A bat-out-of-hell bike hiding in a "Gentleman's" bike skin.
Written: Dec 15 '01
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Pros: Fantastic styling, fit and finish. Ride a unique bike with a name that reflects heritage!
Cons: Hard to find a variety of accessories.
The Bottom Line: If you want a sportbike with refinement, look no further.
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| jadmiral's Full Review: 2000 Triumph Sprint ST |
Let me set the stage for his review. I'm a Harley guy. Always rode a cruiser, and always a Harley. I would ride with my dad (who also rides a Harley), and while enjoying our ride, we'd see the occasional crotch rocket fly past us. We'd look at eachother and laugh, and I'd mock their uncomfortable-looking riding position.
Then I had to sell my Harley due to a new baby arriving. I didn't ride for 2 years, and was going nuts! I knew it was a matter of time before I got back in the saddle again. While I was looking at a Road King Classic, or one of those V-Rods, I looked at some other bikes. Ducati Monsters mainly. Loved the look, but didn't feel all that comfortable to sit on. I don't know. Some reviews compared their bikes to Italian women-- temperamental, and expensive to upkeep.
As far as Japanese bikes, I just couldn't bring myself up to owning one. Nothing biased, but EVERYONE has a Japanese bike. I wanted something unique. besides, no one would let me demo a Japanese bike.
Then I remembered Triumph. Their Speed Triple and RS were beautiful, but something attracted me to the Sprint ST. The full fairing was beautiful, nothing was too gaudy or Ultraman-looking.
I rode the ST and loved it from the start. Surprisingly, the seating position wasn't bad at all! VERY comfortable! The weight on the wrists wasn't even too bad, and that's only at slow speeds. You're not fully laying over to grip the bars. Instead, you're more upright. The handling was very restrained and forgiving-- a Gentleman's bike. However, twist the grip and hang on for dear life! WHOA! Just like lighting the fuse of a rocket! I found myself reaching 120 mph with ease! Never could DREAM of that speed on a Harley!
And the price? Less than half of a Harley, factoring in the usual Harley mark-up.
I bought the bike figuring I'm not getting any older, and I didn't want to say I never owned a sport bike. By the way, I bought a red bike. It's the fastest color.
I found another review from a guy similar to me. It might help you out as well:
http://www.ianchadwick.com/motorcycles/triumph/triumph_sprint_st.html
One glaring shortcoming: lack of accessories. If Triumph doesn't make it, you'll have a heck of a time finding someone that does. The good thing is that there's little you need to do. Maybe a tank pad and a carbon fiber silencer.
Good luck, and remember-- keep the rubber side down!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 10,200 OTD
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
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Epinions.com ID:
jadmiral
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 0 members
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