Triumphrat

GTOBill · 10-29-2008, 11:55 PM

New to the site. Had a TT600 many years ago. Currently riding a SV650S which is killing my wrists and back. Thinking about selling and getting something else. Found a 96 Sprint at the local dealer with 42K miles. Was owned by an enthusiast and serviced by the dealer. It is in near perfect condition and has just been serviced. Dealer is asking $3500. Should I be concerned about the miles? How many miles will one of these go and is it worth rebuilding when it does let go? Going for a test ride tomorrow or Friday. Just sitting on it, it seems much more comfortable than my Suzuki. I commute daily on my bike now and put about 10K miles a year on my bike.

MotT3 · 10-30-2008, 04:09 AM

If maintained they should be good for 100K plus, obviously the mileage will be your bargining point ;-)

Worst case for the lump is if the sprag clutch fails..keep a good topped up battery in it and you should overt that as a problem though, apart from that you will be very unlucky to have anything major go pop.

Mot

The Vicar · 10-30-2008, 06:19 AM

The Sprint 900 is a great bike especially the later models loke the one you are looking at. They benefit from the later engine casings, 4 piston front brakes and floating discs. Triumph built these tough and then some! Mileage is not a problem. As Mot says the sprag clutch is the only issue and as long as the battery is kept on top form no worries. I bought mine in May this year for under £2000 and it was a one owner bike with less than 3500 miles on the click. Came with a full service history (had an annual service done every year) to back up the mileage. I have already added over 6000 miles and it is great. All day comfort and a decent tank range. Went to the South of France in July and rode 600 miles in a day no problem. A great bike!

BadTriumph · 10-30-2008, 08:35 AM

So the dealer has the service records? Or is he just saying it was serviced by a dealer? If he's got the service records, that makes a big difference. I'm very partial to this range. Parts are more available than you might think since a lot of the models share parts. I would think the Sprint would be a lot more comfortable than your TT was. Can't hurt to try to haggle with the price a little, but it sounds like a pretty good deal the way it is if you can verify the service records.

GTOBill · 10-30-2008, 09:14 AM

Dealer says they have all service records. I will review them today. The guy that owned it was the original owner and traded it in on a Speed Triple. He also has two other Triumphs. I have been reading up on this site about the problems associated with these bikes. I asked the deale about the coils and they said they had already been replaced. My biggest concern is what is involved with replacing the sprag clutch. I try to do all my own maintenance and work so I am trying to get all the info I can before I jump in. Also what is the valve adjustment interval?

Bill

BadTriumph · 10-30-2008, 09:40 AM

I think the problems with these bikes are far fewer than with just about any bike out there. Don't let the possibility of the sprag clutch failure deter you from getting a great motorcycle. I've not had to replace mine, so I really can't comment on it. I don't remember off the top of my head what the valve adjustment interval is either. I want to say 12K, but I could be off. I do know I'm overdue for mine. I would see if you can work the price a little. Use the mileage and the time of year to your advantage if you can.

The Vicar · 10-30-2008, 10:02 AM

Hi, The sprag clutch on later engines is an engine out and strip job. DO NOT let that put you off. I had a Daytona 900 that I sold with 55,000 + miles on a few years ago with no issues at all. i have owned 2 Tridents, the Daytona and am now on my second Sprint 900. O have never had any sprag clutch problems. The important thin to do is keep the battery in top shape and use a quality item. for the sake of a few £'s / $'s buy and fot a new quality battery and you know where you are. if the bike is not ridden regularly hook it up to an Optimate / battery minder to keep ot charged.
Valve clearance check were originally at 6,000 then 18,000 and so on (ie every 12,000 after the first check at 6,000). Mine has done 9,200 and I have not had them checked yet. A job for the winter I think.

KitNYC · 10-30-2008, 02:19 PM

A few random thoughts:

42k is a major service interval, so be sure that service has been done. (Valve check/service is part of that.) That service costs $600 or so around here, & I don't remember thinking Lone Star was any cheaper than my local dealer.

I wonder if that's the same BRG Sprint I saw when I was down there in April?

$3000 is probably more like it, especially with 42k on the clock. You can probably talk 'em down. OTOH, the service records, & especialy the 42k service, are worth a bit...

Aside from my RS

, it's hard to imagine a better 10k/year bike. Rock solid & fun to ride!

Cheers,
-Kit

GTOBill · 10-30-2008, 05:15 PM

Skipped out of work for a few hours and rode it this morning. Runs good, no smoke, it was a little top heavy like others have mentioned in the forum. Overall I liked it. Also rode a Scrambler and a new Tiger while I was there. Probably shouldn't have ridden the Tiger. huge power difference. Huge price difference also! Wish I could buy all three.

Bill

The Vicar · 11-01-2008, 05:08 PM

Buy the Sprint, you know it makes sense