New Trophy

[DaleFranks]

After 2 years on my VFR1200F, I decided I missed the "touring" aspect of "sport touring" so I gave myself an upgrade.



The dealer had a brand new 2015 Trophy SE, still in the crate, and he offered it for the 2014 price. It was between this and the R1200RT, and I just couldn't justify the extra purchase cost and ongoing maintenance costs for the RT when it came time to pull the trigger.

Anyway, I wrote a review of it here.

I love this bike!

It's not as fast as my VFR in a straight line, but it handles way better, and I love having the bells and whistles--and wind protection again.

The only drawback has been learning to shift gears again, after being coddled by the dual-clutch tranny on the VFR.

[Sport-Touring]

[GRN]

I'm curious to know how your projected maint costs stacked up... water cooled boxer maint is fairly minimal.

[Yankee Dog]

Beautiful bike.  It on my list of bikes to drool over  

[shil]

Yep. Thanks for the write-up!

[Stripes]

Nice write up/review. Congratulations on your new motorcycle!

[R Doug]

Beautiful bike.  May you have many of travels on it!

[caddydaddy]

Very nice!  I test rode one when they first came out.  I also was impressed at how well it handled and got up to speed for such a big bike!  It's quite a bit bigger than my Sprint, but I had no problems throwing it around.

[DaleFranks]

My last bike was the VFR, and before that, I had an FJR1300. Neither of them handles anywhere near as good as the Trophy does. I think I'm happier with this bike than I have been by any bike I've owned.

I've driven my GTO once since I got the trophy, to go to Costco. Other than that, it's been Trophy-riding every day.

[Volfy]

Beautiful Trophy!  Congrats.

BTW, VFR1200F is the manual clutch version.  Sounded like you had the VFR1200DCT.

[DaleFranks]

Beautiful Trophy!  Congrats.

BTW, VFR1200F is the manual clutch version.  Sounded like you had the VFR1200DCT.

You're right.

[caddydaddy]

  Sounded like you had the VFR1200DCT.

Holy ton of characters!  Are you sure that's not the VIN?  

[BobW]

Great write up, thanks.

Enjoy and Safe travels!

[marc11]

Great write up and glad you love the Trophy but I have to correct your comment about the RT service intervals. 6000 mile oil changes and 12000 mile valve checks on the new RT are not thousands of milea less than the Trophy 10k services and i bet you a six back if your favorite German beer the RT service time in shop hours is 30% less than the Triumph.

[Yankee Dog]

having owned both Beemers and Trumpets, I will bet you a pint of your favorite American ale that the Trumpet will need to be in the shop 70% less than the Beemer.  

And the valve check interval on the Trophy is 20K.

[marc11]

having owned both Beemers and Trumpets, I will bet you a pint of your favorite American ale that the Trumpet will need to be in the shop 70% less than the Beemer.  

And the valve check interval on the Trophy is 20K.

I do not want to get into a useless, baseless, factless pissing contest over which bike goes to shop more often, that is a silly debate as it has far too many variables, such as the fact that neither of my BMW's have ever, not once, ever been in the shop; so what does that mean?  Never had a FD failure, never had a fuel flange leak, nothing....it means NOTHING.

The OP in his blog stated two items he posted as fact:

1. His decision on the Trophy over the RT was based on the ongoing higher maintenance costs of the RT
2. The RT required service thousands of miles sooner than the Trophy which had a 10k interval.  He DID NOT say what that interval was for.

Let's assume it is for oil changes, okay fine.  The RT has 6k, the Trophy has 10k.  So let's assume riding 30k a year, a lot I know, but it is an easy number divisible by both bikes intervals.

That means, over 30k miles the Trophy will require 3 oil changes to the BMW 5, so the BMW requires two more oil changes or about $100 in oil and filters.  Now if we use that same 30k for valve checks you are at 1 for the Trophy to 2 for the BMW, the BMW takes about an hour tops, the Trophy I am sure, positive, it takes double, so it is a wash.

So SERIOUSLY, $100 every 30k miles is considerably higher maintenance costs?  I am having the Ducati valve and belt cost debate dejavu.

Maybe I should have thrown out there the fact that the heavier weight of the Trophy will eat tires faster than the RT and thus increase tire maintenance costs?  Silly right?  In fact, maintenance costs as a justification for any bike purchase is silly, period.

Listen, I am not bashing the Trophy, I like it....A LOT, in fact I came close to buying one; and the OP's opinion on things like value, features, comfort, preferences are all just that, his OPINION and I respect his opinion.

But when someone throws out things as facts, like maintenance costs, or reliability, then you should back it up with facts, otherwise it is BS and just a way to justify your purchase.

Frankly, I never understood why people need to justify anything they buy; why the hell can't someone just say "I picked this bike because I liked it the most"

Here, I purchased a 2014 BMW RT because I liked it better than any other bike on the market, period! Yeah, it cost me more than any other bike and I do not give a crap, I bought what I wanted and do not care if anyone else agrees with my decision or not, they aren't riding it....

[Yankee Dog]

Getting a bit cranky are we.

[marc11]

Getting a bit cranky are we.

Posted prior to second cup of coffee, so um, yeah just a bit.  Just some things get under my skin, nothing personal at all.

[Cobalt]

I'll jump in with this: after having done a number of "major" Ducati services at this point, I find it criminal what the dealers charge. I'm hanging a shingle and specializing in Ducati service. Bring me your dealer estimate, I'll charge 50%, and I'll still make a living. They're nuts.

Back to the discussion, now...

[Blue is Best]

Heck, I don't own a BMW or a Triumph.  So I'm having fun reading!

 

[Yankee Dog]

Posted prior to second cup of coffee, so um, yeah just a bit.  Just some things get under my skin, nothing personal at all.

No problem.  I admit to the same as well as being a bit of a troll on this instance.   

Ride safe.

[DaleFranks]

Great write up and glad you love the Trophy but I have to correct your comment about the RT service intervals. 6000 mile oil changes and 12000 mile valve checks on the new RT are not thousands of milea less than the Trophy 10k services and i bet you a six back if your favorite German beer the RT service time in shop hours is 30% less than the Triumph.

Well, as it happens, three services for every 20,000 miles on a BMW and two services for a Trophy works out to about $1,400 in service costs for the R1200RT in my local area, and about $1,300 for the Trophy. And let's not forget the $3,000 difference on the original purchase cost which, of course, also included. Triumph service costs would have to be significantly more costly than BMW service costs over time to overcome the the initial $3,000 price difference. This seems rather obvious to me, so I'm not sure why you're so assertive in complaining about the basis for my financial calculations.

[marc11]

$1400 for three oil changes and a valve check??? lol you're getting ripped off. And you validated my point a $100 freaking dollar differnce is signifigant maintenance cost difference, lol. 

Oh and I paid $19,995 for my 2014 RT and it has more options than the trophy, so that $3000 purchase price difference is not dependent on where you buy and the BMW resale wl be higher. 

Your math is flawed but hey if that is what YOU NEEDED to make yourself feel better about getting the trophy so be it.

Still don't know why you just can't say you liked the trophy better period. No one would have said boo.

[Volfy]

I find all this financial rationalization rather amusing.  Motorcycle purchase is about as logical as Vulcans watching Disney on Ice.  

Maybe Smiles per Mile is a better gauge, huh?

[FJRider]

I find all this financial rationalization rather amusing.  Motorcycle purchase is about as logical as Vulcans watching Disney on Ice.  

Maybe Smiles per Mile is a better gauge, huh?

 

[DaleFranks]

lol

*ignore* lol

[Silverbird]

I could see how it handles better than an FJR, but VFR1200?  

[DaleFranks]

I could see how it handles better than an FJR, but VFR1200?  

Well, it's true. I rode it nearly every day for two years, and I have to say, while I'm not as harsh about the VFR1200 as Wes Siler is (https://rideapart.com/articles/honda-vfr1200f-riding-shamu-on-the-road) it just doesn't handle particularly well. It's slower that in should be at transitioning from side to side, almost any application of brake while leaning makes it stand up straighter than a soldier on parade, and it takes more effort than it should to push it into a turning line.

It's fast, and once you get used to it, it's a hoot to hoon around on, but it's noticeably porky. And it does, remember, weigh only 49 lbs. less than the Trophy in DCT spec.

[Silverbird]

That's cray-cray, I've never ridden a bike that hides it's weight so well as the V12. Still not convinced.

[Gary B.]

My wife and I have been interested in one of these since they introduced it several years ago. What bothers me is the fact that even though they've been out for 3 model years, I have yet to see one on the road. It seems none are sold (at least in my area). I'm glad to see you like it! Congrats!

[Volfy]

What bothers me is the fact that even though they've been out for 3 model years, I have yet to see one on the road. It seems none are sold (at least in my area).

That's a big plus in my book!  It would bother me if I roll up next to an identical bike at every other red light.

Took my S3R in for state inspection today and they had a nice low miles '13 Trophy SE.  This one had the low seat at the lower position and I can almost flat foot both feet.  Very confidence inspiring and actually makes it feel lighter weight than it actually is.  In contrast, the K1200GT next to it was a bear to hoist off the sidestand, and it's supposedly lighter than the Trophy.  I still think the wethead RT is a better bike.  I'm just not sure the difference is worth the extra clams.  Besides, I am still very partial to triples.

My only complaint... the ergos is closer to Goldwing than anything deserving of a "sport" moniker.  Would have liked at least some forward lean, but I could get used to it.  I don't see it displacing the VFR1200F, but as a stable mate... hmm....

[caddydaddy]

That's a big plus in my book!  It would bother me if I roll up next to an identical bike at every other red light.

That's one of the reasons I bought my Sprint.  You don't see many Triumphs on the road and not a lot of Sprints!  I also don't want to have the same bike as the guy next to me at the light.

[Dan K]

In all my riding in the Chicago area, I saw one other Sprint in a parking lot in Evanston, a few towns over from where I live.

I saw one VFR on a road near my house since 2010, and it happens to be a guy that was looking to sell (who I met up with, but couldn't come to terms on his much higher mileage ride).

I will be shocked to see anyone on the VFR.

As for the trophy vs. rt, people buy for different reasons. Brand, aesthetics, engine configuration, color...

I almost bought a ZX14 instead of the VFR, but I've never had a V4, whereas I've had twins, triples and I4's. I am hoping to keep this bike for a long while, but I'm not kidding myself that it won't get replaced some day when new bikitis strikes again (although I am thinking I'll keep my Tuono as long as I can keep it running....)

- Dan

[sprint_st]

three services for every 20,000 miles on a BMW and two services for a Trophy works out to about $1,400 in service costs for the R1200RT in my local area, and about $1,300 for the Trophy. And let's not forget the $3,000 difference on the original purchase cost which, of course, also included. Triumph service costs would have to be significantly more costly than BMW service costs over time to overcome the the initial $3,000 price difference.

$1400 for three oil changes and a valve check???
Oh and I paid $19,995 for my 2014 RT and it has more options than the trophy, so that $3000 purchase price difference is not dependent on where you buy and the BMW resale wl be higher.  

Comparing the service cost between BMW and Triumph is rather amusing.  I do my own maintenance and my GS was WAAAAAY easier to work on than any of my three Triumph triples.   Now if you think that your BMW is a paragon of reliability, you best do some research.  And you better get some extended maintenance on those new water cooled bikes because parts are super expensive and if it is something major, plan on being out of action for a while.  A long while.  Now I don't doubt you got an RT for right on $20K, but there are three BMW dealers around me and the only RT's that go for a dime under $20K have been demo's.  Most "new" were $22-23K.   Now you can get a new FJR in the $15-16k range and it will still be running when both the Beemer and Trumphet are in major overhaul.  Not saying my FJR will out perform either of the two bikes at the center of this discussion, but don't sell it short.

Just noted the comment on resale.   Reselling all bikes is a crap shoot. Triumphs have ALWAYS been underrated and BMW's have always been overrated.  That's all models and both brands.  It's a hard market out there now.  Depends on someone with cash actually knowing the bike they are buying and really wanting that particular model.  Just an opinion based upon selling my GS last April.  An RT is going to be particularly hard to sell for a "fair" price because most of the guys who buy them can afford a new one.  A lot of newer used RT's just sit.  Classic older RT's move pretty quick and are priced kinda low.

[marc11]

Comparing the service cost between BMW and Triumph is rather amusing.  I do my own maintenance and my GS was WAAAAAY easier to work on than any of my three Triumph triples.   Now if you think that your BMW is a paragon of reliability, you best do some research.  And you better get some extended maintenance on those new water cooled bikes because parts are super expensive and if it is something major, plan on being out of action for a while.  A long while.  Now I don't doubt you got an RT for right on $20K, but there are three BMW dealers around me and the only RT's that go for a dime under $20K have been demo's.  Most "new" were $22-23K.   Now you can get a new FJR in the $15-16k range and it will still be running when both the Beemer and Trumphet are in major overhaul.  Not saying my FJR will out perform either of the two bikes at the center of this discussion, but don't sell it short.

Just noted the comment on resale.   Reselling all bikes is a crap shoot. Triumphs have ALWAYS been underrated and BMW's have always been overrated.  That's all models and both brands.  It's a hard market out there now.  Depends on someone with cash actually knowing the bike they are buying and really wanting that particular model.  Just an opinion based upon selling my GS last April.  An RT is going to be particularly hard to sell for a "fair" price because most of the guys who buy them can afford a new one.  A lot of newer used RT's just sit.  Classic older RT's move pretty quick and are priced kinda low.

Speculation on repair time and costs on a bike just a year old is just that speculation. People said the same thing about both my Ducatis and Aprilia and were wrong, never had to wait for a part more than a few days, almost nothing went wrong and parts needed from accidents or what have you were reasonable.

I don't buy in to internet chatter really as all you read are the bad stories about bikes of any brand.

If I wanted an FJR or C14 I would have gotten one, I didn't want those bikes. Personally I do not buy anything based on resale value it too is meaningless IMHO.

My point was, the cost between the two bikes was a few grand yes, and when the cost is that close, get the bike you really want.

While the RT does cost more, it offers more for that difference, like heated seat, GPS prep, hill start and shift assist, longer warranty, etc

Worth it to a buyer?  Personal decision, but when you buy a bike and then pain stakingly compare it to another bike, for reasons I cannot phathom, and the difference is just a few grand, I think you got the wrong bike.

The op could have made his review stand on its own merits, no need to compare it to the RT lMHO, especially when the con's listed against the rt, more frequent and expensive service are invalid.

As for reliability, well my last RT was pushing 40k when I traded it in with zero issues other than a bad fuel strip and its still going, my new one has a 42 month warranty and I see no reason to buy an extended warranty.

I know plenty of wethead GS bikes out there and many RT wetheads with 20, 30k or more miles with zero issues. I'm not worried, if I was I would have gotten the fjr and always wished I got an rt....

My only point....get the bike you WANT, forget cost, forget what people on the internet say, get what moves you. One day you will all stop riding and I for one would hate to look back with regret that I didn't get what I wanted for saving a few bucks.

BTW my bike was a buy back, had 493 miles on it, clean title, 42 month 36k warranty, loaded to the max, crash bars, GPS and hyperlites. I paid $19,495 and paid $500 to add the top case with brake light and central locking. But I would have paid full msrp for this bike in a heart beat, its that good.

[Gary B.]

That's one of the reasons I bought my Sprint.  You don't see many Triumphs on the road and not a lot of Sprints!  I also don't want to have the same bike as the guy next to me at the light.

Said no Harley owner EVER!!!

[HipGnosis]

Said no Harley owner EVER!!!

That's why they HAVE to bling them up so much.

[GRN]

 the initial $3,000 price difference.

I don't know how long you generally keep bikes, but I can tell you from experience (selling BMW and Triumph, not to mention the bath I took on my Sprint) that the depreciation/used market value on a Triumph is significant, and will mostly, if not completely cancel out the $3K difference in 4-5 years. Our used Triumphs (Sprint ST, Tiger) have stayed long (well over a season, some close to 3), and sold (been given away) for $1,500-2,000 below NADA... still have a Tiger I can't sell for more than $1,500 under. Same gen RT's are selling for NADA avg +$500, and I've flipped the last three I've taken in 1-8 days. I love the triples, but I'm in no hurry to buy one new again anytime soon, for financial reasons. We all have a way of prioritizing our metrics. Speed safe  

[Volfy]

I don't know how long you generally keep bikes, but I can tell you from experience (selling BMW and Triumph, not to mention the bath I took on my Sprint) that the depreciation/used market value on a Triumph is significant, and will mostly, if not completely cancel out the $3K difference in 4-5 years. Our used Triumphs (Sprint ST, Tiger) have stayed long (well over a season, some close to 3), and sold (been given away) for $1,500-2,000 below NADA... still have a Tiger I can't sell for more than $1,500 under. Same gen RT's are selling for NADA avg +$500, and I've flipped the last three I've taken in 1-8 days. I love the triples, but I'm in no hurry to buy one new again anytime soon, for financial reasons. We all have a way of prioritizing our metrics. Speed safe  

Same knife cuts both ways.  Both of my Triumphs were bought barely used at great prices.  Once they take the initial hit, used prices drop steadily from then on.  Tried my darnest to go BMW preowned many times... came close to pulling the trigger on a K1300S and an R1200R, but I always found my money went further with other bikes, even considering resale from my end.

Same applies to my car purchases.

I'll keep trying for BMW.  The new R1200RS is big on my radar.  Still, any price premium will need to be justified by tangible benefits and added value.  Paying more just for brand name isn't my thing.

[Dan K]

Paying more just for brand name isn't my thing.

Clearly - you ride a Honda. (I sold my Brit bike for a Honda as well...kept my Aprilia tho...)

 -Dan

[Volfy]

Lol... any other Honda you might be right.  VFR1200 - my first and only Honda - is a rare exception... brilliantly engineered, piss poor marketed.  Most folks won't touch it with a 11ft pole... perfect for me.  

[Dan K]

Lol... any other Honda you might be right.  VFR1200 - my first and only Honda - is a rare exception... brilliantly engineered, piss poor marketed.  Most folks won't touch it with a 11ft pole... perfect for me.  

 

Agreed. Do kind of miss my Triumph, still pissed I took a bath on it. I need to build an addition to my garage so I can justify keeping more bikes...

- Dan

[sprint_st]

 Do kind of miss my Triumph, still pissed I took a bath on it.

I had two 955i Sprints and a 1050 Tiger.  Great bikes but never really appreciated.  Yep, I always heard VFR this and VFR that and the magazines said Sprints didn't handle.  I had no problem putting one in rear view on a twisty road. I remember a time when VFR's were motorcycle of the year for multiple years and a guy on the test team at Motorcyclist said, "the Sprint rated last in the test, but I wonder why all the guys fought to ride it to and from the test."  Still don't know why they didn't put USD forks on a 1050 Sprint.

[bubba zanetti]

The 955 I had needed suspension work to be truly great bike. I kick myself for not doing that. It fit me so well. The 99 VFR I rode did not fit me at all. I have done long days on the Triumph, it loved sweepers and the engine was divine. I see them on Craigslist now and then for really low prices and am very tempted. Of all my past bikes, I miss the Sprint the most.

[Dan K]

The VFR1200 is a completely different animal compared to the VFR800's, new and old.

It was only the one time I took the Sprint on the track that I rode it beyond it's suspension capabilities (or right up to the limits), but I agree it would have benefited from some better forks. Shock too. Still need to make better friends with the new to me VFR1200, but I can tell you form the ~100 miles I've ridden it, the big V4, while not as linear in the power delivery, is as enjoyable a motor as the 1050 triple.

- Dan

[sprint_st]

The 955 I had needed suspension work to be truly great bike. I kick myself for not doing that. It fit me so well. The 99 VFR I rode did not fit me at all. I have done long days on the Triumph, it loved sweepers and the engine was divine. I see them on Craigslist now and then for really low prices and am very tempted. Of all my past bikes, I miss the Sprint the most.

New springs front and rear, and Race Tech cartridge emulators did wonders.  

[Volfy]

Have been riding the Trophy for a while now and am really beginning to like the comfort of this beast.  I still prefer the more aggressive VFR1200 and Sprint GT for shorter range sport touring, but it's nice to have a big rig in the stable for the longer stuff.

[zebraranger]

Love mine too for all the same reasons. Great power, great handling and extremely comfortable, especially long distance. Some of the 13's being a new model had many reported problems. Mines a 2013 and I haven't had any issues with it. It did go in for the recalls and audio updates before anything became a problem.

[tankertruck]

My wife and I just got back from a 1000 mile long weekend around the finger lakes and the Adirondacks, and we loved it.  Absolutely nothing to complain about, which is a first.  

[Volfy]

Just did a 1000 mile weekend as well.  I've done similar runs with other bikes.  This one was by far the most comfortable.  For my taste, the riding position was a bit too relaxed for the twisty bits, and I would've preferred the stock seat to have firmer foam, but overall a superb touring machine.

[Rambler]

How does the Bluetooth work on this bike, any issues?
My previous BMW K1600 GTL would always have Bluetooth dropouts with a passenger onboard, presumably due to the Bluetooth antenna being blocked or such. But no issue riding solo. I've been looking at this bike as a possible replacement.
EDIT: And how comfy is the seat for long distances?

[Volfy]

I don't bother with the FM/AM/SAT/BT on the TTSE, other than trying it out when I first got it.  My Uclear headset is paired to my smartphone for everything from podcast to GPS.  I see no need to get the bike involved.

If you do some forum searches, you'll find lots of folks having issues with the BT, but that is the case with any BT-equipped bike.  With some many different BT devices, you are bound to have problems with some of them.

Seat comfort depends on the rider.  I'm fine with the stock low seat for up to 2hrs in one "sitting", but there are others who don't care for it.  Just like the fact that some like firm Corbin seat and others don't.  I will say that the seat base is very wide from midsection on back, so the likelihood of finding a seat (stock or aftermarket) that pleases your derriere is very high, compared to a bike with narrow seat.

[zebraranger]

My Uclear headset is paired to my smartphone for everything from podcast to GPS.  I see no need to get the bike involved.

I do the same thing with my Sena headset. I have used the bikes Bluetooth every once and a while and never had a problem with it.

[Orson]

My wife and I just got back from a 1000 mile long weekend around the finger lakes and the Adirondacks, and we loved it.

We could always use another Adirondack report in the Ride Report Section so, if you have the time, please post some pictures