I'm looking at a replacement for my stolen SVS and have pretty much narrowed it down to a Yamaha YZF-600r (97-current) or Triumph Sprint ST (99-current). Here's what I've come up with so far as being each bike's advantages...any comments? Any ST owners want to weigh in about what you love and hate? I will be using whatever I get for daily commuting, medium-to-long-distance touring (I'd like to be able to do an 800-ish mile day without thinking too hard about it).
The one big question I have is about reliability and maintenance costs / schedule for the ST...how demanding is it? If something goes wrong, are Triumph shops excessively expensive? Also, what are the changes from 99-current? The only major one I can seem to find is that the engine gained about 10hp in 2002.
Advantage Yamaha:
-Probably a better track bike
-More reliable?
-Cheaper
-Fully adjustable (better?) suspension
-Lighter
-Cheaper tires (160/60 17 rear vs. 180/55)
-Better gas mileage
Advantage Triumph:
-Probably more comfy for touring (I haven't sat on one yet though and the Yamaha is pretty comfortable, so this may be a wash).
-More powerful and better power / weight ratio
-Coolness factor of the brand, triple-cylinder engine and single-sided swingarm (I just love that!)
-Hard bags
-Nicer colors
-Bigger tank
-Better gauge package
-Fuel injected
-Cheaper insurance
-Centerstand
What should be added/removed for consideration from each list? I'm also tangentially thinking about a Honda VFR800...any ideas on that?
Thanks all.
The one big question I have is about reliability and maintenance costs / schedule for the ST...how demanding is it? If something goes wrong, are Triumph shops excessively expensive? Also, what are the changes from 99-current? The only major one I can seem to find is that the engine gained about 10hp in 2002.
Advantage Yamaha:
-Probably a better track bike
-More reliable?
-Cheaper
-Fully adjustable (better?) suspension
-Lighter
-Cheaper tires (160/60 17 rear vs. 180/55)
-Better gas mileage
Advantage Triumph:
-Probably more comfy for touring (I haven't sat on one yet though and the Yamaha is pretty comfortable, so this may be a wash).
-More powerful and better power / weight ratio
-Coolness factor of the brand, triple-cylinder engine and single-sided swingarm (I just love that!)
-Hard bags
-Nicer colors
-Bigger tank
-Better gauge package
-Fuel injected
-Cheaper insurance
-Centerstand
What should be added/removed for consideration from each list? I'm also tangentially thinking about a Honda VFR800...any ideas on that?
Thanks all.