TRIUMPH SPRINT GT 1050 (2010 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £200 |
| Power: | 128 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm) |
| Weight: | High (591 lbs / 268 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesTake Triumph’s superb Sprint ST (Sport Touring) and make it more adept at touring and also pillion friendly and what do you end up with? A Triumph Sprint GT (Grand Touring), that’s what. Sounds easy enough but in practice Triumph had to revise the Sprint’s chassis in a major way. So with a longer swingarm and steel subframe the GT becomes uber-stable when decked out with 117 litres of luggage, a pillion and 20 litres of juice. It goes further than that, though. Lower seat height, a wider, more comfortable pillion seat, built in grab rails on the topbox mounts and revised footpeg positions… and more. Does it all work, though? Yes, it does. It is comfy for pillion and rider – good enough for Triumph’s claimed 200 miles between fuel stops – the engine is flexible and grunty, steering is agile but stable and it can carry a week’s worth of clothing with ease.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineComfort is up there with any major touring machine and this is with handlebars that aren’t exactly upright or sports bike drop-down-style. The pillion gets the same deal. The front forks are similar to the ST units but come with stiffer damping rates to cope with the bike’s extra weight. The rear shock isn’t the normal sorted suspension unit Triumph delivers. It is very softly damped and with a heavy rider onboard upsets the bike’s stance. It’s easy to dial in additional preload via a handwheel and this helps no end.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityBy knocking back the claimed peak torque of the Sprint ST derived 1050cc engine by 1200rpm to 6300rpm, and upping top gear ratio by 7%, the GT is so, so relaxed at cruising speed the pillion could well fall asleep. New fuel injection and ignition settings also make the bike very tractable and manageable when fully loaded. The extra claimed 5bhp from the new side-mounted exhaust isn’t noticeable as such.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueBased on the proven Sprint ST, the GT should prove to be equally as good as the world paints them.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentA bike that is capable of all-day riding comfort before taking on the twisties is something to be admired. Now give that same bike a set of decent-sized panniers and provision to mount a huge topbox and admiration becomes lust. Find a Triumph Sprint 1050 for sale.
Equipment
The pannier system is pure class. Lockable, sturdy, waterproof and easy to detach – you couldn’t want better. The ABS works perfectly when called upon – it doesn’t intrude at the slightest hint of dampness or fluttering leaf. While the revised cockpit is functional and modern, the analogue speedo is positioned off to the left and crammed with too many numbers to take in your actual speed in one glance. No fancy power mode settings. No traction control, either.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1050cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 12v four-stroke triple. Six gears |
| Frame type | Aluminium dual beam frame. Cast ally single-sided swingarm with chain drive |
| Fuel capacity | 20 litres |
| Seat height | 815mm |
| Bike weight | 268kg |
| Front suspension | Preload only |
| Rear suspension | Preload and rebound |
| Front brake | 2 x 320mm discs with 4-piston calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 255mm disc with 2-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 48 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £200 |
| New price | £8,999 |
| Used price | £4,000 - £5,000 |
| Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 128 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 80 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 160 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 213 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2010 – Sprint GT launched
Other versions
Sprint ST – the bike the GT is based on. Now comes without ABS and panniers as standard to further push it into the sportier corner of motorcycling.
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH SPRINT GT 1050 (2010 - on)
29 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH SPRINT GT 1050 (2010 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH SPRINT GT 1050 (2010 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £200 |
Version: Se
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £50
Basic old bus, but very very capable. It's my second one, cause the first was written off and I couldn't find anything any better for my needs.
Its a big, heavy old thing, but goes where its pointed and handles pretty well. Rear shock gave up, fitted a Hagon unit - much better than a knackered Triumph one! Does miles comfortably two up with luggage, long days not a problem (250 miles+). Brakes work ok, but there's a lot of it to stop - it's not a Fireblade.
Just nice.... Powerful enough and very flexible. Frugal on fuel - 200mile tank range easy to achieve. Gearbox is a bit awful from rest.. Never yet got first from neutral without an earthshaking "clonk". Once rolling, it's fine......
Use mine all winter, so some fasteners are corroding, else very good. Battery died without any warning last year... Fortunately close to home. The exhaust seal where the silencer fits broke up and the heated grips switch gave in. Other than that, excellent
I service it myself, so oil, filters and the odd gasket. I use free software to check ecu based things and throttle balance. Just passed 20k, all valve clearances well within tolerance
Heated grips!! And the centrestand. Not much else to offer really. I have a scottoiler on mine, which helps with my poor memory for chain lube.
Buying experience: Dealer bought, no problems.
Year: 2012
This bike has lots of luggage space for two-up touring with the 3piece setup; but, it is a heavy, which is only really noticeable when sitting at the lights; or, if you stall at low speed, as the compression stops the bike is a split second.
Rear brakes are better on the GT than the 955 ST I had, and the front brakes are good, fully loaded two-up with around 20kgs of gear packed.
Love the 1050 engine and gearbox, together with the burble from the standard exhaust. 128hp is enough for the job.
Triumph does a good job with fit and finish. My bike's sprag clutch & starter failed at 60k, and cost NZD$3400.00 to fix with parts coming from Triumph UK. I had the bike back in a month and the new version apparently has a compression reducer, as the original parts had issues, although I didn't find any recall advice when I checked; but, the bike was seven years old when I bought it.
Hard to work out; but, with a lube service every 10,000k's is pretty standard. I do these myself as most NZ bike shops charge around $150 an hour incl GST; and, these are easy to do yourself.
Although heavy, the luggage system is great. It's waterproof, and lockable with the ability to get a helmet in each pannier; or, depending on size, two in the toolbox.
Buying experience: Purchased the bike from the South Island of NZ. The seller dropped his NZD$10,000 price by $500, which covered the cost to get it transported to our home in the North Island.
Version: SE
Year: 2015
Not a sport tourer by any stretch, plenty of power, loads of baggage space, large tank but really really let down by the riding position and uncomfortable seats
Brakes are very good, although someone upgrades the ones on my bike
130bhp is plenty for most people
If you’re confident, do it yourself Even the valve clearance check isn’t very difficult It’s still not rocket science to service this bikeGood fuel consumption figure when commuting via faster roads
Great quality of panniers and topbox only they are ridiculously heavy empty!Heated grips and screen are very good
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer, very overpriced and not the quality I expected when I got to see the bike
Year: 2010
Fun to ride, lost of power especially when you get the throttle wide open, the the throttle has a particularly long action, but it's a fun bike with excellent sure-footed handling around the tightest country roads. Seat is all-day comfy, (despite being 65 with arthritis & spondylitis) - just returned from a west-country trip with no issues riding all day; major gripe - the panniers! Small internally, VERYheavy, clumsy & awkward, really guys, take a look at how Givi make panniers! Dash lights could be brighter; but excellent 'ride' which is the most important thing. 48mpg riding in a spirited fashion... Those under-tank rubber strips - that velcro into place, a really stupid idea....
Handling & brakes, great, no issues there. happiest on fast country roads or dual carriageways, very comfy canted-forward position, can do a full tankful before I need to have a break easily, mirrors ok buy need to tuck elbows in from a proper look, I bought this for weekend rides - out most weekends - and touring the Alps, looking forward to that, should be a breeze on this bike, fast & flickable. Smooth touring above 4k revs.
Needs to be revved, not happy trundling along below 3k in higher gears, feels very grumbly below that from 3rd to 6th gear, but flies along quite happily above that. First is quite tall, so at 20 mph you're flicking from 1st to 2nd and back, 2nd too tall under 20 really which is a pain in traffic. Goes well, "engine design" is noisy so don't worry about that. Oh, and triumph whine, but I can live with that. It's happy to trundle with the traffic but so much more fun when you push the engine for overtakes, very responsive. Gearbox a bit clunky, some complain about finding neutral, I just allow clutch to bite a bit then pull back in and flick gear lever, no issues personally... I find the engine fuelling yo be great, good gentle pick-up on throttle, not jerky, very happy with that aspect.
Nice build quality, has been reliable so far. Fully faired, so cleaning properly means fairings off; simple back wheel removal 46mm socket but exhaust silencer has to come off!! that was real stupid with a "single sided swinging arm", you couldn't think past that one, Triumph??? Yes I know the ST does but didn't want the 'block of flats' top box arrangement over the under-seat exhausts so went for the GT with side exhaust instead. Great mile-munching bike.
Do most of my own general servicing except valve clearances. most items simple enough to work on. could easily get 50+mpg with exercising a little self restraint, but where's the fun in that???
Dash has good features, trips, clock, computer for fuel consumption, awkwardly placed selector buttons though! Not much room under seat. Screen to short for me for serious miles across Europe so bought an Eagle Screens (Australia) "GT" model suits my 5'6" frame well. I'm not one for 'toys' so just the ABS is more than enough for me; don't need the modern traction control, different engine maps rain, sports etc etc that's all faff to me, I just want to ride, simpler is better. Start, ride, smile. Simples.
Buying experience: bought second hand from local bike shop. not particularly helpful local dealer LOL....
Year: 2011
The ability to cover long distances in reasonable comfort with a week's worth of stuff in the built-in panniers are the best features. Downside is the weight, it makes riding twisty roads like Alpine hairpins tricky. Overall I would definitely recommend it - 28K miles so far and no intention of replacing it - there isn't anything quite the same.
It's a great all-rounder, at its best on long journeys on A- and B- roads. Comfortable riding position means that you can spend all day in the saddle. I've covered over 500 miles in a day on a few occasions. Brakes are good, not needed the ABS so far but glad it's there.
Love the engine. 2nd gear is a bit fast, I'm in 1st on most roundabouts.
Well built and largely problem-free. One pannier bottom has started to split, caused by not noticing a cord from my waterproofs being trapped when shut. Replacement rear light needed at 20K. Regulator failed at 27K and had to be trailered home - fitted after-market replacement, so far so good. Key snapped off in pannier lock at 28K - I didn't insert it all the way but even so...
Panniers hold enough for a week away, detach easily and leave the bike looking like a sports bike with no unsightly racks. The top box though is stupidly heavy and I never use the panniers and top box together, it's top heavy at low speeds. Top box on its own is ok.
Year: 2014
Excellent work horse. Good quality finish. Reliable. Economical. Very practical and comfortable bike. I would highly recommend the Triumph, you can tour comfortably or just use it for a weekend blast. It's a great alrounder on a budget.
Version: SE model.
Year: 2014
Bought mine as an ex Triumph press bike in 2017 with only 2500 miles on the clock. I do a bit of Blood bike riding on BMW 1200 RT, Yamaha FJ1300 etc and still love coming back to the Triumphosauras. Girlfriend loves the pillion arrangements and the luggage is superb. An excellent bike and imho, no other sports tourer to match its overall package or abilities. Excellent bike - Triumph - do an updated version as well as all these adventure/retro bikes.
Version: SE
Year: 2016
Superb / Fast With Plenty Of Grunt / Comfy / What More Do You Want
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £300
Has been a brilliant bike, heavier than sportsbikes but when the road is not too smooth they move aside, so stable through bumpy corners, mates can't believe it. Have done 110k now and last official service was 50k (apart from oil/filter). Mechanic is a mate and he listens to it, asks about the fuel economy and does it start first time (everytime) so he sends me away.
Great on long trips, front bikes good, rear average, longest trip in one run 860km, sorish bum, 1 fuel stop.
Can't fault the engine has great braking, plenty of power and fantastic fuel economy, did 438km on a tank sitting on 120kph and a little quicker when I got into the hills.
Had 3 problems, stator went at 42k, shop did me an aftermarket for 1/3 the original cost and had no issues since. ABS went, at 48k not sure why but able to haul up a bit quicker without so haven't worried. Have had to do fork seals 3 times. Quality of build has been great.
Cost at Triumph dealer for 20,000km service was up to $800. Was lucky with mate as above and think that some dealers charge for nothing as he measured the shims and there was no change at all between 20k and 50k so now waiting to hear a loose tappet before big service again.
Panniers are great and can load a couple of bags on the bag with no issues.
Buying experience: Brought brand new for $20k.
Version: SE
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £250
Handlebars are too low and forward - where do you get risers for this model? Triumph has no aftermarket risers and Helibars dont make any for this model.
3 hrs without a stop but I need handlebar risers (too much weight on my wrists and mid back pain
Panniers awesome in shape, size and quality though not completely waterproof.
Buying experience: Dealer. Team Moto at Springwood, Brisbane - excellent service, especially Naomi who knows her stuff and I bought an extra $500 worth of goodies.
Year: 2010
Bought this for one trip to Slovenia - I've still got it four years later. Does everything I want of it, and returns 50 mpg most days.
Big heavy bike, but perfect for two up touring with luggage. Handling suffers on worn tyres, but no real complaints.
1050 triple - enough said.
Apart from other people knocking it over, nothing has broken.
Considering how much other sports tourers cost, the GT is a bargain.
Great luggage, big tank. ABS. The lack of "rider aids" and "modes" doesn't bother me in the slightest. Headlight isn't the best ever, but few bikes have really good lights.
Version: SE
Year: 2012
Annual servicing cost: £200
I bought this bike for 2 up riding, as my Panigale is torture for a pillion rider. I have to say, I've been very impressed. It's a bit heavy, and lets you know when you're taking the corners a little too quickly, but what a machine for getting anywhere in comfort, at speed and with no fuss.
For long journeys with a pillion there are few better bikes. Comfortable enough to ride all day long with no problems at all. The front brakes could do with a little more bite. Plus it does white line quite badly...
The engine is smooth, torquey and makes the most amazing noise. Love it. However, the gearbox is heavy and clunky, and needs the clutch for every single change.
Build quality is excellent. Despite several trips through some pretty awful weather, the bike always cleans up beautifully. It has also been 100% reliable.
I bought my low mileage, FSH bike (with lots of extra kit, including leathers, helmets, stands, boots, gloves etc) for £4,500. What an absolute bargain. Fuel economy is excellent at normal speeds.
Heated grips are ace. ABS too. Traction control would be nice...
Buying experience: I bought privately and got a brilliant bike for not a lot.
Year: 2011
I love this bike! Solid on the road, forgiving, predictable and fast. Eats bumpy roads- factory settings probably a bit soft but easy to adjust.
Rear brake would be my only gripe. Even with new pads the rear feels "soft" and not much feel. Front brakes make up for it but the brake lever is a long way from the bars- even adjusted as close as possible. For me being 6'3 I do get a bit of wind buffering but it's a small price to pay for such a great quality bike.
OMG! smooth as silk and torque to burn. This is a great engine that often leaves me with a stupid grin on my face. No flat spots and so responsive.
Not had the bike long enough to really say.
Great value. You get so much bike for the money- even second hand
I love good design and the panniers are great design. The top box is easy to slide off and back into the 12v slot for the plug that is in the box. As for the side panniers- one key to unlock and lift off. It could't be easier. Each one will hold a helmet. The display buttons are a bit hard to get to on the fly
Version: SE
Year: 2015
A very complete package. Just completed a 3000 mile journey ( France,Italy,Sardinia,Austria,Germany ). The bike was faultless, we could ride for 250km/3hours at a time with no problems,cruising the bike was doing 55mpg at @ 80-85mph. Ran a couple of mountain passes and even loaded the bike handled very well. I changed the Bridgestone tyres for Dunlop Roadsmarts after 100 miles and this improved the already good feel and turn in. At £8999 this bike is the bargain of the century !!
Smooth powerful brakes, good ride control especially when fully loaded.
Smooth and torquey. Very responsive at low rpm with no snatchiness,feuling is excellent.
At 3500 miles
No service required yet
Incredible value,luggage alone is worth £1000.
Buying experience: The dealer ( Ongar Motorcycles ) was easy to deal with and helpful, no problems at all.
Version: SE
Year: 2016
SE now with gel comfort saddle, touring screen, 3 piece floating high capacity high quality luggage with 12v supply & pillion backrest, centre stand, hugger, Heated grips. Only slight negative is they've discontinued the carbon tank protector BUT Infinite Performance produce one that is slightly more generous and approx £10 cheaper anyway.
I plan to raise bars a tad but would likely do this on any equivalent cycle
Character character and more of the same!
All appears excellent so far
I forfeit warranty to ensure 100% that all is tickety boo by doing myself
Price down to £8999 AND Garmin sat nav and quality mounting included. To be honest I'd opt for a VFR1200F if money no object and the shaft drive would be the main reason but how much would that cost with all the above kit incorporated?
Buying experience: JS Gedge have restored my faith in Triumph dealers. Hughenden M40 can rot in hell!
Year: 2013
Highly recommended. This is a cracking combination of the previous 955 and 1050ST (Which I've owned prior to this bike) and is a simple but effective sports tourer. Highly recommended, I just wish that Triumph would release an updated version.
Excellent ride quality from the conventional but well sorted suspension. The brakes are powerful and the ABS subtle but effective.
Like all triple engine Triumphs the engine is perhaps its strongest asset. Smooth, grunty and with that lovely sound.
Apart from needing to have the front discs replaced under warranty (The bike's never been anywhere near a track) the bike's been fine.
Apart from the expensive 12000 mile valve clearance servicing other costs have been very reasonable.
Compared to today's sporty tourers there isn't anything in the way of traction control or engine modes but you know what? I don't miss them and the bike gets on fine as it is.
Version: SE
Year: 2015
I had a Sprint ST for 6 years and swapped that for the GT as myself and wife now do more touring. The luggage is better and the pillion arrangement but the exhaust pipe looks worse and its slightly heavier
The usual rear suspension issues, I have got used to it now though.
Superb engine, great midrange.
No problems at all so far. The previous ST was also no problem in 30000 miles.
The fuel consumption is better than the ST, The purchase price is a bargain.
I sometimes wish the heated grips could be hotter. I swapped the original exhaust for a Scorpion red power carbon unit straight away, looks so much better with this.
Buying experience: I have bought several Triumphs from the same dealer, always very friendly and enjoyable to visit.
Version: SE
Year: 2015
Too much weight on your wrist's, handle bar's need to be pulled back. This bike would be no good on a long run.
panniers and top box are great
Buying experience: Dealer, £9,750
Year: 2014
Excellent bike does everything you want out of a sports tourer, the equipment lever is superb, with a 12 volt plug in the top box you can charge up your phone, there is also a 12 volt plug connecter down the side of the left hand side of the fairing for a satnav, excellent if your touring,the seat is a gel seat and is perfect, my only complaint is the handle bars are a little low for me as I am over 6 feet and get aching wrists after 40 minuets or so. Over all a great all round bike.
Strong pulls like a train in all gears.
Everything you need as standard, brilliant
Buying experience: Bought from a Triumph dealer in Manchester, quibbled a bit but got what I wanted for my trade in plus a scotoiler
Version: GT SE
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £200
Huge luggage enough for two for two weeks. Could do with a higher screen, 3 or 5 inches i,m 6'1 and you get a little bit wind/wind noise. Weather protection from the faring 4 out of 5. Passenger comfort fantostic
We've just done four day round trip to cornwall a30 a303 going M5 M4 return. Im 6'1, it took us 6 Hours with stops we arrived no aches or stiffness. 970 miles later we cant wait for the next tour. Stopped after 3hrs; could have ridden on.
powerful, responsive, effortless, sounds fantastic dose what you ask it.
No problems so far
Value for money at £9100 you wont go wrong
Buying experience: Romford Triumph [ask for Ken] 10/10
Version: GTSE
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £200
Outstanding performance, good fuel economy. Ergonomically very comfortable on long journeys.
ABS on both wheels. Very responsive brakes. Comfy solo or two up.
Gutsy engine. Torque allows for smooth riding without constant changing gears.
No quality issues.
Heated grips as standard as is the power socket within the fairing and the 12v socket in the top box. Very handy for charging phones etc. Gel seat as standard makes for comfy distance travel.
Buying experience: Both from Youles triumph in Blackburn .Highly recommend this dealer. First class service. Bought using the Tri-Star finance plan.
Bought the se version with heated grips top box gel seat and touring screen in my opinion no other bike comes close for value and quality it's smooth powerful comfortable and loads of luggage space and 50 mpg ! I'm 54 and feel it's perfect now my sports bike days are gone , just does what it says on the tin thank you Triumph for producing a high quality sports tourer for under £9k
Just bought a Sprint GT SE. A peach of an engine. Excellent ride quality. Comfortable riding position. High quality luggage. Can't fault it at the moment. Its everything I want from a motorbike. A good all rounder. I hope Triumph continue to make this type of 'traditional' sports tourer because not everyone wants an adventure styled bike.
Bought this in march 2011 have really enjoyed riding it in all weathers, snow, ice , rain, and occasional sun. This bike is fast, comfortable, economical and fun. It is solid, well built and finished. People mention small numbers on the speedo and no gear indicator! C'mon within a week you know what gear you are in, pushing down with your left foot at the lights is a habit and once you become one with your bike it's no problem. As for the speedo, I and I am sure most riders don't need a massive tv screen to tell them how fast they are going, you pick it up quickly. I believe this is the best bike you can buy for the money, it's as fast as anything 50 to 100 mph, great through town, light clutch, good brakes and a pure riding experience, buy it, you won't regret it, I am 6 ft 1" 17 stone, lluckily the missus isn't!
I took delivery of a new 9-11 model with 1km on the clock and after a gentle 500km, I rode 12,000km in 20 days (3/4 of the 'big lap' around Oz). Having a 2005 Daytona 955i, and a 2004 Sprint RS, this platform was a sweet mix of both. Comfort was a notable improvement, as was the outstanding storage in the large bespoke panniers. Over long milage, the fuel economy was also a significant improvement with the taller top gear - 7% higher than the 'Tony and RS, which returned an average of 5.0 l/100km over 12,000km. With some particularly flat runs, 4.5 l/100km was not uncommon! I did almost the same trip on the RS in 2010 (with less luggage) and recorded 5.9 l/100km. With the GT being around 60kg heavier, it's an impressive result. The pillars of this 'triple package' lies in that sweetly sounding and ever-reliable 1050 mill (although I still believe the 955i has better all 'round performance and that iconic British 'bark'), the improved comfort and very agreeable riding position and the additional storage in the panniers, under seat and the fairing-mounted lockable compartment, which is handy for snax and suncream, but it's not water proof! The new 12v aux charger was also great extra to keep the phone alive. All up, my backside and legs found the GT good for up to 1000km per day. The GT is very stable in cross winds and although the OEM windscreen is adequate, there is plenty of protection. The GT is equally at home flicking through the twisties and with some effort will keep up with the bigger bikes in the curves. On the down-side, there have been 2 issues, which Triumph resolved - from day 1, the fuel sender was a dud and after 3 replacements, they finally fitted one that worked. Secondly, and this was so weird, the bike 'changed its tune' - just prior to the 15,000km service, the engine became sluggish and lumpy low low. It lacked any real enthusiasm under 2000rpm. The Triumph Technician remarked how the current tune was set for a 'non-catalytic converter' (i.e. after-market pipe), which was baffling since the tune had not been touched since delivery! Resetting the tune to the original mode, the bike's low-down performance was immediately restored to normal... how odd?? Oh.. last of all, the analogue speedo is often difficult to read if there is any glare or visor gunk and I will never warm to it. Digital speedo has been the market standard for decade... I wish it was available in Tornado Red or Racing Yellow! Silver and blue is so vanilla.
I bought my Sprint GT new in October 2012. So far I can find nothing to criticise on this bike. Build quality appears to be excellent. The engine is fantastic, smooth but also has that great Triumph triple character. I'm as puzzled as the previous reviewer regarding criticism of the handling reported in one or two road tests in the motorcycle press. I find the ride quality to be very good, glides over road surface imperfections and goes exactly where I point it. Overall I'm really happy with the performance of the Sprint GT. The performance plus the practical aspects like quality panniers, heated grips, and really competitive pricing make it ideal in the real world of using the bike for weekend fun,week day commuting and summer holiday touring. Recommended.
One month on and the Sprint GT is proving to be a great package. I added a couple of options - heated grips, alarm, bigger screen and touring seat - which added a little to the price. It still came in at less than the competition, and to mind it looks better. I have not been able to fault the build quality, and I can attest to the fact that the panniers are waterproof even in monsoon conditions! The bigger screen works well, the seat is all day comfortable. I can't understand some of the reviews that talk about poor handling - sure it's no sports bike, but it's pretty good on the twisties compared to anything else I rode in this class. I have not had to wind up the rear suspension as some reviews suggested, and I'm not a small bloke so the suspension is "real world" fine, even if you can't spend two hours adjusting it to knock a few tenths off your lap time. For communting and touring you need a decent sized bike, and the Sprint GT is plenty big enough to be comfortable and stable, but agile enough to not be a pain around town. The panniers are huge, and I can manage 200 miles to a tank. Overall the Sprint GT is a great touring/commuting package. It lacks the BMW's toys, but it also lacks the price premium. Overall a real bike for the real world at a price a normal bloke can afford.
Had it 2 weeks now - just what I have been looking for in a road bike for a long time now
Just had a demo ride yesterday, had the bike for half a day managed to clock up 130 miles on a good cross section of roads. Now I normally ride a Rocket 3 two up. So I took the wife with me. The bike coped brilliantly with what must have been 30 stone of human luggage. The handling was sweet, the engine and gearbox superb. A fantastic bike for the price - the only cticism was at the standard screen, completely useless for a bike carrying a GT badge. The optional upgrade should prove a worthwhile investment. The standard screen offered no protection on the motorway and would put many off if they were after the bike for serious mile munching. I still rate the bike 5 star overall. The price tag for such a quality machine through it. PS as for the lights, ok I didn't do a night drive but I haven't had as many cars move over for me in a long time - they must have made some improvement!
