Second bike ?

[Eric GSX1400K3]

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?

[Hooli]

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...

[grog]

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.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

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....

[Eric GSX1400K3]

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.

[Batkwaka]

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.

[Hooli]

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.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Cheers Hooli,  just checked, the GT is much more crouched, than the 1400, that is surprising

[Hooli]

Surprised me when I sat on it the first time too.

[BlueDragon]

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.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

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.

[Hooli]

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 

[BlueDragon]

@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..

[grog]

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/

[Eric GSX1400K3]

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 🤔