Triumph Sprint GT 1050 - Level Five Graphics

weight. Its initial setup was for an averagerider, a good compromise (that word,again).Throttle action is flawless, withoutsnatch, down to 2000 rpm in any gear,from closed to WFO, without “takeupslack” at the grip—an infuriatingproblem that afflictstoo many bikes.You need not row italong with the gearlever. All 128 hp and80 ft.-lbs. of torquepush the bike to relaxed, high-speedperformance (CityBike is not equippedto undertake road-test data collection(except with our literal and figurativeasses—ed.), but the Sprint is subjectivelyexcellent, based on that sweet engine).The clutch is light and takes upprogressively, as it should. Gearshift action,even on this brand new machine, wasdecisive, though neutral was a little hardto find from second gear. Brakes are firm,sensitive and modulate well. The standardABS was not engaged in hard stops but nodoubt another tester will comment.The saddle can handle a full day’s ride. Theonly minor ergonomic gripe is the screen:about three to four inches too low toprotect the head from buffeting.This is not rocket science—theaftermarket providers shouldtake care of that problem butthe factory should offer it as adelivery option.Range is an issue.The 5.3-gallontank will barely scrape 200 miles, ridingconservatively at an estimated (notmeasured) 36-38 mpg (190-201 miles, tobone dry). A 50-mile cushion, or reserve,is vital for many rides in the AmericanWest, but the Sprint doesn’t offer it. Whenwill manufacturers realize that range isimportant and a minor increase in capacityPork aside, this isa very nice bike.would help? In thecase of the Sprint,six to 6.5 gallons ofcapacity should beoffered but isn’t andwon’t be.The 2010 Sprint ST, 60 pounds lighter thanthe GT, with a central exhaust system akinto its smaller, 675 sibling, is not availablein the U.S. A pity. Those 60 pounds wouldmake a big difference and would enhancean already highly satisfactory motorcycle.The bottom line: anyone who needs moresporting performance, at the expense ofeveryday comfort, should get a repli-racer.The Sprint’s power and handling make ita match for any bike in its class. You couldsay that it’s close to the near-perfect sportstouringcompromise. It does both well.Lucien Lewis• 6’3”, 210 pounds• 45 years old• Favorite fried food: AbaloneIhave trouble understanding whymotorcycles are getting heavier andheavier. I can’t blame it on America’sgluttony since the Brits and the Japaneseseem to be moving in that direction as well.That is not all bad; heavy bikes are stableand planted on the road. Wind isn’t goingto blow you into the next lane.The 2011 Triumph SprintGT is big. You know itwhen you walk up toit, when you sit onit, when you startit up, and everymoment you areriding it. It is not oneof those “once you’rerolling, the weightdisappears” typebikes. Its 590lbs are alwayspresent. Ina straightline,weightis nota bigFull Service OnHarley-Davidson, Honda, KawasakiSuzuki & Yamaha MotorcyclesApparel, Tires,Parts & AccessoriesTire MountingNOWOPENSUNDAY636 Alfred Nobel Dr.Hercules, CA 94547510-741-3700888-799-5445Tuesday through Sunday 9:00AM to 6:30PM - Closed on MondayCaSportTouring.comissue—it justslowsyoudown. Butweight is notyour friendif you want toturn quickly athigh speeds. Gravityand inertia have other ideas.Pork aside, this is a very nice bike. Its threecylinder1050 mill debuted in 2005, and(essentially unchanged) it has been a solidperformer since, offering up a wide, useableMarch 2011 | 9 | CityBike.com