I got into Moto-Camping 15 years ago, or so. I had a lovely bike, a Triumph America. The America is a cruiser style bike, this one was in beautiful cherry red, everywhere I went I got comments on it, lots of people wanted to talk to me about the old triumph they used to have. One bloke told me that the Ducati he was going to get was much better than the Triumph I actually have. Alright, mate?
The America was certainly a beauty, however there were some issues that made me start looking for a new ride.
1. My feet would sometimes scrape the road while banking into a corner.
2. The buffering from the wind at speeds over 60mph was intense.
3. Carburetors and the dark magic it takes to keep them balanced and working.
Enter the Oh Best Beloved, The Much Loved, Sprinty.
Sprinty is a 2005 Triumph Sprint 1050 ST. Fast, beautiful, comfortable (to a degree) and fuel injected. She has a full fairing for wind protection, a sport touring riding position with ground clearance for aggressive cornering and a rocket launcher exhaust that makes the most wonderful noises!
Sprinty and I had many wonderful adventures. We explored the mountain roads of Northern California for many years. When me and My Mate Chris did our Alaska trip, Sprinty was up for it and Chris fell in love with her too. She served us so well on that trip. When it comes to a twisty road on a moto adventure there are not many bikes that are as capable and exciting as a Triumph Sprint.
I am married. I love my wife and will only ever love this one woman for the rest of my life! I am not married to a motorcycle. It may be that I will love many motorcycles in my life. It is time for me to love another bike.
When it comes to a twisty road on a moto adventure, there are not many bikes better than a Sprint. But there are some. There is one in particular that may be the best in it’s class. A motorcycle with the riding position of an adventure bike and the engine of a sports bike. There is a bike that I have wanted for many years….
So I have said goodbye to The Much Loved, made my apologies to My Mate Chris and moved on to form a new relationship, hopefully a new love, with this 2016 BMW s1000xr. I hope Scott, (65 year old former racer) enjoys riding The Much Loved as much as I have done.
Thank you Sprinty. Thank you for all the miles of exhilaration and fun.
Thank you.