I've ridden my Sprint ST across Australia - twice. I've spent whole days in the saddle on long, wide open roads and scratching it through mountain highways. It's a fabulous bike, a well recommended, capable machine.
I have the '08 model as well. One problem with the sprints (along with the 1050 speed triples and tigers) is that there were a few early 1050 motors that had crankshaft and bearing issues. Sadly mine is one of them - i spun a connecting rod bearing and torpedoed the motor. But, I did find a replacement motor... and mechanic called yesterday to say the bike is running really well after the transplant operation. Can't wait to pick it up this weekend and get back into the saddle again.
I read that the 2005+ Sprint 1050 ST was originally designed as a true Sport bike but triumph decided to stay with the Sport touring route at the last minet thinking that the 1050cc triple couldn't compete with Japanese 4 cylinder engine output later on . That being said , if you ake the 2 hard paniers/saddle bags , HUGE center stand 4 ft steel wrap around grab bar , you drop roughly 40lbs off the weight . That makes it about the same as the Yamaha R1 and the handling of the Sprint IMPROVES GREATLY. In fact , many track day instructors use the Sprint ST as it is very nimble. Yoir gradma can do a hot lap on a Sprint ST LOL.
I have the 2008 Sprint and putting the gel seat on makes all the difference on long runs. I quite like the low quality clips on the ride... it makes it look like old 60's home cine film! Perhaps a Bonnie review would be more appropriate.
@simon44 I've had an '06 Sprint ST fro almost 4 years now. Haven't had a single problem. Most reliable bike I've ever owned. Commute to work every day, and take some long rides on most weekends. Nearing 20K miles. I do tend to blow through a set of rear brake pads every 4k or so, but thats likely do to commuting in the city and lane splitting with my foot a little to close to the pedal.
But the FJR weighs more than the ST, so having 10-12 bhp less is no big deal, especially on the twisties where the ST will leave the FJR anyway. And can you clarify "Americanised Sport Tourer" for me? A sport tourer to us in Europe is an ST, a VFR, a Ducatti ST4...the big BMs, FJRs, Pans etc are "touring" bikes, where you sit up behind a massive screen listening to the radio. A sport tourer encourages you to lean forward and give it some, just in more comfort than a race rep...
I purchased a 09 model with abs great bike, very comfortable but I have come from a Ducati 749, the only downside its bloody heavy and turns in slow but something to get use to. lovely engine and when you push it, it goes, okay doesn't rip you arms off like the old Aprilia mille I use to own but its quick enough.
I love Triumphs, I had 2 Bonnevilles, one EFI one carbed and a Scrambler, I have the Scrambler and EFI still. I wanted a Sports touring machine and found a lovely Silver ST 1050. I was one of the unfortunates to get one of the plagued ones. I want to ride not deal with electrical problem. Sold the ST got 2 used FZ1s. Never looked back. Many things about the ST were wonderful, the problems were not.
American.. need I say more. It’s a sports tourer I’ve still got my 06 ‘ still pulls like a English thoroughbred brilliant bike panniers are for clothes when your touring not to put your lid in. What a Wally. . FJR WHAT THE FUCK.
I have a Triumph Sprint, and I got yo say I can not get my full face helmets in the panniers either, they are not deep enough even for the smaller headed of us. If you have a technique for getting them in please share. THANKS
I have the 05 model with no issues and 60k on the clock. Long rides on straight roads will become tiresome no matter what you ride. I find that the Triumph is good in most situations. It can be a bit slower to respond in the twisties but it does feel sure footed. Bar risers may help those who feel the position is a bit aggressive. Overall it is an accomplished machine with plenty of linear power and one of the better looking sports tourers out there.
I have the older ST, and compared to that the new ST is like riding a lazy boy, its that much more comfortable. With the new VFR going to a lame auto trans, this is pretty much the only small/sport oriented sport-touring bike left.
The older ST1050 (2005-7) had smaller panniers, so no, you can't fit a lid in them. After that Triumph listened to their customers and supplied larger panniers which will take a full-face lid.
Doesn't make sense at all, but I own one in Australia and it's so damn true. You sit on the bike static and you think "wow, this mofo is so comfy", but 50KM down the road at 110kph on the freeway and you're all 'ouchies!'. Then you hit the twisties and it's magically fine again... Go figure. It's probably not the best choice if you going on a 3000km epic road trip, but for shorter bursts and day rides...it's amazing. I love mine.
Why does no one ever cover the reliability side of the bike on reviews???? It drives me nuts! I know you'd have to live with one to give a full review but why not tell us what the feedback from owners are and any general re-calls etc that may be out there for it. Reliability is key before you even look at a bike especially for a touring bike!
@simon44 How can a reviewer who was given a brand new for a spin, usually not for more then a day, know anything about the reliability of the bike? Feedback from owners? Would you, as a reviewer, try to find 500 owners of the bike and interview every single one of them to find out how happy they are/were with the bike? No, you wouldn't. That's why we have internet forums.
That's because when he says "american sport touring" what he means to say is "morbidly obese people traveling great distances". If you and your passenger are normal BMI I think you will find this bike just fine :-)
It's not comfortable to ride in a straight line, but it is comfortable in the turns. That doesn't make any sense. So, basically the guys is saying it's no good for distance (touring). WTF
I can put my helmet in mine and i ride at least 400 miles. my wife and I ride all the time. it looks like the seat pattern is made for one rider. mine isnt made like the one on the video. neither is the bags.
@dbauernf Eh yes I would research. I love researching. I do it as a hobby actually so your preaching to the wrong person here. Its an area that is incredibly important to many bikers especially with the high cost of parts, labour etc. Anyway, alot of mags are starting to cover this area with long term reviews over a year and talking to those who have had them.
if that is cramped for 2up...you need to date smaller women i really liked this and was considering it, but at 530 lbs wet..it's too much of a pig....shave 75 lbs off and i would gladly run it
I've ridden my Sprint ST across Australia - twice. I've spent whole days in the saddle on long, wide open roads and scratching it through mountain highways. It's a fabulous bike, a well recommended, capable machine.
Hear Hear bro Awesome bike I've done 189,000 kms on mine & I love it
"A little cramped two up" What's he used to riding a Goldwing or something????
I have the '08 model as well. One problem with the sprints (along with the 1050 speed triples and tigers) is that there were a few early 1050 motors that had crankshaft and bearing issues. Sadly mine is one of them - i spun a connecting rod bearing and torpedoed the motor. But, I did find a replacement motor... and mechanic called yesterday to say the bike is running really well after the transplant operation. Can't wait to pick it up this weekend and get back into the saddle again.
Good description and fair comments, agree with most points raised.
I love the chirping bird in the background,
I read that the 2005+ Sprint 1050 ST was originally designed as a true Sport bike but triumph decided to stay with the Sport touring route at the last minet thinking that the 1050cc triple couldn't compete with Japanese 4 cylinder engine output later on .
That being said , if you ake the 2 hard paniers/saddle bags , HUGE center stand 4 ft steel wrap around grab bar , you drop roughly 40lbs off the weight . That makes it about the same as the Yamaha R1 and the handling of the Sprint IMPROVES GREATLY.
In fact , many track day instructors use the Sprint ST as it is very nimble. Yoir gradma can do a hot lap on a Sprint ST LOL.
I have the 2008 Sprint and putting the gel seat on makes all the difference on long runs.
I quite like the low quality clips on the ride... it makes it look like old 60's home cine film! Perhaps a Bonnie review would be more appropriate.
@simon44 I've had an '06 Sprint ST fro almost 4 years now. Haven't had a single problem. Most reliable bike I've ever owned. Commute to work every day, and take some long rides on most weekends. Nearing 20K miles. I do tend to blow through a set of rear brake pads every 4k or so, but thats likely do to commuting in the city and lane splitting with my foot a little to close to the pedal.
Won't accommodate 2 people? Not enough power? Sure your not stuffing cheeseburgers in the fuel tank?
pick mine up tomorrow from dealer in Chester.had a vfr.but a bit long in the tooth now.
Took off my glasses, video was good !
But the FJR weighs more than the ST, so having 10-12 bhp less is no big deal, especially on the twisties where the ST will leave the FJR anyway. And can you clarify "Americanised Sport Tourer" for me? A sport tourer to us in Europe is an ST, a VFR, a Ducatti ST4...the big BMs, FJRs, Pans etc are "touring" bikes, where you sit up behind a massive screen listening to the radio. A sport tourer encourages you to lean forward and give it some, just in more comfort than a race rep...
I purchased a 09 model with abs great bike, very comfortable but I have come from a Ducati 749, the only downside its bloody heavy and turns in slow but something to get use to. lovely engine and when you push it, it goes, okay doesn't rip you arms off like the old Aprilia mille I use to own but its quick enough.
I love Triumphs, I had 2 Bonnevilles, one EFI one carbed and a Scrambler, I have the Scrambler and EFI still. I wanted a Sports touring machine and found a lovely Silver ST 1050. I was one of the unfortunates to get one of the plagued ones. I want to ride not deal with electrical problem. Sold the ST got 2 used FZ1s. Never looked back.
Many things about the ST were wonderful, the problems were not.
The Triumph accessory muffler has a much deeper tone, but isn't too loud like aftermarket mufflers.
And what year is your bike? Mus be post-2007, when they introduced larger volume panniers to solve this very issue.
I'm 6'1" am I going to be cramped on this bike?
Mountain Team No! I'm the same height and this bloke is talking rubbish.
No
American.. need I say more. It’s a sports tourer I’ve still got my 06 ‘ still pulls like a English thoroughbred brilliant bike panniers are for clothes when your touring not to put your lid in. What a Wally. . FJR WHAT THE FUCK.
I have a Triumph Sprint, and I got yo say I can not get my full face helmets in the panniers either, they are not deep enough even for the smaller headed of us. If you have a technique for getting them in please share.
THANKS
Wear them instead
@zagor1974 So what are we listening to at 3:14 ??
I have the 05 model with no issues and 60k on the clock. Long rides on straight roads will become tiresome no matter what you ride. I find that the Triumph is good in most situations. It can be a bit slower to respond in the twisties but it does feel sure footed. Bar risers may help those who feel the position is a bit aggressive. Overall it is an accomplished machine with plenty of linear power and one of the better looking sports tourers out there.
I have the older ST, and compared to that the new ST is like riding a lazy boy, its that much more comfortable.
With the new VFR going to a lame auto trans, this is pretty much the only small/sport oriented sport-touring bike left.
The older ST1050 (2005-7) had smaller panniers, so no, you can't fit a lid in them. After that Triumph listened to their customers and supplied larger panniers which will take a full-face lid.
Doesn't make sense at all, but I own one in Australia and it's so damn true.
You sit on the bike static and you think "wow, this mofo is so comfy", but 50KM down the road at 110kph on the freeway and you're all 'ouchies!'. Then you hit the twisties and it's magically fine again...
Go figure. It's probably not the best choice if you going on a 3000km epic road trip, but for shorter bursts and day rides...it's amazing. I love mine.
who the hell makes an fjr into a track bike.
Top box is for the helmet.
Why does no one ever cover the reliability side of the bike on reviews???? It drives me nuts! I know you'd have to live with one to give a full review but why not tell us what the feedback from owners are and any general re-calls etc that may be out there for it. Reliability is key before you even look at a bike especially for a touring bike!
Mine has 190,000 kms on the clock & still pulls christ off the bloody cross without any issues except an oil sender switch leaking
@simon44 How can a reviewer who was given a brand new for a spin, usually not for more then a day, know anything about the reliability of the bike? Feedback from owners? Would you, as a reviewer, try to find 500 owners of the bike and interview every single one of them to find out how happy they are/were with the bike? No, you wouldn't. That's why we have internet forums.
That's because when he says "american sport touring" what he means to say is "morbidly obese people traveling great distances".
If you and your passenger are normal BMI I think you will find this bike just fine :-)
not enough power ! you ain't riding it right , treat it like a sports bike and it sure goes
What's with the panniers not holding a full face helmet ? The helmet belongs on ya bloody head ffs
It's not comfortable to ride in a straight line, but it is comfortable in the turns. That doesn't make any sense. So, basically the guys is saying it's no good for distance (touring). WTF
@zagor1974
You didn't watch the entire video? Watch @ 3:04.....
Wow, that music sucked, sorry that s just my opinion. I fast forwarded a lot because of that.
WTF would you wanna put a full face helmet in the panniers, Just put it on ya bloody head
who would want to ride 500 mile on a freeway! how boring!!!!
No shit. Almost half the people that watched that vid disagree with your 'review'. lol
Two European size riders will easily fit on it, you can easily tour on it..
I can put my helmet in mine and i ride at least 400 miles. my wife and I ride all the time. it looks like the seat pattern is made for one rider. mine isnt made like the one on the video. neither is the bags.
@dbauernf Eh yes I would research. I love researching. I do it as a hobby actually so your preaching to the wrong person here. Its an area that is incredibly important to many bikers especially with the high cost of parts, labour etc. Anyway, alot of mags are starting to cover this area with long term reviews over a year and talking to those who have had them.
if that is cramped for 2up...you need to date smaller women
i really liked this and was considering it, but at 530 lbs wet..it's too much of a pig....shave 75 lbs off and i would gladly run it
A: Triumph Sprint
Two wrongs don't make a right.
Terrible music.