Topic: Now: I got the Sprint ST

[mick750F]

   Hey medic...Check out the Kawasaki Concours. While I've never been on one it's a bike I've always had an interest in. Lots of folks use them for touring and lots of folks use them for commuting. Owners are a committed bunch that usually don't stray from them and they have a great group camaraderie similar to what we sohc people have. They were basically unchanged from '86 until a few years ago so that says something about them right there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_ZG-1000_Concours

Happy hunting...Mike

[Terry in Australia]

That 900 is a nice bike Mordy, I had one for a short time 6 years ago, I bought it on a whim and sold it again to finace another CB750 purchase, but it was a great bike, and when they first came out, they'd kick a Kawasaki Z1000 back to 1972!

They weren't "bullet-proof" though, so I'd stay away from poorly maintained examples. (dirty oil caused big end problems) That one looks really nice though, and the owner couldn't be more honest in his description, and with that low Corbin seat, I reckon it'd fit your frame too. Cheers, Terry.

[medic09]

   Hey medic...Check out the Kawasaki Concours. While I've never been on one it's a bike I've always had an interest in. Lots of folks use them for touring and lots of folks use them for commuting. Owners are a committed bunch that usually don't stray from them and they have a great group camaraderie similar to what we sohc people have. They were basically unchanged from '86 until a few years ago so that says something about them right there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_ZG-1000_Concours

Happy hunting...Mike

Thanks for the suggestion, Mike.  I have one friend with a Connie.  He's had it for years, loves it; but he's a short guy like me.  Now that he's thinking of trading it in, he's looking for something that sits lower.

I ran into an older gentleman stopping for gas in Moriarty the other day.  He was on a Connie that he's had a long time.  He really likes it, still does long rides on it with his wife.  He was about my size and said no problems.  I'll have to take a longer look at one.

[medic09]

That 900 is a nice bike Mordy, I had one for a short time 6 years ago, I bought it on a whim and sold it again to finace another CB750 purchase, but it was a great bike, and when they first came out, they'd kick a Kawasaki Z1000 back to 1972!

They weren't "bullet-proof" though, so I'd stay away from poorly maintained examples. (dirty oil caused big end problems) That one looks really nice though, and the owner couldn't be more honest in his description, and with that low Corbin seat, I reckon it'd fit your frame too. Cheers, Terry.

So Terry, were you sorry to let the 900 go?  It looks to me like I could work on it myself, and it had just a bit more guts than my 750.  With a fairing it seems like it would do what I want.  He's not even asking too much (it's offered locally as well as on Ebay), so the wife might agree to me keeping my 750 as well.  A colleague at work told her a regular commuter like me should have a bike to switch off on.   

The Corbin seat, BTW, was horrendous.  Nice looking, but it felt like a leather-covered brick underneath me.  I wouldn't want to do any long tours on it.

[medic09]

The ST1100, BTW, would have been a nightmare for little me to muscle around parking lots, and such.  I'm a little suspicious that a Connie might be the same.  The CB900F was easy to do U-turns and manuever in the seller's driveway, as it doesn't have much more heft than my 750K.  Something like the Triumph that looney suggests is also lighter, so that might be a likely option.  I'm in now hurry, and keep thinking that really the money should go into my un-built, neglected old Triumph.

[Terry in Australia]

Well I reckon I should buy you that 900 Mordy, and you should send me that troublesome old Triumph, ha ha!

My 900 was a great bike, very fast (130+ Mph in their day) good handling and brakes, just look after them and keep clean oil up to 'em and they'll last forever.

I've heard that about the Corbin seats, they were apparently designed to look a little like fancy rodeo saddles, and as we all know, most Cowboys don't stay in the saddle for too long, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

[medic09]

Well I reckon I should buy you that 900 Mordy, and you should send me that troublesome old Triumph, ha ha!

My 900 was a great bike, very fast (130+ Mph in their day) good handling and brakes, just look after them and keep clean oil up to 'em and they'll last forever.

I've heard that about the Corbin seats, they were apparently designed to look a little like fancy rodeo saddles, and as we all know, most Cowboys don't stay in the saddle for too long, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

Well, the 900 looks kind of good to me, even as an interim solution due to the reasonable price.  I'd just have to change out the seat and bars to something a bit more upright and I'd be set.

Meanwhile, since Looney's suggestion, I started to like the idea of eventually getting on a Sprint ST.  I've seen good things about it now that I'm looking.  The discontinued Trophy looks pretty good too.  Both weigh lots less than the other 'touring' bikes.

[loonymoon]

Dad had a trophy 1200 before the sprint(s). I don't think he liked it that much, although the engine was storming, the bike was rather top heavy, he much prefered the sprint.


EDIT: I get the sense that the Sprint may be making a bid for a place in your future bike ownership list.. (not immediate but future). If you do intend to get a sprint STgo for the 955i engine over the earlier one. Dad had the earlier engined  (can't remember what the engine was called) sprint  ST first and although he loved that bike he found the later 955i triple engine a revelation. The newest Sprint ST's have a 1050 engine which is also supposed to be great but I'm thinking you're looking a little older than this...??

[medic09]

Dad had a trophy 1200 before the sprint(s). I don't think he liked it that much, although the engine was storming, the bike was rather top heavy, he much prefered the sprint.


EDIT: I get the sense that the Sprint may be making a bid for a place in your future bike ownership list.. (not immediate but future). If you do intend to get a sprint STgo for the 955i engine over the earlier one. Dad had the earlier engined  (can't remember what the engine was called) sprint  ST first and although he loved that bike he found the later 955i triple engine a revelation. The newest Sprint ST's have a 1050 engine which is also supposed to be great but I'm thinking you're looking a little older than this...??

I think you're right on the money!  And money is the limiting factor for now...but it's worth planning ahead, eh?  No Sprint STs in our area for sale that I can see; and I haven't got time to fly to LA or someplace and ride back (though I'd like that!).   I told my wife today we may be bidding on that 900F in the meantime...

[loonymoon]

Sounds like a good plan man...!!

 

[medic09]

Sounds like a good plan man...!!

 

There's a Sprint RS with panniers for sale not far from here?  Have you any idea what the difference is between the RS and the ST?

The wife says I might as well look at it...(she *must* love me). 

[mick750F]

   If my wife was telling me to look at bikes I'd feel like I'd died and gone to heaven. Oh, wait a sec...I don't have a wife. I don't know the difference between the various Triumph models but I do know they've been putting out some great bikes for a while. Also, I wouldn't discount the Concours...they're much smaller than the ST 1100 side by side. They're not much bigger than our 750's weight wise though the fairing makes them look it.

Mike

[medic09]

   If my wife was telling me to look at bikes I'd feel like I'd died and gone to heaven. Oh, wait a sec...I don't have a wife. I don't know the difference between the various Triumph models but I do know they've been putting out some great bikes for a while. Also, I wouldn't discount the Concours...they're much smaller than the ST 1100 side by side. They're not much bigger than our 750's weight wise though the fairing makes them look it.

Mike

Hey Mike, I just looked up the weight of a 2002 Connie: 595 pounds.  That's more than my 750Four, and 100+  pounds more than the Triumph at 456 pounds, or 480 something for the ST.

[mick750F]

  Jeebers... I guess I was way off on that.    I'll keep my zealous Concours affliction to myself in this thread from now on.  There have been a couple of the more recent Triumphs that seem pretty cool from reading about them...I'd check them out.

   Hi, my name is Mike...I also have an affliction for mid 80's Beemers and late 70's/early 80's Suzukis.

Mike 

[medic09]

  Jeebers... I guess I was way off on that.    I'll keep my zealous Concours affliction to myself in this thread from now on.  There have been a couple of the more recent Triumphs that seem pretty cool from reading about them...I'd check them out.

   Hi, my name is Mike...I also have an affliction for mid 80's Beemers and late 70's/early 80's Suzukis.

Mike 

Well, we've got two Hondas in the garage so far (my 750Four and wife's Shadow 600), so I guess we're Hondaddicts.  And *if* I get a Sprint, we'll own two Triumphs, making us Triumphant Hondaddicts?

 

The one for sale locally is an RS version.  I'm not clear what the difference is, and if I can get hard bags installed on the RS.

[loonymoon]

Hi Medic,

The Triumph Sprint RS is a slightly more sports orientated bike but still considered a sports tourer, it's half faired and as far as I know has a more sporty riding position than the ST which is probably a little more comfy as a sports tourer. I would think that the RS is every bit as good as the ST, but might be less comfy due to its more sporting aspirations on the other hand it may be what you're looking for as you say you don't particularly like the whole thing encased in plastic.

Here's a review website about the Sprint RS.

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews68753.html

And here's a similar page about the Sprint ST.

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Triumph_Sprint_ST__Review_5339869


Both get very good reviews, I guess it's up to you which one suits your purposes better. One thing to be aware of, I don't think the RS has a centre stand. The ST does, so you may need to invest in a paddock stand with the RS.

[medic09]

Well, I test rode an 03 RS today.  Just 15 minutes in the neighbourhood.  This bike is a whole nother breed from my Honda.  I never thought of my Honda as stodgy, but this was like climbing off of a Sherman tank into a Ferrari.  The Triumph was quicker in the throttle, the brakes, and handling.  Size and weight are excellent.  The posture is too far forward for me so it would need ST handlebars, the windscreen needs to be bigger for my purposes, and it needs hardbags.  The bike feels so light and nimble, it was hard to believe it's capable of real touring.

I stopped at the Triumph dealer, and he said the mods that I would need are all doable (for a price).  The owner is asking $5000 for a bike with less than 6000 miles on it.  It's well cared for, and the guys at the dealership attested to that.

Tempting, but I wonder if I can find an ST already set up?

[loonymoon]

Woooo 

Decisions, decisions.... That's quite a difficult one. The ST is definately more touring oriented but everything else you mention should be about the same. I guess it just depends on the availability of them in your area. I don't know how popular Triumph's non-cruisery type machines are over there, I know they do special versions of the cruisers for the US market. Of course here in the UK they're very popular being home grown and all!!

I'm glad you like the ride and my suggestion of a Triumph wasn't too far off the mark for something that you'd like!

[medic09]

Well, the search is on.  There's a couple of STs in the Phoenix area.  About 300 miles.  Just right to fly out there, and ride back. 

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/mcy/344235852.html  This one interests me.  The guy hadn't ridden it for about 2 years, but is having a change of heart now that he cleaned it up and rode it to get ready to sell.  Can't blame him.

I haven't completely taken the Trophy of my list, either.  Not as 'sporty' as the Sprint, which is probably good for me.  I haven't been able to find anything really negative about it.  I know Looney's dad didn't like the weight distribution, but I suspect that is with a more sport-riding perspective than I have?  It doesn't weigh any more than my 750Four, which is still fine for me.

This one looks pretty good, too.  http://tucson.craigslist.org/mcy/334295156.html  Might be sold by now...

[loonymoon]

Well, the search is on. There's a couple of STs in the Phoenix area. About 300 miles. Just right to fly out there, and ride back.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/mcy/344235852.html This one interests me. The guy hadn't ridden it for about 2 years, but is having a change of heart now that he cleaned it up and rode it to get ready to sell. Can't blame him.

I haven't completely taken the Trophy of my list, either. Not as 'sporty' as the Sprint, which is probably good for me. I haven't been able to find anything really negative about it. I know Looney's dad didn't like the weight distribution, but I suspect that is with a more sport-riding perspective than I have? It doesn't weigh any more than my 750Four, which is still fine for me.

This one looks pretty good, too. http://tucson.craigslist.org/mcy/334295156.html Might be sold by now...

The sprint ST in the link looks good, it has the luggage and two screens and everything.

Well I wouldn't say my dad is a sportsbike rider. The Sprint is the sportiest bike he's owned. Before the trophy he had an ST1100 and before that a BMW K75.  It may be worth your while having a sit on a trophy though to see how it suits you, it is a taller bike which I think is why dad found it top heavy.

[medic09]

The sprint ST in the link looks good, it has the luggage and two screens and everything.

Well I wouldn't say my dad is a sportsbike rider. The Sprint is the sportiest bike he's owned. Before the trophy he had an ST1100 and before that a BMW K75.  It may be worth your while having a sit on a trophy though to see how it suits you, it is a taller bike which I think is why dad found it top heavy.

Thanks for keeping your input coming.  Sounds like your dad has been through all the bikes that interest me!  I'd probalby go get that Sprint if the guy would make up his mind to sell.

I've been looking for a Trophy to check out locally.  Can't find a one.  The listed seat height is 31.1", which is about the same as the Sprint.  Actually, the Spring is listed as a fraction higher.  The Trophy does weigh about 60 pounds more, but no more than my Honda.  I'm getting skeptical about the seat height listed, just because your comment matches at least two that I've seen online that the bike suits taller riders, especially in city traffic.  The specs listed may not be right, though they are for the Sprint.

What attracts me about the Trophy is that I've read the seating is a little more upright than the Sprint, like a regular tourer.  I like a fairly upright position for anything more than an hour's ride.  On my daily commute on my Honda (just about an hour) I sometimes find myself stretching and repositioning to 'sit up'.

BTW, looney, we really enjoyed your article about your CB350F.

[loonymoon]

Thanks for keeping your input coming.  Sounds like your dad has been through all the bikes that interest me!  I'd probalby go get that Sprint if the guy would make up his mind to sell.

I've been looking for a Trophy to check out locally.  Can't find a one.  The listed seat height is 31.1", which is about the same as the Sprint.  Actually, the Spring is listed as a fraction higher.  The Trophy does weigh about 60 pounds more, but no more than my Honda.  I'm getting skeptical about the seat height listed, just because your comment matches at least two that I've seen online that the bike suits taller riders, especially in city traffic.  The specs listed may not be right, though they are for the Sprint.

What attracts me about the Trophy is that I've read the seating is a little more upright than the Sprint, like a regular tourer.  I like a fairly upright position for anything more than an hour's ride.  On my daily commute on my Honda (just about an hour) I sometimes find myself stretching and repositioning to 'sit up'.

BTW, looney, we really enjoyed your article about your CB350F.

Aww thanks   

I can only go by what my dad said about the trophy - yes it is a more upright riding position than the sprint, but from what my dad said it sounds like the centre of gravity is higher on the trophy and the appearence of tallness may actually be due to the highish petrol tank and fairing. The seat height may indeed be the same as the sprint though - I think some taller riders found they were rubbing their knees on the fairing of the sprint which may be why they say the trophy is better in this respect.

I remember the trophy's engine sounded quite rough though - like a diesel truck almost, the sprints were much nicer sounding but the trophy did have a huge amount of torque - well it was 1200cc!! For a pillion there's not much in it. I think both were equally comfortable with the top box there to lean on!! I like the sprint better because it looks nicer and is a lovely blue colour - my dad's trophy was purply and i didn't like it much.. That's entirely subjective of course - you may love the trophies looks way more than the sprints!!


I guess if you go and test ride the ST you'll find out whether it really is too "lean forward" for you. I think my dad has an aftermarket screen on his too, and you may still be able to get higher bars than standard for it.

good luck

...and no I'm not on commission from Triumph....!! 

[medic09]

I assume you rode on your dad's Trophy?  Your comment about the pillion is interesting and surprises me.  My wife is about your size (rides a Shadow 600 VLX), so your perception of pillion space may be relevant.  I would have thought that the Trophy has more space than the Sprint?

[loonymoon]

I assume you rode on your dad's Trophy?  Your comment about the pillion is interesting and surprises me.  My wife is about your size (rides a Shadow 600 VLX), so your perception of pillion space may be relevant.  I would have thought that the Trophy has more space than the Sprint?

Yes I did ride pillion on the trophy. Mind you it was a long time ago now, probably around 8 years ago, I don't remember a huge difference in space between that and the Sprint ST - but I didn't exactly compare them side-by-side and the two pillion experiences were probably separated by at least several months in time. I have a feeling that the pillion footpegs may be a little higher on the ST, but it's still a comfy bike. My dad does now have a non-standard kind of king and queen style gel-seat on the Sprint ST which is even more comfy, my mum has ridden pillion on it all around europe, sometimes riding for around 8 hours in a day and she has never complained about it, the new seat may help with the numb bottom syndrome that you'll get on pretty much any bike (except maybe a goldwing) after hours of riding, but the seat obviously doesn't help with space so the space must be ok for a five and a half footer of average build at least!!

[loonymoon]

I guess you'll just have to take your wife when you go for a test ride to get her opinion on the pillion.

 I take it she sometimes goes pillion on your honda? So she can compare to that at least!