Sprint ST 1050

[ThEGr33k]

Well. Im seriously thinking about getting one. As much as I love my Falco its unfortunately not so great at commuting where I am atm, and im looking for a new experience (30k miles and 3 years of falco now) I need a bit of a do it all bike but with a sportier edge. I know the sprint wont be as sporty as the Falco but it should be more comfortable and better in town, and probably return more mpg's, and better pillion comfort, should I ever get a lady willing to come on with me... :rolleyes:

Soooo. What do people think to it that have ridden it?

I will miss the V-twin, I do love it, but unfortunately I can't have 2 bikes, or Id keep the Falco for fun days out. :cool:

Cheers.

[_Stretchie_]

Dooo it, you know it makes sense.

You could always ask Matt SV if his is for sale, he's getting on a bit now and had to sell his Imprezza for a Mito or something more suitable for a gnetleman his age.

[yorkie_chris]

They do sound nice with a fruity can.

However for the price wouldn't you be better buying a 125 to commute on?

[Specialone]

Well, i ******* love mine !!!:)

Its sporty, in the right hands could keep up with more sportier bikes no problem, it goes really well with hardly any effort.
Can take a bit of a wrestle to get it round sometimes but thats probably my skill level rather than the bikes performance.
It will do an indicated 170mph and will do 40 mpg no problem, even more if your riding is more gentle.
Rear brake isnt great tbh, but thats the only negative i can think of.

[Bluefish]

Test ride, then hand over the money ;)

[mattSV]

Dooo it, you know it makes sense.

You could always ask Matt SV if his is for sale, he's getting on a bit now and had to sell his Imprezza for a Mito or something more suitable for a gnetleman his age.

**** me - you still here, you cheeky ****?

I have a Sprint and hate it. It is so bad that last year I only did two up tours of Wales, Scotland and France. I hate the way that the engine has so much grunt you don't really need to change gear. The seating position is awful, you can just sit there and ride all day at what ever pace you fancy - including mental. It sounds rubbish, especially with my after market cans. The luggage is rubbish, and my wife would rather be on the back of a gixxer than sat on the nice comfy gel seat.:---)

[Essex of Essex]

Great motor, all day comfortable with reasonable economy. Suspension a bit squishy but easily sorted, Ohlins on mine and I'm very happy with it.

[ThEGr33k]

Sounds like you all like it. its the closest bike I can think of to the Falco. Hope ill enjoy it when I get a chance to try one.

Only issue I may have is height :( Im 5'6"....

They do sound nice with a fruity can.

However for the price wouldn't you be better buying a 125 to commute on?


I can only have 1 bike, so just having a 125 would suck (storage is the issue). :(

Other wise id do that I think. Ah well.

[Specialone]

Height won't be a problem, you can modify the seat anyway if it is, they are not a tall bike IMO.
Although I'm over six feet I can get both feet dead flat on the ground but I think my inside leg is 34 inches.

[Jackie_Black]

I sat on one in the dealers and was quite suprised how tall they were (6ft 2)
I was all set to buy one until they offered me 4.5k for my 10 month old pile of sick hornet.

[ThEGr33k]

Hmmmph. My friend has one, so ill see about trying to have a sit on it. Im used to using my tip toes most of the time so it'll probably be the usual. I can never really move the bike back while sat on it but I can get off and do that. :)

Looking like August will be the best time for me to get the bike changed over. Hope to get about a grand for the falco, if im lucky more, but a 40K miles falco probably isnt worth a great deal :( Did work out, that with conservative costing I have about £1500 of extra's I could sell on. ha ha.

Its a shame that the Falco is playing up. Was loving that bike :( Oh well...

[steveg]

Hi

Only had my sprint st1050 since November , really rate it

Seat height on my 05 is only 805mm , so fairly low

Done 8k miles , does 50 + mpg on a run and about 47 on the commute , tank range 200 +which is handy

Carrys a pillion well and looks and goes well

Running costs :-Seems kind to tyres and c&s , had to adjust chain once so far and rear tyre is at 5.5 k and still looks good for a couple more

Triumph service costs are crazy from main dealers , quoted 500 for 12k service , you can halve this from independant garage

Documented problems :- poor lights ( I don't find them too bad and do a lot of night riding)

Engine generates alot of heat causing hot legs in traffic ( again don't find this a problem)

The 05 heat "problems" are fixed in later models , I think the headlights are the same for all the st's

Later models have higher handlebar position and steel rather than plastic fuel tanks (got a feeling that they have a higher seat height as well)

Def take one for a test ride

Good luck

cheers Steve

[yorkie_chris]

Hmmmph. My friend has one, so ill see about trying to have a sit on it. Im used to using my tip toes most of the time so it'll probably be the usual. I can never really move the bike back while sat on it but I can get off and do that. :)

Looking like August will be the best time for me to get the bike changed over. Hope to get about a grand for the falco, if im lucky more, but a 40K miles falco probably isnt worth a great deal :( Did work out, that with conservative costing I have about £1500 of extra's I could sell on. ha ha.

Its a shame that the Falco is playing up. Was loving that bike :( Oh well...

Sell dyzio the penske, he knows he wants it :)

[ThEGr33k]

Hi

Only had my sprint st1050 since November , really rate it

Seat height on my 05 is only 805mm , so fairly low

Done 8k miles , does 50 + mpg on a run and about 47 on the commute , tank range 200 +which is handy

Carrys a pillion well and looks and goes well

Running costs :-Seems kind to tyres and c&s , had to adjust chain once so far and rear tyre is at 5.5 k and still looks good for a couple more

Triumph service costs are crazy from main dealers , quoted 500 for 12k service , you can halve this from independant garage

Documented problems :- poor lights ( I don't find them too bad and do a lot of night riding)

Engine generates alot of heat causing hot legs in traffic ( again don't find this a problem)

The 05 heat "problems" are fixed in later models , I think the headlights are the same for all the st's

Later models have higher handlebar position and steel rather than plastic fuel tanks (got a feeling that they have a higher seat height as well)

Def take one for a test ride

Good luck

cheers Steve


Nice some good info :)


Sell dyzio the penske, he knows he wants it :)


I maybe able to do that :D

Ill miss that shock, its a damn fine piece of kit! Apparently it would cost a fortune to convert it to the Sprint :( Ill ask another shop first incase I was being jested...

Will have a fair amount of nice bits. 4 Pad Brembo calipers (maybe radial master, though I might use that again...), radial clutch master, PC3, Gabro Eprom, Befbever exhaust system, Open air boot, CF front mud guard and no doubt some other bits...

[yorkie_chris]

I am set up for rebuilding penskes

[ThEGr33k]

I am set up for rebuilding penskes


Hmmm, its converting thats the issue. Could you get the bits for a sprint, then revalve etc?


What do people think to the stock suspension and brakes. I mean im going from pretty well setup good suspension and amazing brakes. Man im goin to have to get a test ride!

[Specialone]

Front brakes are fecking brilliant IMO, they stop, I can tell you.

I have noticed with my suspension it can be a bit wallowy but I have only ever adjusted pre load, adjusting rear shock probably would stop this.

[mattSV]

Front brakes are fecking brilliant IMO, they stop, I can tell you.

I have noticed with my suspension it can be a bit wallowy but I have only ever adjusted pre load, adjusting rear shock probably would stop this.

Seconded on the brakes. Rear is adjustable for pre-load/compression and damping, and is generally a bit on the soft side from stock however a bit of tweaking can usually get to a decent set up - it won't be as good as your penske shock, but is still 'acceptable'.

Steve mentioned the lights - mine were set very low from the factory, raising them and putting in nightbreakers was a quick fix, HIDs are a popular mod.

The Sprint is a great allrounder - excellent for two up touring, can still keep with up supersports, very comfortable for all day riding. If you are looking for a bike that does everything well, then there is not much better than this for the money.

Alternatives?:


VFR800 - Less power than the ST, looks good, sounds awesome with staintunes on it, brilliant headlamps, old mans bike image but very capable in the hands of Luckypants

1200GS - it's a beemer, probably too tall for you, kinfugly


Get a test ride, and then order some Trident end cans for it ;)

[ThEGr33k]

Cool. I had heard mixed things about the brakes. If its sprung light on the back then that will suit me tbh, only weigh a hefty 145lb (65kg), so light is better :)

Forks ok?

I know im asking all this and I should just go get a test ride, I just have to wait though, I got some things coming up that mean I cant change the bike till end of July...

Ha ha. Im not sure about end cans. I have heard some D&D that my mate bought and they were WAY too much. Besides and this isnt a dig but its just wont sound as good as the falco so might just be sensible :)

[AndyBrad]

old mans bike image but very capable in the hands of Luckypants



not bloody kidding! makes me want one every time i see him ride it!

[Paul the 6th]

Hmmmph. My friend has one, so ill see about trying to have a sit on it.


Ask him for a test ride ;) if he says no then ask him why he let me have a go on it and why won't he let you have a go :razz:

[ThEGr33k]

Ask him for a test ride ;) if he says no then ask him why he let me have a go on it and why won't he let you have a go :razz:

He probably would. But with my run of luck recently it might be best not! What you think to it?

[Luckypants]

Ha ha. Im not sure about end cans. I have heard some D&D that my mate bought and they were WAY too much. Besides and this isnt a dig but its just wont sound as good as the falco so might just be sensible :)You need to hear Matt's Trident cans, really make the hairs on your neck stand up. It's a different sound to the V-twin, but fan-bloody-tastic noise!

Yeah VFR is an alternative and does all the ST does, Matt covered it pretty well. The VFR suspension is a bit more basic than the ST, works well enough and the front end should be better with a lighter rider like you.

[_Stretchie_]

**** me - you still here, you cheeky ****?



Yes I am :smt008

They do sound nice with a fruity can.

However for the price wouldn't you be better buying a 125 to commute on?

He's not wrong, MAttSV came to mine before the AR last year and as I was fannying around with the bike trailer I could just hear this wonderful sound... Turned out to be the Sprint, sounded AWESOME. Looks good too.

P.S. How about a BlackBird?

[yorkie_chris]

You need to hear Matt's Trident cans, really make the hairs on your neck stand up. It's a different sound to the V-twin, but fan-bloody-tastic noise!

Yeah VFR is an alternative and does all the ST does, Matt covered it pretty well. The VFR suspension is a bit more basic than the ST, works well enough and the front end should be better with a lighter rider like you.

Funny enough, another pipe and slipeprs bike that sounds good! Quiffs with the HRC cans particularly so, reminds me of the ski boat at tickover. Which being a big block chevy is pretty cool :)

[ThEGr33k]

Il4's arnt my cuppa. Bit too bland for my liking. I like the vfr 750 and original 800, but they are old now. The vtec doesn't interest me. For me that was the start of Honda's move to dull and odd idea's. I know the sprint is also better MPG and more power and cheaper. All of which are bonus.

Don't get me wrong I like the sound of the triple. Think I'm past the loud thing. The exhaust system I have for the falco is just mad. So quieter might suit me for now. Ha ha.

[yorkie_chris]

Ride a GSXR11 with some FCR41s on it and tell me it is bland haha.

[Luckypants]

Quiffs with the HRC cans particularly so, reminds me of the ski boat at tickover. Which being a big block chevy is pretty cool :)Re-badged Staintunes... my newer VFR certainly sounds deeper than the silver one with the Staintunes fitted, maybe the catalyst is better flowing on later models. The VTEC on my 06 operates differently to that on my 05, so possible.

[yorkie_chris]

Your old un sounded ace at full chat. Never heard Quiffs at full chat :-P

[Luckypants]

So does Quiff's nearly wet my knickers when he flew past at 10K rpm! :cool: I think my words were 'Phooarr! Does mine sound like that?' :cheers:

/Derail, sorry Greek.

[Bluepete]

You red VFR sounds deeper, but I only heard it once or twice at the weekend. Must be a subtle kind of loud...

Pete ;)

[ThEGr33k]

Do love v4 sound, well like all v shape and the new R1. LOVE the off beat sound.

Don't worry about the derail, I'm no saint when it comes to that haha.

[-Ralph-]

Sprint? - Just do it, you won't be disappointed, and with all this talk of engines, the litre Triumph triples have no match IMO. Perhaps the V4 in the new Viffer12, perhaps the Testatretta in the Ducati Multi, but I haven't ridden either yet so can't comment. Like YC says about the Gixxer11, the best IL4 engine I've ridden was the 1200 Bandit.

[yorkie_chris]

Bore it out to 1216, fit some flatslides or some snorting great 38mm CVs, send the head off to Roger Upperton along with a fat cheque. Sorted. Power, tick. Fun, tick. Character, tick. Possibly might be slightly thirsty. Maybe.

I would not actually buy a 1050, too many issues.

[-Ralph-]

I would not actually buy a 1050, too many issues.

Think they are all pretty much sorted on later models, but as a 955 owner I'm going to stay quietly smug anyway and say it's the better engine :mrgreen: ;)

[ThEGr33k]

I would not actually buy a 1050, too many issues.

I know Oliver had a nightmare, and that they burn oil. But what other issues?

[Bluefish]

main issue is the low speed limits, hard to get over 4000rpm :rolleyes:

[-Ralph-]

main issue is the low speed limits, hard to get over 4000rpm :rolleyes:

And the absolute beauty of the engine is that you don't have to! If you don't want to that is. Swift overtakes perfectly possible at 4000 revs. Then at 6000 revs it turns from a whistling kitten, into some kind of demented big cat whose had his paw trodden on, then at 9000 it turns into a scalded cat in fight or flight mode (well the 147bhp Daytona does anyway, I don't know why they've never tuned the 1050 to make more power for the Sprint).

[Specialone]

And the absolute beauty of the engine is that you don't have to! If you don't want to that is. Swift overtakes perfectly possible at 4000 revs. Then at 6000 revs it turns from a whistling kitten, into some kind of demented big cat whose had his paw trodden on, then at 9000 it turns into a scalded cat in fight or flight mode (well the 147bhp Daytona does anyway, I don't know why they've never tuned the 1050 to make more power for the Sprint).

It's a distance machine Col, the extra power probably isn't necessary and would affect mpg so I think they left it as is.
It's slightly more powerful than the tiger 1050 as well so perhaps they thought that was sufficient.

[andreis]

I would not actually buy a 1050, too many issues.

I would like to hear about that as well, seeing as how I'm interested in a 1050 in different guise (Tiger). I do know that some burn oil (and that Triumph's definition of "within spec" on this particular subject is shocking) and that in early 2007, they had a bad batch of piston seals with the Tiger engines which were solved through a recall (don't know if it applies to Sprints as well)..

Other than that, I haven't heard of anything other than the usual Friday afternoon built bike (the 1:10000 one which has all the problems in the book).

What I HAVE heard is that they're quite reliable, plenty went over the 100k mark without anything more than the usual consumables replacement. Furthermore, I do know of a comprehensive test done by Motorrad which pitted the Sprint against the K1200S and the Vfr 800-ABS in a 50k km long term test. The Sprint came on top in reliability. After 50k km the following were concluded:

Cylinder head:
All valves were leak proof
Valve seats were satisfactory
Valve guides and stems were within figures for new
Camshaft-bearings had visible marks but were within tolerance
Cam lobes are very good

Liners/Pistons:
All liners had visible marks but were within tolerances
RHS liner slightly more non-circular but still within tolerances
Piston free play is satisfactory with not much charcoal

Crank assembly:
Main bearings like new
Big ends perfect
Small ends and gudgeon pins slightly worn

Transmission:
Gear box in very good condition with no pitting
Clutch plates like new

Frame/Chassis:
Premium and reliable paintwork
No hidden corrosion on powder coated frame

Now I don't really know much about the subject, I'm just quoting other people here. So please tell me what to watch out for

[-Ralph-]

It's a distance machine Col, the extra power probably isn't necessary and would affect mpg so I think they left it as is.
It's slightly more powerful than the tiger 1050 as well so perhaps they thought that was sufficient.

Yeah, it's just Truimph being too sensible :smt019

Kwak only gave the Z1000SX 135 bhp, they are being too sensible too ;)

Anything over 100 bhp is more than enough on the road, but I just like the idea of a sports tourer with rocket fuel, like the Viffer12 and K1300S both have 160 bhp+. It is seriously exhilarating (and addictive) on full throttle whatever type of bike you're on.

With all the electronics nowadays, they could get it to sip fuel at lower revs, and produce the power at higher revs, though whether or not they could still get the fuelling and power delivery curve they wanted without a 'power' or 'economy' mode switch I don't know. That said there's nothing wrong with the fuelling or power delivery on the Daytona and I'm getting about 160 miles before the fuel light comes on, on long trips, so estimate about 200 miles to a tank (20 litres) if you ran it dry. They had a chance to revise it with the GT model and only gave it about 5bhp more. I bet if the GT came with 160 bhp it would boost sales though! The reasons people buy bikes are not rational.

The Sprint was actually around before the Tiger, so they actually made the Tiger less powerful than the Sprint, rather than the Sprint more powerful than the Tiger.

The old Sprint 955 always had less power than the Daytona, but they've never made a 1050 Daytona because they don't want to get pigeon holed as a looser in the "Lets make a WSB bike" game all the other manufacturers are constantly in and not sell very many as a result. That's why I thought they'd have given the Sprint full power, just to prove what they could do with the 1050 engine, and the Sprint is the sportiest bike they have to put it in.

Is there nobody on the Triumph forums that has 'chipped' a Sprint with a programmable ECU and had it dyno'ed?

[ThEGr33k]

The problem with the 1050 is it was never meant to improve power,it was for more torque and drive. It does gain a little power but that's just because of the more CC not because they chased it. The reason I think this is the case is because they stroked the 955 engine and didn't bore it. Boring would mean they could have high rpm still. With longer stroke they get torque and smooth, both things the bikes it is in will benefit from more than bhp. If they wanted big numbers like the BMW k13 or new vfr 12 (which IMO is no Tourer, tiny tank ffs) they simply need more CC. For me ~125bhp is all need and more really. ~75ftlb of torque will be nice enough. Its also similar level of power to what I have and will probably deliver it in a similar manner.

[-Ralph-]

You'l find the power delivery much smoother than the Aprilia V60 mate. Probably find things like the chain & sprockets get an easier life too.

[ThEGr33k]

You'l find the power delivery much smoother than the Aprilia V60 mate. Probably find things like the chain & sprockets get an easier life too.

Oh yea yea, was meaning more power and where the torque is. Smooth should make low speed town work much nicer.

The v60 is amazing out on open roads, but bit rough for town it seems. :(