Attn all Sprint ST1050 owners....

thompsonian · 02-21-2006, 1:13 AM

So....like many other idiots I got rid of my Blade last year since I thought I was getting to irresponsible while on it. However, it was one of the worst mistakes I have made. Wish someone was there to do this ===>

But on the brightside, I have been DROOLING over the new ST1050's. I have begun to notice a few of the members here have purchased them. What are some pros and cons on them? Good points/bad points? I still want something fast and fun, but still somfortable enough that I don't feel wadded up all the time. Any and all thoughts are appreciated!

phobiaphobe · 02-21-2006, 2:14 AM

TraumaOne and bwhip both own them. Also, have you tried a VFR?

bwhip · 02-21-2006, 10:27 AM

The Sprint is an outstanding bike, and the best combo of sport and touring I've seen to this point.

It's a tall bike, very comfortable with more relaxed ergos than typical sportbikes. Great sound from the distinctive triple, with a very cool growl that pops a bit on deceleration. Loads of usable power and torque, and handles extremely well in the twisties.

The few complaints I've seen about it include excessive engine and exhaust heat (hasn't been a big problem for me, as I don't do a lot of around-town riding), crappy hard bags from Triumph (I understand they're fixing them), and some fit and finish issues (hey, it's not a Honda).

Overall, the bike has exceeded my expectations.

Some pics:

ReaperAZ · 02-21-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhip

The Sprint is an outstanding bike, and the best combo of sport and touring I've seen to this point.

It's a tall bike, very comfortable with more relaxed ergos than typical sportbikes. Great sound from the distinctive triple, with a very cool growl that pops a bit on deceleration. Loads of usable power and torque, and handles extremely well in the twisties.

The few complaints I've seen about it include excessive engine and exhaust heat (hasn't been a big problem for me, as I don't do a lot of around-town riding), crappy hard bags from Triumph (I understand they're fixing them), and some fit and finish issues (hey, it's not a Honda).

Overall, the bike has exceeded my expectations.

Some pics:

Add to that...they photograph well.

phobiaphobe · 02-21-2006, 10:46 AM

No that's just B's enchanted camera.

thompsonian · 02-21-2006, 5:00 PM

I've looked into the VFR, but haven't really put one into it's paces yet. There is a guy who rode with us on occasion that had oneand I might see if I can take it for a spin out one of the local roads. They don't seem to appeal to me as much as the Sprint does. I've also heard that some people have had issues with the VTEC coming on and goin off while in mid turn.

Bwhip, the pics are amazing! I looked at your gallery page last night at work. Great scenery

Did you have any issuses with the brakes? I've read other places that some people had issuses with them feeling soft or mushy. Have you taken anyone out on a ride with you? How does it handle 2-up riding? The wife doesn't go riding with me too often, but on an occasional night ride or two. How about fuel consumption? Have you had any tire wear problems aside from normal? Does it seem to eat rear tires like a twin does even though it's the triple? Sorry if it seems like I'm hitting you with a barrage of ?'s but just have a few that I'm lookin for answers too. Thanks man!!

bwhip · 02-22-2006, 1:06 AM

No sweat - glad you liked the pics!

Yes, I should have mentioned that the brakes were extremely mushy and disappointing when I first got the bike (and others have had the same problem). I was used to instant stopping power from my 954 and Duc. Once I bled them really well though, they were just as good as the Honda, and they've been great ever since. Same feedback I've heard from others.

Done a little two-up riding with it, and it was fine. On a long trip on a hot day the pillion might get a bit warm with that underseat exhaust, but I haven't tried it.

Tires have been holding up okay, considering that I generally ride it pretty aggressively.

Fuel consumption is incredibly stingy, especially for such a powerful bike. It's got a big tank so the range is outstanding. When I bought it in Salt Lake City and rode it back up to Idaho (about a six hour ride), I was stunned by the mileage. I was in the break-in period and was being very gentle, but the mileage was well over 50 MPG, and I went over 250 miles before needing to refuel.

I like VFR's too, but like the additional power and character of the Sprint. I'm not crazy about some of the negative feedback I've heard on the V-Tec, and like the uniqueness of having a Triumph. Everyone seems to love the look and sound of the bike, and it kicks ass in performance too.

thompsonian · 02-22-2006, 8:00 AM

Sounds like a pretty darn good overall bike

Just the answers I was hoping for. Thanks Whipper!

250 miles on a tank?! I was lucky to get 125 on my 929, but then again I was constantly running her in the higher R's for most of the trips we took

One other ?, did you pop for the race can over the plain stocker? I know there is little to no aftermarket exhausts available....yet. I'd like to figure the cost of that into the price also. Looks like I'm gonna hafta drive to at least TN to find a deal on one. There is a demo 05 model up in the Toledo, OH area that they are still wanting $10k for. Guess we shall have to wait and see.....

bwhip · 02-22-2006, 10:20 AM

No, I've been waiting for more choices. Wolf was making one that was incredibly expensive, and I'd heard that the Triumph offering made it louder, but that you would lose the cool burbling and popping that you get on decel with the stocker. So for now I'm very happy with the current system.

TraumaOne · 02-22-2006, 10:45 AM

I have one and love it. Gotta run now, but I'll put my thoughts up a bit later...

TraumaOne · 02-22-2006, 9:17 PM

I just read through bwhips' comments and I wholeheartedly agree. Very powefuly, flat power curve, with power everywhere. Comfy, sporty, decent but not very adjustable suspension. Does fine with 2-up altho I don't really like riding 2 up. Fit and finish are excellent on mine. The windshield did the bubbling thing, but I was already swapping out the windshield for a double bubble. It heats up quickly. I would not want to ride regularly in stop and go traffic where you sit for an extended time. It is tall and definately feels heavier than the 636 I traded for it. Great gas-mileage. Any other questions?

thompsonian · 02-22-2006, 9:28 PM

I really appreciate all of the feedback you guys have given me. Definetly answered all the ?'s Ive had lately. If you guys don't mind, if some others pop up, I'll just senda PM. Now for the difficult part.....talking the wife into lettin me buy one

TraumaOne · 02-22-2006, 9:35 PM

Good luck!

bwhip · 02-22-2006, 9:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thompsonian

I really appreciate all of the feedback you guys have given me. Definetly answered all the ?'s Ive had lately. If you guys don't mind, if some others pop up, I'll just senda PM. Now for the difficult part.....talking the wife into lettin me buy one

Sorry, can't help you there!

ND4SPD · 02-22-2006, 9:55 PM

Give Cleveland/Akron Honda a call. They're a Triumph dealer and might have one on the floor. It'd be closer than Toledo.

Cleveland/Akron Honda in Oakwood, Ohio
7300 Fair Oak Road
Oakwood, Ohio 44146
Phone: (440) 735-2000

phobiaphobe · 02-23-2006, 12:38 AM

I want one now. That, or the K1200s.

thompsonian · 02-23-2006, 1:58 AM

Finding one isn't the problem right now. Having the $$$ is the problem....that and convincing the wifey I need one

I also seem to have this " thing " for the new BMW R1200S....

Ultra54 · 06-16-2006, 12:15 AM

I want a Sprint and the BMW both aswell but I must add as a current Vtec VFR owner that it is a myth and non issue as far as the transition from 2 to 4 valves go.

selfc23fe · 08-28-2006, 10:19 PM

So.... did you ever get one??

stanni · 09-18-2006, 6:34 PM

I got an 06 Sprint in June and absolutely love it. I was considering the VFR but after testing both there was NO question which one won. I thought think 2-4 valve transition of the VFR was disturbing...

selfc23fe · 09-20-2006, 2:10 AM

Sweet!! I'm glad you joined the club bro... Everyday I wake up and know my sweetheart is in garage waiting for me.. I'm not a person that thinks my choice is what is right for everybody, but I want to buy another Sprint to put in storage and be ready when my current ride is ready to be put bed...

scottbinma · 10-22-2006, 2:36 AM

I am looking at changing out the licence plate holder on my 2006 sprint. I would also like to have the turn signals incorporated into the brake light. Has anyone done this and if so what parts have you used.

TraumaOne · 10-22-2006, 1:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottbinma

I am looking at changing out the licence plate holder on my 2006 sprint. I would also like to have the turn signals incorporated into the brake light. Has anyone done this and if so what parts have you used.

check ***************. There are a couple of kits out to replace the license plate holder... Don't know about an integrator. I kind of doubt it.

leelover · 10-25-2006, 12:20 AM

Is the heat issue really bad? Is it both rider and passenger, or one more than the other? I really like the way these bikes look!
I rode a 04 Sprint St and liked it alot, haven't taken an 05 or 06 out yet.
Need to make sure my wife likes the ride!

bwhip · 10-25-2006, 12:38 AM

I didn't take any pillions on long rides, but I found the heat to be more of an issue on my right shin than anything under the seat. Was never a problem on the highway, just around town on hot days.

GBinGB · 12-30-2006, 1:34 PM

I`ve also suffered a bit from heat buildup from the exhaust, only solution i found that worked was to go a bit faster. One or two small design niggles on an otherwise great bike...taking off and putting the seat back on...cheap n nasty and something the japanese would never do

Sprint1050DA · 01-02-2007, 10:28 PM

I've felt the heat too, it just makes me leave town for the more fun roads a little bit quicker. Other than that I just keep throwing tires at it and it keeps me happy.

07caspianblue · 09-07-2007, 8:37 PM

I just started riding again after a 15 year hiatus. The big mistake was selling my '86 FJ1200, I wish I had kept the FJ12 so I could compare it to the Sprint, but hindsight is always 20/20. I'm older and wiser now (translation: less nerve) so I don't push the limits like I did in the old days. I surely miss road racing and draggin knees on my GSX-R 750, I think the Sprint is willing even if I am not. The Sprint may not be perfect but I am completely happy with it. It does everything well and it looks great standing still. It may not carve the asphault like a GSX-R (I road raced one for five years). It may not be as fast in a straight line as a 'Busa or ZX14 nor as comfortable as a Gold Wing or as obnoxiously loud as Harley. But as a compromise it does each one of these thing so well that it is hard to fault this bike. It handles great, goes way faster than the speed limit in a very short period of time, looks like a million bucks and the sound? What can I say? If you have ever heard the howl from the stock pipe under full throttle acceleration and the very cool back popping under closed throttle conditions, you understand. If you haven't you need to go out and experience these delectable tones. I have had this bike for just over two months now (3000+ miles) with out any problems. I still like to sit under a tree and stare at it because it is such a wonderful piece of machinery. For you aging road racers this bike is the cats meow because you feel like a racer and you can ride it all day which makes touring quite possible. Oh yeah, I get about 52 MPG on the highway (like it matters on such a cool ride I would still love this bike if it got half that kind of mileage.)