Triumphrat

12004 · 10-03-2009, 07:45 PM

Hi Boy's&Girls,

I'm looking at a 98' Sprint Executive tommow (10/4) 38k and supposed to be in good shape. Can anybody point out specific things to look for (or listen to). Please list items that pertain to the early Sprint that may be an issue. Did this bike come with a centerstand?

Thank's,
Cheer's,
Tom.

KitNYC · 10-03-2009, 08:30 PM

There were 2 Sprints in '98, Executive and Sport. The marketing photos clearly show the Exec with and the Sport without a centerstand. Aside from that, it's the usual 885 stuff: if it doesn't sound like a diesel rock crusher, there's something wrong. If there's an extra rattle on top of that, it's probably the alternator bolt. If it cuts off like you hit the kill switch when warm, the crank position sensor is shot. If it drops a cylinder once in a while, it's an ignition coil.

Mostly, though, they're tanks. I'll go ahead and move this to the T3 forum, as the Sprint forum is really the fuel-injected Sprint forum.

Cheers,
-Kit

12004 · 10-03-2009, 09:30 PM

Hi Kit,

Sorry, didn't realize where I needed to be.
Tanks

for the info!. Even if she's a bit rough...I think I'll give her a new home. I've been off a Triumph way too long.

Cheer's,
Tom.

Roden · 10-03-2009, 09:32 PM

G'day Tom,

Like Kit said, these mills are mechanically noisy at idle, just listen for the extra rattle from the alternator bolt. As RPM increases, so does the smoothness of the mill.

At 38k, if the rear shock hasn't been changed, it will probably be due.

Look for some sort of service history, valve clearances should be checked every 12K. It should start easily from cold with a bit of choke and idle without choke after a minute or two.

These bikes are a gem, its not hard to pick up a good one for not alot of money and the Exec in particular is a fine touring machine and with loads of character!

Good luck, I hope she's a good one!

Cheers,

Roden

12004 · 10-04-2009, 09:12 PM

Update:
The bike had a LOT of issues. About $1k U.S.
I'm gonna pass. Thanks again for all the info, and btw...the owner was grateful as well!. (No clue as to what he was riding)

Still searching,

Cheer's,
Tom.

KitNYC · 10-05-2009, 05:20 AM

Good luck, Tom, they do turn up now and again.

Cheers,
-Kit

Roden · 10-05-2009, 06:10 AM

Keep trying mate, a good one will turn up for sure.

Cheers,

Roden