RE: [ST] new list member introduction and questions

["Harries, Mort" <mort.harries@xxxxxx>]

Manuel,

I can offer a little bit of a perspective.  I ride a 2000 Sprint ST, and my
wife has a 1999 Legend.  I've done a good few miles on the Legend, and it's
a very nice bike, tho my preference is definitely the Sprint.  

I am 5' 9" (with my boots on!), and I have no problem reaching the ground on
the ST.  Slow speed maneuvering is  much more challenging on the Sprint than
the Legend.  The Legend's seat is lower - much lower, and it has a much
better steering lock, so can be turned around in much smaller spaces.  

1. Changing the shock preload on the Sprint is easy.  You just need a long
screwdriver (and for my aging eyes, a small flashlight too).  The Legend is
even easier: there is nothing to adjust.  Nothing in the suspension is
adjustable at all - front or back.

2. Comfort: The Legend's seat is much lower, so it's easier to get on and
off for your pillion.  But seat to peg distance is almost identical for the
two. I would rate the Legend pillion seat as more comfortable of the two

3. Legroom: There's more legroom on the Sprint than the Legend.  For me the
Legend's seat is so low, it feels like my knees are sticking up in the air.
On long trips on the Sprint, my neck or shoulders start to protest long
before my knees or legs.  I haven't done any long trips on the Legend.

4. About town:  I commute into NYC most days on the Sprint.  I changed the
front sprocket from a 19 to a 17 tooth because 1st gear is very tall.  This
makes a big difference and I don't have to slip the clutch in traffic so
much any more.  rpm at cruising speed is about 10% higher, but worth it in
my opinion. In parking lots; it takes some getting used to.  I still have
the scratches on the fairing from a parking lot tip over when I'd had the
bike for all of 3 weeks.  Like all "sport bikes" the steering lock is very
small compared to a standard, and that takes getting used to. The Legend is
no problem.

5. Common problems:  ST: fuel senders - some leaked and most early ones
notoriously inaccurate, but replaced under warranty.  Bike gives off a LOT
of heat.  Very noticeable in 90+ weather especially at slow speed.  Legend:
none that I know of, but some gripes: Small fuel tank. Range is only 120 -
140 miles.   You have to remove the fuel tank to top up the coolant
reservoir. Centrestand is not standard, so chain lube & adjustment is a
PITA. 

6. GenMar Risers are a popular option on the list.  Not found the need for
them myself.

7. Reliability: IMO, no problems.  Both bikes are really well made.
Motorcylce Consumer News published results of a survey of Triumph riders a
few months ago.  Reliability and satisfaction was IIRC, the highest for any
bike or brand they've surveyed.  Only major gripe was parts availability -
long wait for some parts or accessories.

These two bikes are so different it's almost unfair to do a comparison, but
some other things you may want to think about:
Tho they're both Triumph triples, the engines are very different.  The
Legend is carburetted, the ST is fuel injected and bigger. The Legend's
engine is no slouch, but the ST has gobs more torque and HP. Twist the grip
on the ST, and you better be sure you're holding on tight - in just about
any gear. The Legend is rather more restrained, shall we say.  On aggressive
cornering, you're going to run out of ground clearance pretty quickly on the
Legend, but then it's more of a cruiser, so it's not really designed for it.

The Legend has a hydraulic clutch. The ST is cable operated. The ST's
requires MUCH more effort.  Only time I notice it is if the trafic is really
bad on my commute, then I wish I had a lighter clutch.

Hope this helps.  Feel free to email me if you want more info.

Mort Harries
'00 ST
Haworth NJ

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