Triumph Sprint ST reviews

If you like to ride twisty back roads and do long stretches on the highway in comfort bikes, it's unbeatable. The triple cylinder engine is so smooth. It's perfect for those long sweeping turns and the suspension just soaks up the miles in comfort. Show less

After selling a Yamaha VMax for parts this was quite a change. Pros: This one starts, corners extremely well, and has a wide rpm. range with more than enough tourque. Though it likely would not beat my old VMax in the quarter mile, it will still go from zero to stupid very quickly. The riding position is more sport than I'm used to, but the seat is very long, allowing you to sit up or move back and lay forward. Highway range is great for me with over 60 mpg. Comfort otherwise is great and braking is excellent. The engine sound is not what I'm used to in a lower rpm. bike, but I'll be anxious to see what comes for optional exhaust. Overall, if you can't decide if you want to cruise or race, it is a great bike. The only thing I'd change would be to move the front turn signals down as they make it look like a moped. Show less

Early in 2011 I had bought a Triumph Sprint ST to replace my trusty old 2002 Yamaha FZ-1 as my sporty traveling/two up bike. I loved the motor and the ergos on the ST, it was just that the exhaust (stock) was loud for long rides and the heat from the underseat exhaust was annoying even on cooler days. I bought the GT mostly because I knew the conventional exhaust would address these issues and also liked the larger bags and underseat storage. I saw the weight only increased 15 pounds so I was hoping the handling wouldn't be too far off. Was I surprised at the handling of the GT! The suspension is so much improved that it ranks up there with the best of any bike I've sampled, and I have really good WP suspension on my KTM Superduke. The bike feels more sporty overall and turns much better and precise than the ST it replaces. They steepened the steering geometry and lightened the wheels, so this may explain why. The longer wheelebase has the bike more planted in the turns, no adverse affect at all. I followed my riding buddies who ride very fast on Honda RC51's, VFRs etc and had no problem keeping pace, even with my bags installed! I'd go so far as to say this GT with bags handles better than my old ST without. Unfortunatly I did not see any improvement in fuel economy as I was getting 35 mpg. (US) but then again it was a cooler day and I was riding pretty agressively with bags installed. Maybe after break-in this will improve (only 200 miles on the bike). My Superduke probably weights 120 pounds less and I only get 30 mpg. on that so I guess I can't complain. The underseat storage is a real nice plus, as the ST seat was bolted on with zero storage there. I got the silver with blackened out everything else and think it looks sharp. I highly recommend it! Show less

Well, after exactly five months in the saddle, I can say without a doubt this is one of the best motorcycles I've ever owned. Power delivery is there, always on tap, and is liquid smooth. There are no flat-spots anywhere in the torque curve; the GT just pulls and pulls and pulls. The too far to the levers problem was fixed with a set of Triumph Genuine Accessory levers...though at $180, they were an expensive fix. Handling is superb, the thing feels like it's on rails. This is also the first bike I've ever ridden with hard luggage where you don't feel the weight of the bags while cornering. There are still some gripes, however. The transmission is somewhat notchy when downshifting, and finding neutral at a stop can be difficult. Also, get the touch-up paint kit for $20, because you're going to need it at some point. Rocks or other road debris tend to scratch the finish pretty decently. For highway droning of more than an hour or so, the bike tends to wear on you. A set of Gen-Mar risers and the Triumph gel-seat would probably rectify this issue, however. Lastly, after shutting the bike off, about 30 seconds later it makes a noise like it's getting a fax...or it's trying to dial out to the internet. Apparently it's normal, but if you've never heard it before, it can make you scratch your head. Overall, I am pleased with this motorcycle and glad I purchased it. The looks, features, power and character of this machine are second to none. Add in the price, and you've got yourself a winner. Show less

I got the chance to do a 50-mile demo ride. The Triumph Sprint GT is a true Grand Tourer in British/European style with emphasis on sport. Think of it as Triumph's version of an Aston Martin coupe. There is luxury; meaning quality and refined running gear but no gadgets and gizmos. The Sprint GT is evolved from the Sprint ST. The GT is unique. The infamous Triumph 1050cc triple is retuned for more power (128 bhp. & 80 ft. lbs. torque @6,300 rpm. The bike is heavy at 590 lbs. wet. With a 5.3 gallon tank, the real world range is about 180 miles. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it looks great with the main debate being the new exhaust. Ergos appear all day comfortable but again you are on a sport-oriented bike. Your're not on a Goldwing or an Electra Glide. I was very comfortable on my short ride. The bike has silky smooth power delivery and retains chain drive instead of going with a shaft drive. Acceleration is a strong point. Despite the weight it is very nimble and flickable in corners. ABS brakes are standard and they are powerful. I enjoyed my short ride a lot and will consider the GT when it's time to replace my trusty old Daytona 1200. If you're looking for something unique & high quality yet still sporting, capable of short or long haul touring, the Sprint GT may be for you. It's in a league of it's own and different enough from BMW, Kawi Concours, Yamaha FJR, Honda ST or the VFR, etc. Others may offer more of this or that but the Triumph Sprint GT seems good at filling many roles and is a very competitive machine. I'll take mine in Pacific Blue. Show less

Great bike. I would describe it as a comfortable sport bike. I was on a sport touring trip in north Georgia with friends when I bought it. I was riding an ST1300 prior. Handles great, very smooth, and OOOOOh that triple. The ergos actually fit me better than the Honda and I was not as tired after riding a 650 mile day. With-in the first 3 days I had put over 1500 miles on it. This bike is fun and will handle the long haul as well the trip to the local coffee shop. I am trying to think of a negative but I cannot at this time. I would like a gear indicator and a temperature gauge. Flawless. Triumph has got it correct. Not the big over done sport touring bikes from Japan but all you need to tour and the right weight to sport. Thanks Triumph. Show less

The Sprint is s superb bike in a class of it's own. I changed the seat, but otherwise left it stock. It handles two riders without sacrificing control with just minor preload adjustments. The chasis is very stable, acceleration more than adequate for demanding road duty, brakes are solid and strong, and it flys around a racetrack to most onlooker's amazement. It is the lightest, and I believe most fuel efficient of the sport touring class bikes. Quality of build is excellent. The only thing that could be improved is the range the low beams cover. They do not project out far enough. High beam is excellent. The Dunlop Roadsmart tire is a perfect match for this bike and far better than the Bridgestone 020. The Roadsmart handles better, wears evenly, wears long, holds on the race track, and is sure-footed in rain. The Sprint is a bike that doesn't just ride well and look good, it excels in every area critical to good motorcycling experience. Show less

The Good: Powerful engine (+/-120 BHP) provides great gas mileage for single rider, and ample power for double-ups. Max power at +/-9250 RPM (120BHP), max torque at +/-7000 RPM means wide power band at any gear and riding speed. Single sided swing arm and eccentric chain adjustment makes DIY servicing and cleaning easy/simple. Easy to remove seat, fairing sections, gas tank, nose cone, makes access to engine relatively simple. Centre Stand and side leg = two thumbs up! Small glove/document compartment in RH fairing cover Balanced stance on the road allows driver to almost drive hands free. Standard equipment; two colour matched Pannier bags, and mounting brackets. Centre mounted (under seat) muffler give the bike a clean look. The fairing provides good protection to rider in wet weather The required improvements: Thin heat shield foam on R/H & L/H fairing as well as fuel tank can make warm weather riding very uncomfortable. Short windscreen works well for low speed urban rides. At continuous Highway driving speed, sitting position (for taller riders) and head wind creates higher resistance and worsen fuel consumption. Under seat muffler doesn't have enough insulation to protect underside of seat and passenger's bottom. Provide 2nd storage compartment in LH fairing cover (like RH side). Rear wheel Hugger will reduce water and road grime splash on engine and electrical components. Gas tank holds 20L (5.2 US Gal) means having to plan refuelling stops more often. Another gallon would be great! Gear Indicator Digital speedometer instead of the analog (mechanical) unit Dimmer switch for gauges White face for mechanical gauges (speedometer & tachometer) In general: The '06 Sprint ST 1050 is great riding bike that can be ridden across town, or across the country. Comes with basic touring hard bags (2) and can be easily fitted with a third. This is a great crossover bike, for riders who wish to upgrade from a single purpose motorcycle. Show less

Rode from Massachusetts to Alabama mostly backroads and some interstate. The bike performed excellent. The only problem was the bad check valve in the gas tank sucked in the side of the tank because it wouldn't let air in. The dealer repaired it and replaced the tank. Show less

Bought a beautiful 08 VERY RED Sprint ST in February 09. Eight weeks later, now that spring is here, have close to 1,000 miles. Bike cuts easily through switch-backs, slices through turnpike and interstate straight-aways, and draws crowds of young and old alike with its distinctive looks and styling. Converted to TOR exhaust at 500 mile service. Use Alaska sheepskin pad to decrease burn during long rides. Will probably also change or modify the windscreen, for more chest and shoulder protection at 70+ mph speeds, and the stock seat. Using a Chase Harper tail bag that sungs with bungies onto the side racks and will expand, when needed. Not using the hard bags since they decrease my ability to cut through congested car lanes. Wish there was a stock rear hugger so less crap on the shock and underside. VERY pleased with the smooth linear power, quick start ups in cold temps with the EFI, superior looks, and sport touring capabilty on this excellent machine. :) Show less