WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
The Sprint GT SE was derived from the ST that was originally introduced in 1999 and had been a consistent best-seller for the British manufacturer. This latest version of Triumph’s sports tourer comes with more standard equipment yet is also cheaper than its predecessors.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
The Triumph Sprint GT SE is priced at just £8,999 which is £700 cheaper than it was three years ago and, what is more, it now features a high-rise screen, top box, onboard computer, heated grips and a revised gel seat for added comfort.
HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
This new, supportive, spacious seat and efficient rider and pillion ergonomics assist in providing excellent long-distance touring ability while the well-designed chassis and superb balance of the machine ensures that handling is well up to the mark.
The 2014 Triumph Sprint GT SE is powered by the excellent 1050cc fuel-injected, three-cylinder engine that is able to provide vast reserves of torque and horsepower. Peak power comes in at 119bhp at 9,200rpm while maximum torque of 73lb/ft arrives at only 7,750rpm. The engine delivers this torque in a wide range without fuss or any nasty surprises.
The character of the three-cylinder layout remains unfettered but the engine has a seamless polish that provides a perfect counterpoint to the lusty power delivery. The Sprint GT SE has an engine to revel in, to explore and, most of all, to use to the full. It is this powerplant that makes the Sprint GT SE so special, its punchy torque and acceleration making quick overtaking manoeuvres a synch. Its sweet six-speed transmission, fitted with an anti-backlash gear, allows the rider to exploit the engine’s power delivery very effectively.
The Sprint GT SE also offers a superb ride and is brilliantly poised. Because of its slightly softer springing and lower centre of gravity, this Triumph soaks up the ruts and holes we find on our local streets with consummate ease allowing for an assured and confident ride. ABS brakes are now standard equipment and the rear shock spring preload is very easily adjusted using a remote hand control.
VERDICT
Sports tourers have always been regarded as a compromise between comfort and performance, yet this latest 2014 Triumph Sprint GT SE would seem to offer both in abundance in a single electrifying package. This latest version is more than capable of transporting you and your pillion partner down the Autoroute to the South of France in comfort while being equally at home carving through corners and bends on twisty mountain roads.
BIKE: Triumph Sprint GT SE
PRICE: £8,999
ENGINE: 1,050cc 12-valve 3-cylinder inline
SEAT HEIGHT: 830mm
TORQUE: 73lb/ft @ 7,750rpm
WEIGHT: 268kg (wet)
POWER: 119bhp @ 9,200rpm
TANK SIZE: 20 litres