Trophy vs. Sprint ST

[CosmicCowboy]

OK, a local shop has a 2002 Trophy on the floor, but since I'm not inclined to give them my bike AND cash for it, this is probably all hypothetical.

However, I've got newbike-itis, and I've long like the Triumphs. The Trophy looks to have good ergonomics, but outweighs the Strom for what appears to be not a lot of power gain. Also, I'm pretty sure going back to a carb'd bike would really annoy me. The Sprint ST (looking at the 955 here) has a bit more aggressive ergos, but nothing I can't deal with, weighs less, and seems to have at least as much power as the Trophy. What says the wisdom of STN? Pass on the Trophy and keep my eye out for an ST, or see if they're willing to move on the Trophy (it's been on the floor since June).

[jfusaro]

Get an ST, they are out there and reasonably priced as far as I'm concerned you won't be disappointed

[CosmicCowboy]

That's kind of what I'm leaning toward. The Trophy is there...but the Sprint really seems like a better bike.

[Playinthestreet]

I've never had a Trophy, and would consider one if there was  a "new" version.  I too don't feel like going back to 2002 +/- technology.

I've had 3 955 STs and 1 1050.  All good.  I actually preferred the 955s to the 1050 as I feel they are better in the low end.  The 1050 is much stronger above 4500rpm, but I'm not one to find the rev limiter very often so it doesn't matter to me.

02-04 Sprints are the latest of that engine and have about 10 more hp than the 99-01s.  Can't go wrong with a 99-04 Sprint St in my opinion.

[sammyseaman]

Helluva deal. Just sayin'    http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65747.0.html

[CosmicCowboy]

Helluva deal. Just sayin'    http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65747.0.html

All you gotta do is buy my Strom. Just sayin',  

edit: So far, that looks like 3 votes for passing on the Trophy, which is kind of what my gut is telling me anyway.

[caddydaddy]

Since you're coming from a Strom, what about a Tiger 1050?  Similar ergos to the Strom, but more power, and probably better handling.  And it's not so ugly!  

[CosmicCowboy]

I've drooled over pictures of the Tiger, but wondered if it's different enough to scratch that itch.  

[caddydaddy]

I've drooled over pictures of the Tiger, but wondered if it's different enough to scratch that itch.  

Most Triumph dealers are happy to give test rides!  

[jstark47]

The Trophy looks to have good ergonomics, but outweighs the Strom for what appears to be not a lot of power gain.

Since I have both bikes, some perspective:  the Strom engine is a useless shuddering chuddering mess below 4K rpms, like trying to thrash a Duc at low rpms.  True the Trophy doesn't have a lot more all up power, the difference is the Trophy's linear power distribution.  It's a well-behaved pussycat as low as 1500 rpms, starts pulling down there and doesn't let up until near 8000 rpms.  Smooth as buttah.  

Total weight of a Trophy isn't so bad, but they are top heavy.  Don't know why you guys are so down on carbs, Trophy's throttle response is....... shall I say it..... "carburetor-smooth" !!  

[sammyseaman]

Since I have both bikes, some perspective:  the Strom engine is a useless shuddering chuddering mess below 4K rpms, like trying to thrash a Duc at low rpms.  True the Trophy doesn't have a lot more all up power, the difference is the Trophy's linear power distribution.  It's a well-behaved pussycat as low as 1500 rpms, starts pulling down there and doesn't let up until near 8000 rpms.  Smooth as buttah.  

Total weight of a Trophy isn't so bad, but they are top heavy.  Don't know why you guys are so down on carbs, Trophy's throttle response is....... shall I say it..... "carburetor-smooth" !!  

I ain't sceered of carbs. I loves me some carbs. There's a lot of guys on this site that are, umm....well, will call them scared. Yep, scared. Poor fellas. I feel sorry for them, actually

[CosmicCowboy]

Since I have both bikes, some perspective:  the Strom engine is a useless shuddering chuddering mess below 4K rpms, like trying to thrash a Duc at low rpms.  True the Trophy doesn't have a lot more all up power, the difference is the Trophy's linear power distribution.  It's a well-behaved pussycat as low as 1500 rpms, starts pulling down there and doesn't let up until near 8000 rpms.  Smooth as buttah.  

Total weight of a Trophy isn't so bad, but they are top heavy.  Don't know why you guys are so down on carbs, Trophy's throttle response is....... shall I say it..... "carburetor-smooth" !!  

Not really scared of the carbs, just lazy. I like jumping on the bike and the forgetting about things.  

Ok, so they've got a bone stock 2002 Trophy with 13000 miles, and I've got a 2006 DL1000 with 23000 miles, full luggage, Sargeant seat, heated grips, yadda yadda. Am I out of line to ask them to throw cash my way as well as the bike?

[CosmicCowboy]

Well, I took the Trophy for a ride. It handled well, but not really any better than the Strom. To be fair, I have had a lot of time to get used to the Strom and tweak it the way I like. Looking over the Trophy, there was some gunk on the lower left of the engine. Could have been sling from the chain, but couldn't tell for sure. No oil spots on the floor where they were keeping it. The chain, to my eye, looked pretty suspect. They were willing to give me the Trophy and $700 for my bike. I passed. The Triumph was nice, but didn't really speak to me. I'll be on the lookout for a possible Sprint trade, and at least this way I have a fair idea of what my bike is worth.

[CosmicCowboy]

I'm still second-guessing myself on this one. The bike handles a lot differently than the Strom, and can probably be dialed in more closely to what I'd like. It doesn't have seem to have the snap that the Strom does, but it's more a touring bike than sport, right? And it sure is purty.  

Torn.  

[sammyseaman]

Like my pops always told me "If you're not sure what to do, don't do anything". Unfortunately, I have ignored this advice a couple times  

[sleazy rider]

What's their cash price on the Trophy?  $4000 or less, go for it.  They're getting harder to find in nice shape and low miles.  The motor is good for 100k easy with routine maintenance.  There's also enough aftermarket support out there for exhaust and stuff too.

I've had/have two Triumphs and hope to make it three in 2012 if the new Trophy makes the cut.  

[CosmicCowboy]

What's their cash price on the Trophy?  $4000 or less, go for it.

Yeah, $3950, so just under.

[jstark47]

I'm still second-guessing myself on this one. The bike handles a lot differently than the Strom, and can probably be dialed in more closely to what I'd like. It doesn't have seem to have the snap that the Strom does, but it's more a touring bike than sport, right? And it sure is purty.

Compared to a Strom, it will feel undersprung at first.  Some folks fix this with aftermarket stuff, others (me) just ride the thing until it doesn't bother us anymore.  

re: "snap", think more "surge".  Relentless surge.  It's got power in places in the rev range the Strom only dreams about....

[Yankee Dog]

If you decide on the Trophy I have a set of D&D pipes (LOUD) you can have for shipping if you want them. Or come down and get them for nothing.

Yankee Dog

[CosmicCowboy]

We'll see where things stand this weekend. I just ordered a new chain and sprockets from the Strom. It may be in my best interest to sell my bike outright, then negotiate a cash deal.

Of course, I also just located a 2001 nearby with 3400 miles on it.

[seapigrichard]

I have a 1996 Trophy 1200 and a 1999 Sprint ST. The Trophy is a much better long distance  tourer - especialy with my wife along. It is top heavy but that goes away over 10 MPH.

The ST is more fun by myself or on more local runs and gets much better gas milage. The bags on both seem to be the same size. On the ST I added LSL bar risers and the reach is still a bit long for me(I have short arms) but it is much easier to handle in the parking lot.

I am taking a cross country trip next summer and will take the Trophy for its comfort and because my wife will be meeting up with me on the 2nd half of the trip. If I was going solo I would take the ST.

Hope this helps

[CosmicCowboy]

Thanks. The Trophy in question wound up selling before I could make another shot at it. Pretty much settled between a VFR and a Sprint, since in reality the majority of my riding is less than 300 mile days. 2 up rides are rare and short.

[Dan K]

I have a Sprint, and limited miles on a VFR.  VFR is nice, kind of sterile, have to wind it up.  Handles maybe a touch better than the Sprint, but didn't really push the VFR when I rode it.  Both have great wind protection.  VFR has 1000000000% better lights for night riding.

Sprint may be easier to find for a better deal.  

Either way, can't go wrong. Good luck.

- Dan