Triumph Sprint GT 2011 Highway bound!

This is an incredible machine and a lug at the same time. Sit back and listen to this owner/reviewer give an honest review unbiased. The 2011 Sprint GT from Triumph has improved upon the ever popular Sprint ST model with mixed reviews. Most of the complaints are from ST riders that complained that t...he Sprint GT's change of exhaust system changed the sound and feel to an undesirable level. I tend to disagree, as the change of sound can easily be fixed with an after market exhaust system, to whatever desired sound you may want, with a possible increase of hp. The GT's exhaust location no longer heats up your ass when you ride. As the exhaust has been moved from under the seat with the ST, to beside your right passenger's foot. The Sprint GT is a lug in the city at speeds below 50kms/hr. It has excellent power throughout all 6 gears, but this bike does not like to go slow, and trying to go through a neighborhood complex at the posted 20kms/hr is almost impossible. The Sprint GT shines on the highway with smooth transitions of gears, and plenty of flexibility and range of gear overlap without sacrificing power. I found parking and manually backing the bike up a challange, as the seating is very high at 32". With seat width you would need probably a 34-36" inseem to sit flat footed. Standing at 5'11 with a 32" inseam I found myself tip toeing this 600lbs bohemouth backwards to get out of parking spots. I recomend either backing in, or parking uphill. The side panniers were nice as they fit my large sized helmet nicely, however one closed smoothly and the other clunky and a little off. Triumph has aproximately one month back order for panniers and Sprint GT parts, at time of review. So I recommend before you buy make sure they both close smoothly. I also found there is a tremendous amount of heat thrown out from side vents in the front fairing. As this would be alright on cold days to warm up rider, however not so nice in the heat of the summer when most of motorcycle enthusiasts like to ride. I found the seat a bit hard at first and it was at about 2000kms that I noticed it started to be comfortable. I don't know if the seat broke in, or I conformed to the seat.I also recommend buying the taller visor as the stock visor caused the wind to hit my 5'11" frame square in the neck. Owning a touring bike there are certain concessions one has to make. One is the added weight due to side panniers and horsepower needed to lug 1 to 2 persons with gear. I personally was, and still ride sport bikes, so the change was a sensible transition. For me, much more appealing than riding a cruiser or goldwing type motorcycle. From a transition from sport bike to touring bike the Triumph Sprint GT is a wise choice. The handling on the highway combined with a minimal change in power feel due to gearing, was not as drastic as the alternatives. I still don't feel like I completely threw in the towel, like a guy trading in a sport car to buy a minivan. This would be more like trading in a sport car to buy a fully loaded SUV. It still has power but more functionality and adaptability for various needs (fun in different ways). The Sprint GT is an excellent highway motorcycle that can do all a sport touring should do. Triumph Sprint GT sets the bar for other motorcycle brands touring line. I would definitely recomend this bike to anyone wanting to transition from sport bike to a long riding motorcycle without sacrificing too much. Read Full Review