[ST] RE: ST-triumphnet.com Digest, Vol 4, Issue 48

["Bob Nixon" <bigrex@xxxxxxx>]

------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 19:37:45 -0700
From: "Rick & Joyce" <rnjwes@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [ST] Another 3-cyl Daytona Rumor
To: "ST List" <ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Message-ID: <001501c594af$aaeaa820$6401a8c0@DFTSGM41>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"


http://www.motorcycledaily.com/29july05_triumph.htm
--
Rick in Oregon
'01 Sprint ST

Below is the wording of the above URL then I will attempt express my reasons
for why I think it was inappropriate to post here on the Triumph Sprint
list. BTW, most the Triumph junkies I know love the fact that they're
dumping the I4 650 Daytona. It's a copycat at best. Also there's nothing
wrong with the Daytona 955 either. I know folks that are getting 140 RWHP
from stockers with a corrected tune-boy map. Any <$25K twins coming close to
that?

[Quoted from URL]
With the imminent replacement of the four-cylinder Daytona 650 with a
slightly larger displacement three-cylinder machine, Triumph is retreating
from direct competition with Japanese manufacturers. From now on,
apparently, Triumph does triples and twins, just like the old days.

It was undoubtedly a painful lesson for Triumph, which never developed a
fully competitive 600cc sportbike, and ultimately resorted to a big bore
650cc machine to match the Japanese in horsepower. You may recall that
Triumph was also developing a larger displacement four-cylinder superbike,
but dropped those plans after the Daytona 600 had so many teething problems.

Triumph has proven that it can build fine motorcycles, but with its heritage
it makes sense to stick with twins and triples (at least, for now) where it
has less competition and a marketing advantage.
[End of quote]

What is the mater with the Sprint list anyway? Calling that cheesy FZ-1 a
Sprint ST competitor? Hell.... you might as well have added the bandit 1200
the competition list. Guy and gals the only Sprint ST competition is as
follows:

The Aprilia Futura, Ducati, St4s and marginally that third tier, early 90's
race rep, the 788cc V4 Honda VFR. That's it. End of story. Why just these
bikes? They lack the pork of the K1200, FZR1300 or ST-1300 and have FACTORY
hard luggage and other touring amenities, like the Sprint's heated grip
option or electric plug. Sure you can throw some soft luggage on an FZ-1 but
what you've got is a cheesy looking 70's wannabee Suzuki 1100, with a weak
midrange and buzzy I4. And yeah, you can throw a givi box on the tail but it
only adds to the tacked on looks.

Folks, inline fours are inherently buzzy, particularly at high RPMs. That
and that alone is a reason for owning a Triumph Sprint ST or at least those
of you that actually ride yours once in awhile. The old twin replicas are
cool but I wouldn't have one if it were given to me. Sticking with it's
niche or the smoother running three cylinder engine is why I own my ST and
personally do not want to be part of some copy cat Japanese manufacturer,
with a buzzy inline I4. (been there, done that).

Sorry Rick and all the other nay Sayers on the Sprint list but if you want a
Japanese bike with an I4 engine, then for God sake, buy one or show a little
class/loyalty to the Triumph brand on this list.

Bob Nixon
01 Sprint ST 50K miles (purchased new)
Chandler, AZ




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