Advice on new bike!

So I have been toying for some time about a change of bike. Got a few ideas from radar at BC,  and after a small bit of research I am seriously considering one of these (Triumph sprint st 1050). Anyone had any experience with one? Or have opinions or views on the bike?
Any info appreciate!

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Contact BigNige. He owned one for some time, I'm sure he'd be happy to pass on any info you want.

  

Friend of mine had one for years, he loved it, massive range as tank holds about 50 gallon, really comfortable, solid engines and still pokey enough to mix it with the sports boys, in fact if I remember he rather neglected to one he had and only Plummed for an oil change when the oil filter actually rotted away leaving a trail of oil all the way down his street.

Still boasted that it got him home though and it certainly never let him down even with that abuse.

I rode it a couple of times and was pretty impressed with it.

Cheers guys.

So reliability shouldn't be an issue! Was looking for something more comfortable and bigger than mine. Originally looking for sports bike, but this just seems to fit the bill quite well. Plus loving the Triumphs at the Mo.
Going to have to head to a garage and get at test ride I think.

Helmet Dave wrote:Cheers guys.

So reliability shouldn't be an issue! Was looking for something more comfortable and bigger than mine. Originally looking for sports bike, but this just seems to fit the bill quite well. Plus loving the Triumphs at the Mo.  
Going to have to head to a garage and get at test ride I think.

Or get a blade!! Comfortable (and fast) as f@ck!!

Here's what bignige said back then . . . . [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] to see Nige's post from way back when  

Blade was what I had in mind first snowcat. Thinking the sprint may be more practical and comfortable though. Also trying to find one at a garage near me proves a bit of a pain so test riding one is an issue. Those two are top of the list to try. Hopefully I'll be on new wheels before monsoon season starts!

Thanks oldcat. So he rates it then! Do you know if Dirt Bike Dave ever bought one? Seem to remember a Ducati 1198 at BC last time out???

I Don't know "Dave", . . . I don't seem to remember DBD having a Trumpet Sprint in the stable [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]. . . but then I sometimes don't remember who the guy in the mirror is when I'm shaving  

Hi Helmet Dave. I didn't get a trumpet but I did look at them. Ended up buying an 1199 Panigale which I got 2 days before that BC run. I reckon the sprint ST is a great bike but just didn't do it for me personally. Each to their own. If your looking at a comfy fast tourer type bike then have a look at Honda Blackbird or Yamaha FJR also. Had a go on a blackbird before and it's ballistic, comfy and reliable. FJR is fast and it's a shaft drive which takes away chain maint etc. not my cup of T either but a great machine.

Cheers for the advice guys.
DBD- was there anything in particular you didn't warm to with it? Or was the lure of the duc just far to strong?! I'm not entirely sure with the blackbird or fjr, mainly just due to size....they do seem on the large size!

Helmet Dave wrote:they do seem on the large size!

Well so are you Dave... at 6' 5" I mean lol

The blackbird is highly rated, however it's a bit juicy, but I wouldn't say it's on the large side? ...but then I ride a Pan And yeah you wouln't like the FJR

The blade is too small for you, Alex's dad has just bought on Sunday (954), I sat on it at Loomies yesterday and it's a proper sports bike!

Let me know if you find a trumpet and if you want a mate to tag along.

Cheers

mrfrance wrote:

Helmet Dave wrote:they do seem on the large size!

The blade is too small for you, Alex's dad has just bought on Sunday (954), I sat on it at Loomies yesterday and it's a proper sports bike!

He didn't waste any time did he, he was only fawning over mine on Sunday morning, trying to buy it off me, I thought he was joking. Plus he has bought arguably the best blade ever made (and I'm not even slightly biased, ask Radar)!!  Regarding size I'm a 6 footer and though it was a bit "different" at first I've got used to it and find it at least as comfy as the cat but it is more chuckable like a 600 because it's smaller, the ride position isn't that extreme compared to a Panigale, gixxer etc.

Blackbird is a weapon though, ballistic fast and I believe a tweek on the rear suspension makes less "sofa like" in the bends. I'd have one

Yeah Dave if you find the TT too small the blade isnt much different really ... just a little ... bit ... quicker   

My thinking is I still want to try the blade, also at a closer look the blackbird seems like an option.

For sure Paul, come along. When you free? Don't think I'll buy this month but soon hopefully. Got a track day mid August. Not sure if a new bike for that isa good idea!

My tenpeneth here what about a vfr 1200 I would be very jealous.
Cheers mark

Hey sir digby. Great looking bike, and no doubt a fab bit of kit. Just a little too much money for me at the moment!

Vfr800 ?

How about a FZ1S? Loved mine

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Or maybe an MT-09?

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If you're out at TOL Dave you're welcome to try the blade for size pal, I was hesitant at first and made the stupid mistake of  buying it without a test ride. I just knew I wanted one and had never heard a bad report from people fat thin short tall or combinations (cue me!!) but no issues with size, handling.... Oh and it's a bit quick

I had a 929 blade before I defected to V-twin power..
Loved that bike, did a tour of the Pyrenees on it and did not find it uncomfortable at all..
If I go back to an IL4 as my main bike then I would def be looking at another Blade..
Couldn't put my finger on what I didn't like about the trumpet. Just didn't suit me...I know it is a good bike, but just didn't get that loving feeling off it.
I know Big Nige loved his, and he was bloody quick on it too!!

And I think it was a certain comment from DBD on here that pushed me over the edge and I haven't looked back

Thought about vfr800, and the fz1s. Not to keen on half faired bikes like fz. And the mt-09 did consider that too, but with my lanky frame and no fairings that could get a bit windy!
Thanks snowcat, I am hoping to get on TOL just depends on work. Thinking I'll test ride the st and possibly the blackbird. If I can find one near me a 954 too. Would also love a Daytona 675, but that's no bigger than my tt!

We should have a meet up at loomies Dave and me and the old man will bring up the vfr800 and the 954 and you can have a bang to see if you like either, what about a aprilia falco?

Dirt Bike Dave wrote:I had a 929 blade before I defected to V-twin power..
Loved that bike, did a tour of the Pyrenees on it and did not find it uncomfortable at all..

Tyres were a bit pricey though