Triumph Sprint ST ABS reviews

I bought my 2K "Trumpet" last year, at an absolute steal with hard bags included! This is a bike that really can do it all. Once you toss a leg over, the bike fits great. Risers from the tree give the bars a nice height versus a hardcore SuperSport. The seat is pretty cushy, and the ergos are great for long distance runs; I had a few 300 mile days and with no problems at all. Turn the key, and a little whine from the fuel pump lets you know the fun is about to begin. The triple has a great note to it, unlike any twin or I-4 out there. You just have to hear it to appreciate it. The Sprint is responsive in any gear, even at highway speeds with plenty of torque on tap. Speaking of highways, on the autobahn this thing just flys. I found myself looking at 156 miles per hour in no time, and the Sprint was just as smooth as it was at 80mph. Not to mention there was still a little room left on the throttle! Fuel mileage in normal US speeds is around 45-50 to the gallon, which is superb for a liter bike. The brakes are the same high end models from the Daytona, with lots of feel and power. The clutch is a little stiff, as is the shifting, but missed shifts are an extreme rarity. The bike does take a bit of convincing in the twisties versus a Super Sport, but in capable hands they won't get away from you. Those low set pegs hit the pavement a little before you would think; I've got a scuff where the Sprint touched down ever so slightly while I was reaching out with my knee! Luckily the bike is very forgiving, and the quarter sized scuff on the belly pan was all the damage recieved. The Sprint is very nimble for a tourer, and after riding in the mountains of Europe, I've got a few track days planned for next season. I just can't say enough good things about the bike, and if you have any doubts, go test ride a 2004 before the new 2005 comes out. Show less

Previous reviewers note: Triumph has recalled the injector disconnects so you should be able to get new ones fitted by your dealer. Previous bikes: Suzuki 1200BanditS, Kawasaki 750 GT (endurance racing twin headlight fairing), Yamaha TR1 V1000 (cockpit fairing), BSA A10 600, BSA DBD500 Goldstar, Suzuki 250, Royal Enfield 250. Goes where you point it. If in doubt, countersteer. (Bandit used to go straight on at roundabouts under acceleration). Fairing (2" higher replacement from M&P) just works at European highway speeds (70-90mph). Engine is like a massive electric motor, pulls from zero to 9000 rpm (eat your heart out Harley, I rented a Dynaglide, no comparison) at which time you're doing 70 in first or 150 in top! Twin headlights are a treat after single Japanese light. Note you need a $3 auto relay in the empty slot to make both work at once. Export Triumphs have the relay removed to suit stupid German legislation. NOT EEC legislation. Sadly dropped from Triumph range 2005. Get a Speed Triple instead and buy an aftermarket fairing such as Sprint Manufacturing. Show less

First Triumph. This bike is sick!! Fast and responsive. She offers a bit more than I can handle, leaving my imagination running. Only two gripes: Ride a tank of gas, and you'll be stiff! Second, she's kind of like me, Cold morning starts can be hard to get going. Show less

This is the perfect bike. I've had no problems. My wife and I have already put a couple thousand miles on the machine. For me it is the proper balance between performance and touring. The price was great too. Show less

My ST is awesome! Other than being the biggest bike I have yet to own, it is the most fun! Love the power and how easy it is to ride. I have been to the North Georgia mountains and a trip to bike week in Daytona. Both times I went with a bunch of cruisers, man, they were filling up when I still had 3/4 tank left! I have the three bag set with some other accessories. Show less

I've had my ST for 2 years now and clocked 12,000 miles so far and summer is coming. This machine is very predictable and powerful. You do get a little sore after a tankful of gas (I once did over 200 miles and the low fuel light didn't even come on yet). I have the gel seat, a definite improvement but you have to give it a chance to work in. Also I have the touring screen, and a factory carbon exhaust, that's a must. I've had my trumpet on the toll road in sixth gear full throttle at 150 mph for an extended period of time, this thing stuck like glue. The ST likes to be driven fast she loves the highway. If you want a commuter don't buy, if you want a very capable tourer, buy, you will be happy. The 2002 had 2 recalls, under warranty of course, 2 years unlimited miles. Other than recalls not one single problem with this machine. The only other beef I had was the shifter sometimes sticking between gears at high revs. I purchased an aftermarket shifter which basically simplifies the whole contraption that came stock, works much better, about 100 bucks and worth it. I have the blue one; it's really a nice blue. Hard bags are now standard, I have the soft ones, and I could not justify 1000 dollars for bags at that time. They work very well. I am always looking for something to replace my ST but have yet to find something better in the price range. Show less

Good looks, great handling, plenty of power and you can ride it for hours at a time. I took this bike on a 5000-mile ride to Idaho and back home to Michigan and it never skipped a beat the entire time. It handles the corners well enough to drag a knee and it keeps up on the straightaway as well. I have currently 11,000 trouble free miles under my belt and can't wait for spring. Show less

This bike is great all around. Fast, looks good and comfortable. Maybe could use a more comfortable seat? However, the problem I am having is two fold. Firstly the front turn signal lights have a problem with the lens falling off. I will have to go back to the dealer for a second time. Triumph needs to fix this design problem. Secondly, the gas gauge will probably need to be replaced; it does not read all the time. Otherwise an excellent bike. Show less

If this new ST can match the reliability and durability as my last ST I will be a very happy man. I have not yet owned the 2004 bike long enough to formulate an opinion as to the likes and dislikes however, I previously owned a 2000 ST and logged over 70,000 miles in all kinds of road conditions and traffic situations and never once did it disappoint me. There are bikes faster and more nimble than the ST but for all around comfort and peace of mind you can't go wrong with the Sprint ST. Silky smooth with that distinctive triple growl. Heavenly sound to the ears! The likes are: Smooth power delivery, Comfortable ergos and plenty of room to scoot around on a long ride, Gas Mileage is outstanding which also relates to longer distance between stops, Work horse that loves to be ridden, With scheduled maintenance the miles will keep on racking up with little or no problems. My old ST had over 70,000 mls which I though pretty incredible but I started noticing many of the 96 through 99 model years were over 35,000 with happy owners who all agreed the mechanical problems were minimal. The only other triple engine that still is being produced is the $35,000 (Italian Stallion) tre 900 Benelli. Some of the British quirks: Suspension perfect for the long rides but a bit mushee on twisties, Runs hot in summer, Stock seat hard on the bum on 400+ day rides, Minimal after market stuff however there is a growing number of cool stuff recently coming out. If you are in the market for a very reliable, comfortable and roller coaster fun ride which sucks up the miles with triple attitude the ST should be worth looking into. Show less

I bought the RS as a sports touring bike and is fitted with three factory bags, rear hugger and carbon fiber exhaust. The riding position is perfect, handling excellent, weight is right as a tourer. The pipe is an absolute must. Show less