Sprint ST 1050 - parting shots [Archive] - SV650.org

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Gazza77

24-01-11, 07:38 PM

Well after 3 years ownership, it's time to move on. There have been many things I've liked about the Sprint, and some that I haven't.

Likes:

Grunty triple engine, plenty of power and torque, and silky smooth.
Predictable handling, especially when two up. Not as flickable as the SV was, but far more stable, especially when the road is bumpy.
Two up capability, and the ability to carry a load easily, even if the panniers are disappointingly small when you peer inside.
Comfortable enough for all day riding.
Convenience of sockets. Plug in for the sat nav, and a handy power socket to run Gerbing gloves from and charge it up by.
Great triple soundtrack, especially once the TOR exhaust had been fitted.
Dislikes:

The lights. You may as well strap a candle to your lid for night time riding. Dipped beam gives very little illumination, and whilst main beam is better, the spread of light is tiny, so you only get visability on straights.
The battery. Partially caused due to an alarm and a lack of use over winter, it was always a pig to start from cold. The battery is barely capable of firing the big triple when fully charged, so anything less than perfect, no hope. Even with a brand new one on, it was little better. Thank god I live on a hill to be able to bump start it.
The electrics. One trip to the dealer meant a 10 hour hunt for an intermittent fault that meant the bike cut out, and that couldn't be replicated in the workshop, only when ridden. Turned out to be a chaffing wire near the headstock that shorted when turning. Other electrics were also a bit hit and miss at times.
The weight. Not overly heavy and certainly not once on the move, but compared to the SV when having to drag it across gravel and a slope to get it in and out of the garage it always felt far more likely to be dropped if I lost my footing on gravel or a muddy patch.

I'll be sorry to see it go, but I never felt like I bonded with it like my earlier SV. I never covered half as many miles as I expected, and I suspect part of my issue with it is due to that fact. I bought it intending to do two up weekends away, and due to changing circumstances that never happened. For me, a bike needs to be owned because it's what I really want, and the Sprint was bought as a tool to do a job, even if it never really got to. The replacement is being bought with my heart, not my head... :smt007

steveg

24-01-11, 07:59 PM

Hi

Only had my sprint since November and has taken a long while to get used to after the sv650s

The weight and size takes a lot of getting used to filtering in heavy traffic / moving around into garage etc

However love the bike for longer distance riding

What are you thinking of buying for its replacement ?

Cheers Steve

454697819

24-01-11, 08:12 PM

its my opinion that you have to bond with a bike on some level for it to be good,

I have only really had that with one bike the Tuono

Given the 11 miles on the new ST2 i think we will bond eventually..

Good luk with whatever your new toy is :makelurve:

Gazza77

25-01-11, 08:29 PM

I'll be getting another Triple. Not a Triumph though. :cool:

Daimo

27-01-11, 02:39 PM

The man has seen the light ;) Mega Cool points....

Luckypants

27-01-11, 03:05 PM

its my opinion that you have to bond with a bike on some level for it to be good

Agree, it's a bit like falling in love, you can remember the moment. I can remember the moment with all the bikes I have kept.

To the OP, hope you get many miles of smiles on the new steed.

Gazza77

27-01-11, 05:07 PM

The man has seen the light ;) Mega Cool points....

Why thank you kind sir. :cool:

Teejayexc

27-01-11, 07:58 PM

Benelli Tornado by any chance? RS?

Nice ;)

Bluepete

27-01-11, 08:19 PM

Agree, it's a bit like falling in love, you can remember the moment.

And tonight was my moment of lurve with my Tiger.

Well and truly fecked off with whiny, moany prats at work who hang around this forum sniping in the background without having the man-stones to say it to my face.

The proposed traffic cop cuts have been postponed, so another two or three weeks of worry.

The job itself frantically covering it's back whilst failing to support the workers.

THE WHOLE FECKIN' PI$$ING **** OF A THING.

ten minutes after getting home, the Tiger is out of it's lair, and the world feels better, although at a much faster pace.

I fell for my bike today.

Pete

Specialone

27-01-11, 08:22 PM

Pete, have i misread your post?
People of this forum work at your place? or was it a typo?

Bluepete

27-01-11, 08:25 PM

Pete, have i misread your post?
People of this forum work at your place? or was it a typo?

No mate, other way 'round.

They read, snipe and bitch, but don't have the nuts to join in, place an opinion or confront me directly about anything I say on here.

I know who they are,

Pete

Gazza77

27-01-11, 08:37 PM

Benelli Tornado by any chance? RS?

Nice ;)

Yep. Not an RS though, that's just a photo that I nicked until I get mine and a few shots of it.

Specialone

27-01-11, 08:54 PM

No mate, other way 'round.

They read, snipe and bitch, but don't have the nuts to join in, place an opinion or confront me directly about anything I say on here.

I know who they are,

Pete

Fair enough mate, i wont ask any further.
Glad you're loving the tiger btw, im hoping to get some serious miles under my belt this year on the sprint.

kaivalagi

27-01-11, 09:35 PM

Yep. Not an RS though, that's just a photo that I nicked until I get mine and a few shots of it.
You've prompted me to go look at triple cyl alternatives to triumph tonight (I had no idea) and I found the new MV F3 :smt007

edit: The benelli's go for a fairly affordable price for the age...and 900CC...off to read more

27-01-11, 09:52 PM

's why I want a Tiger:cool:

Specialone

27-01-11, 09:54 PM

's why I want a Tiger:cool:
Get a new XC Ed, i loved the look of the 1050 tiger, just didnt feel quite right when riding it, as said i didnt connect with it.
Cant tempt you with a sprint?

Gazza77

27-01-11, 10:01 PM

You've prompted me to go look at triple cyl alternatives to triumph tonight (I had no idea) and I found the new MV F3 :smt007

edit: The benelli's go for a fairly affordable price for the age...and 900CC...off to read more

The f3 is sex on wheels, but too pricey for me at present. I bet it will be cramped to ride too.

mister c

27-01-11, 10:29 PM

Good write up & good luck with the new bike.
I bought a 955i Daytona & absolutely hate it. It has done nothing other than be unreliable. It broke down after about the 1st 20 miles. The engine management light came on that often I thought it was the indicator. I parked it up for 2 weeks, in my shop because the weather was bad, came back to it, started it up, engine light came on & it hasn't run properly since. It is off to the dealer on Saturday for it's post mortem.
He has an SV1000 in, so i may ask him if we could come to some sort of deal.

Daimo

27-01-11, 10:40 PM

I gave as much advice as I could of the bikes flaws, but its still a bike that just makes you smile so much when riding it.

mister c

28-01-11, 06:49 AM

Fast bikes magazine have had a Tornado on long term test.
One of the writers raves about it, the others say that it feels it's age, which, against all of the other stuff they have, it will.

STRAMASHER

28-01-11, 08:00 AM

Brave, left field choice fella.

Always was a special bike and always will be (and for reasonable cash.) Summit I imagine I would (nearly) get as much of thrill cleaning or looking at, as riding.

Enjoy, and get some big pics posted if you can drag yourself off it.

Daimo

28-01-11, 09:51 AM

Fast bikes magazine have had a Tornado on long term test.
One of the writers raves about it, the others say that it feels it's age, which, against all of the other stuff they have, it will.

Blokes been on the forum the whole time he's had it.

Just been exchanged for a new TNT 160R. He wanted to buy it from the company. Had quite a bit done to it as well.

Its either a bike you love, or hate really.

mister c

28-01-11, 12:49 PM

Blokes been on the forum the whole time he's had it.

Just been exchanged for a new TNT 160R. He wanted to buy it from the company. Had quite a bit done to it as well.

Its either a bike you love, or hate really.
I've been following it with interest. It's a lot of bike for, in todays standards, very little money. I was umming & ahring, but decided against it now. I really like them, always have.

Daimo

28-01-11, 01:47 PM

They have their flaws, don't get me wrong, but its just an adventure every time you go out.

I can jump on a jap IL4 1000cc SB and ride at warp speed and feel nothing for the bike.

The Benelli has so much character to it. They arn't as un-reliable as claimed, and some of the mag writes ups are shocking, yet others are good honest reviews. Depends who its written by, and if they are a "latest kit and fastest round the track" people, or if they are "real world" people.

Real world, as quick as a modern 600cc SS, but with bags more torque, thats usable and perfect on the twisty roads.

And tbh, theres hardly anything built in 2000-2002 that comes close on looks and styling. In fact, IMO, the Japs still are playing catchup 8+ years later.

I know the bikes flaws, but the positives far outweigh it for me. A LOT of bike for the money.

kaivalagi

28-01-11, 07:19 PM

speedplay

28-01-11, 07:24 PM

a GSX-R 750 would be far more flickable but it would also be £4K more new and not look any more the part!

http://jackpatch.typepad.com/.a/6a0133ec85acd4970b0134864e920c970c-800wi

Gazza77

28-01-11, 07:39 PM

I can certainly see where you are coming from after having a good dig around the web for decent details on the Benelli Tornado, a 900CC triple just sounds great...And tbh I love my 650 SV and that is old tech but has character too...yeah okay so a GSX-R 750 would be far more flickable but it would also be £4K more new and not look any more the part!

I need to find a dealership somewhere close to test ride one closer the time for a new bike, although if the dealer also has MV and I have the finances I may get drawn in that direction :)

I assume you have a Benelli dealership close by?

I have two within about 20 miles, and another 3 or 4 within 50, including the one that is reputed to be about the best in the country (Bennetts of Barnsley). Mine isn't coming from there, due to the deal I was offered elsewhere but quite probably will do for servicing. I should be picking it up next weekend all being well.

I'm buying it for a variety of reasons. I wanted something a little different, and was drawn by the looks. 've liked them ever since I first saw them at the NEC back in 03 or 04 ish. I have no desire to have the latest cutting edge Japanese offering, as the latest cutting edge technology is not what I'm after. I really couldn't care less if I have 1bhp more than last years version...

I do like the pull of the Triumph Triple, and the Nelli offers similar, only with a little more power. The Nelli is also the only bike I've ever ridden with a standard can and not thought it needs changing, such is the induction noise it makes. The standard can is an Arrow one too, so nothing too shabby, although obviosuly it is noise limited.

It's also not my main source of transport, and so the potential for reliability issues is not a huge concern.

Can't wait to get it and see a bit more of what it can do.

kaivalagi

28-01-11, 08:09 PM

specsavers...

It's to my taste, but then I like the KTM RC8 and a lot of others don't

How can you say these are out done by a GSX-R for looks:
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Benelli%20Tornado%201130%20%2006.jpg

Can't wait to get it and see a bit more of what it can do.

I would be good if you post a bike journal so we can get an idea of the ups and downs of the benelli, as there seems to be far too much negativity about. edit: Big question I would have is it just a hobby bike or can it be reliable enough to use regulary...that would be the clincher for me or not as the case may be

I assume you'll be joining benelliforums? edit: I notice you're already a member...

Gazza77

28-01-11, 08:19 PM

It's to my taste, but then I like the KTM RC8 and a lot of others don't

How can you say these are out done by a GSX-R for looks:
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Benelli%20Tornado%201130%20%2006.jpg

I would be good if you post a bike journal so we can get an idea of the ups and downs of the benelli, as there seems to be far too much negativity about.

I assume you'll be joining benelliforums?

Already have. I like to get some sort of idea what I am letting myself in for! As with wjen i bought the trumpet, I will post a review or two on here once I've had it a little while.

28-01-11, 11:28 PM

I really like the look of that bike.

Is it me or do the forks look a bit bent:confused:

speedplay

28-01-11, 11:31 PM

It's to my taste, but then I like the KTM RC8 and a lot of others don't

How can you say these are out done by a GSX-R for looks:

I like the rc8 too, but you compared the gixer to the sv, not the nelli...

And tbh I love my 650 SV and that is old tech but has character too...yeah okay so a GSX-R 750 would be far more flickable but it would also be £4K more new and not look any more the part!

kaivalagi

29-01-11, 04:49 PM

I like the rc8 too, but you compared the gixer to the sv, not the nelli...

Oops, I can see why you'd think that...my bad. I mentioned the SV in relation to the character thing and I was comparing the GSX-R to the Nelli.

I would never compare a GSX-R to a SV, even a pointy :)

Daimo

29-01-11, 05:56 PM

That model is the 1130cc. Im not keen on that paint. I have a standard Tre in Green/Silver with some carbons bits. I've also got the Arrow titanitum Benelli sports can. On idle its hardly any louder, likewise at top revs, but in the midrange it compliments the induction noise and offers a nice growl. Its also a lot lighter in weight. I've got some videos on my youtube with some good audio noise. Let me know if you want the links.

Im lucky as my dad also loves them. He's had 4, but currently has the LE model. £25k brand new, all carbon/titanium. He works on a saturday at a particular bike shop that deals with MVs and Benellis down here, just for fun really. But gives us access to parts should they be needed. Just don't ask for a silver mirror though :lol: I can't wait, Im really hoping an MV F3 turns up :lol:

Ahh sod it, picture whoare time :lol:

http://images12.fotki.com/v252/photos/4/48802/2247191/P1010922-vi.jpg

http://images18.fotki.com/v457/photos/4/48802/3559378/P1010824-vi.jpg

Before the tank carbon.

http://images18.fotki.com/v674/photos/4/48802/2247191/Image000-vi.jpg

Carbon tank on my dads LE, checkout the weave, mmmmm

http://images55.fotki.com/v1603/photos/4/48802/2247191/P1010909-vi.jpg

In pictures they look very much like the same bike. Have a closer look though and you see that they are two totally different motorcycles. LE's still go for over £10k, and I think that value will go up over time again. Im never letting him get rid of it :lol:

My bikes a good story. It was my dads, I really wanted it as it had lots of extras i wanted, plus he'd sorted out most of the known faults so I knew the history. He sold it and I couldn't afford it and was gutted. 1 year later, it comes up on ebay, for £1k less than my dad had sold it for, and with only 600 extra miles. I bought it straight away, and bar a few niggles, shes been brilliant.

I wouldn't use it every day, but there a few blokes on the forum that do. One guy in Aus, has done over 77,000km on his 900 tornado!!!!

Gazza77

30-01-11, 05:00 PM

Well all being well, I'll be picking mine up next Saturday. Took the SatNav and a couple of other bits of the Sprint today, so it's all ready to go. Pics will follow once Nelli has arrived. :D

Daimo

31-01-11, 11:18 AM

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Your SO going to love it. You can't help but open the throttle and listen to the roaaarrrrrr :lol:

Bluefish

31-01-11, 06:56 PM

Ahh sod it, picture whoare time :lol:

http://images12.fotki.com/v252/photos/4/48802/2247191/P1010922-vi.jpg

http://images18.fotki.com/v457/photos/4/48802/3559378/P1010824-vi.jpg

Before the tank carbon.

http://images18.fotki.com/v674/photos/4/48802/2247191/Image000-vi.jpg

Carbon tank on my dads LE, checkout the weave, mmmmm

http://images55.fotki.com/v1603/photos/4/48802/2247191/P1010909-vi.jpg

Dribble dribble, me likee, not sure about mrs though :mrgreen:

Daimo

31-01-11, 07:39 PM

Tell her my other half finds the Tornado more comfy than my Bandit rear seat. Its much smaller, but sloped either side for her ass, where-as the Bandits basically a flat bench :lol:

You can pick some up for just over £3k, but it seems the prices are starting to go on the up a little.

dizzyblonde

31-01-11, 10:00 PM

oooo come to the Italian side I see there Gazza. :)

Peg and I were wondering if sometime this year you'd like to meet up?, Seeing as though we're neighbours and have been on this forum for feckin ages and have yet to meet!

At least I'll know who you are, its the only Nelli I know, who will be living in this neck of the woods!

Gazza77

01-02-11, 08:21 PM

Bluefish

01-02-11, 09:11 PM

Daimo

02-02-11, 10:09 AM

Top box is a no no.

Panniers, absolutly fine ;) With sleeping bag, net blah blah. Wouldn't mind a top mounted bag next time though, just becuase you have to setup the straps under the rear seat, so takes 10 minutes to sort it all out. Not great for doing ever day, but the bike took panniers fine. Heavier to tip in, but still plenty of knee down action ;)

http://images24.fotki.com/v797/photos/2/48802/8847755/P1010976-vi.jpg