2002 Triumph reviews

You better get one now because there are no plans for Triumph to continue this model line in 2004. In my personal opinion this is one of the best looking bikes on the planet and there is not another sport tourer on the market that has the luggage capacity of the Trophy (except maybe the Sprint ST). For the money you can't go wrong with the Trophy. There are a few downs which are easily fixed with a taller screen from Clearview (the stock screen is very noisy) a new seat from Corbin and Gen-Mar bar risers create a very comfortable ride. Show less

I sold a 13 year old Harley and bought a new 02 Trophy, got a rebate and had enough cash left to replace the seat, (Corbin) and install bar risers. I have about 3500 miles on it and we love it. The last BMW I had was an R100RT. Too hot. Current R1150RT was $7000 more than this bike. (Less HP and it still has surge). Jap bikes are great but wouldn't own one.(No Soul)This machine has been reliable, the dealer was great and again I have to say for the money this is a "Best Buy". Just know you're gonna want a seat. The stock one is awfull and a set of Gen-Mar risers gives you a comfortable riding position. Our last trip thru WV was 1200 miles in 4 days. This thing loves curves but will haul ass down the freeway as well and the best thing we noticed is rain protection is excellent. The media has completely missed the boat on a great motorcycle. Show less

I bought my TBA in June of 2002 and have been riding for most of two seasons. After more than 14K miles (and two spills), I've got no complaints with the bike. It handles very well, has moderate power and acceleration, and is relatively simple to maintain. I've outfitted mine with forward pegs and a small windscreen, and as might be inferred from the mileage I've put on it, I have had no problems staying comfortable on long trips. I've ordered and will be installing a tach on it because, give the low noise pipes, I too often lose track of whether or not I'm in 5th gear. Finally, there are so few of these things on the road that it's an easy conversation starter. I was going to upgrade to something bigger and *better* next year, but given the difference in price, the TBA is a great value so I've decided to stay with it a little longer. Show less

Have owned this bike for 16 months and found it to be a great value for money cruiser -exhausts do need to be modified to get that Triumph of old sound. Great reto look with generous chrome finish - traditional carburetor adds to the nostalgia. Could do with a tachometer stock purchase. Felt as though there needed to be another gear once in 5th. Once you get it up to 90 mph plus you really do feel like your moving and catching the wind. Good to see the availability of after market accessories. Show less

Bought my bike in spring of '03. One test ride sold me. I should say that I have always had cruiser type bikes,and this my first sport-sport/tourer. I wanted something for trips as well as day rides. So far at about 2500 miles on the bike,i have to say i couldn't have done better.Spent 5 days of vacation cruising the Blue Ridge and even ran the famous "Dragon". This thing does it all. Fuel mileage isn't what i expected,about 33mpg,and the seat doesn't do the bike justice. Show less

Let's start with STYLING. Unlike the majority of the latest Japanese bikes, it does not look like a stealth fighter. However, form follows function, and neither the TT600 nor the "stylish" Jap bikes can fly, so who cares? The TT600 has only a few decals to begin with; I removed the large TTs on mine to give it an even cleaner look. Anyone who thinks the TT is "dated" should take a look at an original Ducati 916. Believe me, the 916 looks great and always will; the TT looks better. In fact, park a TT600 somewhere, particularly the yellow one, and you'll soon find a bird (British for girl) sitting on it. It's a chick magnet. Yes, the finish is too soft. My Honda magnetic tankbag actually leaves small fabric marks in the paint after a day of riding. They wax out, but it's annoying. Engine performance is marginal at first, but it improves with mileage. Also, the addition of a Remus oval titanium race can makes an obvious improvement; the Triumph race can is good, too, but it's heavier. The K&N filter helps a bit, too. After break-in service at 1015 miles, my TT600 gave 102 rear-wheel hp on a Dynajet. I have heard that a Power Commander will yield even more. Handling is superb. Fiddling with the stock preload settings was required because I weigh 220 pounds (but I'm cutting back on the beer). Another line or two of preload got me dragging a knee on the stock B010 Bridgestones. The TT600 will stick with an Aprilia Mille in any curve, and is able to pull a little distance on it in really tight curves: i.e., 1st or 2nd gear stuff. I was especially impressed by a these particular qualities. First, the TT does not mind changing lines in a curve. Second, trail braking is cool right down to about 40 degrees of lean angle. Third, you can brake in a turn without the bike standing up. Of course, you need a little more countersteer, but not a whole lot - it's almost mental. Easier, in fact, than the aforementioned Aprilia. Fourth, the bike is so responsive that you have to relearn turning if you're currently riding a liter-class bike or other heavier two-wheeler. I got off an Aprilia and onto the TT, and immediately started oversteering at the same speeds. Go figure that one. Recommendation: tape over the digital speedometer. Otherwise the speeds you can hold in the corners will scare the crap out of you! Reliability and maintainability - the bike is simple and easy to work on. The tech manual is great; buy (or steal) one. The lack of unnecessary body and trim panels contributes to easy access. I've got a 2000 F4, and the TT600 is way easier to work on. don't mention my BMW K1200RS. Examples - time to change the air filter: 10 minutes (includes one cup of coffee). Oil and filter change: 25 minutes. Install a fender eliminator: 2 hours (includes one coffee and two beers). Overall quality: except for the slightly soft finish, I found no flaws on the bike. Everything was done perfectly, the assembly was flawless, every piece fit exactly, and the little bike ran without problem from the first mile on the odometer. Price: Should be the same as or cheaper than the Big Four to give new owners an incentive. Triumph needs to contribute a little more to US political campaigns and get the duty reduced just like the Japs have done with theirs. Only downside: It's not Japanese, so the majority of the US motorcycle press automatically slights it just like they did with Ducati twenty years ago or Aprilia four years ago. End. Show less

This is my second Triumph. First was a '98 Legend TT. That was fun. This Triple is Scary Fun!! All you have to do is twist the throttle in any gear and you are off to the races. I put Powermax underseat exhaust to show off that big meat of a back tire. Got rid of the micky mouse mirrors for some Rhizoma ones. Can't see out of them but who cares what's behind you on the Triple!?!?! Show less

I've put 8,000 miles on my 2001 Sprint RS over the past 9 months. Since my car died four months ago, its been a daily driver and my only transportation. With the factory rear trunk it's a fantastically flexible machine. Great torque for the real world, not too heavy, nimble in traffic, more top end than any sane person needs on the street. I've taken several 700 mile trips on it and am extremely satisfied. Wish it had self-cancelling turn signals and a ram-air system to let it breathe cooler. Otherwise no faults, would buy another one in a heartbeat. Show less

Purchased my new Triumph America in April 2003. Though the weather here in the east has been poor riding weather (to put it nicely), my time spent on the bike has been a dream. Great ride, and lots of compliments on the looks and the sound (I put on Bub's "Dresser Dogs" silencers). The forward controls let you hang back and cruise, though a little more forward adjustment would be nice as my legs are long. The seat fits your backside well and I hear it gets better as it breaks in. I would have liked better riding pegs, a metal front fender and dash, but I can take a little plastic and the peg issues with no problem as I purcahsed grips and pegs from Ma's cycle. The bike is well ballanced and handles great on the back roads and the highway. It has a lot going for it, and I am positive that I could not have made a better choice in a cruiser. Finally, it is nice to have a bike that not everyone else is ridding. Far and few between, but that is all the better. Get one, you will not be disapointed that's for sure. Show less

Rode a Yamaha 1100 for 20 years - Now that I have the Trumpy, I dont know how I survived!! Great Handling, nice finish. Minus side - no self cancelling indicators, low fuel light, helmet lock & centre stand. King/queen seat is essential for long trips. Will add "competition" silencers for the Triumph sound - and to get rid of the high pitched whistle it does when backing off under compression. Im very happy! Lots of admiration from older generation ex-Triumph owners. Show less