2009 Triumph Sprint ST

[firealive1]

The Motorrad takes longterms test of bikes and aftre 50 000km they open the engin and messures everything.

The Sprint ST1050 came on the top ;)

I had the ST955i and now have a ZZR1400(ZX14), and to compare the ST to FJR,GTR14,K1300GT etc is just wrong.

It would be more right to compare it to XX1100,VFR800,FZ1 in what its designed for.

The ST is for peoples that wants somthing in betwen 1000RRR and a grandtourer like the FJR,GTR14 and K1300GT.

[monument4852]

What a COCK!

[TR5T]

45 yeas in the saddle, 40 or so bikes this one is far beyond the description given here. Perhaps it is what comes with riding a lot of bikes for short periods. You gotta live with it.

My Bonneville and Scrambler are both considered lightweights by this type of tester.

Fine, I know better.

Buy Triumph buy Triumph, keep them Hinckley guys in pork pies.

[zagor1974]

is this a joke - minutes and minutes of blah-blah and music and absolutely no sound from the motorcycle!!!

[2WF]

@zagor1974 The motorcycle had stage fright and didn't want to speak on camera

[greenangryman]

@zagor1974 So what are we listening to at 3:14 ??

[gixxerbones]

who would want to ride 500 mile on a freeway! how boring!!!!

[2WF]

@gixxerbones Boring yes....but if you absolutely, positively have to be somewhere in a certain amount of time it's a neccessary evil. Sometimes the question comes down to "Do I run up the freeway and make my destination that is 500+ miles away in one day (thereby having more time to spend doing whatever it is I'm going there for) or do I take all the back roads, put 250 extra miles on, and take two days?" Sometimes getting there in a timely matter is important.

[trossachs2003]

@2WF

Too right - I bought one of these yesterday because I want to do my fourth trip to the Alps from the UK at Easter. In the past I've done it on a 600 and it is a long trek before it gets interesting. This time I'm intending to get there in a single leg hence the bigger, more comfortable bike. Can't wait.

[2WF]

@trossachs2003 Sounds like a fun trip! Maybe you should take notes and pics and submit them to us as an article to publish. We always like getting articles from readers.

[STrider1050]

Good description and fair comments, agree with most points raised.

[coyoteTIM]

I have a triumph RS and I'm really wanting the 09 ST , this is the best year for the sprint ST! if only the economy would turn around and maybe hit the lottery ! being a single dad sux!

[2WF]

@coyoteTIM But now Triumph is coming out with the Sprint GT which we'll get a report on as soon as they have their American press launch.

[simon44]

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!

[hatchetman240]

I owned the 06 and now the 09 and the owners rave about them. Very few recalls, minor at that. I did get to indy this year for the motogp and covered 1100 miles in 2 days riding and this was just fine on the highway. It's as reliable as any jap bike, and I rave about this to anyone who will listen.

[dbauernf]

@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.

[simon44]

@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.

[2WF]

@simon44 That is a good question. Usually bikes are loaned out for review for anywhere from 2 - 4 weeks which, as you stated, isn't enough time to get a feel for reliability. Even if something were to go wrong in that time is that a general reliability problem or a specific bike reliability issue. Getting feedback from owners is time consuming and not very helpful as there are biases to overcome, etc... I can fully understand where you are coming from though.

[1050ccTriumph]

@2WF

For what it's worth (for people reading this in 2011)... I bought an ST new in July 2008. I have travelled 22,000 miles on it and have had absolutely no problems with it. I have travelled to many places in hot and cold weather. I have carried camping equipment along the way. No problems. It has become a friend and I love it! Cheers Spint ST! Just counted up and in 23 years of biking and 15 different bikes, this is the besfriend I have had. I love this bike! Here's to 30,000 miles!

[brlong1010]

@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.

[madprofessor1775]

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.

[TheOneNo20]

Triumph Sprint or Honda VFR? Hmm....

[topbanana188]

A: Triumph Sprint

[2WF]

Atka: compared to a modified FJR putting 135hp and 90 ft lb to the rear wheel the Sprint comes up a little lacking. Also compared to the Tiger the power wasn't as usable (or fun).

Graham: Again compared to "Americanized" sport-touring bikes the passenger accommodations are cramped.

Make the Noise: See above.

Boy you guys are rabid when it comes to this bike! That is a good thing though. :-)

[MakeTheNoiseMTB]

Won't accommodate 2 people? Not enough power? Sure your not stuffing cheeseburgers in the fuel tank?

[grahamzx9r]

"A little cramped two up" What's he used to riding a Goldwing or something????

[hatchetman240]

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 :-)

[urenco1]

pick mine up tomorrow from dealer in Chester.had a vfr.but a bit long in the tooth now.

[atka]

not enough power ! you ain't riding it right , treat it like a sports bike and it sure goes

[modcit]

listen to my clips for an 08 with Two Brothers can.

[aramisaviation]

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.

[94concours]

The Triumph accessory muffler has a much deeper tone, but isn't too loud like aftermarket mufflers.

[2WF]

The stock exhaust sounds better in person but isn't as deep of a tone as I would expect from a 1050cc motor. I really would put an aftermarket cannister on the bike ASAP were it mine.

[bloozboy5]

I've always liked the concept of the Sprint ST but that sound at 3:18 sounds like my weedeater.

[2WF]

Yeah you don't get the full effect through speakers. Not saying it wouldn't sound better with an aftermarket exhaust, just that it doesn't sound as "weed-eater-ish" in person.