Out on the highway, I tried to find out about the other part of Triumph’s plan for the GT. Touring is almost a way of life for many, and the Sprint is billed as a sport touring machine. We often go a hundred kilometres or more just for a coffee and sometimes we like to take a few things with us.

Triumph puts a set of touring cases on the sides of the GT as standard equipment and has an optional top case that will hold a full coverage helmet. Better yet, this is the first top case I’ve heard of that is wired for more than taillights. I could take any of my portable electronic gear and charge it up while on my ride.

There were two options I tried out on a second ride that I quite approved of. Heated grips are not at the top of everyone’s list but riding on cooler mornings becomes very pleasant with them. With the grips turned off, I found that even with my heavy gauntlets, my hands were getting a bit cold. Turn the grips on and comfort returns.

The other option that gets my stamp of approval is a taller windscreen. For those of us who fit in the XL category, our shoulders are wide enough that a considerable amount of us is left hanging in the breeze. During spirited riding, this isn’t a problem because you move around enough on the bike to stay warm, but out on the highway, on a cold day there is little to do except watch the road go by. The bigger screen makes a considerable difference to rider comfort.

Heated grips are not at the top of everyone’s list but riding on cooler mornings becomes very pleasant with them. (Photo: Charles Renny/Moto123.com)

The new GT utilizes the same 1,050cc three-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder that the Speed Triple does. A six speed gearbox is standard as is a wet, multi-plate clutch. At the back, both use a single-sided, aluminum alloy swing arm with an eccentric chain adjuster.

Riding position is altered by repositioning the controls from below the top triple clamp to above. This changes the riding position considerably and necessitates a whole new set of body work. Foot peg positioning is also a bit different, but still retains some of the up and back positioning of an out and out sport bike.

As much as I really enjoyed my ride on the GT, my body size and shape precludes me from rushing right out and placing an order. I have stubby legs and a long body which means a fair amount of my 100 kilograms has to be supported by my arms and wrists on this bike, unless I happen to let the wind do the work, but then I’m speeding.

My son thinks I’m nuts and really likes the bike, but then he is normally proportioned. In a nutshell, the Triumph Sprint GT gets two thumbs up, and no, I’m not going to loan him the money to buy a new bike.

Pros
Very stable while cornering
Comfortable ride
Versatile touring cases

Cons
Could use a taller windscreen (which is optional)