Triumphrat

F4sSprintST · 05-09-2008

So, Sport Rider does yet another sport touring comparo, and it's the usual suspects:

BMW K1200GT
Kawasaki Concours 14
Yamaha FJR 1300

This seems to be the standard comparo. Apparantly you need shaft drive and an electrically adjusted windshield to be a "sport touring" bike. (heated grips are optional, since the Kaw doesn't have them)
So, since our Sprint and the VFR are never included on these tests, they obviously don't fit the different magazine's definition of "sport touring"

So, what are we then? Warmed over sport bikes with bags? What's the market segment?

1050STrider · 05-09-2008

The VFR and the Sprint are Sporty bikes that can tour. The ones you mentioned are just sporty Touring bikes.

Speed Safe,
Don

Werks · 05-09-2008

I own a Sprint ST ( 1050) , ST-1100, and a FJR - 1300. I used to own a Concours.

The Sprint is a "SPORT" touring bike.

The other three are sport "TOURING" bikes, same goes for the Bimmers and Connie 14.

The Sprint isn't much like the other three....It's better ! In fact, it's likely the best bike I've even owned. Powerful, great handling, comfortable, great looks, and great sound.

Of the other three, I like the ST-1100....smooth as silk. That's why it's still around after 17
original owner years.

Tom

Vlermuis · 05-09-2008

Sport Touring Bike
Touring Sport Bike

I am confused

I did a lot of tours on a cruiser. Sport cruiser. Cruiser Sport.

Ok good night

Simmo · 05-09-2008

I don't care what they think. My bike, an 06, is a ripper. Its everything. Comfortable enough to travel 1200km's a day, so a tourer I suppose. Able to rip round a race track in a ride day environment and depending on the lunatic at the controls able to run ahead of R1's, MV's, etc etc. Strangley I couldn't keep up with a kid on a 250 Fireblade. So its also a sports bike with some limitations. I've ridden it slow, fast, with and without pillion, over roads good and bad and worse than bad. It's relatively fuel efficient, relatively easy on tires, relatively cheap to service and run. In terms of bang for buck the buck for me stops with the Sprint. No contest, its a Sports Tourer.
My thoughts. Cheers, Simmo

Vlermuis · 05-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simmo

Strangley I couldn't keep up with a kid on a 250 Fireblade.

Mmmm interesting. Why? Was it stop to stop, or on strait open road?

Tri-oomph! · 05-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlermuis

Sport Touring Bike
Touring Sport Bike

I am confused

I did a lot of tours on a cruiser. Sport cruiser. Cruiser Sport.

Ok good night

Sprint= emphasis on the sport aspect; the others=emphasis on the tour aspect, but all considered "sport-tourers."

cricket1 · 05-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlermuis

Mmmm interesting. Why? Was it stop to stop, or on strait open road?

My guess is that it was a very tight track that benefitted a small, light very flickable bike.

LoVel · 05-09-2008

They don't put it in there because it would be like having a ringer in the contest. It would win every time.

oldndumb · 05-09-2008

As stated, to some in the motorcycle community, the Sprint is a sporty bike that can tour, and a touring bike that is sporty.

But I think the real answer is relative to which Sprint owner is asked the question. Some consider their Sprints as being sporty, ala lower bars, huggers, after market exhausts, pazzos, etc. While others appreciate the touring aspect via higher bars, larger wind screens, luggage, etc.

Both camps are correct, but the S in ST does come first.