Menus
- Mister Hyde in velvet panties !!
- 3500 km test
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Equipment
- The orders
- Contact
- In the city
- Highway
- Departmental
- Comfort
- Convenient
- At the parking
- Consumption
- Conclusion
- The differences in figures between the GT and the ST ….
- GT 2011
- ST 2011
Mister Hyde in velvet panties !!
3500 km test
Triumph unveiled the Sprint GT in 2010, evolving into a more road version of the ST. Seen from the front, the GT is a carbon copy of the ST model that has been roaming our roads for six years … while the first Sprint dates back to 1993! But in reality the bike is new from the center axle with one arm oscillating lengthened by 8 cm, a new exhaust, a new rear loop of the frame, damping and rigid suitcases perfectly sealed that do not sin by lack of capacity; a fault that his sister ST was blamed for. On the aesthetic side, we immediately notice the replacement of the exhaust with triple outputs under the saddle by a less aesthetic appendage which sits under the suitcase on the right. Triumph has sacrificed aesthetics to focus not only on comfort (the pot under the seat tends to greatly heat the passenger’s buttocks) but also to allow a much higher loading capacity of the rigid side saddlebags (31 liters each).
By focusing on the general appearance of the machine we quickly understand that this new GT nevertheless remains in the Sportivo category – GT dear to the British brand and the return to the roots of the first Sprint if only by the low height of the handlebars and the smallness of the windshield which will imply a rather tight driving position on the front.
Discovery
Adjustable levers, the handlebars are well positioned and we feel a real research to ensure driving comfort. The position is however a little collected on the front with a more sporty style than really GT. Side comodos, it’s traditional.
The frame is the same as that of the ST and the inverted fork still from Showa seems relatively firm. Spoke wheels are 17 inches front and rear.
The original large saddlebags ensure maximum loading capacity. Opening by a two hooks … separation of the two suitcases by a simple lock, the security being ensured by another simple hook. A single key is enough to manage the starting of the machine, the opening of the cases as well as the separation of these..
Side "slippers", it is 120 at the front and 180 at the back …. conventional dimensions and which will not require an exorbitant budget..
The new generation exhaust is relatively discreet from the sound point of view and only the characteristic whistling of the three cylinders will distinguish it from the almost generality of the road 4 cylinders. On the other hand, it fishes on the aesthetic side…
In the saddle
Immediately the driver feels good IN the bike, legs well placed, sheltered behind an enveloping fairing but which seems more ventilated than on the ST where we had observed a significant heat release, especially in the congestion. It must be said that this ST was (or rather still is because it is still in the 2011 catalog) the ideal motorcycle for severe winters because the rider has an integrated heating due to the hot air coming from the engine and the pots under the seat offer the passenger a heated seat option always available !!
Here the conduct of the hot air directly on the pilot seems to have been perfectly resolved and the pot positioned under the right case has the triple advantage of offering an identical loading capacity to each case, of arranging a space under the saddle not negligible and to respect the seat of the passenger in no way subjected to the thermal pangs of the pots under the buttocks…. GT we told you !!
Equipment
The dashboard is complete with a battery of readable lights even in direct sunlight. The tachometer display is still small for old eyes and especially the control of the very complete on-board computer is done from buttons located under the tachometer, not easily accessible from the driving position unless crossed with a gibbon.
At the meter we will find a double trip … whose command can be confused with that of the various indications of the computer …. Unless you are very trained or even playful … In short, we put everything at a standstill once and for all and we do not touch it !!
The meter display is relatively accurate (double-checked with a GPS) but the numbers are too small. Regarding the indications given by the on-board computer, if you manage to order it, apart from Ms. Soleil’s forecasts, you will have everything that can happen to the machine … seemed the most important: the mileage remaining to be covered until the gasoline ran out. We regret for a GT the absence of an engaged gear indicator and an external thermometer.
A classic traditional needle counters throne in the middle of the board.
The orders
The braking level requires a little adaptation time, in fact it lacks a bit of feeling but is proving to be formidable. ABS is well dosed and only really kicks in in an emergency. Each lever has a very easy to use wheel adjustment they each have a breaking point, however the liquid reservoir is a little cheap !!
The selector falls well under the foot as well as the rear brake pedal. The wide footrests for both driver and passenger do not vibrate at all.
The two half handlebars adapt well to the morphology of each one and if you are a fan of sports tourism you have a good position and driving is very easy..
On the practical side, to fix a GPS it is the cross and the banner, a shame for a GT in our time! The power outlet located behind the top of the left fairing involves a walkman wire if you want to make a removable installation.
The traditional uncoded ignition key is in the central position
Contact
The sound of the three cylinders instantly resonates in a magical way … but in a much more subdued way than on the other models of the brand.
When stationary and at slow speed, the slightly small steering angle does not favor maneuvers while seated on the machine … which implies many maneuvers if only to make a simple U-turn in a parking lot. And since the GT has gained 18 kilos more than the ST, we also feel the weight a little more.
In the city
The raised driving position compared to the ST associated with the remarkable balance of the machine makes it possible to drive with one hand and perform unsuspected tricks for this kind of creature at very very low speed…. Practically on-site at a red light !
The mirrors have good rear clearance, are very easily adjustable and, above all, at the right height in the bulk. However, we dare not imagine the note if you happen to spray one (integrated indicators and relatively thin support !!)
The gearbox is remarkably smooth even if sometimes when hot the neutral point is not that easy to find but we will put this on the low mileage of the borrowed machine.
The Sprint confirms in this evolution its flexibility accepting to wind on the last report at 1,500 rpm.
In fact, the only annoying fault lies in the absence of a warning, especially when driving on the Paris ring road. For this very French specialty: the back up of queues during traffic jams is really a lack. Another point that deserves attention: the overall width of the machine is greater than the width between mirrors … beware of the passages between the rows in fact the suitcases protrude by about two centimeters on each side of the necessary space to retro … you should know !!
Highway
It’s a bit of a favorite spot for this new GT. We come to forget the low displacement of this road so the traditional three-cylinder Triumph exudes a total impression of security and power. The rather soft sound of the new exhaust is noticeable only by the characteristic whistle of the British three legs.
The mirrors do not vibrate at all and at no time did we have to turn around to appreciate the distance that separated us from the vehicle that wanted to overtake us so well the blind spot was studied and the distortion due to the ice largely attenuated.
The autonomy of the GT allows long stages and consumption, even at high speed, is remarkably low (6.2 on average) with a maximum distance covered with fuel of 370 km … and there was still !! The 6th actually pulls longer on the GT compared to the ST and this contributes to lower fuel consumption..
At night the lighting is at the top and the passage of code in the headlight does not cause the slightest black hole.
From the point of view of top speed we noted (do not ask me where) more than 220 on the GPS and at no time did we notice any swaying due to the turbulence caused by the suitcases. We can also note an original fixing system which keeps the two suitcases, even well loaded, a lateral mobility intended to attenuate the roll felt at high speed. The GT has gained in stability compared to its predecessor.
However, we regret the weak protection of the original bubble which implies a position a little collected on the front detrimental to the back muscles after a certain number of kilometers. The engine compartment is quite impressive and if the case arises a little hit on the right handle and instantly you will find yourself at a speed which is likely to leave you on the low side in case of control..
Departmental
Back on departmental roads, it is a little less obvious because the machine is physical and requires a certain habit to be balanced from one turn to another. Stability gained seems to have been acquired at the expense of liveliness.
The calm engine curve, focused on torque, allows smooth rolling regardless of the gear engaged. However, a good kick in the ass arrives at 8,000 revolutions (red zone at 10,000 rpm) and still denotes the sporting side of this GT. The comfort of the saddle (driver and passenger) proves to be flawless even if the width is in the long run a little restrictive especially for the passenger.
The bike is long (plus 5.3cm additional wheelbase compared to the ST). This causes, once it is put on the angle, a flawless course holding. We noticed some undulations in curves at high speed but without any risk.
The front axle fits perfectly in curves and the fork does not dive excessively.
Braking especially is really insane … it should however be used with care because it lacks a little feeling. The ABS (not disconnectable) is very effective (tested in situation …. fucking 4X4 !!)
The rear brake is much more than a simple retarder and is a real aid to rhythmic driving. The bike rises very little when braking hard on a curve (benefits of length !!). In the end, it is much more than a simple retarder offering enhanced general safety..
Ground clearance is impressive !
In fact the bike can be driven only with the knees and the suspensions are extremely effective regardless of the condition… .. and the degradation…. routes taken. The tires are perfectly suited and have never been faulted.
Comfort
The saddle is very comfortable and long journeys, even on departmental roads with not always very smooth surfaces, are not an ordeal. The passenger is also well installed, can be a little high because he will take the full brunt of the turbulence due to the original bubble a little too low.
The passenger will however complain about the large width of the saddle which although respecting the seat will involve some contortions after a certain number of kilometers in order to avoid cramps in the hip..
It has two large grab handles that fall well under the hands. These handles are well designed and easily gripped even with heavy gloves. Whether empty or loaded (passenger and full bagaes) we have never been able to take the faulty bike without going to act as better as possible on the suspension adjustment..
We regret the absence in the stock version of a screen that protects a little better (available as an option) and a driving position a little too radically resting on the wrists. The riding position being a little too tight on the front, the motorcycle would benefit from a slightly more raised handlebars and the obligatory consequence of a slightly higher bubble, why not adjustable ?
In the long run the legs suffer a little from the position that is a little too folded up, but they can be relaxed easily without disturbing the passenger..
Convenient
Under the saddle is happiness. Without reaching the capacity of a scooter trunk, there is plenty of room to put a rain suit, a good conventional U and even a puncture spray by packing well. You can find a Triumph toolkit in the small glove box secured by a lock located on the right side of the fairing, we just regret that it was not mounted on a hinge, the small detail at three cents which bothers a little.
Good point for checking the oil level and for ease of filling.
The GT is equipped with two crutches, one lateral and one central. The side would deserve to have a slightly larger seat. The central stand, perfectly integrated into the bike and absolutely not disturbing the ground clearance, is easy to use, the bike crutching on a simple support.
A rear suspension preload adjuster is conveniently located on the left side of the machine.
Electrical equipment is very efficient. In code it is very suitable and in lighthouse it is daylight guaranteed.
At the parking
The welcome center stand, facilitates maintenance and is easy to set up. It does not impair the ground clearance at all.
We were able to take advantage of the superb loading capacity of 62 liters: twice 31 liters per suitcase. The easy opening of the suitcases is easy and they prove to be completely waterproof. Unhooking is done with a turn of the key … and there is only one key for the motorcycle and the accessories, of course. !
The storage compartment, located on the right, is locked.
The top case (optional) has an integrated electrical outlet which is useful for recharging a device.
The rims are very easy to clean.
Practical angled valves allow extremely easy pressure control. .
Originally the motorcycle has an electrical outlet on the left side of the fairing, it is a universal outlet…. Note: You can find in the motorway rest areas a fitting that transforms it into a traditional cigarette lighter.
Rather, the GT is delivered in a complete original version with suitcases, passenger handles, center stand, storage compartment and ABS. But given the niche, we would have appreciated the heated grips, a high bubble, and a gear indicator engaged which are increasingly democratized on this type of model..
The fragility in the event of a fall, even a minor one, has to be paid for…. Over 1000 euros in fees for just putting it down in a parking lot…. if you buy it, think about the protections, this will prevent you from conflicts with your insurer !!
The catalog of options is as always with the British manufacturer, bloated.
Consumption
Over the 3500 km covered on the GT handlebars, we noted an average consumption of 6.2 liters per 100. The displayed tank capacity being 20 liters including 3.5 liters of reserve which gives a relative autonomy of about 370 km, excellent for a motorcycle suitable for travel !
We were annoyed by the mileage remaining to be traveled with the remaining fuel level displayed … up to more than 20 km … afterwards it was "vista de naz" the misdeeds of the electronics !!
Conclusion
After 3,500 km of winding roads aboard this new GT from Triumph, we can conclude that, even if a number of modifications have been made to make the bike a long-distance road, the character remains the same: ST in the sauce GT. This bike, like its half-sister ST, is not stingy with sensations and quickly renounces its GT label as soon as the road starts to twist and you want to wring out the handle…. easily switching from a Dr Jekyll to a more or less civilized Mister Hyde in seconds !! The key is to know if the customers who regret the true GT side of the Trophy will find their account there because even if it is one more step of the British manufacturer in the world of grand touring, it is still light. Heavier, a little more clumsy than the ST and with an unchanged aesthetic, this machine nevertheless gains in comfort and loading capacity. It thus represents a kind of link to the real GT promised for years to replace the Trophy 1200..
What differentiates the 2011 GT from the ST are essentially the dimensions and immediate consequence, the handling. The figures are there to prove it and as a punctual user of ST we have seen it in the field.
In fact Triumph was able to adapt the GT 1050 to the feedback from ST owners who had acquired it for touring with weapons and luggage and who had come back a little. Concerned about profitability, the British found in this motorcycle the right way to create a new model using many of the parts that exist today. However, we can regret that they did not go even further by equipping the GT with a number of options available in the catalog which are very pleasant on a daily basis….
Driving the GT turns out to be a physical motorcycle, but one which is hardly ever faulted. The rider will enjoy himself aboard a machine with character, which brakes well and which has many advantages to seduce with a price that is contained for the category. Despite a price which has climbed by 450 €, it is well positioned financially against an FJR for example. But can it be compared? Because the Sprint GT is first and foremost a sport-GT more than a real GT, ideal for lovers of the brand and the three-legged and those who want character above all.
Strong points
- living engine with character
- solo and duo comfort
- autonomy
Weak points
- weight,
- barely readable counter
- side stand at the seat too small
- access the on-board computer
Competitors: Aprilia Futura, Ducati ST2, Ducati ST4 S, Honda VFR, Suzuki
GSX-F 750
The differences in figures between the GT and the ST ….
GT 2011
- Length: 2260 mm
- Width (handlebars): 760 mm
- Height: 1210 mm
- Seat height: 815 mm
- Wheelbase: 1537 mm
- Steering angle: 23.5 ° / 84 mm
- Full weight: 268kg
ST 2011
- Length: 2110 mm
- Width: 840 mm
- Height: 1320 mm
- Seat height: 835 mm
- Wheelbase: 1510mm
- Steering angle: 23.2 ° / 87.7 mm
- Full weight: 228 kg / ABS model: 3 kg more
Datasheet
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