[emrat:3923] Triumph Rescue: The 2003 British Racing Green Sprint ST

I went down to Castle Rock yesterday morning to check out the Sprint ST that Curtis had brought to my attention.

 

At only $3,500 and with just over 11,000 miles, it would be a good value as it is a very  clean and well-maintained bike, except for . . .  the owner had accidentally knocked the bike over in his garage--hard.  It was first bumped hard on the right side--scratching the fairing--as he (and perhaps someone else) was moving a table.  I guess it was up on the center stand.

 

And it went down on the left side, scratching the hard bag, breaking the left-side fairing, scratching the body work elsewhere, bending the clutch lever in an almost u-shape, damaging the mirror, etc.

 

He was clearly distressed that this had happened to the bike, his third Sprint ST.  His insurance company is going to cover the damage and he intends to repair it so he can sell it.  I told him to let me know when the project is completed and that I will come back to look at it again.

 

The bike also needs the 12,000-mile service, plus I know Erico's would recommend flushing the brake fluid and the coolant and replacing with new liquids since it's now 11 years old.  And perhaps new fork  seals and brake pads will be in order.

 

He bought the bike new--in the crate--in 2005 from Foothills from Matthew Morrison.  He said he and Matthew are friends.  And it was apparently serviced there.  He has two little kids and just doesn't have time to ride at this point in his life.  He's a nice guy, Navy veteran.

 

It was sad to look at what would have otherwise been a very clean bike with low mileage--and then see the damage caused by a moment of inattention by the owner.

 

Not than any of us have ever had a similar experience, right? . . . well, actually, I can chalk up five such bad experiences involving two of my Triumphs . . . 

 

I discussed with him the oil consumption problem on the 2003 Sprint ST and other models of that year due to a change in the cylinder sleeve metallurgy and the honing process at the factory, which Captain Bob Wendl has relayed, based on his experience with his 2003 Sprint ST.  It also happened with the 2003 Tiger that was owned by David “Boz” Bosley.  Eric was not aware of this issue.

 

I’m glad to hear that Bullet Bob Linden had a successful trip down to Mexico.  I know that we all wish the same for Bad Black Bonneville Bob Tapper with his upcoming Mexican adventure.

 

It’s just that we know that we all should have “our affairs in order” in this life, right?.

 

I am sure that Bob’s mind will rest at ease knowing that--God forbid--anything should happen to him South of the Border, there are numerous EMRAT members willing to “adopt” his vintage and modern Bonnies left behind in his garage . . . . in fact, we would probably have to hold a lottery to see to whom each would go.

 

Finally, as to Martin's question about the two 2003 and 2004 Steamboat RAT Rally art created by my sons, Ben and Aaron, I may be able to come up with one framed print of each to "loan" to the Interstate Restaurant for our meeting room . . . 

 

Dan