View Full Version : Sprint ST
Jelster
11-01-05, 05:23 PM
After some further consideration about this 2nd bike thing (I had virtually already decided on a Vtec VFR) I thought a bit more about the new Sprint ST. To be honest I have been looking for an excuse to own a Triumph for a while, but the combination of the seat height and width put me off the Daytona as I was struggling to get my feet down on both sides.
What has worried me is the build quality. The 2 at the NEC were really shoddy. Plastics were coming away and they looked cheap. I was hoping to get a better look at the London show in a couple of weeks.
Well this morning I decided to call Jack Lilley's (local dealer). The 2 machines at the NEC (and GMex) will be the machines at the London show. :cry: This particular dealer is offering a refundable deposit on the ST and so far have "sold" 17 units (subject to a 2 hour test ride).
Bikes will be in the shops in Feb, but it seems the demand is higher than availability, so anybody who goes in that direction may have to wait unless they cough up the deposit of £250. It could be the end of the summer before they are freely available without deposits. Personally, I wouldn't pay a deposit without knowing when I'll get my bike.
If the build quality is still as crap they'll be giving a lot of pepole their deposits back. Just wondered if anybody here is seriously considering one.
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Dicky Ticker
11-01-05, 07:50 PM
Steve, I went up to Gt DUNMOW and had a look at the 955 04 model which he has two of in blue £6999 Complete with luggage and heated grips Have ridden my mates 955iDaytona and from what I can gather they are very similar [6mph diff in top end] although i must admit
the ST was very comfortable and as it is slightly detuned better mid range
In comparison the new 1050 is coming out at nearly£8200 with very little dif in performance
P.S. He has a similar spec 2nd hand 03 4000miles for about £5400
If the build quality is still as crap they'll be giving a lot of pepole their deposits back. Just wondered if anybody here is seriously considering one.
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Yes, I really fancied the new ST, until I went to the NEC. I was very disappointed in what I saw. I do like the outgoing ST and I do want to own a Triumph - but I'm currently looking at a new V-Strom instead.
In fact, I came away from the NEC thinking that the new ST was an expensive bike - and the new BMW K1200S was an absolute bargain, but press reports of chocolate camshafts have rather put me off.
The kwak KLV gets a few bits that make it slighter better than a v-strom..
Jelster
12-01-05, 09:28 AM
The kwak KLV gets a few bits that make it slighter better than a v-strom..
But it costs a few quid more, and as far as I am aware, comes in orange or orange.
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Its got much better clocks, handguards, and an adjustable screen, which I thought was worth the extra dosh....I do like the orange myself tho...
wyrdness
12-01-05, 09:46 AM
Remember that the ones that they are showing are pre-production models. I'd put down the deposit, get the test ride and then decide. Jack Lilley's isn't too far from where I work (Isleworth), so I might take a long lunch / afternoon off 'sick' to go down and chat to them and maybe put a deposit down on the Speed Triple, subject to test ride.
Jelster
12-01-05, 09:50 AM
Remember that the ones that they are showing are pre-production models. I'd put down the deposit, get the test ride and then decide. Jack Lilley's isn't too far from where I work (Isleworth), so I might take a long lunch / afternoon off 'sick' to go down and chat to them and maybe put a deposit down on the Speed Triple, subject to test ride.
I have been quoted by 2 Trumpet dealers that they are NOT pre production units. At this moment in time the VFR is a much better option considering the amount of miles it will be doing. A sports tourer should easily be capable of 20k a year, the ST looked like it would fall apart after half of that.
The Speed triple has far less plastic and looks a lot better made.
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I'll reserve judgement until I get back from the Ally Pally.
howardr
12-01-05, 10:16 AM
Steve
Honda build quality is legendary but you might as well buy a Volvo as far as I'm concerned.
Let me know if you wanna test-ride on a REAL bike and I'll let you have go on mine.
I know it's not the same as the new ST, but you'll get a feel for the 'character' - all 123 bhp of it!
Ask Mark. You don't buy a Triumph for the same reasons as other bikes (I've discovered). It's a completely different - and IMHO better - ownership experience.
PS: I'm serious about the test ride.
Jelster
12-01-05, 10:40 AM
Steve
Honda build quality is legendary but you might as well buy a Volvo as far as I'm concerned.
Have you seen the latest C70 Coupe ?? :shock: I won't part with good money for build quality of a 1980's Skoda. The VFR on the other hand can be a real hoot to ride, you just have to ride a bit hard to get the best out of it. However, it is equally at home commuting or riding through the Alps.
You don't buy a Triumph for the same reasons as other bikes (I've discovered). It's a completely different - and IMHO better - ownership experience.
You could say the same about any manufacturer. "Character" are those characteristics that make someting individual. For me, and a number of others, the outstanding charateristic of the new ST is it's poor build quality. Yes it looks good, yes the engine is probably a minter, but what's the point if everything else falls apart around it.
I really hope I'm wrong, but the standard of the 2 bikes at the NEC was very, very, poor. and the dealers are saying that they were not pre production models. They are complete bikes less engine/gearbox internals.
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howardr
12-01-05, 11:14 AM
Well I can't justify the new ST so soon after buying the RS.
I'm planning to wait until all the 'gremlins' have surfaced (and been fixed) before moving to one of these lovely beasties!
Did you see MCN last week?
Triumph are working on a 680cc triple ... could be worth waiting. They reckon it will be at least as quick as the Japanese sports 600s, it looks gorgeous (underseat pipes etc) and it'll have that lovely torquey 3-cylinder engine.
Just an idea.
BTW - I don't know about Honda dealers but Jack Lilley are SOOOO much better than any Suzuki dealer I've ever found.
Anonymous
12-01-05, 11:20 AM
Its got much better clocks, handguards, and an adjustable screen, which I thought was worth the extra dosh....I do like the orange myself tho...
I thought it was identical to the 1000 Strom, I didnt realise there were differences ? BUT BETTER THAN THAT it also has Suzuki deleted on the plate with a permanent marker pen :lol:
Any potential Strom buyers should look at the current deals on the Capanord. I think its a much better machine for the same money, albeit the situation is a bit dodgy with Aprilia.
Sorry Im :offtopic:
Looks like aprilia will be fine now piaggio have bought them....just aprilia spares can be expensive.
Cloggsy
12-01-05, 11:34 AM
Looks like aprilia will be fine now piaggio have bought them....just aprilia spares can be expensive.
That's no guarantee is it :roll:
BUY THE KWAK...BUY THE KWAK...... :D :D
Gonna get a KLV myself.....just got to find a decent deal, as a road bike I thought it was good, but 6 grand is a bit dear
BUY THE KWAK...BUY THE KWAK...... :D :D
Gonna get a KLV myself.....just got to find a decent deal, as a road bike I thought it was good, but 6 grand is a bit dear
Oh no! I've just stepped into some rocking horse poo ...
The V-Strom isn't exactly common (though there are several DL650s around at the moment), and I've only seen the Kwak at shows - but I'd certainly consider it.
I'm hoping the V-Strom will be the best for home maintenance - not just the ease of doing the work, but also it will hopefully have less impact on the residuals. Obviously, the Kwak should be the same. This is probably a big minus point on the ST.
I do like the orange - does it come with orange panniers? The V-Strom looks great in black - but I just won't ride a black bike, so I'd choose the silver/black variant.
Jelster
12-01-05, 01:06 PM
but I just won't ride a black bike
What are you, sick or something. :?: :?: :?:
Black is the new black, didn't you know that ?
local dealer says they do an orange and black luggage set up.
but I just won't ride a black bike
What are you, sick or something. :?: :?: :?:
Black is the new black, didn't you know that ?
Perhaps - I think some black bikes look great (Excluding the matt black ducati monster - but definitely include the 749); but they can be invisible, especially when riding in a group. That's my experience anyway - not just superstition.
I reckon the orange KLV1000 would be noticed- especially with orange panniers - which could be very useful in heavy traffic.
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