Re: [ST] New Bike[ST vsBlackbirdVsK1200RS

["STeve Duncan" <xhippy@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

original message:
>From: Bill Cornelius <boyharleyd@xxxxxxxxx>
>
>Hi From a new member,I am getting a new bike to go with my FXDX.Would
>like a more comfortable sport touring bike.Ride 2 up 40% of the
>time.Rode Nortons when I was young.Want something with good
>realibilty.Does Triumph fit the bill.No pun untended.Electrics?Engine?
>I expect it handles.Aftermarket mods needed??Seat?BARS?Footpegs
>                             Bill
____________________________________________________________________

Hi'ya Bill, and welcome to the list,

OK you asked so here is my take,

Sprint-ST,

Reliability: Triumph rated #1 in a recent MCN survey, better than BMW, 
Honda, etc....  Not to say there haven't been some problems, I for one had 
to have a total rebuild on my "00 ST at 16K.  Wrist pin let go, but it was 
an isolated incident affecting only a few bikes.

Electrics:  ST has a built in BMW type plug which fits most aftermarket m/c 
devices such as Gerbings, Widder, Aerostitch, ect...  Also the ST has a 40 
amp alternator, very strong.  I can run a full Gerbings lectric liner, Radar 
detector, and CD player no problem.

Engine:  I just stomps, that's all.  Very broad power band.  The "howl" of 
the triple is like nothing else.  I would list all the bikes I've blown away 
on the freeway and in the twisties, but that would just be braggin'  :]

Aftermarket:  Really needs nothing, but depending on your inclination I 
might suggest;  SkyKing mirror extenders and frame sliders, Gen-Mar bar 
risers (SkyKing may have these now as well), Zero Gravity Double Bubble or 
Sport-Touring Windscreen, Throttlemeister throttle lock, and Sargent has a 
really sweet seat rebuild.  And if you are particularly "sporty", drop the 
front sprocket one tooth, and do the "Race-Tech" cartridge emulators on the 
front forks.  Check the archives for details..

Comparo to the mentioned bikes:

vs. Blackbird,  Sprint-ST is lighter, less power (but do you really need 
more?)  ST is way more comfortable (to me), and has factory hardbags, 
blackbird does not.  Blackbird is about 50lbs heavier and 1/2 inch taller 
seat height.

vs. K1200RS,  well first of all the ST is 6 grand less expensive, is about 
130 pounds lighter and is a Triumph, not a BMW.  The K-bike is nice and 
fast, in a straight line, but is a real handful in any kind of twisties.  
And the "K" has one solid plastic faring piece on each side, scratch it in 
one place and replace the whole thing, $800.00 a pop. OUCH.

Just my take, YMMV

STeve Duncan
'00 ST RED
'00 ST Black (RIP)
'98 Trophy 1200 (sold, still "borrow" it)

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