Cycle World Long-Term Update

CYCLE WORLD Long-Term Update

TRIUMP

SPRINT 900

Long-distance runner

OUR LONG-TERM SPRINT, NOW knocking on 5000 miles, continues to win friends among the CW staff.

One problem has marred the Triumph's stay: rear-brake pads worn down to the metal in less than 2500

miles, scoring the rotor in the process. This happened during a tour along California’s central coast. Luckily, Corbin Triumph in nearby Castroville had a set of pads ($31) and stayed open late until we got there. Later, when we took the bike to our local dealer, South Bay Triumph in Long Beach, for the 3000-mile check ($117), we expected the rotor to be replaced under warranty. Request denied, said Triumph America HQ. This prompted a call to a supervisor, who finally agreed the rotor should be warrantied, though we got the distinct impression the power of the press had something to do with this. Privatecitizen Triumph owners would do well to keep a close eye on pads.

At the same stop, we had South Bay install a set of steel-braided front-brake lines ($180) for a definite improvement in brake feel. Also added was Triumph’s optional set of Givi luggage, an excellent setup, especially at the introductory price of $675 including installation. The stock Bridgestone tires need replacing as the odo hits 5K, but other than that the CW Sprint is good to go.

$9995

SUZUKI

RF600R

Middleweight alternative

IF SUZUKI HAD A RECIPE FOR ITS RF600R, it might go like this: Start with a tasteful perimeter-style frame. Mix in supple suspension, sporty ergonomics, triple-disc brakes and a quick-revving, liquid-cooled inline-Four. Spice with Ferrari Testarossaesque styling and ride aggressively.

The savory result, we've discovered, is a motorcycle that offers responsive handling, solid reliability, convincing performance and standout looks, all for $6399. Besides serving as a popular commuter, our fireball-red long-termer has been to Las Vegas and up the California coast to Cambria and Monterey. Light-effort steering and smooth shifts were noted, but the bike's confining seat-to-footpeg quar ters, smallish gas tank and winged tail section that all but forbids the use of saddlebags drew criticism. -

Which explains some of our test bike's modifications, specifically the Ventura Pack Rack ($207) and the cus tom Corbin saddle ($288). We've also sampled SuperTrapp ($390) and Yosh

imura ($209) slip-on mufflers, Dun lopad brake pads ($32 per set) and Avon AV27 and ST23 tires ($295). We'll cover the details in our 10,000mile Wrap-Up.

$6399

KAWASAKI

CONCOURS

Back in the ring

IT WAS KNOCKED DOWN AND BLOODIED in the first round by an errant four-wheeler. Down, but not out, our long-term Kawasaki Concours, like a punch-drunk prize fighter, courageously pulled itself up from the canvas, but only after some massaging from corner workers.

With 4896 miles on its clock, the Concours was hauled-in for routine maintenance at Champion Motorcycles in Costa Mesa, California. This includ ed a valve adjustment, a fork-tube align ment and the replacement of several missing fairing fasteners, and set us back $265.27 ($225 for labor, $40.27 for parts). Otherwise, nothing out of the ordinary was required, even though the bike was nearly 2000 miles past its suggested service interval.

In spite of its history, our long-termer is holding up well. We've replaced the bike's original-equipment Dunlop K105 and K700 sport radials, which lasted 8000 miles, with ZR-rated Pirelli Dragon GTs ($325). Next on the list are the stock front-brake pads, which are close to their wear limits. Engine vibration and windscreen buffeting remain the biggest complaints. We addressed the latter with a taller-than stock windscreen from Rifle ($139, hardware included). It's a marked improvement, particularly for riders who are more than 6 feet tall.

$8999