Remembering the 2011 Triumph GT Sprint

In 2011, Triumph GT Sprint introduced an evolved version of the Sprint Sport Tourer paving the way for a motorcycle that offered increased cargo space and a more comfortable ride without losing much of its sportier edge. this model featured a wheelbase that was measured at 60.5 inches, which was longer than its previous 57.3 inches. This new, longer design also made the GT Sprint heavier by sixty pounds and a curb weight increase by ten percent. With a full fuel tank, the overall weight of this bike was 591 pounds. This retuned version still kept the fuel-injected three-cylinder engine but now at an increased horsepower from 123 to 128. Torque also increased, now at 6,300 revs per minute at 79.7 ft-lbs. This redesign saw the GT Sprint behave as a touring motorcycle as opposed to a sport-touring version. Despite this, the new lineup was still able to perform as a Sportster, something which Triumph still wanted to ensure GT Sprint units were able to achieve.

The Bike

The mechanical improvements made also included a stainless steel side-mounted muffler as Triumph opted to move away from the three-pipe under-seat exhaust. This decision was met with mixed reactions by critics as some preferred the sportier design. The improved saddle for riders also provided better comfort and had a greater reach for the handlebars compared to larger sport-touring models coming from manufacturers like Yamaha but its relatively tall seat allowed better ergonomics as well as better legroom. Finished in a black alloy, the perimeter frame also featured black accents, giving the 2011 Triumph GT Sprint a tasteful appearance that won the favor of critics and motorcycle fans alike. Overall, the ride was plush and was effectively deflecting wind to shoulder height while in travel. The single-sided cast alloy swingarm featured an eccentric chain adjuster.

From the front of the bike to the back, castings, machined bits, hardware, and overall fit was a pleasing sight to the eye. The 2011 Triumph GT Sprint featured four-pot calipers that clamped 320-millimeter rotors and had a matching dual-piston rear caliper, squeezing the 255-millimeter rotor. However, the long reach to the front brake served as a bit of a challenge among some riders but did deliver great feedback when applied. Despite this particular shortcoming, there was a slight favor for the Sprint’s 5.3-gallon fuel tank as it allowed approximately two hundred miles of travel when riding casually. However, more aggressive solo riders experienced a deduction of thirty miles from that mark but this wasn’t seen as a bad thing as the bike’s overall performance level still counted where it mattered.

According to Reviews

When Motorcycle reviewed Triumph’s 2011 GT Sprint, they weren’t shy to bring up what they liked and disliked. In regards to headlights, while it was agreed the halogen setup was an improvement, it wasn’t enough to generate anything more than a moderate nod of approval. As a high-speed touring bike capable of offroad travel, critics felt there should this was something that should have been better thought through as there was sufficient technology already in place at that time. It was actually recommended by critics like Motorcycle should any buyer be interested to own a 2011 Triumph GT Sprint they may want to consider auxiliary headlight arrangements as a finishing touch to improve upon its ability to ride around in the dark and on back roads. This, along with other critiqued issues, were (and still are) solvable by making certain modifications to improve upon the original design of this particular model of motorbike.

As an off-roader, it was seen as something of mediocrity. However, its performance on the open road seemed to be where this style of Triumph’s motorcycle was at its best. As one of the most unique motorcycles of its time, 2011’s Triumph GT Sprint produced enough torque to loft into first gear with a snap of the throttle. From low to moderate speeds, the exhaust’s noise shifts from burbling to authoritative, serving as a buzzier version than Honda’s VFR1200F models that were released around the same time. In handling, the bike’s turn-in response was quick, regardless of speed, and proved to be considerably more agile than its competitors. The aggressive chassis of the sleeker Sprint encouraged riders to whip around this bike as if they just robbed it clean off a dealership’s lot. At this time, these bikes were the cat’s meow among motorcycle enthusiasts who loved that feeling of freedom on the road. What was among the biggest appeal of the GT Sprint was the bike’s chain drive as it became less of a liability for riders.

This allowed long-distance travelers to bring down the centralized kickstand to lube the X-ring chain as it was needed and move on. Among aggressive riders, this chain maintenance is worth the effort for a better ride, causing the GT Sprint to be so highly favored. The highway performance of the GT Sprint matched Triumph’s ST models in performance levels, thanks to the bike’s increased weight due to its longer wheelbase and other features. The performance technology poured into this particular style of motorcycle, left the rider feeling like they were on an airplane, riding along the stretch of the open road. When these bikes were first released they became a quick fan favorite. Over time, even a decade later, some of these blue-hued machines are still zipping up and down the road. When these bikes first came out they started at the base price of $13,199 USD.

About Triumph

Triumph Motorcycles Ltd is a privately owned motorcycle manufacturer that was first established by John Bloor in 1983 after it went into receivership as Triumph Engineering. Prior to this, Triumph has been in the industry of producing motorcycles since 1902 and now has major manufacturing facilities in Thailand. They are still among the elite brands of motorcycles sought out by consumers, regardless if they happen to be longtime fans or newcomers that have only begun to experience the freedom of these two-wheeled rides. Currently, Triumph is headquartered in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, and has Nick Bloor, son of John, as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As of 2021, Triumph has made an announcement they were creating machines for motocross and enduro competitions and programs. Perhaps this will bring about a brand new generation of GT Sprint units that were so instrumental in peaking Triumph’s reputation as a world-class motorcycle manufacturer.