Triumph Sprint ST & GSX650f by Chris

Background.

Ok, so as I sat down and planned out my mid-life crisis I thought that it was time for me to get that motorcycle I’ve been wanting for so long.

You see them every spring, dancing around in the sun, sporty, quick and nimble. I’ve always looked on from my car window, usually taking my kids from one place to another or some other family man related activity, doing my duty. Secretly, or not so secretly longing to be “out there”.

So, the decision was made and I figured that buying at the end of the season would improve my chances of getting a good deal. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to ride as much due to the weather, but saving money was important, especially on a first bike.

I considered used, but for what I was starting to look at, I was concerned about the break in period, maintenance and abuse (stunting and what not). You see, I was first looking at something like a 2007-08 Honda CBR600rr since it had a slightly higher bar and was improved for road use. But, I figured I’d look new after I checked into the local used markets and found the price difference this time of year was not that significant.

Off to the dealer.

I hit a local dealer and walked the show room. I found the Honda I was looking for and like how light it felt. It looked great too. Next to it was a Honda 919 which drew my attention. How great looking is that? It’s a naked street-fighter kind of thing, but when I sat on it, I wasn’t sure about the weight (this is funny because what I ended up with actually weighs a little more).

But, this my first stop so I wanted to keep moving.

Finding the right bike

A co-worker (Jay) suggested a dealer that he really liked (Renton Motorcycle (RMC as it’s known)) so I thought I’d try to get up there. It’s a bit of a drive, so it took me a little while to coordinate going up there, but I made it a couple weeks later. I wandered around a bit and was immediately drawn to the Suzuki GSX 650f. It was sporty, but you could see the height difference in the bars.

I had been corresponding with a salesman (Brett) via email and walked in and met up with him. Taking me at my word, he wanted to take me to the Hondas, but I stopped him and said, listen to what I think I want and who I am and you tell me what you think would be good. He then took my right to the same Suzuki!

I was sold on it when he told me about the fuel injection and the “start it and ride” characteristic of this bike. I don’t want to mess around with a choke and fuel stability issues, I just want to ride. I sat on it, felt the balance and just loved the fit (I’m 5′-10″ with a 32 inseam and a “wing span” of about 6′).

Decisions decisions.

I left with a brochure and a lot to think about. This was not the bike I had intended, but it was a brand I like a lot (just based upon looks mind you). Something about Gixxers. I did lots of research and found that this was the bike for me.

So, we went in and picked it up.

I had a friend of mine (Dr Ken) drive it home for me and for the next two weeks I rode it around the neighbourhood or so every day.

Riding first impressions

Having only ridden a buddies bike twenty years ago I was not sure what to expect. I was a competitive cyclist for years, but this was five hundred pounds of go fast. Surprisingly I just settled in. No balance issues like I feared. The brakes are very predictable and the throttle, while being a little “on or off” was not vicious.

I practised starting a lot and found quickly that I was able to do it pretty well. I stalled mainly when pressured. You know, at a light of stop sign with cars watching you.

I will confess, that on day two at a start into a left turn I did stall it, which, with the bars turned and the bike leaned to the left caused me to fight the bike from dropping. I ended up struggling with it all the way to the ground and finally set it down, breaking the end off my clutch lever (I’ve got one on order, but have since ridden it like that for over eight hundred miles).

Second and third impressions

I have taken a safety course and procured my endorsement and have been riding further and longer each time. I have a couple of nice sized semi-rural routes which offers some straight cruising and some twisty stuff too.

The bike is great. Getting through the early break in period required keeping the rpms down, but on this bike it’s no big deal because it has all sorts of pull down low.

It responds to rider input pretty well (in terms of cornering and basic agility), and I am convinced that any issues I could relay are, in fact, me and not the bike. I ride around two hours at a time and find that I am getting a little tired on the way back. The clutch starts to feel a little heavy, but I think I just need to man up a little bit.

Final thoughts

I am looking forward to the dry season to really get out and play in the twisties a little bit and want to find places to get out and go.