Triumph Sprint ST reviews

I have owned several bikes throughout the years, (Harleys lately), and ridden many others. Without a doubt, this bike handles everything you can throw at it. I had it lowered 1 inch for my comfort, but other than that it has the factory set up. The acceleration is impressive and evenly balanced from a stand still up through 120 mph, (there's still much more left, but finding an open road for this isn't as easy!). The bike slows itself without braking, but the brakes are quick and effective. I haven't tried to lock the front brake up, (to test the ABS), but it definetly works when stomping on the rear! Then you attach the two rear bags, (in about 15 seconds total time), and you have plenty of room to take a weekend trip comfortably. You don't even feel them back there, and other than making the bike a bit wider, you'd forget they are there. I still own my Harleys, but I can say that this bike is my favorite for running errands into town! Show less

The Sprint ST is a wonderful choice. I have a 2001 model and its handling and agility are impressive; second to none in my opinion. I have been riding for twenty years and this is my favorite bike so far. The Sprint ST is a great looking bike and it sports plenty of power and speed as well. It's a bit tall for someone of my stature (5'6") but this obstacle is easily overcome with a pair of riding boots which have a generous heel. I have been very pleased with this bike; it's great for commuting to the city and has been a very dependable bike. I would highly recommend it. Show less

This is my second Sprint ST. I had the 2003 version for 9000mi until I ran out of road and talent all at the same time on Higway 74 Alternate in Lake Lure, NC. Ouch - worst day of my life, but, no injuries. Just totaled a really great bike... But my 2006 Aluminum Silver 1050 Sprint ST is stronger, looks better, and is more comfortable than the 2003. I fully investigated 3 models before making my final decision. The Ducati ST/3 and an HD Electraglide. The Ducati had that sexy Italion look and great handling (brakes...), but was $1000 more per year to insure. Not worth the extra money considering roads in SE North Carolina are very straight. The Electraglide was like riding in an overstuffed comfy chair. Too big for my butt, too heavy and too slow. On long stretches of highway, I want to be able to make time in comfort and control. And when I get to the curves I want to be able to brake, lean and accelerate with ease. The 2006 ST is the best all around sport bike with all day touring ability. My longest day ride is 680mi from Fayetteville to Highlands, NC and back (had to check out the old crash site). 5:30am to 10:30pm. The ST did everything beautifully. Its great low end torque eliminates first gear on even the most severe switch backs. It powers out of sharp curves in second or third. High end will keep pace with just about any sport bike and just embarasses Boulevards. It is just a great bike to do everything I need from daily driver, to highway cruiser and two lane carver. I do ride more cautiously now-a-days. The styling is stunning (very industrial), was not sure that I would care for the under seat exhaust, but it looks and sounds great and makes room for the luggage. To my relief/suprise, there is no heat from under the seat. There is heat from the engine, but I can't remember when I straddled a liter engine and couldn't feel heat. Am I missing something here? Heat from engine...4 for comfort...Not! The seat position is great, the handle bars are just right. O.K...the lights. The projector beam lights look really good, and the pattern is great, but the range on low beam does not reach out far out enough for me at night and I don't think drivers see me well in the daylight (unless they are within the pattern) so I run the high beam. So...4 for perfomance... I don't think so. The engine is too good, the ABS brakes are excellent, the suspension is great. Quality? Reliability? No doubt. Great job Triumph! There was no other choice. Show less

I picked up the bike in August and I wish I had a few more months to ride before the snow set in. However, by squeezing in the most rides possible I have come to understand the ST quite well. I bought the Sunset Red version with ABS - however the blue is a solid choice if you are considering it. Now to the review - First, the bike is stunning to look at. Numerous times, I came out of restaurants/mall/starbucks/you name it- to my bike to find a person or two examining the bike. Big ego booster. The bike is definitely stable at speed, and with the great brakes, it winds down with ease. Cruising on the interstate at 80-90 is not a problem - posing at 15mph is just as fun. The bike rolls from 15 to 60 in a blink - so power is sufficient - however you will not come near a Gixer or R1 when it comes to full out speed. Actually, this is quite all right when you consider the total package of the bike. Sit on a 1000cc sport bike vs. the sprint and you will notice how the 1000cc sport bike feel like a street tuned Honda civic - fast but not really well composed. Where the sprint feels like Lexus in comparison. Composed - athletic - stylish - very well thought out. The speedometer/tachometer is amazing to look at. A lot of other bikes displays look like they were purchased at radio shack in the clearance bin - not the case with the Triumph. The single sided swingarm is a plus - those who don't know bikes can't stop commenting on how amazing the wheel looks with it being exposed on one side. The exhaust looks good (of course keeping the three theme) - but the triumph accessory chrome option looks better. The exhaust note needs to be louder in my opinion - it's sometimes nice to announce your arrival. The seat is ok at best - haven't tried the Corbin version yet - but I bet next year I will switch out the seat. Keeping with the comfort - Although the gas tank will allow you to go hundreds of miles at a crack - your legs will feel cramped before then if you are 6ft or more. I sometimes had to remind myself it is a SPORT tourer - the position is aggressive if you plan to stay in the same position for an hour or two. HOWEVER, if you can stop and allow others to admire the ST you will have no problem adding 2-3 hundred miles a day (or more). The heat from the engine is excellent despite what others might say - when you ride on a 70 degree night it keeps you so perfectly warm its almost nirvana. Oh - but a 90 degree day you will get sweaty. I also had to have the bike towed to the shop once - there was an internal issue with the clutch - I'm hoping it was a fluke - but that's why the bike got a 3 on reliability. Performance like I said earlier is great - not crazy at anything - but is better as a total package than ANYTHING else out there (breaking/accelerating/turning - it all works amazingly well) Comfort is a 4 because super long rides that you try and accomplish without stopping can get uncomfortable - but the ergonomics are great in all other situations. Quality is a 5 because the total appearance looks amazing - the "dash" glows with brilliance at night - the single sided swingarm looks trick - the under seat exhaust is standard but continues the clean look of the bike - and the fairings are contoured and cut to enhance the overall interest of the bike. Overall is a 5 ... period. The Ducati ST3 looks dated next to it and the performance is weak. The Honda VFR ... well read the magazines and you'll realize how dated it is. The super sport 1000s will pull away from you ... but you'll have many more companions wanting to ride on the back of the Triumph due to the much more comfortable seat. If you are thinking about getting this bike - do. There are a lot of awesome bikes on the market now - but very few bikes have the total package like the ST. Show less

After 28,000 miles on my 2001 Sprint, I moved to the '05. Good bike. Much more power than the old one. 3 things that need improvement: hard starts when cold; roasting in the summer (if you get stuck in traffic it's horrible factory luggage system not to good for a costly option.
The best things are the: looks; headlights (best I've ever had on a motorcycle POWER (dyno'ed 111.4bhp at the wheels) Show less

The ST is really a delight to ride. It behaves especially well in town, where it is maneuverable and well-mannered. Its roll-on speed from 60 mph is OK, but I would like a few more horsies to play with. The torque from the engine is impressive, plenty of grunt from the 3-banger. I have several minor gripes:
no place to lock a helmet
takes about 10-15 cranks when cold to get started (the dealership says this will improve)
notchy gear shift
All in all, this is a wonderful all-purpose machine... Show less

I bought the Sprint St used (2nd owner) and have owned it for over a year now. The first owner got scared, after falling over with the bike at a light when a car honked and startled him and the bike fell over. He bent the front brake handle and scratched the right fairing. I got a great deal, only $3500.00. He just wanted to get rid of it. I was not in the market for a Triumph, I was looking for a Ducati Super Sport but, I ran across this guy and just could not pass it up. Now I realize it was only fate that brought us together. I am sold on Triumph. I mainly use the bike to commute to and from work, now I can't wait to go to work just for the hour ride I have. The only draw back is that my throttle hand goes numb after an hour of riding. Small price to pay in my book to keep the smile on my face!!! Show less

If you are looking for a great all around bike this is it. PROS: The power band is smooth all the way up from 3000 to redline. Great transmission, shifts are firm and deliberate. Brakes are par for the course. It is a heavier bike but quickly sheds the pounds when on the road or in the corners. It has an interesting exhaust note, with a gurgly/kind of running rich sound when coming off the gas. Extremely comfortable body positioning for rider and passenger(so my wife says).Deffinately will turn heads and provoke questions and compliments in the parking lots (The caspian blue color helps that). I have averaged 45 mpg so far. The trip computer is awesome especially when questioning how close you really are to empty. Cons: So far the only problem I've had is a weird low idle that has come and gone (asked my local triumph service center and they suggest it may be the throttle positioning sensor. Great all around bike. Show less

This is a great bike for around town or for a 300 mile trip after 3 Hours of riding it starts to feel more like a sports bike and less like a tourer very good suspention absorbs rough roads and bumps well and with sense of control and security even with a passanger the only con. to the bike is excesive heat blowing on my legs and it could use more power for my liking. Show less

I purchased this machine used with 32000 miles on the clock, from a young fellow who said it was too big for him. Taded a 2001 Blaster and 1200 bucks. After adusting the clutch this thing has done nothing but make me smile. I had no idea a machine could be so fantastic. Took a bit getting used to after old Triumphs, but now...There is no way I would ever go back. I too have found the mirrors to be useless, and had hoped to find a solution in this forum. Show less