Triumph has launched a sport tourer based on its three-cylinder 1050cc Sprint ST but with a longer, wider and taller aluminium beam perimeter chassis and called it the Sprint GT 1050.
Power has been boosted from 93kW to 97kW thanks to new throttle bodies, an upgraded engine management system and longer, low-slung exhaust plumbing that no longer goes beneath the seat. In its place there is a space for Triumph's accessory U-Lock.
The GT also has an easier-to-use, re-designed centre stand and the rear footpegs and seat have been moved to permit a more dignified and comfortable pillion ride.
Total luggage volume (panniers, top box and magnetic tank bag) has grown from 62 litres to 147 litres - not far of that of a small hatch and more than most roadsters. Sorry, you can't carry a golf bag, but you can charge your cellphone or laptop on the go from a plug in the optional top-box.
High-speed stability has been improved by lengthening the single-sided swing arm by 79.5mm to help add 109mm to the bike's wheelbase. The front forks look like those on the ST but have been re-valved; the all-new rear shock comes with pre-load adjustment easily operated by hand.
The rear wheel, while apparently identical to that of the ST, is a kg lighter; the new brake discs have also shed weight but are 10 percent more efficient thanks to the introduction of better brake-pad material. Anti-lock is standard.
Touring, by definition, means distance so the GT has a 20-litre tank promising 320km between fills, helped by top gear being seven percent taller and the 108Nm of torque being sufficient for comfortable cruising in that gear.
Very few body panels are shared with the ST: just the fuel tank and the lower fairing panels. The headlights are now of a reflector design rather than the projectors of the previous Sprint ST - the result is better light distribution - and the instrument pod is now sharper and more modern but still has the distinctive Triumph three-dial design.
Pricing of the 2011 Triumph Sprint 1050 GT will be around R130 000, depending on exchange rates, while the ST will retail for around R10 000 less. Both are sold with a two year, unlimited distance, warranty and two years' AA membership.
2011 TRIUMPH SPRINT GT SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Cylinders:
Three.
Capacity:
1050cc.
Bore x stroke:
79 x 71.4mm.
Compression ratio:
12.0:1.
Valvegear:
DOHC with four overhead valves per cylinder.
Power:
24kW at 11 000rpm.
Torque:
22Nm at 8200.
Induction:
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel-injection.
Ignition:
Digital electronic.
Starting:
Electric.
TRANSMISSION
Clutch:
Cable-operated multiplate wet clutch.
Transmission:
Six-speed constant-mesh gearbox with final drive by chain.
SUSPENSION
Front:
43mm Showa conventional cartridge forks with duel-rate springs adjustable for preload.
Rear:
Showa monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
BRAKES
Front:
Dual 320mm discs with Nissin four-pot opposed-piston callipers.
Rear:
255mm disc with Nissin twin-piston floating calliper.
TYRES
Front:
120/70 - 17 tubeless.
Rear:
180/55 - 17 tubeless.
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
Wheelbase:
1537mm.
Seat height:
815mm.
Dry weight:
268kg.
FUEL TANK
20 litres.
MANUFACTURER SUPPORT
Two years unlimited distance warranty.
PRICE
R130 000.