1995 Triumph Trophy 1200 review from United Kingdom

Where to start?

Having had the bike less than a month, the front brake went from very good to spongy to non existant, with the brake lever coming back to the bars. Bleeding improved matters for a week, then back to non existant, faulty master cylinder seal to blame, replacement of m/c cured that one.

Next the clock died, connections checked, but was the clock unit itself, the fix - ignored it.

Starter motor started making crunchy noises, then stopped working altogether, needed an expensive strip down to fix a known problem with the starter clutch.

After a year of riding the fork springs had degenerated into jelly, again replaced and cured.

This is all in the space of 2 years summer riding, with most of that being long distance touring.

I've always wanted a Triumph since I got my first bike at the age of 17, ten years later I was able to afford one, which will definately be the last.

Look at the fault list for some indication of how much trouble this bike has been. I am really sad to say this, but the Trophy has shattered any illusion I possesed to the reliability and durability of the new Hinkley Triumphs.

On the flip side, when the bike works it is an excellent tourer, hugely torquey and able to go down to 25mph in 5th gear. Acceleration is a little staid for a bike of 1200cc, but I suppose it is a tourer and not a sportsbike.

Comfort is another plus point.

Handling is OK, heavy with a top heavy feel, but when the suspension is in good fettle, it can be hustled with the injection of some good old muscle power.