Buying a Sprint? Notes on the first 300 miles

[Sprint Runner]

I'll start off by writing that I love this bike. I spent a year researching sport touring options (you know, Tiger, VFR v. Sprint, FZ-1, SV-1000, $BMW Ks/Rs, FJRs, ST1300, Ninja 1400s, ST-4s, etc.) before I settled on the Sprint. I placed my order on Sept. 30, 2007 and took delivery of my Pacific Blue ABS on March 4, 2008.

Well it is worth the wait in every respect! I bought the bike to have as a Sport-Tourer, not something to wildly flick around in the canyons of Southern California. If I wanted a true sport bike I would have bought the Speed Triple, GSX-R, R-1, CBR or Daytona. No, my average ride is 200 miles and at 45, I can't handle the prolonged effects of the fetal sport bike riding position. Plus, I need wind protection as I sip my southern california espresso. Don't want to spill anything on my tank while riding/talking on my cell and running over small furry animals in my way.

All right, enough preamble. You gotta love that motor. It is smooth, it purrs (yeah the TOR will growl, I know) and the shifting, even at break in, is like butter. It's smoother than my V-Strom. + 1 on that note. Anyone that complains about heat should not be riding a fairing type motorcycle in the first place. Enough already, there's no issue unless you're a paid blogger for Honda.

It is heavier than I expected, even though I knew the dry weight. Having said that, once you commit to the turn it tracks firmly without further input. Tires are another thread, this is the first 300 thread. It's just solid, and that's before I've set the suspension properly. Living in So Cal and subject to the dreadful Santa Ana Winds (sustained 15-30, gusts to 45 or more MPH) I wanted a bike that is not vastly affected by those conditions. The bike gets a big +1 on that score.

OK, speaking of wind, I'm changing the stock 08 wind screen. The blast hits me in the throat. Based on thread and other research, a Power Bronze Airflow in dark sexy tint is on it's way.

I've started slo-mo U-turns, S-Turns, etc., practice. The rear brake feels a bit soft to me. Fronts are fine for now. With my first quick-stop drills, I didn't engage the ABS and the bike just came to a smooth complete stop. I'll get on it a bit more next weekend.

In conclusion, having spent $12,200.00 OTD (more than my first truck) I am completly gratified/satisifed at this point. The bike does not feel cheap. It's planted and ready for fun. I will say this about a cosmetic point; put tankslapper film, carbon fiber or other graphics on the tank the day you ride it home. After my first break-in ride of 100 miles, I got back and the clearcoat was muffed from my knees. I had nightmares I f**ked up my bike.

Yes, the mods will come, but this is not a mod thread; it's about a guy that never owned a Triumph and is now a proud owner of one.

Philip

[iceman]

.... welcome from NZ - good to hear that you are happy so far.
5 months is quite wait - at least it was over the winter - hopefully worth it!
You are in for a treat as your ride will continue to improve over the next few months as it loosens up and you get to know each other.
Photos will be required

Grant

[DaveB]

Iceman, you're so polite- pics are mandatory .

Sprint Runner, welcome. These bikes can take a fair bit of breaking in so if it feels good now it's only going to get better. Please read what's been said here about tyre pressures. For solo riding it's generally reckoned that 33 psi f & 36 psi b are optimum.

Enjoy your new bike.

Dave.

[DaveM]

Hi Phillip,
welcome to the nut farm.

There are plenty of folks here that are very experienced riders and also very knowledgeable tech types (I am the former not the later)

Before you launch into a tyre thread browse the sticky on this page.

cheers,
DaveM

[redonblack]

Congrats on your new bike. I've only had mine about 4 months now and whenever I go into my garage for any reason, I can't help but look at it and think how beautiful it is.
I got the PB screen and although I wish the fit was a little better, it directs the wind over my head rather than straight at it, so you should be happy with your purchase.
I wish you much riding pleasure.

[ricster]

Congrats Philip and my sentiments are with you..these are great bikes!

[BudDaytonRat]

Congrats Phillip on your new Sprint. I traded my 02 955i last June and I have had no regrets. Ride safe.

[Squidly]

Sprint Runner....what dealer did you buy it from?
Sounds like you approached the purchase of the bike the way I did....about a year of trying to make up my mind. I was holding out for quit some time to see how the new Connie was going to turn out. Shouldn't have bothered....every insurance agent I spoke to quoted 2 grand or more to cover the **** thing.

[Sprint Runner]

I did post pics the day I brought it home! I'll repost the pics I posted from my previous thread about purchasing/delivery of the bike:



I've added the Union Jack on both fairings where the ABS sticker goes. Once I have my new screen in and the carbon fiber tank protection I'll post updated pics.

I bought the bike from OTD Cyclesports in Inglewood. It's my second bike from them.

[harrya13]

Hello Phil, welcome to the great world of Sprints.. Just out of interest, as your bike is new, have a look at this site for some alternate run in methods http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Lost of people swear by this guy - others think he's nuts - but it's a good read either way.