Triumph Sprint GT 2012 Review

Long-distance touring requires a good mix of comfort and effortless power. Triumph combines these in the Sprint GT 1050 which is more touring oriented than the Sprint ST.

VALUE

When it was launched in late 2010, it was priced at $15,990 without on-road costs or panniers. It now comes at the same price, but includes on-road costs and panniers, so it's exceptional value. That also makes it the cheapest of the over-litre touring bikes on the showroom floor. Yet dealers claim it's often "overlooked and undervalued''.

TECHNOLOGY

Power and torque have been increased to match the 1050 Tiger with 96kW and 108Nm achieved at 1200 revs less than before for a better spread of grunt through the low and midrange. Performance improvements, as well as a slight fuel economy improvement, have been achieved by new cams, mapping and the exhaust system. The gearbox is now less clunky and noisy.

DESIGN

This bike is designed for long distances so the ergonomics are comfortable with a slight lean to the bars and a protective full fairing, although the windscreen is more on the sporty side. An optional touring screen is available. Styling changes were made as a result of customer complaints, such as the hot underseat exhaust which has been replaced by a single triangular muffler that has ground clearance in corners.

It also allows underseat storage and doesn't interfere with the enormous 31-litre panniers, which are the same size on both sides of the bike and will fit a full-sized helmet. Storage is bolstered by a glove and mobile phone compartment in right fairing and an optional 55-litre top box that will store two full-size helmets. It includes a 12V outlet to charge your iPod or phone and an optional pillion backrest.

Complaints about the hot cockpit have been addressed with better airflow, although your right shin will still get hot and previous complains about vibrating mirrors have been fixed with new mounts. Pillion comfort has been improved with a lower seat, bigger grab rails and a longer reach to the pegs, although they are a little close to the rider's pegs.

They have also added helmet hooks on the rear subframe after rider complaints. Riders now get a 5mm lower seat for easier reach to the ground and an optional 10mm lower perch.

SAFETY

The brakes have received a workout with lighter 320mm front discs, revised rear pads and ABS, which previously cost an extra $1000, but are now standard. Concerns about the headlights have been fixed with two lights at low beam and a better spread. The swing arm has been extended for improved high-speed stability.

RIDING

Comfort and endurance riding are the focus of this bike, not nippy handling and sprightly performance. Still, the engine pulls strongly from under 2000 revs even with a pillion and loaded panniers and it leans neatly into corners. On the highway, where it will spend much of its life, it's as stable as a rock, although it does get tossed around by cross winds, thanks to those big fairings. 

Gears are smooth and well spread with neutral easy to find, but I caught too many few false neutrals between fourth, fifth and sixth. Riders will have to be careful in tight spaces as the massive panniers sit out about 7cm wider than the handlebars.

VERDICT

This is the bike to buy if you have a limited budget and want to do a lap of Australia in style and comfort.

Triumph Sprint GT

Price: $15,990
Warrenty: 2 years/unlimited km
Resale: 58%
Service interval: 10,000km
Engine: 1050cc liquid-cooled, triple, 96kW/108Nm
Transmission: 6-speed, chain drive, wet clutch
Dimensions: 2260 (l), 760 (w), 1210 (h), 815 (seat)
Fuel tank: 20 litres (320km range)
Wet weight: 268kg
Tyres: 120/70 ZR 17 (front), 180/55 ZR 17 (rear)
Colours: blue, silver
Accessories: high touring windscreen, tank and tail bags, gel seat, low seat, heated grips, top box and inner bag, colour matched mirrors, paint protection kit.