Kawasaki 1400 GTR

1400 GTR - All Models => 1400GTR Discussion => Topic started by: Dmcfadyen on February 17, 2014, 08:08:46 PM

Title: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: Dmcfadyen on February 17, 2014, 08:08:46 PM
Hi, I've had the GTR 3 years now and can feel that old thing starting again, 'might change the bike' Nothing wrong with my GTR, almost as new condition only 9000 miles. A dealer near me has two Trophy's for sale, just wondering if anyone has had a test ride and can offer a comparison before I take a closer look. I know it won't be as powerful as the GTR but the reviews on You tube say it handles really well and I know it's very well equiped. I have the 2009 GTR so no heated grips / traction control. I makes no sense to change my bike but, you know what it's like, once that wee notion gets a hold.

Thanks, Donald
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: Charlie747 on February 17, 2014, 08:18:49 PM
Hi Donald

I think Winston could be your man to answer this one.................I'm sure he'll be along later   :smiley:
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: O.C. on February 17, 2014, 08:25:22 PM
Donald you don't say which year the Trophy's are but this review might be of interest

In my opinion they are a bit old fashioned, but I've never ridden one so can't comment with any authority 
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: Dmcfadyen on February 17, 2014, 08:38:25 PM
2013 Trophy 1200 SE
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: bacaruda on February 18, 2014, 08:50:59 AM
I had the Trophy as an alternative to my next/first touring bike and tried it out in sept last year. (also tested FJR1300, Honda ST1300, Triumph Explorer, Yamaha Super tenere 1200, Moto Guzzi California 1400 and BMW R1200GS) Found it to be comfortable and a good 2 up bike. The handling was as good as the GTR (without pushing it to hard) But it didn't put nearly the same smile on my face as the GTR so choosing the Kwack was a nobrainer at least for me. The engine doesn't run as smoth as the GTR (some call that caracter, I call it less refined.) and it doesn't pull nearly as hard. The thing that I found most disturbing was the rather loud transmission. To noisy for my liking.
I liked the specs but the bike fell short after riding it. But thats just my opinion.
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: pasini510 on February 18, 2014, 05:42:29 PM
Hi Donald
Iwas poking around the Trophy forum and noticed that owners had had alott of warrenty problems from ticking engines ,bad ECU ect.
I sure like the looks of it though.You may want to check that out before Buying one.
Andre
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: Winston Smith on February 18, 2014, 09:38:33 PM
Trophy?  Fine bike - if you're a Trumpet fan or just going on to big tourers.

Engine.  Great motor but you have to be aware of it's difference to an inline four!
Goes well, but needs to be ridden hard to get the best out of it.  Does sort of defeat the object of lazy touring.

Handling.  Good but not brilliant.  Better again when ridden harder.  Needs suspension set up firm as it will go and is definitely better two up than solo.  Seems to settle the bike down better.

Quite a tall bike and quite top heavy, even when moving (again better at speed)

The ergonomics are horrendous.  Whoever designed the switch gear must have had ape like thumbs and dexterity.

The cruise control needs absolute precision to switch on and adjust.  SLightest movement of (fly by wire) throttle unsets it.  It is horrendous!  The radio is so far from the grip (due to the switch gear) that it is almost impossible to reach.

All in all it is an OK bike, but not a patch on other big tourers.  I thought of it as an imitation Rolex.  Looks and feels great, carries out the same functions and is OK to those who can't tell the difference.  The innards work just as well, but you will always know it's not the real thing.

Good machine, worth considering and it does grow on you, but don't test an RT or you will see the difference between real thing!

Bear in mind it is more tourer than sport, unlike the GTR and is aimed more at the RT's market.
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: O.C. on February 19, 2014, 08:12:06 AM
The latest incarnation of the RT is, in my humble opinion, a good looking machine, I wonder if it rides as well as it looks.....Chris ? 
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: Lonewolf on February 19, 2014, 08:25:55 AM
At the end of the day though if you have a desire to have a dabble with another bike, you should give it a whirl.
Title: Re: 2013 Triumph Trophy 1200
Post by: Dmcfadyen on February 19, 2014, 09:23:28 AM
Thanks all. Not filled with confidence. My bike is a cracker . I think ill hold onto it for this summer anyway. Thanks for the comments