After much spannering I've got a bike on the road, having two now and not either running for soo long has done my crunch in ##**!?xxx
I put in a mamoth effort this weekend and got "The shopping Trolley" going, started first time and sounds pretty bloody good.
I've mixed feelings about buying a bargin bike off of a mechanical numptey, I can't say it's cost me a lot but has had more than enough work needed to put it right. All the fluids have been done, hugger fitted, hagon rear shock, alternator fix, K&N fitted, Plugs oil etc, Bulbs everywhere, carbs cleaned & balanced, replaced 3 into exhaust plus stainless mounting studs fitted, Tokico 6 pots fitted & rear caliper rebuild, a load of odd bits done like grips footpegs indicators stainless stuff etc etc etc..
I've managed to get a Baglux cover and bag (same bloke that had the pipes) and a Triumph rack (did you know they have stopped making them now ?) for £55 in grey that I have attacked and will be fitted shortly in black.
So thoughts on the Sprint Sport...
First impression is of sitting on board a large ship (space or otherwise) with that fairing out in front it makes a large bike LARGE..Bars are super comfy by comparrison to the Speed Triple and with the padded Baglux tank cover the whole thing is like a big comfy sofa. I've even got a clock for F$$$$ sake !!
The weight is noticeable moving it around and home, the extra metal on the rear subframe (fitted to carry the hard luggage on the Sprint Exectutive ??) the original pipes & fairing stuff all add to the bulk BUT... this has a knock on effect on the road as the heavier bike rides the bumps a bit better, I mean it gets a little bouncy and slightly unsettled at speed but just sit back relax and check the time (because you can !?) and wonder why you helmet is starting to lift and realise your a tons plus....so fairings do work then.
The bike is capable of good fun with a sort of pipe and slippers approach, I like it..big & comfy and after I've finished with it capable of carrying plenty of stuff (so no need to take the van to the shops now ;-)
6 gears are good they work on the Sprint, the sort of mileage and higher speed cruising (sp) all make sense, The old Speed Triple on the other hand works quite well with 5..who wants a tall top gear on a cafe racer ???
The Tokico's have just about bedded in now and although at first gentle tug they seem about the same as the old 4 pots you then realise where the extra power is as you gently squeeze them on, I've not tested them to the full but there is more there than the forks can handle in their current guise.
I'm chuffed with having a work horse at my disposal, The Shopping Trolley can be rapid ish cumfy, and I don't have to clean it loads or keep it in doors or have to try too hard whilst out and about.
It ain't the prettiest but it aint supposed to be, feels good to be on though ;-)
being from the other side of the big pond, i know you folks tend to do things differently.
Linear Mode
