Need info on 1996 Sprint

[keystonejenks]

I had to drop my bike off at the Triumph dealer for its 12,000 mile service and another issue (I'll spare the details). I went inside and was waiting for my wife to join me since she parked out front. She was outside the dealer inspecting a 1996 Triumph Racing Green Sprint. She loved it. Now, she rides but is currently bikeless.

The bike was in good condition and has less than 4,000 miles on it. You can tell it sat around for sometime. It was sitting in an owners garage and he brought it into the dealer to get it up and running but than traded it in on a Triumph America.

They're asking $4,000 but I think that price is negotable since I do a lot of business with them.

I'm basically looking for known issues w/ that model year and what I should look for. I trust the dealership and I know if I do have problems I have a dealer to take it to, unlike any Japanese bike that is 5 years or older.

[Archi]

Key,
$4,000 for ANY bike of that quality and under 4K miles is not bad, but, since you have nothing to lose by trying, I would try to get them down a few hundred. Remember, despite the low mileage there are still parts that age unrelated to wear, i.e., all the rubber.
For what it's worth, in May of this year I bought a 1998 Sprint Executive (almost exactly same as the 96, but mine has dual exhaust) for $3,800 and under 5K miles near Nashville TN. This is my first English bike after numerous Jap bikes. My only concern is my local dealer, otherwise I expect the same service out of the Sprint as my other bikes. Issues I know of are mostly very minor, but you need to read these threads for the care and feeding of the starter. Otherwise, just maintain it like your other bikes and you should be fine.

[menelfloss]

I have a Brittish Racing Green 96 Triumph Sprint and I love it!
You should realize however that it is a very tall bike. The rider should be something like 5'10" or perhaps have really long legs. The other thing about this bike is that it is a very heavy bike, and the center of gravity is pretty high especially with a full tank. It could be difficult to manuver in parking lots, in and out of the garage and so fourth for somebody that is not tall enough or is not used to manuvering a heavy bike while going slow.
Best,
Mike

[keystonejenks]

On 2006-10-16 10:28, menelfloss wrote:
I have a Brittish Racing Green 96 Triumph Sprint and I love it!
You should realize however that it is a very tall bike. The rider should be something like 5'10" or perhaps have really long legs. The other thing about this bike is that it is a very heavy bike, and the center of gravity is pretty high especially with a full tank. It could be difficult to manuver in parking lots, in and out of the garage and so fourth for somebody that is not tall enough or is not used to manuvering a heavy bike while going slow.
Best,
Mike

The bike has been lowered. My wife actually sat on the bike and she could almost flat foot it and she's only 5'5". They also had risers installed.

She actually thought the bike felt lighter than she expected but maybe that's becuase it was lowered.

[ This message was edited by: keystonejenks on 2006-10-16 11:56 ]

[Lone-Rider]

I don't think you can go wrong with a solid 900. I have a 95' Sprint that I bought in 2003. I have only had minor stuff ( a shorted wire, replaced the brake pads) nothing serious. I've been riding well over 30 years and can't say I've seen anything better.

P.S. The price is a little high for my area.

[ This message was edited by: Lone-Rider on 2006-10-16 15:23 ]

[zippythehog]

That sounds like a great machine. Some common issues are the Mikuni vacuum fuel valve, and sprag clutch. The fuel valve has a history of malfunctioning- either opening and allowing fuel to drain into the engine when not running or simply not opening and starving the engine of fuel. It is a pretty easy fix and as far as I can tell, there is no clear trigger for this (mileage or age).

The sprag clutch problem occurs when people try to start the bike continually with a low battery. Eventually the bike will not start at all. The fix requires removal of the engine for the '96.

These are the worst case scenarios. The fuel selector is way more common than the sprag. If it starts ok, I wouldn't even worry about it.

I think $4000 is a bit high but for the miles- wow. And really, there isn't a prettier color than British Racing Green on a Sprint. The machine is a great all-arounder. It has gobs of power, handles well, and stops very well. As previously mentioned, it is really built very well and has a beutiful finish.

About maneuvering at low speeds, I think it mostly feels top heavy because the reach to the stock bars is so long that when turning to the stop, your outside hand is so very far from you.

Zip

[Archi]

Mt 98 felt top heavy at first, but not at all, now that I am used to it, in fact, it feels quite nimble!

[Diz]

Wow! Sounds like a gem. Don't let it get away....

The sprag clutch is expensive when (and if) it goes, but that doesn't seem to happen until 50,000km + and mine didn't go till 100,000km. I know other bikes this model that have done more KM's and still haven't gone.

See my other posts for worthwhile accessories if you think it's going to be a 'keeper'.

They're pretty bullet-proof. The paint and plastic on mine still comes up like new, even after plenty of time out in the harsh Australian sun. (I try and keep it under cover as much as possible).

Hope your wife enjoys it.

[keystonejenks]

Thanks for all the info all.

[97sprint]

I bought a 97 Sprint earlier this year.

This one actually, the black one, not the green one.

I have over 14K on it now, basically it's been gas and go.
No problems except it did not come with a center stand, this is the "sport" model.
So after spending some cash at the Triumph dealer, I know have a center stand.
Otherwise it's been a blast to ride.
Changed the oil, adjusted the chain.......mush easier with
a center stand and away I went.......My Sprint