[harrya13]

G'day folks..

Was talking ( drinking ) to some BMW riding mates and the topic engine of longevity came up.

One mate with a 1985 BMW K100 RS has about 240,000 klms, still on the same engine and gearbox, n still running great.

Of course he is saying that my 02 ST could never do that - well derrr, cant test that as they aren't that old yet.. but got me to thinking - who out there has the most kilometers or miles on their bikes.. - and at what stage do they start to break down or need serious engine work - if ever, if well maintained.. ???

 

[bobw3592]

Hey Harry, here is a post from Delphi Forum, looks good for Triumph if accurate. I have read so many posts about the newer BMW's, I know it's chat room stuff, but tranny problems, shaft spline failure/replcements, leaks , costs of repairs, apathy from BMW on complaints, shrinking dealership base, etc. Many say glory days of past are carrying mark today. Don't know, it makes me fear a BMW purchase because of the costs to owners if your one of the unlucky ones. YMMV.

Cheers!
BobW
SPRINT ST WINS ENDURANCE TEST!





The Sprint ST has just fought off the BMW K1200S and the Honda VFR-ABS to win Motorrad’s 50,000km endurance test, beating 12 other competitor bikes to the top spot.



Motorrad, Germany’s bestselling and most influential motorcycle magazine, found that after 50,000km the Sprint ST’s compression and performance figures were the same as a brand new bike, the oil consumption was marginal, the engine, clutch and gearbox were all in very good condition and the painted parts, frame and exhaust pipe showed no sign of corrosion at all. The inspiring, characterized engine and the excellent handling of the bike also impressed them.



The condition of the bike after the 50,000km endurance test is outlined below:



Cylinder head:

- All valves were leak proof

- Valve seats were satisfactory

- Valve guides and stems were within figures for new

- Camshaft-bearings had visible marks but were within tolerance

- Cam lobes are very good



Liners/Pistons:

- All liners had visible marks but were within tolerances

- RHS liner slightly more non-circular but still within tolerances

- Piston free play is satisfactory with not much charcoal



Crank assembly:

- Main bearings like new

- Big ends perfect

- Small ends and gudgeon pins slightly worn



Transmission:

- Gear box in very good condition with no pitting

- Clutch plates like new



Frame/Chassis:

- Premium and reliable paintwork

- No hidden corrosion on powder coated frame



Motorrad concluded that, as a result of the moderate depreciation and reasonable costs of the Sprint ST, combined with the proven reliability and excellent condition of the bike during and after the endurance test, the Sprint ST was the sure winner for this test.




Comming from the top German mag, this has got to hurt the boys at BMW. The Sprint also took top honore as all around sport touring bike a while back in another mag, but can't recall which one.

 

[harrya13]

Hello Bob,

Thx for that mate - I have fwrded it to my BMW mates with a few wise arse comments - that out to shut them up for a bit.

 

[miker]

I've just sold my '99 Speed Triple with 100,000km on the clock and the mechanic who serviced it last said it felt like a bike with 40k.

If properly looked after and not thrashed too much, they're bullet proof.

Mick

 

[harrya13]

G'day Mick..

We never did meet up for a beer on a Friday - sorry about that.. Are you buying another S3 ?? Maybe you can make the ride on Wed Feb 28 - up the Putty ?? There is a topic on this site about it.

 

[Beach]

I reckon one indicator of the longevity of Triumph engines is the fact that wreckers dont have much of a demand for second hand or reconditioned motors.

We hear tales of Jap fours coming to the end of their life around 100 - 150k kms. I reckon theres more than a few Triumphs around with that mileage that still have plenty of life in them.

So anyone with a '99 Trumpy, averaging 20k kms per year, should keep us well informed around 2011 as to how the motor is going :hammer:

Brett.

[ This message was edited by: Beach on 2007-01-31 00:06 ]

 

[11857]

G'day Harry,

My 03 has just had it's 60,000km service and the mechanic reckons he struggles to find things that need attention beyond the normal consumables.

Rod

 

[DaveM]

bobw3592 thanks a lot mate.

I am not surprised but very pleased. You are correct Motorad is a vetry influential mag over there.

DaveM

 

[worldspeaker]

This is great news for Triumph guys! I am a newbie and looking to eventually get a comfortable long distance bike for two up. I was thinking about BMW or Honda but this allows me to stay with Triumph.

Can anyone tell me if the Sprint can be lowered (30 in inseam) and how comfortable is it for two up?

Also do you think the Triumph won because of build quality or because of the smoothness of the Triple. Seems like some engines shake themselves to death.

I am proud to ride a Triumph

 

[miker]

Harry,
"are you buying another S3?"

Mate I've just bought a lovely brand new 06 Tiger. Got a deal I couldn't refuse considering the S3 needed new brake rotors, tyres chain etc. What I didn't spend on the S3 I put towards the Tiger, and everyone was happy.

Putty is a no go, I'll be in Victoria on a two week break until March 3.

We'll hook up one day,
Mick

 

[Galesa]

Heh Harry

I spent a lot of time riding K100s and ya just gotta feel sorry for anybody whose done 240,000 kms on one! Yikes. I would have died of boredom.



Steve

 

[harrya13]

Hello Steve.

I had one for about 9 years before I bought the Sprint - I know what you mean - This mate has been to Darwin and back ( to Sydney) and all round Australia too. - Stubborn bastard - he has a ohlims shock that is worth more than his whole bike - but hey, he loves it ....

 

[smegin]

Traded my 98 Adventurer with 98,000klm at the end of 2003 for a new Sprint. The Adventurer was still going strong except the starter motor was on it's last legs, no other problems. Only reason for trading was that a spent some time in the US and bought a Sprint on e-bay, getting back on the Adventurer when I got back to Oz just didn't do it any more. It only took me two weeks to trade the Adventurer for the Sprint.

Sometimes think I should have held on to the Adventurer just for the different type of ride

 

[SprintST]

78,000 miles on my '02 Sprint ST and still pretty darn stout. Valve clearances haven't moved in the last 2 checks(12,000 miles between checks) and it really hasn't developed the oil habit my '99 did at 40,000 miles. There's a little oil burn, but not so much as to be worried. And I can be fairly demanding on a motor. High speeds(for America) for long periods of time. Downshifting to slow down. Treating myself to weekend thrashes with sportbikers. 20 mile, one way, commute to work on a fairly regular basis. That sort of thing.