Triumphrat

marinoni · 10-09-2008, 02:22 PM

My wife finally snapped at the lousy electrics and poor brakes on my Vincent..she approved the purchase of a newer bike...A pal suggested a Sprint..anything to watch out for?..any years better than others?..any mandatory mods?..and - I am 55 ( 6'2" 210 lbs...reasonably fit...) ..with a 55 yr old back..will it be comfortable enough, or should I give in to my age and buy a BMW RT?...

Calliway · 10-09-2008, 02:30 PM

Welcome Marinoni,
Great forum and welcome to the discussion. Your question is pretty broad so try doing a search through the threads and you will find everything you need to know.

Also try the TopSpeed website as they can give you reviews on both styles of the bike.

THe 2004 ST and the 2005 ST are different bikes. They are both Sport tourers but the line went through a major revamp in 2005. Both are beautiful rich in character bikes. Rounder, softer style 1999 to 2004, sharper more angular style with the 1050 motor 2005+

Tri-oomph! · 10-09-2008, 03:14 PM

Marinoni,

I'd suggest a test ride. I believe you'd be quite impressed with a Sprint of those years, but you might want to check the ergos for yourself. I have an '06 so I don't know what the '00-'04s are like comfort-wise. Overall, some folks feel handlebar risers are a necessity while others don't. But it is one very fun and versatile machine.

Argonaut · 10-09-2008, 03:47 PM

Marinoni,

I'm about your size and age and have the 07 with the higher bars. I have had a custom seat built to raise me up so my knees don't press down against the side fairings. Long days in the saddle are no problem and it's a great bike if you like canyon carving, chasing Squids down.

Lugan · 10-09-2008, 04:04 PM

Marioni,

If you're planning on long hours looking at the horizon in the pairies, it might not be the best bike for you. You can view it as an excellent compromise between sport and touring with a leaning towards sport. The bikes are extremely well built, have one of the best powerbands around, and dollar for dollar are one of the best deals out there (the resale value is terrible which is great news for you!). Not the greatest aesthetics on the 955 models, but if you like the look, you're in luck.
In my opinion, the "core" of the bike is the same between the sprint, speed triple, and daytonas - just chassis differences, and different engine tunes (but not really different engines) between them - so the engineering is solid.

The only "Must do" if you buy one to install stiffer front fork springs (approx $90 from racetech).

Otherwise, do the regular maintenance and you'll be happy.

marinoni · 10-09-2008, 04:06 PM

One of the challenges is that the closest dealer is a little over 1300 km away...There is a BMW dealer here, and of course Honda etc etc...So a test ride is going to be hard to arrange..
I will surf the forums...and pray for spring...

Calliway · 10-09-2008, 07:14 PM

Well Marinoni,
I take it that the dealer you are talking about it up here in Edmonton. They have 2 beautiful used ST's for sale and I know them very well if you need help in making a deal.
I go pass them everyday on my way to work.

They have a Silver one and a Blue one. That is the high horsepower 955 motor and both have full panniers.

I am 6'4" and 200lbs and if you want me to go sit on one and tell you how they feel I can. Personally I prefer the style of the 05+ but the seating and the bags on the 99-04.

http://www.echocycle.com/index.php?o...d=29&Itemid=45

Also kijiji.ca for your area and you can find some great deals.

marinoni · 10-10-2008, 11:12 AM

Thanks,
I have sent them an e-mail requesting information..I am narrowing down the list of acceptable bikes, and the sprint is still on the list, despite the distance to the dealership...

All of this is complicated by the fact that my wife got her statement of investments - and made the mistake of opening the envelope..I simply threw mine away..unopened..

Calliway · 10-10-2008, 02:07 PM

Well let me know if you find one you like there. I can look at it and take better pictures for you.

pushr0d · 10-10-2008, 04:31 PM

I prefer the '02 - '04 version of the ST. You should find the STs comfortable and their performance will please you.

However, if you and the wife travel together, the ST is not a good choice. The pillion is, as is the case on most 'sport' bikes, an afterthought. You would do better looking at the Yamaha FJR or the full-up tourers.

True, you may find a BMW that suits, but they typically cost several thousand dollars/pounds more than a Triumph.

If that Vincent is getting in your way, send it down here! I'll keep it warm for you!