trumpy 955i ?

[froggyfrenchman]

Hey guys.

I am thinking quite seriously about getting a Triumph 955i RS in the next few months. This bike has really taken me, however i havnt ridden one yet and would like to know everything you guys can tell me on the subject. Looking at getting a '01-'04 model.

Heres a sample of what im looking at.

Cheers guys
Dan

[MSTRS]

Single-sided swing arm??

[hXc]

No, looks like double sided.

But too flash for your hillbilly-ness:shake: *Runs and hides*

Nice looking bike though

[froggyfrenchman]

3 pots and "made in England"

What more could you ask for?

And yes, i do beleive they are single sided swingers

[Bonez]

Hey guys.

I am thinking quite seriously about getting a Triumph 955i RS in the next few months. This bike has really taken me, however i havnt ridden one yet and would like to know everything you guys can tell me on the subject. Looking at getting a '01-'04 model.

Heres a sample of what im looking at.

Cheers guys
DanThey ride like they're on rails. Be prepared to fork out big money if you damage it though. A replacement headlight costs around a grand...........................

[froggyfrenchman]

No, looks like double sided.

But too flash for your hillbilly-ness:shake: *Runs and hides*

Nice looking bike though

My hillbilly ass might just luck into getting one for bout 6K:bleh:

[froggyfrenchman]

right. ugly headlight protectors are on the shopping list...

[Bonez]

right. ugly headlight protectors are on the shopping list...
They're double sided swing arm btw.

[froggyfrenchman]

thanks bones.

[Big Dave]

They're double sided swing arm btw.

Most - but not all of them - there are a few 2003 or 4 models with single sided swingarms. They appeared at the end of the model run.
Nice bikes.

[Bonez]

thanks bones.You're welcome. A stepson had one. Fell off the road a few times but still goes/handles well according to the new owner. Of course it's now painted the standard aftermarket matt black and doubles as a stealth fighter ;).

[froggyfrenchman]

Most - but not all of them - there are a few 2003 or 4 models with single sided swingarms. They appeared at the end of the model run.
Nice bikes.

Thought I was going crazy for a minute there... Im sure I saw a single sided '04 just last Saturday!

Acording to all the write ups ive seen, they have hell brakes and unbeleivable handling. The only down side ive seen was some found the engine to be lacking in chracter, due to the constant torquey pull without geting to any point it seems to "get up and go".

Any comments?

[Scouse]

Hey guys.

I am thinking quite seriously about getting a Triumph 955i RS in the next few months. This bike has really taken me, however i havnt ridden one yet and would like to know everything you guys can tell me on the subject. Looking at getting a '01-'04 model.

Heres a sample of what im looking at.

Cheers guys
DanNah this is what you realy want

[Bonez]

Thought I was going crazy for a minute there... Im sure I saw a single sided '04 just last Saturday!

Acording to all the write ups ive seen, they have hell brakes and unbeleivable handling. The only down side ive seen was some found the engine to be lacking in chracter, due to the constant torquey pull without geting to any point it seems to "get up and go".

Any comments?Ignor the press. They know fuck all. Take the thing for a ride. They've got get up and go alright. "Character" is a subjective thing. It seems anything that doesn't vibrate bolts out of their mounts is deemed lacking in character ;).

[SixPackBack]

If my disc fusion does not settle down I may be joining you Froggy..would be interested to know how they go as well

[froggyfrenchman]

The reason that i apeart so set on this particular model is, my parents are going to tour europe next month, they will be buying a late model triumph over there to tour on, then bringing it back here where it will become mine for sweet FA.

So the step father and i have talked at great legnth at which model to get, and the fact my mum has to sit on the back of the thing for 2 months has affected the purchase, moving it slightly away from super sports to real sporty tourer.

[Motig]

TWO magazine Feb 2006 (the english mag) has an article about used Sprints. Sounds good to me:ride:

[Big Dave]

Thought I was going crazy for a minute there... Im sure I saw a single sided '04 just last Saturday!

Acording to all the write ups ive seen, they have hell brakes and unbeleivable handling. The only down side ive seen was some found the engine to be lacking in chracter, due to the constant torquey pull without geting to any point it seems to "get up and go".

Any comments?

The 03 and 04 sprints are the 3rd generation 955i motor. Good solid engines and capable of pushing well into the 200kph range. Good flex free frames, nissin brakes, and easy ergos and the beauty of the triple. Revs like a 4 - torque of a twin.
Characterless - bullshit - stick a micron & power commander on it and it'll rark right up.

If it's got more than 20,000km on it the shock will most likely be rooted.
No issues or recalls that I can remember other than some might have has a wheel bearing replaced, but i'm not sure - they also replaced some plastic fuel line connectors on some 955i s.

Good solid motorcycle and even gets you free RAT membership now for a good bunch of blokes to ride with.

[froggyfrenchman]

Thats the very artical that swayed us to thinking along the Sprint lines....

[froggyfrenchman]

will keep an eye on the shock if i do end up getting one (quite likely)

Whats RAT?

[Scouse]

will keep an eye on the shock if i do end up getting one (quite likely)

Whats RAT?the secret society

[froggyfrenchman]

Come on, let me in on the secret! i already own one triumph! Just check my profile, ive got a '51 thunderbird

[Scouse]

Come on, let me in on the secret! i already own one triumph! Just check my profile, ive got a '51 thunderbirdRiders Association of Triumph

[froggyfrenchman]

ooooooh... exclusive

[Scouse]

ooooooh... exclusiveNot realy they let me in so they must let anyone in

[Big Dave]

ooooooh... exclusive

Not really - welcomes all comers.
Gets you a discount at the dealers, a magazine, a monthly ride and a monthly social night.
Calendar is at
www.triumphnz.co.nz

follow the RAT links and also check the gallery for the hijinx.

dc

[enigma51]

One of the guys at work had one i think it was a earlier model than the one you looked at but similiar kms on it. Took it for a ride the one day and hated it. Gutles no power anywhere it actualy felt weaker than the Gixxer (k3 600) and for a almost 1000cc motorcycle i was expecting some go. Ride position was alright the pilion seat is almost on the same level so would be great with a pilion but the lack of go stand out like a sore thumb and this thing had after market exhaust and power commander. The other characteristic of it was the over heating the fan kicked in about 10 min after setting of and no I was not in standing still traffic. Would I buy one nope definitly not one of my favourites actualy it put me off all truimphs and there is some good looking ones.

In saying all this its my thoughts on it. I also know of people that swears by them so the best advice i can give you take one for a spin and if you like it well .... you know what to do

[froggyfrenchman]

Yeah, i really do need to go for a thrash on one. My stepfather took one for a fang, he reconed it was amazing, if a little reserved. I trust his judgment, just wanted to get a few more opinions

[MSTRS]

Someone here mentioned a bearing issue. That was my reason for mentioning the swingarm. Only guy I know who owned one, had a collapsed bearing that could have been lethal, but was definitely expensive. About $1500 IIRC

[froggyfrenchman]

i get bearings at trade prices and can have them custom made to any size shape and stregnth

[MSTRS]

In his case it fucked the hub too.

[froggyfrenchman]

bugger. will have to keep that in mind!

[2much]

Yeah I've ridden one of these.

Would agree with that article wrt the suspension and the brakes. The suspension is very good and proof that a good set of RWU's can match any USD's.

The brakes are great but will take some getting used to. They have alot of travel and if you brake with your 2 inside fingers you may find yourself crushing your outer fingers, this is easily solved using the lever adjuster and eventually you'll swear by them. The length of travel helps to give a huge amount of feel. When you're used to them most Jap brakes will feel like wood.

However I disagree with the comment on the engine. I love the triple, it's got the low rev torque of a twin but you are rewarded with heaps of power when you rev the shit out of it. A very fun yet versatile engine. Great for powering out of corners and oooohhhh that sound!!! They sound incredible with a pipe.

The sprint is a heavy bike being a sports/tourer, however you can throw it around quite well. Spacious and comfy too, you could do alot of k's easily, although the pillion may need a stretch a little more frequently than you.

Only complaints would be the price of spare parts, don't break it! And the area inside the nosecone around the gauges seemed very rough and unfinished.

They are love or hate looks, and personally I sway more towards the hate side. But if a sportsbike rider who doesn't think much of the looks has such high regard for it then that's got to tell you something.

Goodluck!


Edit: Correct me if I'm BD but you only get free year's RAT membership if you buy a NEW triumph.

[Big Dave]

Edit: Correct me if I'm BD but you only get free year's RAT membership if you buy a NEW triumph.


I *think* the rules have changed only just lately - membership is now free if you own a Hinckley.

The wheel bearing thing is not a common issue (like the ducatis eg). I wouldn't worry about it - I had same trouble with a suzuki - just a oncer.

The Triple is a lovely motor 115 horsepower in all the right places. Sprint RS Reserved? - bullshit - whoever just weren't flogging it hard enough.

[2much]

Got the latest issue of Torque sitting here so had a flip thru it and you're right. Been that way since December.

[froggyfrenchman]

cheers for all the info guys... now i just hope that the folks end up buying one... (they seem to be swaying towards BMWs again.)

[Big Dave]

cheers for all the info guys... now i just hope that the folks end up buying one... (they seem to be swaying towards BMWs again.)

two world wars and one world cup doo dah doodah
two world wars and one world cup doo dah doodah

[froggyfrenchman]

classic dave! i find the bmws great for touring, but cant afford a really sporty one (ie boxer cup) Would much rather have another trumpet

[vifferman]

I had an article somewhere at home, Alan Cathcart interviewing a guy in Italy that makes custom Triumphs, and he (the Italian) reckoned the Sprint RS was the pick of the bunch, and quite underrated.

[enigma51]

The Triple is a lovely motor 115 horsepower in all the right places. Sprint RS Reserved? - bullshit - whoever just weren't flogging it hard enough.

115 horses for a 955cc motorcycle is pretty low for a sports bike but then again the truimph is more of tourer.

I think the main thing that is showing is that everyone has different tastes (Not all of us can be perfect and buy a suzuki! :corn: ) the only way to find out if you like it is to take it for a spin. Put it this way you like the bike already otherwise you would have not asked its just question of will it meet up to your expectations!

[2much]

115 horses for a 955cc motorcycle is pretty low for a sports bike but then again the truimph is more of tourer.

I think the main thing that is showing is that everyone has different tastes (Not all of us can be perfect and buy a suzuki! :corn: ) the only way to find out if you like it is to take it for a spin. Put it this way you like the bike already otherwise you would have not asked its just question of will it meet up to your expectations!

Yeah but it's a triple so it's got shitloads of torque to make up for the lack of peak HP.

[Big Dave]

Yeah but it's a triple so it's got shitloads of torque to make up for the lack of peak HP.


And 115 is plenty, if you value your licence anyway.
It's a nice nimble bike that does everything pretty well.

I just pulled that figure out of memory too - best be checked. shortly.

[Highlander]

Liked the look of them before, after reading this I just gotta take one for a stropp.

[WINJA]

they sound good with an after market exhaust

[pritch]

The Feb issue BIKE has a test of a used '99 955i.

They say its a wonderful road bike "devestatingly effective for slicing across the landscape of its native land"

"even hitting bumps at full lean can't shift the Daytona off line. Good brakes too. Of course oil tanker immovability does mean fast changes in direction are not a specialty."

"later bikes ( June 2001 onwards) lack the feeling of being a whole that the earlier models have. Chasing peak power and fiddling with the suspension in a bid to keep it in touch with developing Japanese counterparts created a machine that now feels confused. <snip> It is not a dedicated sports bike , but has lost some all-round appeal in thinking that it is."

In their little summary at the bag of the mag they say,
"no fireblade but not half bad either."

If only you could get the folks to tour the 675 ...

[cowpoos]

TL1000s..........you know you want one........