Hi all, looking at a second bike that is more comfortable for the good lady wife as a pillion. She likes the idea of a touring bike, but the grab rail and lack of a screen on the 1400 is not ideal. I don't want to put panniers and a screen on the 1400.
So I'm looking at a triumph sprint GT1050 MY14. Any issues to be aware of?
Here's some thoughts for you..
The eccentric rear hub for adjusting the chain seizes, it should be stripped once a year to re-grease. it's not to hard to fix, just takes a few hours to get apart.
The rear suspension pivot bolt seizes... see above.
I've blown a stator on mine at 38k miles, looked like a defect caused the output leads to short out & melt a single coil. Older ones (pre MY12 I think) had more charging issues but the reg/rec was relocated from above the engine to at the front left above the rad to solve cooling issues.
Get the SE, it's got a gel seat, heated grips (not very hot) & a taller screen as standard. I think the top box was optional on the base model too.
The gearbox isn't as smooth as a 14, but isn't bad. Mine was stiff as hell when I got it but different oil sorted it.
You can get TuneECU for android and have full access to the ECU for about £10 plus the cable (£15?) gives you more tuning options than a power commander & lots of maps on line etc etc.
They are slower than a 14, but possibly quicker on bends. I can't fault mine really they do ride well two up.
If you want to read lots of threads about broken ones try here https://www.triumphrat.net/forums/sprint-forum.17/ the same forum has lots of info on TuneECU too.
Mine seems to do mid 50s mpg enjoying the ride & tyres last a little longer than 14s once the suspension is adjusted right.
I run pillion suspension settings all the time as the back felt too soft otherwise, the only adjustments are rear pre-load, rear rebound & front pre-load.
Blue ones are fastest of course, as they have white on the speedo...
My way, sheepskin on seat. Rack n bag on rear. Never complains. No sliding or heat/cold with sheepskin, hers is actually double thickness. Can lean back into rack, she loves it. Perfect double bike. Much cheaper than a Triumph. We did 2 weeks on a Rocket, great pillion bike also. GTR Kawa would be my choice if you really need another.
Thanks Gents, I also don't have an issue with the 1400 as a tourer per se, I have a ventura rack already and seems good for a day ride or so. Just thinking a faired bike with some more room would be very handy.
It also has a slightly taller seat which would suit me, I find at 6'2" the 1400 gets cramped after about an hour.
Hope this link works:
Triumph Sprint GT 1050,
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kinross/motorcycles/triumph-sprint-gt-1050/1283959667?utm_source=android_social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=android
Plus it's red and they're faster than blue ones....
Quote from: Hooli on Monday, 15 November 2021, 07:21 PM
Here's some thoughts for you..
The eccentric rear hub for adjusting the chain seizes, it should be stripped once a year to re-grease. it's not to hard to fix, just takes a few hours to get apart.
The rear suspension pivot bolt seizes... see above.
I've blown a stator on mine at 38k miles, looked like a defect caused the output leads to short out & melt a single coil. Older ones (pre MY12 I think) had more charging issues but the reg/rec was relocated from above the engine to at the front left above the rad to solve cooling issues.
Get the SE, it's got a gel seat, heated grips (not very hot) & a taller screen as standard. I think the top box was optional on the base model too.
The gearbox isn't as smooth as a 14, but isn't bad. Mine was stiff as hell when I got it but different oil sorted it.
You can get TuneECU for android and have full access to the ECU for about £10 plus the cable (£15?) gives you more tuning options than a power commander & lots of maps on line etc etc.
They are slower than a 14, but possibly quicker on bends. I can't fault mine really they do ride well two up.
If you want to read lots of threads about broken ones try here https://www.triumphrat.net/forums/sprint-forum.17/ the same forum has lots of info on TuneECU too.
Mine seems to do mid 50s mpg enjoying the ride & tyres last a little longer than 14s once the suspension is adjusted right.
I run pillion suspension settings all the time as the back felt too soft otherwise, the only adjustments are rear pre-load, rear rebound & front pre-load.
Blue ones are fastest of course, as they have white on the speedo...
Thanks Hooli, read that too, good site that one. I did the same with my Dayton 675 re tune files via obdii port. I've had a close look at this one, looks nearly brand new and we don't have the aggressive winter road treatments that tends to eat bikes and cars. It does look very well looked after, present owner is 1st owner too, and he used to have two 1400s as well.
My regular ride is the K1600GT, as we have no car my wife and I pretty much live on the motorcycle. Of all the bikes she has pillioned on, the K1600 wins hands down for comfort. It also tops my rankings for service costs and maintenance so comfort doesn't come cheap.
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 15 November 2021, 07:56 PM
It also has a slightly taller seat which would suit me, I find at 6'2" the 1400 gets cramped after about an hour.
There's less leg room on a Sprint that a 14, the seat is higher but the pegs are a lot higher too. My Sprint has about the same leg room as a mate's 14 with a cutdown seat.
There's a website https://cycle-ergo.com/ where you can compare positions sat on bikes & your knees & hips are more bent on a Sprint.
Cheers Hooli, just checked, the GT is much more crouched, than the 1400, that is surprising
Surprised me when I sat on it the first time too.
Ever thought of a Suzuki GSX1250FA ?
I was looking at one at the same time as the GSX1400.. Only reason I went with the 1400 was that it was a lot cheaper at the time.. but that turned out an initially bad decision if you have looked at my build to get the 1400 to where it is now.. Time and money spent I would have had money in the wallet, had I bought the 1250FA instead..
Anyway.. if you look at the cycle-erog.com site, you will see that the 1250 is more upright that the 1400 in seating position.. legs and hip angle is fairly similar. the seat height is adjustable on the 1250FA and with a little bit of work, removing the secondaries and opening the airbox and a decent exhaust, it seems that it unleashes way more power and torque as well. The seat on those things being separated, you could then customise each part of the seat to suit your comfort..
Reviews on the bike are all good.. haven't ever read a bad review.
Quote from: BlueDragon on Tuesday, 16 November 2021, 07:40 AM
Ever thought of a Suzuki GSX1250FA ?
I was looking at one at the same time as the GSX1400.. Only reason I went with the 1400 was that it was a lot cheaper at the time.. but that turned out an initially bad decision if you have looked at my build to get the 1400 to where it is now.. Time and money spent I would have had money in the wallet, had I bought the 1250FA instead..
Anyway.. if you look at the cycle-erog.com site, you will see that the 1250 is more upright that the 1400 in seating position.. legs and hip angle is fairly similar. the seat height is adjustable on the 1250FA and with a little bit of work, removing the secondaries and opening the airbox and a decent exhaust, it seems that it unleashes way more power and torque as well. The seat on those things being separated, you could then customise each part of the seat to suit your comfort..
Reviews on the bike are all good.. haven't ever read a bad review.
Cheers blue dragon, will have a look at them. The other options are the triumph (I see a theme....) tiger 1050, same engine as the GT but a fair bit taller.
Currently a BMW is out of budget, but I do like the 1150 and 1250 engines too, even though these are more adventure touring than sport touring bikes.
A mate who had a Tiger tenfifty, as my number keys aren't working, liked it but is on Versys now. Says it's a better bike for what he does, a little dull but ideal for traveling two up.
We've all said he's got old :stir:
@Eric GSX1400K3 Have a read of this article
https://www.cycleworld.com/sport-rider/project-suzuki-gsx1250fa-gsx-essive/
an extra 27hp without cams.. but... I have heard that Yoshimura do makes cams for this engine... mmmm
I'm still looking at buying one of these bikes myself. I've preferred full fairings on really long trips for wind protection and comfort.. and my VFR800 vtec, even with footpeg lowering kit and bar riser spacers, is a little cramped on my lower back on all day rides now, plus its not as comfortable for the passenger..
These seem to tick the boxes. Your thoughts. https://www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/details/suzuki-reveals-high-tech-2022-gsx-s1000gt-sports-tourer-132141/
Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 16 November 2021, 07:12 PM
These seem to tick the boxes. Your thoughts. https://www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/details/suzuki-reveals-high-tech-2022-gsx-s1000gt-sports-tourer-132141/
Very nice but over budget me thinks 🤔
Buy a Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring.
because its a great touring bike AND its a 1400 so .... enuff said!
and it's gorgeous.
(https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.6jcLeGv92TRX7mlqIK_smQHaFF?pid=ImgDet&rs=1)
Yeah Nah, Vlad, they don't do much for me.
Looking at Beemers now, K or R series. Got turned off the Trumpy because of the lack of leg room, still nice bikes though.
Quote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 17 November 2021, 11:01 AM
Buy a Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring.
because its a great touring bike AND its a 1400 so .... enuff said!
and it's gorgeous.
(https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.6jcLeGv92TRX7mlqIK_smQHaFF?pid=ImgDet&rs=1)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
@VladTepes 🤣
Frankly, its bloody awful.... :whistling:
It's like a HD after a week at the Blue Oyster club.
Well the Custom looks better
I rode one and frankly it's a bloody great bike to ride, and unlike Harleys it goes round corners.
Well, at risk of being cast out and exiled from this well regarded establishment, I'm leaning very strongly to a 2009 BMW K1300GT SE. Found one hiding in a seaside village south of me, the current owner poor bugger has rheumatoid arthritis and can't ride no more, but loves his K1300, I offered him very close to what he was asking for, will go and have a look this Sunday.
Shaft drive 160HP efi 4 cyl, heated seats and a touring monster. The wife is keen as it has full panniers including back rest and heated seats.
https://amcn.com.au/editorial/second-hand-bmw-k1300gt-2009-11/
They look similar to the FJR.
Bit more sporty position than a FJR I think?
There has to be a reason so many old people ride BMWs & it's probably comfort as well as being able to afford them.
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Monday, 22 November 2021, 07:55 PM
They look similar to the FJR.
With one eye closed in the dark after 4 pints maybe....
I actually do like those 1300s quite a lot.
What colour? There's a blue/white one parks near where I do in the city and it looks great. The silver one in that link, not so much...
Colour is Manganese, like a petrol colour. Looks great IMHO.
Not a BMW person at all, but those things sure move along. I actually like the less faired version, maybe 1300S? Watch your licence points.
Points mean prizes!
One thing I like about the Sprint is the lack of silly power, I can occasionally nail it without instantly being in ban territory. Decent handling means you're as quick point to point anyway.
Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 23 November 2021, 07:36 PM
Not a BMW person at all, but those things sure move along. I actually like the less faired version, maybe 1300S? Watch your licence points.
Agreed, read a review that this thing gets to double the national highway limit in around 12-15 seconds and still pulling. Built for German autobahns
Eric, spent a weekend with Kawa GTR and BMW 1300,fairly equal i reckon, just cruise at speeds unknown to14, would destroy my licence in no time. I had run on Diavel against 1300r, they are speeds you cant talk about. Just lucky my heart keeps working.
I just saw info re the new 2022 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello
very fancy, prob need a lotto win though.
And/or a new, more obliging wife.
QuoteEICMA 2021: Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Unveiled
Last updated:24th November, 2021
Moto Guzzi has officially showcased the V100 Mandello at EICMA 2021.
The motorcycle was first revealed in September and was the first of a new generation of models to come. Now, the Italian marquee has shared information on all that it offers, and it certainly looks promising.
For starters, the V100 Mandello will be the first production motorcycle in the world to feature adaptive aerodynamics. The system automatically adjusts deflectors on either side of the fuel tank, depending on speed and riding mode. Moto Guzzi claims that the fully raised deflectors reduce air pressure on the rider by 22%. The windscreen is also electronically height-adjustable, and along with the adaptive aero tech, allows for the V100 Mandello to provide wind protection that's on par with more substantial motorcycles.
The V100 Mandello is also the first Moto Guzzi to feature a liquid-cooled engine, quick-shifter, six-axis IMU, and semi-active suspension. Powering the bike is a new 1042cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC 90° V-Twin engine that produces peak output figures of 115hp and 77.4lb-ft. This lightweight and compact engine is 103mm shorter than the V85 TT's engine. Motorcycle.com points out that in traditional Moto Guzzi fashion, the engine is mounted with the cylinders pointing to either side ahead of the rider's legs, so the new head design was also chosen to improve rider comfort.
The engine is paired with a hydraulically-controlled wet clutch, with power delivered to the rear wheel via shaft drive encased in an aluminum single-sided swingarm. The swingarm is also directly connected to the suspension without a linkage.
As we mentioned above, this is the most technologically advanced motorcycle to leave the Moto Guzzi stable. Some of the electronics on offer include cornering ABS, cruise control, cornering lights, and four ride modes — Travel, Sport, Rain, and Road. Each of these manages three different engine mappings, four levels of traction control, three levels of engine braking, and calibration of the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension (on the higher-spec variant.
The V100 Mandello will be available in two variants. The higher-spec version will include the Öhlins semi-active suspension, along with a quick shifter, heated grips, and the Moto Guzzi MIA multimedia platform as standard. The Moto Guzzi MIA allows you to connect your smartphone to the motorcycle, use voice assistance, and control navigation and music via handlebar-mounted controls.
Prices for the 2022 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello are yet to be revealed, and we shall post an update when they are available.
Yes please.
That is seriously FUGGLY.
@VladTepes :stir: :stir: :stir:
Having said that I really liked the B-King look. I owned one for 4 years. :smiley sign0181:
Is that an old Weslake engine :stir:
If they do one without the fairing I might be interested.
It's ugly, but compared to other new bikes it's acceptable.
What happened to decent designs? :whatever:
My second bike is a GSX1400, I just change colour.
My 2nd bike is another GSX1400
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 24 November 2021, 11:09 PM
It's ugly, but compared to other new bikes it's acceptable.
What happened to decent designs? :whatever:
I despair with modern bike design - they provide a decent pillion perch but omit providing a grab rail; they stick scaffolding on the back, (stick you finger over that and it transforms the look of the bike!), and then they paint it a nonedescript green. Oh dear Oh dear. Another opportunity to produce a really nice bike totally missed :thumbs_down:
I actually like the green on the Guzzi but I'd paint the rest of the bodywork to match.
I think it looks so odd due to that 'two tone' arrangement.
Forget the paint Vlad, its just odd. Saw a R18 BMW on Friday, that makes the Guzzi a stunner.
So back on topic, I found myself riding home on a 2009 BMW K1300GT SE on Sunday.
First ever big capacity faired touring bike. Very comfy, no wind buffeting and very stable. Cruise control is fantastic and this thing just eats the kilometres on the freeway.
Looking forward to setting it up just right and getting out and about this wide brown land...
Well done Eric. Not at all my choice but can understand why. Will be a great tourer. Much better idea than fairing etc on 14.
My second and third bikes. 2005 BMW R1200RT and 2014 R1200RT. :boogie:
No we are NOT changing our name to BMWownerswhohappentoownorusedtoownaGSX1400.org
:grin:
Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 30 November 2021, 08:31 AM
No we are NOT changing our name to BMWownerswhohappentoownorusedtoownaGSX1400.org
:grin:
That being said Boss, I do like the K1600GT . . . :whistling: :onya:
Quote from: KiwiCol on Tuesday, 30 November 2021, 10:03 AM
Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 30 November 2021, 08:31 AM
No we are NOT changing our name to BMWownerswhohappentoownorusedtoownaGSX1400.org
:grin:
That being said Boss, I do like the K1600GT . . . :whistling: :onya:
Here we go....
BMW stands for Blue Mm White as they all realise what they should have bought or no t sold.
Few months back i test rode S1000XR, incredible bike. Too expensive to buy and far too fast for my licence. If you ever get a chance to ride one, do it.
Aye I'm sure they are very good & fast. They'd have to be fast so you don't get seen on something so ugly :stir:
Agree on the looks Hooli. Just a superb ride all i meant. All that tech and expensive bits if it fell, couldnt live with it.
Quote from: Hooli on Tuesday, 30 November 2021, 03:05 PM
BMW stands for Blue Mm White as they all realise what they should have bought or no t sold.
lucky I've kept my B&W then....
BMW = Bavarian Money Waster
I've had the K1600GT for 9 years now (2nd one) and despite the sub Japanese reliability and horrendous service costs, I couldn't live day to day so well on any other bike. Even the FJR1300 feels a bit cramped, particularly for my pillion.
The Duo-Lever (Hossack) front suspension is an absolute dream on the road and matched beautifully with the parallelogram shaft drive.
Now I don't have to fight the wind riding into work every morning and on those hot summer days I can jump on the Naked GSX1400 for a cruise down the coastline in the sea breeze.
Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 30 November 2021, 08:31 AM
No we are NOT changing our name to BMWownerswhohappentoownorusedtoownaGSX1400.org
:grin:
Well I think we should put it to a vote personally :stir:
Oh and BMW stands for
Best
Motorbike in the
World. Just thought I'd clear that one up :whistling:
I'd rather stick to my 2004 e46 BMW 330i convertible personally :grin:
:flins:
I've actually chosen the opposite direction than a Bike with even More Weight : the '14 garage mate is a Most Valuable Agusta :-)
(you can see the good old '14 lurking form inside the garage :-))
BMW = Bring More Wallet
Quote from: SpongeBob on Wednesday, 01 December 2021, 09:02 PM
I've actually chosen the opposite direction than a Bike with even More Weight : the '14 garage mate is a Most Valuable Agusta :-)
(you can see the good old '14 lurking form inside the garage :-))
nice brutale, I like them
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Wednesday, 01 December 2021, 11:15 PM
nice brutale, I like them
Absolutely uncomfortable, but a hell of a bike!
"Brutale" name has been well chosen :-)
Have it for about three of years now, and still, each time I go around with it...whoa!
Oh and BMW stands for Best Motorbike in the World. Just thought I'd clear that one up :whistling:
[/quote]
Barmy have you taken up delivering pizza ??
:stir:
Brutale thrives on revs i.e. redline in every gear 😈
Test rode a Brutale maybe 5 yrs ago. Too small for me, unreal ride. Induction noise just amazing. A superb short distance thrill bike. Really liked that one.
Quote from: GSXKING on Thursday, 02 December 2021, 02:08 PM
Brutale thrives on revs i.e. redline in every gear 😈
what red line? :-)
It's a built in one, like a gear shift indicator ALL the warning lights light up. Saying "shift up ya bastard" LMFAO :rofl2: :rofl2:
Double pepperoni please
@gsxbarmy :facepalm: :facepalm:
Quote from: SpongeBob on Thursday, 02 December 2021, 07:02 PM
what red line? :-)
1. Rev until engine explodes
2. Retrospectively back it up slightly.
I used to have a mate who run a series of V6 Sierras with a blower out the bonnet. He used to wind the boost up till the engine burst, turn it down a touch & fit it to the next one...
Ive been in a Sierra, no idea how much power compared to your mates Hooli. It could go 160 in a blink.
As said i test rode S1000XR BMW. Such a great ride, decided to look into owning one. Checked out any problems they have. WTF. All under 10 th k probs. Vibration biggest issue, bars can be fixed, need to buy end weight kit. Rest of bike still vibrates, footpegs crack, side covers crack, cant see out of blurry mirrors.Forks need upgrade if you weigh over 100kgs, multiple ignition switch fails. Fuel lines fall off as connecter not good enough. Globes blow reguraly from vibration. Most probs on new bikes covered under wrty except can sit for 12 months due to no parts available. For 25G, such a great purchase. Back to 14 for me. Hasnt blown a globe in 15 yrs.
so BMW = Berlin Motorcycle Wankers, apparently. :)
So - is this BMW bashing week? The joke is wearing thin.....
I'm taking management to the BMW shop bright and early in the morning Barmy.
Only to get her some Scott wet weather gear I'm afraid. Tho we might be able to stretch to this lil gem which was sitting pride of place outside during the week.
Be Interested in her reaction to some of the other stock on the showroom floor.
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Friday, 03 December 2021, 07:48 PM
So - is this BMW bashing week? The joke is wearing thin.....
Don't worry about it barmy, most here don't know what they are missing. I think the R1200r is probably the best real world bike available today, I am selling my 14 nest year but beemer is staying.
No Barmy, no bashing at all. Thats just the reports on that bike. Even from my mate that is a BMW bike tech. I know nothing about the twin cylinder type.
That's the issue, modern bikes and cars face so much pressure to be cleaner, lighter, more recyclable that this affects reliability. I reckon, and this is just my opinion, that any car or bike built between 2001 to 2011 is probably your safest bet on reliability if looked after properly, and I don't mean stealer service either. Before that, cars made in the 50s and 60s are the real golden age cars. Mate has a 59 caddy compleyely unrestored that he found in a barn in Las Vegas, new battery fitted and started first go. They don't make em like that anymore.
My new to me K1300 needs a bit of TLC, but is a mighty bike designed to cruise freeways and tour this wide brown land. Its not a sports bike and that's not why I bought it, it does what it's designed to do very very well, just like the 1402 does what it does so effortlessly and why we love them like we do.
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Friday, 03 December 2021, 07:48 PM
So - is this BMW bashing week? The joke is wearing thin.....
Like the paint on a friend's GSA, hence it's on it's 2nd set of replacement wheels & rear subframe as they go rotten while still under warranty.
Quote from: mjgt on Friday, 03 December 2021, 08:31 PM
I am selling my 14 nest year but beemer is staying.
Nooooooo...........
Maybe in an environment where they salt the roads for grip :whatever:
Hi all. Thought I would add my experience with my 1000r sport. The reason behind selling my 14 was the weight/manoeuvre ability and issues with my hands otherwise I would still have it. The biggest issue I have with my new bike is the engine noise on cold start they are known for excessive cam chain noise only for a couple of second but it sounds alarming especially now that I know about it. My question is we can all kick BMW but what are the alternatives I have looked
Cheers Allan
Quote from: GSXKING on Monday, 06 December 2021, 08:37 PM
Maybe in an environment where they salt the roads for grip :whatever:
They don't ride them in winter.