Triumphs were always, well, a little different, so the Sprint RS is no exception, says Adrian Small
When it comes to buying a bike, we're faced with so many choices that it can be a daunting task deciding which bike will meet our needs. There are race-bred machines, tourers and off-road bikes. Bikes that are designed to meet certain parameters and some, like big traillies, which have been designed with one thing in mind, end up doing something completely different. In recent times riders have become more discerning and are looking for a machine that will do it all. The manufacturers have listened and Triumph's Sprint RS is one of these "all-round" machines.
Seeing the Sprint RS in the Triumph car park, the bike looks a bit dated when compared to the newer styled bikes of its Japanese competitors, but its styling is quite funky in a cool sort of way. From the curvy front end with those bug-eyed lights and half fairing to the exposed engine and well-padded rear, this bike shouts eccentricity. If you're the type of person who doesn't care about having the latest and greatest and likes something a little different, then this could be the machine for you.
Triumph were never ones to follow other manufacturers when it came to designing a bike and they haven't towed the line here either. It looks good in the metallic blue we rode, although it could do with a redesigned front end. Whatever the bike lacks in modern looks though, it does make up for in character.
This follows through to the engine. It has to be said that their fuel injected, liquid-cooled, DOHC in line 3-cylinder engine is a peach. It's a de-tuned version of the Daytona 955i engine producing 118bhp at 9,100rpm and 73.8 ft/lb of torque at 5,100rpm. Just listening to the engine growl as you accelerate is reason enough to smile, and that's what this bike is about - "grin factor".
With a displacement of 955ccs, a bore of 79mm and stroke of 65mm, the bike is no slouch although it will keep up with the fast bunch, but doesn't feel it can match its rivals for out-and-out power. It does, however, lay the power down well with a good spread of torque right through the rev range and it is predictable enough to give you the confidence to try a bit harder.
The power in the lower and mid-ranges was sufficient to allow for swift overtaking without the need for excessive down changing. It really came into its own on the back roads of Leicestershire and surrounding counties. With its slightly longish wheelbase and decent Showa suspenders the bike will take most of what you can throw at it without you needing to fight for control. The brakes provide enough feel when you need to stop suddenly.
The handlebars are low and foot pegs far enough back to give you a sporty ride without your wrists giving out under the pressure. The seat is reasonably comfortable although you can get a little stiff after a while but at a height of 805mm it means the taller riders get a little extra room and are not as squashed into the bike.
My pillion passenger felt the seat was comfortable as well, but the lack of grab rails made her nervous and I nearly lost her a couple of times when accelerating hard!
The half fairing doesn't lend itself to long motorway stints and I felt the screen was a little too low as well. My shoulders caught the brunt of the wind, and on a bike that doesn't need to relieve wrist strain, the constant push against my body got quite tiring. A lip on the top of the stock screen or an after-market item would not go amiss. The options catalogue has a set of hard luggage cases for those who wish to do some touring, although the half fairing won't provide the same wind protection as a full tourer.
Triumph have put a lot of work into their range and it shows. This is a nice bike and will do a bit of everything except trail riding.
There are, as with most bikes, a few niggles but they're not enough to mar what is a well-built bike. I would be confident to do a little touring or a few track days but it definitely holds its own as a commuter and would suit anyone on a Sunday ride-out.