I will pay to test ride a Futura

[RRdvark]

So a guy had a Futura in KY that I was going to look at and ride on Sunday, but he sold it.  Closest one is 6+ hours away now.

Who can tell me the differences in the years of the Sprint ST's?  I see more '06 and '07 models for sale.  Are the 2008 models any better?

[Dan K]

Metal tank and higher bars on the '07.  Many '06's have had the newer higher bars (mine included) installed.  Never rode the lower barred '06 but I'm willing to make a bet it's a pretty substantial difference ergo wise.

-Dan

[Medic09]

I had an '01 Sprint ST, and liked it better than the later models.  The 1050 models got a steeper seat, even less conducive to my pillion being happy back there.  I was very happy with the 955i.  Best all-around bike I'd ridden.  The posture got a little hard on my neck and back injury, so I switched to a more upright ride.  Were it not for the injury, I'd still be on it for sure.

Did you look on the Aprilia forum to see if anyone nearer to you has one for sale?  http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/index.php

[RRdvark]

I had an '01 Sprint ST, and liked it better than the later models.  The 1050 models got a steeper seat, even less conducive to my pillion being happy back there.  I was very happy with the 955i.  Best all-around bike I'd ridden.  The posture got a little hard on my neck and back injury, so I switched to a more upright ride.  Were it not for the injury, I'd still be on it for sure.

Did you look on the Aprilia forum to see if anyone nearer to you has one for sale?  http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/index.php

Thanks for the info.  I check the Aprilia forums every couple of days to see if anything new pops up (like the yellow one in NV) and there is actually a guy from that board that tried to help me score a test ride with a Futura owner closer to me.

[GRN]

Metal tank and higher bars on the '07.  Many '06's have had the newer higher bars (mine included) installed.  Never rode the lower barred '06 but I'm willing to make a bet it's a pretty substantial difference ergo wise.

-Dan

Not really, I think the actual measure was around 1" up. I owned an '06, spent a day on an '07, didn't notice a significant difference. I liked the '06, not sure why they bothered to change them.  

[Dan K]

Not really, I think the actual measure was around 1" up. I owned an '06, spent a day on an '07, didn't notice a significant difference. I liked the '06, not sure why they bothered to change them.  

I bought mine used with the '07 bars installed and the way everyone says the Sprint has Sporty ergos I just figured the rise must have been significant.  Try a Daytona - those are agressive sporty ergos....different world than the Sprint.

But the Sprint can still cut a nice rug.

You should find one for a test ride.  You can take mine as long as you have cash to buy it if it goes boom...

- Dan

[evilted]

1" may not seem like a lot, but putting Gen-Mars on mine made a huge difference in terms of my ability to ride all day comfortably.  YMMV.

Not really, I think the actual measure was around 1" up. I owned an '06, spent a day on an '07, didn't notice a significant difference. I liked the '06, not sure why they bothered to change them.  

[RRdvark]

You should find one for a test ride.  You can take mine as long as you have cash to buy it if it goes boom...

- Dan

Already did.  Rode an '08 ABS model at the Triumph dealer in Indianapolis.  Liked just about everything about it.  Only concerns were the gearbox (seemed kind of clunky, especially 1st to 2nd) and the fit/finish (uneven seams between fairings, just seemed kind of rattle-y).  Loved the engine, seating position, seat, sound, and heated grips.  Handling was very sharp, too.

[RRdvark]

So I finally decided the Futura is out and I'm going to buy the Sprint - just need to find the right one (factory bags, moderate mileage, preferably blue) at the right price.  I've already got a list of craigslist bikes, but I figured it would make sense to look at the pre-owned inventories for the Triumph dealers around Region 4 and of course there is an '04 Futura sitting at Ohio Motorcycle with less than 14k miles on it.  The dealership is located near Columbus or Dayton (maybe both?) which is less than three hours from my door, but the listing says the bike is available in Akron/Cleveland.  Not sure what that means - waiting to hear back from them.

[Dan K]

Good luck!  If you end up with  Futura and you're in the Chicago area, let me know - I'd also like to take one for a spin.

- Dan

[ride200mi]

So I finally decided the Futura is out and I'm going to buy the Sprint - just need to find the right one (factory bags, moderate mileage, preferably blue) at the right price.  I've already got a list of craigslist bikes, but I figured it would make sense to look at the pre-owned inventories for the Triumph dealers around Region 4 and of course there is an '04 Futura sitting at Ohio Motorcycle with less than 14k miles on it.  The dealership is located near Columbus or Dayton (maybe both?) which is less than three hours from my door, but the listing says the bike is available in Akron/Cleveland.  Not sure what that means - waiting to hear back from them.

OOOOHHHHHHHHHHH NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..........