat heat a problem?

I plan to use the bike for long trips, so the hard luggage is a definite yes.

Q: How well does it work?
Q: What about mileage, tire wear, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

CLB · 09-21-2007, 11:17 PM

Q: What issues does the bike have?
Possible spongey front brake feel.

Q: Does the '07 Sprint have any advantages over the '06?
ECU runs closed loop up through cruise. Better economy.
Quicker starts.
Improved ignition coil boots (more waterproof)
Taller bars.
Taller windshield.
Different seat.
Personally, I would like an '07 with '06 seat & bars. Go sit on both, they're different.

Q: Underseat heat a problem?
For some. Others say same as any bike. Others still say improves with time. Some change the can out to get the catalyst out of under the seat. Some get chastised for asking this question.

I plan to use the bike for long trips, so the hard luggage is a definite yes.

Q: How well does it work?
I think it works fine. They won't hold a helmet. There have been a couple reports of them popping open en route.

Q: What about mileage,
40mpg +/- 10. '07's do better but I don't know how much. A Prius or 250 Ninja will embarass a Sprint with economy in town. The Sprint might do as well or better than the Prius on the highway.

tire wear?
Depends on the tire and rider, not the bike. Some feel the OEM rubber is optimized for mileage not grip, particularly wet grip.

etc.?
If I had it to do over I would probably buy an '07, leave it stock and ride. I don't find myself wishing I had anything different.

Mr2U · 09-21-2007, 11:45 PM

Love my 06', $200 for an 07' screen and bar risers
and you are there.

The 06' had a recall for a "drag link bolt"
my dealer did it in 2 hours. have yours do it
before you pick it up, make them show you the old one.

the red and black colors are the big reasons to think 07'

steventhechef · 09-22-2007, 12:16 AM

Good post CLB

They are a great triple treat..

You'll have to have a full face helmet otherwise you'll get heaps of bugs in your teeth from the stoopid grin on your face!!

Catenaccio · 09-22-2007, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Some get chastised for asking this question.

Thanks for the warning and the kindness.

Quote:

You'll have to have a full face helmet otherwise you'll get heaps of bugs in your teeth from the stoopid grin on your face!!

I wear a full face helmet all the time so others are protected from my smarmy, ehr, I mean brilliant smile!

monkinwitz · 09-22-2007, 05:11 AM

THE SEAT WHY OH WHY its not very easy for some to get on and off but you dont actually need to remove it, and dont forget the heat problem some have with the bike , Buy it and you wont regrett it .

Greerzilla · 09-22-2007, 11:09 AM

If you get one... stick around here. These guys here are awesome and very wise when it comes to their machines.

Ultimately, I held off on getting the one I was looking at, but think one is in my future.

Smoothlennie · 09-24-2007, 06:51 AM

I have an '06 and sounds like the US also has a promo on new 06s like they did in Aus. The difference in cost between the two here was A$3000, however I recently discovered that the hard panniers cost A$2000 and of course they come as stock fit on the 07.

I reckon therefore that the 07 is worth the extra, particularly when you want the luggage. Having said this, I am very happy with the riding position on my '06.

cheers,

Dave

LoVel · 09-24-2007, 01:16 PM

I have probably had more problems than most with my bike and I woudn't trade it for anything. I had my cam chaim break at about 9k miles and it took over 40 days to be fixed. Yes I would say that was more of a dealer problem.

The heat is there but I don't seem to notice it in the twisties and in my opinion it is not bad. I hug in real tight to her in the cooler months.

The seat issue is curable by buying a 5mm t-handle hex wrench. I have never had a problem taking the seat off or putting it back on although the dealer gave it back to me with the seat on incorrectly one time. I guess that is another dealer issue.

TRISPEED · 09-24-2007, 02:40 PM

I would like to get one if the Heat from the engine and pipe didn't cook me on a hot day and the bags were bigger so I could get a full face helmet in them. I would also like the bags to be easy to open with a handle that I could attach bungie cords to so I could strap a bag across the rear seat with no problems.