Triumphrat

oclvSprintST · 09-09-2008, 01:24 AM

I have had two ZRX's. First one an 1100, then got a 2004 1200 when I heard they were going to discontinue the ZRX. I ride long when I ride. I do a week ride every spring, usually 3500 miles in 8 days. I wear out new tires during this week. I go to the mountains then stay there for days. Mostly Northern California, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, etc. I am considering moving up to a sport touring bike with more wind resistance. Also, my wife is just starting to ride on the back a bit and I was thinking it might be time to consider a bike more two up friendly. I have been considering the Sprint ST, the Kawasaki C-14, and the Yamaha FJR. I like the size and weight of the Sprint. I am wondering if I will miss the power of the ZRX by going to the Sprint. Has anyone gone from the larger bikes down to the sprint and regret it for power considerations? I don't need to go 160 mph, but I really like the passing grunt power of the ZRX from 50 to 110 mph. Thanks. oclvSprintST

Yimm · 09-09-2008, 01:44 AM

I rode a 1200 ZRX for a few years before getting my Sprint and loved that power, too. The Sprint does not have as much raw grunt as the Kawi, but it's close. And, it does most other things much better. Torque and power delivery are quite similar. The Sprint handles much better, after a little suspension work. The frame is way more rigid too. The ZRX got all out of shape if you pushed it hard in the twisties. The Sprint is much better behaved on a brisk ride, and more comfortable on a long ride.

Here were my issues. Brakes were awful on the early models, suspension needs work, ECU engineering and mapping is weak(pre 2007), needs new tires, headlight stinks, final drive ratio needs adjusting. These are small issues. As a package, it's a much better bike.

Calliway · 09-09-2008, 02:16 AM

I'll trade character for power anyday. The Sprint has ample power. There is a magic zone in the 1050 that goes from quick to friggin nuts and that is just over the 7000rpm mark. That zone never failed to make me grin so hard my face hurt.

After I did the 18t I would have to lean so hard on my bars to keep the front end down during hard acceleration. I think that is power enough for me.

I also dont think you are comparing fairly. You cant compare the Sprint to the C14. That bike has way more cc's and is just a different bike. The ZX bikes used to be the power kings and not real Sport Tourers.

AstroBoy · 09-09-2008, 02:30 AM

Hi OclvSprintST,We had an Aston green sprint ST955 for 4 years and did 29,000 klms on her 2 up always, included in those k's were some really long stretches ie 4,500 klms over 10 days etc and loved every mile of the journey and never were we dissappointed with the power,in fact she often outperformed other machines that will remain nameless!

After having enjoyed the Sprint for 4 years,we upgraded this year to the Tiger 1050 fully kitted out with the panniers and have already clocked up over 8,000klms simply because on long runs (just as you indicated, this is what makes up most of your travelling) the old back and shoulders started to suffer (riding the Sprint) and so the need for a more upright riding position was required. The Tiger is the perfect bike IMO ( rather biased, I'm sorry)

as it addresses the fatigue issues and is an amazing 2 up tourer. With the speed and agility of it's shorter legged brother ( the speed triple) it scratches around the mountains and purrs along the straights with the best of them. If it's comfort,speed,and good looks you're seeking then the Tiger 1050 certainly will give you a lot of bang for your buck.I know you have only looked at the SprintST in the comparisons but do yourself a favour and take a Tiger for a test ride with your pillion, I'm sure your decision will become quite clear from the first ride. We were impressed and still are!

We've got the Blazing Orange, which has a lot of presence of the road too which is a good thing, she can be seen and heard! Happy hunting!

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dave333 · 09-09-2008, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oclvSprintST

I have been considering the Sprint ST, the Kawasaki C-14, and the Yamaha FJR. I like the size and weight of the Sprint.

I am wondering if I will miss the power of the ZRX by going to the Sprint. I don't need to go 160 mph, but I really like the passing grunt power of the ZRX from 50 to 110 mph. Thanks. oclvSprintST

When you compare the hp/weight ratio of the Sprint to the C14 or FJR, I believe the Sprint comes out on top. The Sprint will fare better in the twisties than either of those lead sleds. I work with a guy who came off a ZX-11 to the C14. He says the power is not comparable. One note, unless you set up the Sprint suspension, stock settings are on the plush side, not planted. If you want to rail, plan on gold valves and a Penske...

I came off my 140 rwhp 1109 cam'd ZRX and onto the Sprint. Changing the front sprocket out for 1 tooth smaller really wakes the Sprint up. I like quick from 20 to 100, and like you, I don't need to go 160mph either! IMHO, 50 to 100 is a hoot! I think the Sprint has enough power to decimate any cager out there and will keep up with a piped and jetted ZRX1200. The advantage goes to the Sprint for the hard bags and the wind protection...

hth!

DaveM · 09-09-2008, 09:43 AM

If you want to go very fast in a straight line you will miss the grunt.

If you want to ride fast in corners the Sprint has more than anyone will ever need.

DaveM

judas · 09-09-2008, 11:23 AM

while i was researching my sprint purchase i came across an article comparing the st1300, fjr1300, and sprint st. it was a really good article but i cant seem to find it now. if i recall the fjr took overall honors as the best all-round of the three, but all of the reporters said they had the best time on the sprint as the motor really is something else. and as far as prices go the sprint was a lot of bike for a lot less cash than the other two.

dave333 · 09-09-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by judas

as far as prices go the sprint was a lot of bike for a lot less cash than the other two.

Especially when you get one with the SWEET Triumph ABS. I've actually used it one time in the grass and it is quite the schiznit...

pelon717 · 09-09-2008, 09:10 PM

Q: Anyone disappointed with the power?

A: Not me. It's very useable power. Not frantic or crazy power but more than enough for the street, twisties, and highway. I've ridden all the new 1050 models (and 675's) and they're all great bikes.

Check some dealers near you and see if any will let you demo a bike so you know firsthand.

The Kawi and FJR are decent bikes I guess, but they're bigger and heavier than what I need.

oclvSprintST · 09-11-2008, 05:56 PM

Thanks for the helpful and thoughtful answers. I will have to decide if the ST will do everything I am looking for (might be a little small for trips two up), or if I should just bite the bullet and get the ZZR/FJR and a smaller sportier bike for solo riding. Or throw looks/appearance out the window and do the Tiger. Thanks again. oclvSprintST