Faults:

It is treacherous on new tyres with wet overbanding on the road.

It is expensive if you want Triumph parts.

It uses a lot of oil, i.e. 1 cc per mile.

Its battery needed replacing with a gel battery with 190 Amps cold-crank capacity.

General Comments:

It accelerates the best, i.e. torque hits in at about 3000 RPM.

It gets up to 70 MPH without going much over 4000 RPM.

It gets over 10 miles per litre, i.e. 250 miles per tank.

It handles well and the owner's manual says not to ride it at a constant speed for any length of time, i.e it is a country racer, (not a tourer).

It has a lean angle of 45 degrees above 5 MPH.

It is vibrationless with K&N air filters and rejetting of the carburettors.

Faults:

Fork seal blew at 16,000 miles.

General Comments:

Last of the early 125hp versions. Very fast in a straight line, roll-on was terrific.

Very addictive and comfy, apart from in town, where my wrists suffered. Big, top heavy bike, was a little difficult as I have little legs.

Was light years ahead of the GS650GT I had previously, and I would recommend it on build quality and unburstability alone. Sad to see it go.

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.