Motorcycle.com

Kenneth_Moore · 06-29-2010, 05:39 AM

A rash of articles on the new Sprint "GT," which is the upgraded version of the Sprint ST. No big changes to the bike; probably the switch from underseat exhaust to C-14 style sidemounted "can" is the biggest change. Still has a chain drive, which I think is the wrong setup for a touring bike.

Why a rash of articles? Because Triumph flew a bunch of moto-journos to Ireland to test the bike. And when a bike maker flies motorcycle journalists to a place like Ireland to test a bike, they respond by writing reviews. The Ducati MultiStrada was a fine example; I think I read 5 articles from writers who went to a South Pacific island for a ride on the new bike. I suppose it's "just part of the game," but I have to wonder how critical a writer is going to be of an company who just handed them an expenses-paid motorcycle vacation. In the end I suppose it's harmless, as long as readers put the information given (or omitted) in context.

The Rider writer (hah!) did blurt out that his thighs were roasted by the 1050 engine. And he didn't like how the muffler hid the rear wheel. So there.

sarnali2 · 06-29-2010, 06:34 AM

Complaining about engine heat has become old-hat now since they started letting Nancies ride bikes.

You are sitting on top of a large internal combustion engine.....it's going to get warm. Deal with it or buy a Toyota.

Buzglyd · 06-29-2010, 06:56 AM

As long as it has a silky smooth tranny or beefy forks who cares about engine heat?

Spoon on some sticky buns and enjoy thumbing the starter!

Kenneth_Moore · 06-29-2010, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarnali2

Complaining about engine heat has become old-hat now since they started letting Nancies ride bikes.

You are sitting on top of a large internal combustion engine.....it's going to get warm. Deal with it or buy a Toyota.

Real men have oval burn scars on their inner ankles.

jmdonald · 06-29-2010, 08:33 AM

I also wonder if our beloved moto-journos remain objective when reviewing bikes/products. Does anyone have any real insight on how product development is done? Just curious. I love the Triumphs but now as an old man I can't get past the no shaft drive offering. (My own personal preference).It must be said that MO seems to do a better job than most however any research requires a certain level of skepticism.

seruzawa · 06-29-2010, 08:42 AM

As I recall Triumph at one time said that they were aware of the heat and shaft drive issues but that they were building a sport-oriented bike and that's just the way it is. If people want brobdignagian pig barges masquerading as sport tourers then there are several Japanese and German models to choose from.

Back in the 60s the few bike mags were all industry promo arms until the rise of the old Cycle World. Now it looks more and more like that time is back. The mags still religiously ignore the issue of 4-stroke MX bike durability. It's almost like collusion to keep the truth from the public so that people will pony up $9K for bikes than need expensive rebuilds regularly.

pushrod · 06-29-2010, 08:47 AM

Although I have a bias, since I've owned Sprints since 2001, I think the new bike is a ploy to distance the Sprint from a new Daytona. I like the GT. However, I'll withhold my vote until I finally see one.

The GT style fits the Touring niche better than the SPORT-touring one. The ST was, I think, a bit too 'sporty' and would steal Daytona buyers.

And, all things being equal, I'd rather have a belt drive than a shaftie.

I gotta say, though; the chain on my ST's have been a non-issue. Especially since I discovered Dupont Dry Film Lube. Works great, and doesn't mung up the ass-end of the bike.

jmdonald · 06-29-2010, 08:53 AM

And, all things being equal, I'd rather have a belt drive than a shaftie.

I gotta say, though; the chain on my ST's have been a non-issue. Especially since I discovered Dupont Dry Film Lube. Works great, and doesn't mung up the ass-end of the bike.[/quote]

Maybe shaft drive is really a non_issue. I could always have a personal slave put the lube on for me. Triumph has the proper perspective with their offering.

sarnali2 · 06-29-2010, 08:53 AM

Ditto, the stock Regina chain on my Trophy went over 35k before it wore out. Granted I'm anal about chain maintenance but still in this wet climate 20k is about the best you get. Wet roads and spray sand blast your chain and work the grit inside everywhere, on the other hand tires usually last along time because the road temps are usually low...

Kenneth_Moore · 06-29-2010, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmdonald

And, all things being equal, I'd rather have a belt drive than a shaftie.

Maybe shaft drive is really a non_issue. I

Which begs the qeustion, given how easy it is to implement a belt instead of a chain, why don't more bikes have them? Certainly if a belt can stand up to the massive horsepower and torque of a Harley....

Shaft drives fit the Sport Touring catagory because if you're doing 500 miles a day, you probably don't want to be spraying chain lube in the motel parking lot.

06-29-2010, 05:39 AM	#1
Kenneth_Moore Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VIsiting the GIft Shop in the Pit of DIspair Posts: 7,118	A rash is coming A rash of articles on the new Sprint "GT," which is the upgraded version of the Sprint ST. No big changes to the bike; probably the switch from underseat exhaust to C-14 style sidemounted "can" is the biggest change. Still has a chain drive, which I think is the wrong setup for a touring bike. Why a rash of articles? Because Triumph flew a bunch of moto-journos to Ireland to test the bike. And when a bike maker flies motorcycle journalists to a place like Ireland to test a bike, they respond by writing reviews. The Ducati MultiStrada was a fine example; I think I read 5 articles from writers who went to a South Pacific island for a ride on the new bike. I suppose it's "just part of the game," but I have to wonder how critical a writer is going to be of an company who just handed them an expenses-paid motorcycle vacation. In the end I suppose it's harmless, as long as readers put the information given (or omitted) in context. The Rider writer (hah!) did blurt out that his thighs were roasted by the 1050 engine. And he didn't like how the muffler hid the rear wheel. So there. __________________ www.kennethmoore.org

06-29-2010, 06:34 AM	#2
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,132	Complaining about engine heat has become old-hat now since they started letting Nancies ride bikes. You are sitting on top of a large internal combustion engine.....it's going to get warm. Deal with it or buy a Toyota. __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "All the BMW riders in the room, I want you to leave. Now. Out. "

06-29-2010, 06:56 AM	#3
Buzglyd Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 10,137	As long as it has a silky smooth tranny or beefy forks who cares about engine heat? Spoon on some sticky buns and enjoy thumbing the starter! __________________ Jay Leno: "President Obama released his tax returns. It turns out he made $900,000 less in 2011 than he did in 2010. You know what that means? Even Obama is doing worse under President Obama."

06-29-2010, 08:33 AM	#5
jmdonald Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mission Viejo Posts: 688	Good Points KM I also wonder if our beloved moto-journos remain objective when reviewing bikes/products. Does anyone have any real insight on how product development is done? Just curious. I love the Triumphs but now as an old man I can't get past the no shaft drive offering. (My own personal preference).It must be said that MO seems to do a better job than most however any research requires a certain level of skepticism. __________________ Deliberate ignorance is the practice of refusing to consider or discuss logic or evidence disproving ideologically motivated positions. Related concepts are wishful thinking and the fallacy of invincible ignorance. Last edited by jmdonald : 06-29-2010 at 09:24 AM.

06-29-2010, 08:42 AM	#6
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	As I recall Triumph at one time said that they were aware of the heat and shaft drive issues but that they were building a sport-oriented bike and that's just the way it is. If people want brobdignagian pig barges masquerading as sport tourers then there are several Japanese and German models to choose from. Back in the 60s the few bike mags were all industry promo arms until the rise of the old Cycle World. Now it looks more and more like that time is back. The mags still religiously ignore the issue of 4-stroke MX bike durability. It's almost like collusion to keep the truth from the public so that people will pony up $9K for bikes than need expensive rebuilds regularly. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

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06-29-2010, 08:47 AM	#7
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	Although I have a bias, since I've owned Sprints since 2001, I think the new bike is a ploy to distance the Sprint from a new Daytona. I like the GT. However, I'll withhold my vote until I finally see one. The GT style fits the Touring niche better than the SPORT-touring one. The ST was, I think, a bit too 'sporty' and would steal Daytona buyers. And, all things being equal, I'd rather have a belt drive than a shaftie. I gotta say, though; the chain on my ST's have been a non-issue. Especially since I discovered Dupont Dry Film Lube. Works great, and doesn't mung up the ass-end of the bike. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

06-29-2010, 08:53 AM	#8
jmdonald Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mission Viejo Posts: 688	More Good Points And, all things being equal, I'd rather have a belt drive than a shaftie. I gotta say, though; the chain on my ST's have been a non-issue. Especially since I discovered Dupont Dry Film Lube. Works great, and doesn't mung up the ass-end of the bike.[/quote] Maybe shaft drive is really a non_issue. I could always have a personal slave put the lube on for me. Triumph has the proper perspective with their offering. __________________ Deliberate ignorance is the practice of refusing to consider or discuss logic or evidence disproving ideologically motivated positions. Related concepts are wishful thinking and the fallacy of invincible ignorance.