Not sure if a thread for the Trophy has been and gone, indeed I am not sure if the Trophy has arrived in the US yet. I was told (rightly or wrongly) the US launch was going to be sometime in January 2013 so reckoned a few observations might interest those with an inkling to get involved with the marque.
My interest in the Trophy follows a recent effort to find a stable mate or an alternative ride for my Pan, I have tried virtually every large CC machine claiming to have sport / touring credentials. I ride with pillion passenger all of time and have so far tried:
• BMW R1200RT
• BMW R1200GSA
• Honda Crosstourer
• Honda VFR1200
• Kawasaki ZZR1400
• Yamaha FJR1300
• Yamaha Super Tenere
Sadly in one way or another after every test ride and when riding away from the dealer, I am left with no doubt… the Pan is the very best (for two up riding at least) machine for me.
Here are some of my own thoughts on some significant ergos of other machines relative to the Pan.
BMW RT
Better
• Handling though the twisties
• Weight
• Gear changing
Worse
• Engine (torque, speed & vibration)
• Mirrors (not as much information)
• Throttle (finicky and critical)
• Effects of bumpy road surface on throttle hand
• Speed boat like launch off from standstill (front end rises up and back)
• Noise from turbulent wind emanating from the screen
• Annoying lateral kick from engine when accelerating
• General fit and finish
• Has 6 gears
Another consideration worth pondering with the RT is the very many next to new models showing corrosion on the frame at the foot pegs and also on the drive shaft. All in all it’s expensive and infamous for indifferent reliability. Shame really, I think it’s quite a good-looking bike
BMW GSA
Better
• Fuel tank capacity
• High riding position
• Weight
• Gear changing
• Lights
• Luggage capabilities
Worse
• Engine (torque, speed & vibration)
• Throttle (finicky and critical)
• Mirror position
• Effects of bumpy road surface on throttle hand
• Terrible noise from turbulent wind emanating from the screen
• Annoying lateral kick from engine when accelerating
• General fit and finish
• Has 6 gears
• Wind protection during winter
• Turn signal handlebar actuators
Like the RT the frame and other parts are liable to corrode unless all but a very thorough cleaning regime is employed. Reliability issues too. BMW’s are odd in so much that some chug along without any electrical or mechanical problems yet others are cursed with reliability glitches – its just not good enough to have to hope the one your eying up is gonna be okay. I do love the menacing visual appearance though.
Honda Crosstourer
Better
• High riding position
• Weight
• Acceleration
Worse
• Engine vibration (through the pegs, seat and steering)
• Mirrors (unacceptable vibration at any speed)
• Mirror information & position
• Fuel tank capacity
• Throttle (snatchy and critical)
• Slow speed handling
• Handling through the twisties
• Wind protection during winter
• Spongy rear suspension unit (even after stiffening)
• Has 6 gears
It might sound like an odd thing to criticise, but the ignition key barrel is located in quite the strangest position and just a little annoying. The Crosstourer looks ugly too.
Honda VFR
Better
• Acceleration
• Weight
Worse
• Slow speed handling & manoeuvrability (can’t dink it around like the Pan)
• Fuel tank capacity
• Wind protection during winter
• Has 6 gears
• Riding position
• Hard suspension
• Seat (hard and slippery)
• Mirror information
Although there are fewer elements which I find worse, I really dislike this bike as a two-up machine and in essence I would put up with any of the aforementioned bikes’ shortcomings ahead of owning the VFR. I do like its looks though.
Kawasaki ZZR
Better
• Acceleration
• Weight
• Wind noise (eerily quiet)
• Handling through the twisties
Worse
• Slow speed handling & manoeuvrability
• Riding position
• Wind protection during winter
I haven’t mentioned the gears because this bike is capable of reaching insane speeds and clearly needs its 6 gears… in fact I am surprised it doesn’t have 8!
A worthy consideration as a stable mate to the Pan but I just reckon I would be reaching for the Pan’s keys far more often than the ZZR’s.
Yamaha FJR
Better
• Seating of pillion passenger juxtaposition to rider (closer together and level)
• Gear changes (worth mentioning as it is a very very slick change)
• Weight
• Seats (comfort and material)
Worse
• Width of handlebars
• Cramped riding position (legs)
• Engine vibration through the seats
• Pillion passenger kept hearing irritating engine notes at certain speeds
A worthy competitor and alternative to the Pan. I was looking forward to experiencing the “legendary” acceleration and speed of this machine. Whether it because I was as ever with pillion, I initially found the FJR no quicker than the Pan. I did work out pretty quickly that the power bands seem to occur at significantly higher revs than the Pan’s. Once I had worked this out the bike became quite fun. Sadly though the second hand example I tested had worn tyres and such the bike’s handling was clearly compromised as it was nothing like as good as my Pan in the twisties.
The handle bar width is narrow, so much so that the following day (have ridden 70 miles on the FJR) both pectoral muscles ached! I don’t really suppose much can be done about this as there is already quite enough arm and elbow occupying the view in the mirrors. Any more width to the bars and I reckon the mirrors would be rendered pointless.
Build quality seems high although around the cockpit, the materials seem a little delicate and prone to scratching. Nevertheless there is definitely an air of quality about the machine, even the turn signal actuator felt smoother and better to operate.
However good the FJR was, I still felt on a superior machine as I rode away from the dealer on my Pan.
Before purchasing my Pan the FJR was the only other bike I tried. Back then I thought the Pan was just better and I still do.
Yamaha Super Tenere
Better
• Riding position
• Weight
• Gear changes
? Seats and material
Worse
• Acceleration
• Wind protection during the winter
• Awful noise from wind turbulence – origin: the screen
• Has 6 gears
• Front fork diving even under moderate braking
• Footbrake position feels too tucked in to the bike itself
I very nearly bought one of these. The engine although crude sounding is torquey, smooth and pacey. Handling is crisp for the style of machine and is great fun. The bike is well built but the wind noise would have been a real problem – it was just unacceptable. I frequently read on forums people buying machines only to regret they have after spending hundreds trying to cure horrendous turbulence. I won’t be making that mistake.
Triumph Explorer
Better
Apart from weight, from my point of view, I could not actually find anything that was a significant improvement over the Pan. Even the higher seating position didn’t feel quite right. Difficult to put my finger on it… I just felt I was sitting in the middle of the bike. Perhaps not being used this is the reason for objecting.
Worse
• Throttle (“ride by wire” I believe. Operates critically and snatchily)
• Slower speed handling (flops around too much with minimal inputs)
• Wind noise
• Acceleration
• Handlebar width (felt very wide)
• Has 6 gears
The Explorer for me just didn’t feel like a worthy tourer. Strangely, I didn’t find much to fault with the bike its just I got the overwhelming impression it was the type of bike that goes out within a fifty mile radius of home and then is home every night. Not very logical or rational thinking I know but maybe a subconscious routine at work inside my head because I know nothing about Triumph backup and reliability. As a UK resident I should perhaps be flying the flag a little more than this?
The “flopping” around handling was sort of interesting to start with but after time became a nuisance which was far too intrusive. Not sure what causes it, maybe the back tyre is weeny bit too narrow and the centre of gravity a bit high.
I did try a Ducati Multistrada for five minutes…that was about all I could tolerate. The engine causes so much vibration I really couldn’t consider riding that thing for more than thirty miles at a time. Having ridden the Pan for so long I have clearly become snobbish about engine vibration!
What about the Kawasaki GTR1400? Haven’t gone out of my way to find one to ride yet.
To the Trophy:
I went to the launch night which occurred nationwide on 1st November. First impression was how huge the vehicle is. Its size dwarfs the Pan’s legendary on the road presence. Moreover the dealership had a used Pan in their showroom and as I wandered back from it, the Trophy made it look diminutive and insignificant.
Here are a couple of features I noticed which could be a problem and some other observations:
• The rear suspension unit is located very low to the road and I would say vulnerable to muck and grit fling from the rear wheel.
• The panniers are on some kind of rocker system. Considering the thousands of movement this mechanism or material will be subject to on just one ride, it better be good.
• I didn’t sit on the bike, but gauging from the range of blokes who did, I would say slow riding through junctions in rural settings might just challenge the confidence of riders less than 5’ 10”. It’s a big bike and if you are a tad short you might have to put up with deploying the aesthetically uncool practice of putting both feet down when at standstill.
• For me the plastics, fit and general finish isn’t on a par with the Pan.
When I get to ride it I will share my thoughts, although increasingly I am left to believe there is no bike that compares to the ST1300.
Most of the bikes mentioned in this piece boast many more rider aids or comforts which, I have deliberately refrained from mentioning. To me most are unimportant and have no bearing on why I love to ride a bike.
What’s the 6th gear remark all about? Many of you Pan/ST riders will understand, but for those who don’t, go and ride a Pan and enjoy the simplicity of having 5 gears. In the UK with all our delightful rural roads having just 5 gears is a real joy. Only ever use 5th on motorways or dual carriageways.
My interest in the Trophy follows a recent effort to find a stable mate or an alternative ride for my Pan, I have tried virtually every large CC machine claiming to have sport / touring credentials. I ride with pillion passenger all of time and have so far tried:
• BMW R1200RT
• BMW R1200GSA
• Honda Crosstourer
• Honda VFR1200
• Kawasaki ZZR1400
• Yamaha FJR1300
• Yamaha Super Tenere
Sadly in one way or another after every test ride and when riding away from the dealer, I am left with no doubt… the Pan is the very best (for two up riding at least) machine for me.
Here are some of my own thoughts on some significant ergos of other machines relative to the Pan.
BMW RT
Better
• Handling though the twisties
• Weight
• Gear changing
Worse
• Engine (torque, speed & vibration)
• Mirrors (not as much information)
• Throttle (finicky and critical)
• Effects of bumpy road surface on throttle hand
• Speed boat like launch off from standstill (front end rises up and back)
• Noise from turbulent wind emanating from the screen
• Annoying lateral kick from engine when accelerating
• General fit and finish
• Has 6 gears
Another consideration worth pondering with the RT is the very many next to new models showing corrosion on the frame at the foot pegs and also on the drive shaft. All in all it’s expensive and infamous for indifferent reliability. Shame really, I think it’s quite a good-looking bike
BMW GSA
Better
• Fuel tank capacity
• High riding position
• Weight
• Gear changing
• Lights
• Luggage capabilities
Worse
• Engine (torque, speed & vibration)
• Throttle (finicky and critical)
• Mirror position
• Effects of bumpy road surface on throttle hand
• Terrible noise from turbulent wind emanating from the screen
• Annoying lateral kick from engine when accelerating
• General fit and finish
• Has 6 gears
• Wind protection during winter
• Turn signal handlebar actuators
Like the RT the frame and other parts are liable to corrode unless all but a very thorough cleaning regime is employed. Reliability issues too. BMW’s are odd in so much that some chug along without any electrical or mechanical problems yet others are cursed with reliability glitches – its just not good enough to have to hope the one your eying up is gonna be okay. I do love the menacing visual appearance though.
Honda Crosstourer
Better
• High riding position
• Weight
• Acceleration
Worse
• Engine vibration (through the pegs, seat and steering)
• Mirrors (unacceptable vibration at any speed)
• Mirror information & position
• Fuel tank capacity
• Throttle (snatchy and critical)
• Slow speed handling
• Handling through the twisties
• Wind protection during winter
• Spongy rear suspension unit (even after stiffening)
• Has 6 gears
It might sound like an odd thing to criticise, but the ignition key barrel is located in quite the strangest position and just a little annoying. The Crosstourer looks ugly too.
Honda VFR
Better
• Acceleration
• Weight
Worse
• Slow speed handling & manoeuvrability (can’t dink it around like the Pan)
• Fuel tank capacity
• Wind protection during winter
• Has 6 gears
• Riding position
• Hard suspension
• Seat (hard and slippery)
• Mirror information
Although there are fewer elements which I find worse, I really dislike this bike as a two-up machine and in essence I would put up with any of the aforementioned bikes’ shortcomings ahead of owning the VFR. I do like its looks though.
Kawasaki ZZR
Better
• Acceleration
• Weight
• Wind noise (eerily quiet)
• Handling through the twisties
Worse
• Slow speed handling & manoeuvrability
• Riding position
• Wind protection during winter
I haven’t mentioned the gears because this bike is capable of reaching insane speeds and clearly needs its 6 gears… in fact I am surprised it doesn’t have 8!
A worthy consideration as a stable mate to the Pan but I just reckon I would be reaching for the Pan’s keys far more often than the ZZR’s.
Yamaha FJR
Better
• Seating of pillion passenger juxtaposition to rider (closer together and level)
• Gear changes (worth mentioning as it is a very very slick change)
• Weight
• Seats (comfort and material)
Worse
• Width of handlebars
• Cramped riding position (legs)
• Engine vibration through the seats
• Pillion passenger kept hearing irritating engine notes at certain speeds
A worthy competitor and alternative to the Pan. I was looking forward to experiencing the “legendary” acceleration and speed of this machine. Whether it because I was as ever with pillion, I initially found the FJR no quicker than the Pan. I did work out pretty quickly that the power bands seem to occur at significantly higher revs than the Pan’s. Once I had worked this out the bike became quite fun. Sadly though the second hand example I tested had worn tyres and such the bike’s handling was clearly compromised as it was nothing like as good as my Pan in the twisties.
The handle bar width is narrow, so much so that the following day (have ridden 70 miles on the FJR) both pectoral muscles ached! I don’t really suppose much can be done about this as there is already quite enough arm and elbow occupying the view in the mirrors. Any more width to the bars and I reckon the mirrors would be rendered pointless.
Build quality seems high although around the cockpit, the materials seem a little delicate and prone to scratching. Nevertheless there is definitely an air of quality about the machine, even the turn signal actuator felt smoother and better to operate.
However good the FJR was, I still felt on a superior machine as I rode away from the dealer on my Pan.
Before purchasing my Pan the FJR was the only other bike I tried. Back then I thought the Pan was just better and I still do.
Yamaha Super Tenere
Better
• Riding position
• Weight
• Gear changes
? Seats and material
Worse
• Acceleration
• Wind protection during the winter
• Awful noise from wind turbulence – origin: the screen
• Has 6 gears
• Front fork diving even under moderate braking
• Footbrake position feels too tucked in to the bike itself
I very nearly bought one of these. The engine although crude sounding is torquey, smooth and pacey. Handling is crisp for the style of machine and is great fun. The bike is well built but the wind noise would have been a real problem – it was just unacceptable. I frequently read on forums people buying machines only to regret they have after spending hundreds trying to cure horrendous turbulence. I won’t be making that mistake.
Triumph Explorer
Better
Apart from weight, from my point of view, I could not actually find anything that was a significant improvement over the Pan. Even the higher seating position didn’t feel quite right. Difficult to put my finger on it… I just felt I was sitting in the middle of the bike. Perhaps not being used this is the reason for objecting.
Worse
• Throttle (“ride by wire” I believe. Operates critically and snatchily)
• Slower speed handling (flops around too much with minimal inputs)
• Wind noise
• Acceleration
• Handlebar width (felt very wide)
• Has 6 gears
The Explorer for me just didn’t feel like a worthy tourer. Strangely, I didn’t find much to fault with the bike its just I got the overwhelming impression it was the type of bike that goes out within a fifty mile radius of home and then is home every night. Not very logical or rational thinking I know but maybe a subconscious routine at work inside my head because I know nothing about Triumph backup and reliability. As a UK resident I should perhaps be flying the flag a little more than this?
The “flopping” around handling was sort of interesting to start with but after time became a nuisance which was far too intrusive. Not sure what causes it, maybe the back tyre is weeny bit too narrow and the centre of gravity a bit high.
I did try a Ducati Multistrada for five minutes…that was about all I could tolerate. The engine causes so much vibration I really couldn’t consider riding that thing for more than thirty miles at a time. Having ridden the Pan for so long I have clearly become snobbish about engine vibration!
What about the Kawasaki GTR1400? Haven’t gone out of my way to find one to ride yet.
To the Trophy:
I went to the launch night which occurred nationwide on 1st November. First impression was how huge the vehicle is. Its size dwarfs the Pan’s legendary on the road presence. Moreover the dealership had a used Pan in their showroom and as I wandered back from it, the Trophy made it look diminutive and insignificant.
Here are a couple of features I noticed which could be a problem and some other observations:
• The rear suspension unit is located very low to the road and I would say vulnerable to muck and grit fling from the rear wheel.
• The panniers are on some kind of rocker system. Considering the thousands of movement this mechanism or material will be subject to on just one ride, it better be good.
• I didn’t sit on the bike, but gauging from the range of blokes who did, I would say slow riding through junctions in rural settings might just challenge the confidence of riders less than 5’ 10”. It’s a big bike and if you are a tad short you might have to put up with deploying the aesthetically uncool practice of putting both feet down when at standstill.
• For me the plastics, fit and general finish isn’t on a par with the Pan.
When I get to ride it I will share my thoughts, although increasingly I am left to believe there is no bike that compares to the ST1300.
Most of the bikes mentioned in this piece boast many more rider aids or comforts which, I have deliberately refrained from mentioning. To me most are unimportant and have no bearing on why I love to ride a bike.
What’s the 6th gear remark all about? Many of you Pan/ST riders will understand, but for those who don’t, go and ride a Pan and enjoy the simplicity of having 5 gears. In the UK with all our delightful rural roads having just 5 gears is a real joy. Only ever use 5th on motorways or dual carriageways.
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