Triumphrat

chrisn · 03-22-2005

Having seen it in the shows and read all about it in the press, I kind of developed a quiet hankering for the sheer beauty of the thing. And having the Triumph badge certainly made me give it serious consideration as THE alternative ride to the Tiger. Having been offered a test ride filled me with excitement and a equally a dread that this may lead me further soul searching, but how could I refuse.

So I took the new Sprint ST out from my dealers unaccompanied for nearly an hour on Sunday. Using a good combination of A, B, and motorway roads, and I was mightily relieved to discover that whilst it is a fantastic bike, it does not make me want to trade the Tiger.

The engine, whilst crisp with the extra 100cc, isn't hugely different to the Tigers. The riding position is definitely a backward step for serious touring. All that pressure on the hands and wrists - for what? - the chance to become Rossi for relatively short spells. (OK, I knows it's fun - but for how long?)

I felt the Tiger could of course take some useful styling cues from the ST, namely the underseat exhaust, instrumentation, triple headlights, and not least the standard exhaust note together with the extra 100cc.

So whilst I enjoyed the test-ride experience I came away feeling I was already riding the right motorcycle for me, the Tiger. I know it's a partly familiarity but you can't beat that feeling when you get back on your own bike and ride along the same roads full of confidence wearing a big grin. I really hope Triumph bring out an all new 1050 Tiger next year, as I'm fairly confident that's the only queue I'll be joining.

Diego · 03-22-2005

Thanks, Chris, for a most informative post. I was especially interested in your description of the riding position. I love the looks of the new ST, but for now, long distance riding comfort is still at the top of my must-have list.

03-22-2005

A very interesting post. Great to hear "real world" riders rather that just magazine articles.

I too am very tempted by the looks of the new ST, a great looking bike. Some things you don't mention are boring stuff like resale value. As I understand the Tiger does well for resale but I;m not sure the ST will be as good - the competition in that class is impressive, BMW, Honda etc etc.

triumph900 · 03-22-2005

Very good information. Always good to hear real world experiences. And, you answered my question (Tiger VS ST) as well!

2ndSpace · 03-22-2005

I have both (not an 05) but 500 mile days are no problem for me on the ST. Wind protection is much better on the ST adn the windshield doen't cause the buffeting the Tigers does. The ST shines if I stay off the slab. The Tiger is abetter choice for me if there will be alot of highway miles.

Form pis of the new ST the riding position looks similar to the current model.

The Tiger is way more fun to get dirty!!! :-D

djr · 03-23-2005

I came to the Tiger from a TT600 and long days in the saddle were not a problem and the seating is more extreme than that on the ST. Yes the Tiger is more comfortable but the TT was not uncomfortable.

The big problem with the TT was that you were kinda stuck for luggage - soft or rucksack. hard luggage is still available for the ST. I like the look of the new ST and nearly bought the last version. Both are extremely good machines. What will I buy next? It would probably come down to a new Tiger (if they drop the orrible silver frame and I can afford to change the rear shock at the same time to lower her a bit) or the ST.