2001 Triumph Sprint RS

I don’t normally like to brag, well no more than the next man. But I’ll make an exception in this case. I’m a Lucky b**tard!! I know you don’t want to hear it and you’re likely to dismiss it anyway, but I think I’ve found my ideal bike. Given there are ” different strokes ” for ” different folks ” and ” horses for courses ” , my Sprint RS is as close to perfection as I’m likely to get. But don’t tell every one; it’s a secret.

I’d been living in that horrible state of limbo, of wanting another bike but not knowing what. Reading magazine and MCN bike reviews from cover to cover and being left even more confused. Ideally another Sports Tourer – I’ve lived the crotch-rocket/race rep fantasy for the previous 10 years and now I’m all growed-up! I also want a Triumph (which narrowed my choice a bit). A Daytona was an option, but an ST or RS would be even better suited to my needs (commuting, touring & scratching; not necessarily in that order). With a budget of £2000, plus my ’93 Trophy (about £1600) I started out on search for the Golden Fleece (yes, my name is Jason). I was told about a Lucifer orange (the devil rides a bike?) RS for sale. Two brothers who buy and sell damaged bikes, just around the corner from me (bought a NC30 off them).

So, that night I went to look, ” honestly love I won’t be long ” . Two hours later and I’d shook his hand; left side-panel heavily scraped but with only 2000 miles and mint I reckon I’d got a bargin for £3600!!!

I’ve been smiling like a pig-in-pooh for over a month now and this morning it got even better (nothing to do with the wife!) but the V5 just came back and it was first registered in March 2001, so it’s less than 18 months old. I’m recommending the RS to everyone I speak to – even if they don’t ride. I think it’s that good. Engine (unique), brakes (powerful), style (sleek but butch), riding position (very Firestormish), handling (planted and predictable) and it’s British – which makes me feel kinda warm inside! I’ve done 190 miles on a tank of go-go juice (twice), I’ve used the torque to slingshot up the inside of smaller (racer) bikes and I’ve used the bikes size and presence to stop preoccupied car drivers from squashing me. Every other bike I’ve seen since makes me smirk a really smug, contented smile – verging on evil. . The RS is so underrated, which makes me even smugger. Doesn’t it feel so good to know you’re suited; very satisfying. So, now I spend my time planning our future together. Where to go, who to take, how to get there etc…….Oh bliss!!