View Full Version : Reasons not to like a Triumph Sprint ST1050?
A few days before heading to the TT, my Daytona decided she wasn't going anywhere, probably the reg/rec, but that's another story.
I ended up borrowing a ST1050 of a mate for the trip. It’s a 08 bike with 10k on the clock, which you can’t say had an easy life.
Anyway, first impressions – not as big as I’ve feared, not as upright as I’ve hoped (I think the clipons are lower on it).
Heavy when stationary, if I’d drop it, I’d probably leave it on the ground and walk home.
Headlights, dipped beam is not too bad, but the main beam... there’s hardly any difference!
Acceleration – bl**dy hell, my previous Aprilia was torqey, but this thing is different. Whilst the Falco wanted to rip your arms out, this one pulls smoothly through the revs, and then you look at the speedo and get a shock. Bike is deceptive.
Panniers – must be getting old, because I love them. Fill up, fix on the bike and you’re done. They do make the bike a bit wider, but filtering on a congested motorway wasn’t an issue (car drivers did help).
Brakes – couldn’t get used to them. I’ve got small hands and even the lowest setting on the lever was too big for me.
Heading down the motorway, it was great. At normal speeds it just munched the miles, but go over a ton and it gets a bit windy and a bit buzzy. Aprilia was better at high speeds, but then again, how often are you riding in a place with no speed restrictions. Heading back from the ferry, 60 miles of A road, 100 motorway at normal speed, got me 55 mpg :).
There is a lot to be liked about this bike, handling, comfort, economy. I’ve seen these bikes being ridden at some proper pace on a few org meetings. I’ve done approx 600 miles in a week on it, the weird thing is the bike did everything I asked it to, but for some reason, as much as I would be looking forward to riding it again, somehow I don’t see myself buying one :confused: :smt017
-Ralph-
11-06-12, 11:20 AM
I love them, but my hip to knee length is too long for them, and my knees hit the fairing, otherwise I would have bought one.
andreis
11-06-12, 02:17 PM
They're a bit too hot for summer. This, however, might turn into a bonus, given British weather.
Errr.. no space under the seat for anything and the cubby hole in the fairing is a bit badly thought out.
The numbers on the dial are too small?
I think I know, though, what the real problem is. I've found this with going from the sv's V2 to the tiger's I3. The v2 rumbles and grumbles every time I open the throttle. It pulls less than the tiger does, but because of all the commotion, it feels like it doesn't. When I put an airhawk on the seat, however, I was completely cut from the vibration of the engine. All of a sudden, it seemed like the mighty SV was pulling a lot less. It no longer felt like the mean accelerating machine I thought it was.
The I3s very very little vibration (if any at all), so they seem like they don't pull like the V2s. This is also, I think, the reason for the bike's deceptiveness. I had to do the no-vibration experiment on my SV to come to understand this. V2s brawl a lot more than I3s do, but they do both pull with very convincing torque.
I forgot what underseat storage is. On the Daytona you can fit a map under the seat (a small one).
The cut out hole is big enugh fot thr tool kit, xena disc lock and a plastic thingy for your sidestand.
Interesting point about the vibrations, the Aprilia did vibe a lot more than the sv, especially at high rev's. The Triumphs are just so smooth.
Did I say how nice the 1050 exhaust pops and grumbles on the overrun? :D
Paul the 6th
11-06-12, 02:50 PM
tbh I think my 2-bike garage would be a sportsbike (SRAD 750 or 954 blade) and then a Sprint ST 1050 - they're great bikes apart from their little foybles with the headlight..
robh539
11-06-12, 02:52 PM
I have just come back from a 600 mile weekend in Wales. I cant fault The ST 1050. It goes like stink, handles well and a mile muncher. I have only had mine 2 weeks and love it more and more every day. There was 5 ST there over the weekend and all going well at a fair pace loaded up with two panniers and top box.
I personally think the tripple is a great engine, smoother and puncher than the Il4 I had before and sounds awesome.
Agreed the heat from the underseat pipes can be a PITA when the air temp its up, but can live with it for the 2 week summers we get here lol. Winter will be toasty :)
-Ralph-
11-06-12, 03:55 PM
Did I say how nice the 1050 exhaust pops and grumbles on the overrun? :D
Most modern Triumph's do that sir. They have a system (called Secondary Air Injection) that puts fresh air straight from the airbox into the exhaust manifold, to burn any remaining unused fuel in the exhaust gases - cleans up the emissions.
I'd never expect the green party to put a smile on my face :)
andreis
11-06-12, 05:36 PM
Most modern Triumph's do that sir. They have a system (called Secondary Air Injection) that puts fresh air straight from the airbox into the exhaust manifold, to burn any remaining unused fuel in the exhaust gases - cleans up the emissions.
About that - it's one of my gripes with the tiger. The SAI does help to clean up emissions BUT it would be even better if there wasn't unused fuel in the first place.
While I think it's perfectly acceptable to have unburned fuel under normal operation, why the heck does it have fuel in there when the throttle is fully closed? Most fuel injection engines are able to completely scavenge fuel when running under closed throttle. If your car has an on board computer (OBC) which shows you instant fuel consumption, you'll see that, when closing the throttle completely, on a downhill, you will get 0L/100km. This is not some OBC glitch, it's the actual consumption.
I think that if bikes had fuel scavenging, they could easily cut 15-20% out of the city fuel consumption and 10% out of the highway fuel consumption. Unfortunately, good fuel consumption doesn't even register as a secondary design goal :(
That being said, the 1050s are decent at fuel consumption
I think the problem with the ST when I rode it was that it was hugely competent (as long as you don't ride at night), but didn't excite you doing it - I took one to North Wales, a different one to the last Essex AR and one to Denmark, and it just went about its business without fuss. That was part of the reason I went for the S3, which was that little bit more aggressive,
Derailing slightly, this is why I'm loving my KTM at the moment - panniers/top box and fold-up bed on, it buzzes along nicely, then I'll take it out next time without and it'll be a hooligan SM-lite again.
If your car has an on board computer (OBC) which shows you instant fuel consumption, you'll see that, when closing the throttle completely, on a downhill, you will get 0L/100km.
The UK S3 dash includes instant MPG, which showed 99.9 when you're rolling downhill on a closed throttle, so I'd presume they are doing the same on that engine. I'm not sure if the metric measures had the same facility, as I never switched it over.
andreis
11-06-12, 06:01 PM
Hmm.. that is very very strange. I'll ask on the Tiger forum. Maybe there's a glitch of some sort with my bike or maybe the injection butterfly sticks or something of that sort.
DJFridge
11-06-12, 08:42 PM
Chatted with the guy who sorted my SV brakes and also just been re-reading the review in RiDE from a few months back. The heaviness at rest mentioned in the OP is something that came up in conversation when I mentioned thinking about an ST. And the headlamp appears to be generally pants even with bigger bulbs or HID kits - I guess the basic reflector and lens shape must just be wrong.
I still think I want one though. Mind you, not ridden one yet!
Mrs DJ Fridge
11-06-12, 08:50 PM
I forgot what underseat storage is. On the Daytona you can fit a map under the seat (a small one).
The cut out hole is big enugh fot thr tool kit, xena disc lock and a plastic thingy for your sidestand.
:D
Surely if the plastic thingy for the side stand is under the seat how do you get to it if you need it, surely the ground would be too soft to leave the bike to get it out from under the seat, I keep mine in the back pocket on my jacket.
yorkie_chris
11-06-12, 09:23 PM
About that - it's one of my gripes with the tiger. The SAI does help to clean up emissions BUT it would be even better if there wasn't unused fuel in the first place.
While I think it's perfectly acceptable to have unburned fuel under normal operation, why the heck does it have fuel in there when the throttle is fully closed? Most fuel injection engines are able to completely scavenge fuel when running under closed throttle. If your car has an on board computer (OBC) which shows you instant fuel consumption, you'll see that, when closing the throttle completely, on a downhill, you will get 0L/100km. This is not some OBC glitch, it's the actual consumption.
I think that if bikes had fuel scavenging, they could easily cut 15-20% out of the city fuel consumption and 10% out of the highway fuel consumption. Unfortunately, good fuel consumption doesn't even register as a secondary design goal :(
That being said, the 1050s are decent at fuel consumption
You can set one up to have no overrun fuel. Power returns with a big and unpleasant bang when you try to drive through a corner.
How would it cut serious parts out of highway fuel consumption given that it is generally constant throttle?
Surely if the plastic thingy for the side stand is under the seat how do you get to it if you need it, surely the ground would be too soft to leave the bike to get it out from under the seat, I keep mine in the back pocket on my jacket.
Stay on the bike, have a can of lager and presto, sidestand thingy sorted. :D
Bluefish
11-06-12, 11:05 PM
Did 700 miles on my 08 over the weekend, and didn't have the main beam on once, didn't check the oil either. They can be a bit vibey at higher speeds, as for luggage capacity, it has decent size panniers as you know, and if out for the day a tank bag is all you need, sprints prefer more open road than back road twistys, when doing back roads you will feel it in your wrists and arms after a long day.
andreis
12-06-12, 08:55 AM
You can set one up to have no overrun fuel. Power returns with a big and unpleasant bang when you try to drive through a corner.
I think this has much to do with the ECU limitations. If it would remember the previous inputs, then it could make a smooth transition from a closed loop. As it stands (I think) it only uses the current readings of throttle position/engine rpm/temperature/O2 readings, I think it is almost impossible to get a smooth pickup from a completely closed loop, as you say.
Surely, cars can mask jerkiness much easier as they have far lower torque/weight ratios and as thus, the bangs are not felt that clearly.
How would it cut serious parts out of highway fuel consumption given that it is generally constant throttle?
I think it's not that much constant throttle. When I take long journeys with the car, with every corner and every opportunity to slow down I use engine braking and plan my moves way in advance. It leads to a decent decrease in fuel consumption and somewhat a more relaxed drive. I do the same with the bike, but there's little difference in the fuel consumption.
yorkie_chris
12-06-12, 12:38 PM
My technique on the XJ on the motorway is not to use engine braking but rather to reduce power such that speed drops away. Obviously only practical when the move is planned in advance, and these are CV carbs not FI. But it does return 60mpg.
I suppose this delivery is more important on something which needs to drive out of corners properly, on a tourer they're probably never going to get used that hard that anyone will notice the sort of jerk on transition that would make a sportsbike basically unrideable when powering through a slow corner.
Been pleased with my sprint had it 18 months and have done 25 k with no major problems , likes the longer journeys more and copes well with luggage & pillion , not bad to run for a big bike 50 mpg , 30k+ out of c&s and 10 k out of tyres
Cheers Steveg
Been pleased with my sprint had it 18 months and have done 25 k with no major problems , likes the longer journeys more and copes well with luggage & pillion , not bad to run for a big bike 50 mpg , 30k+ out of c&s and 10 k out of tyres
Cheers Steveg
:smt009:smt009:smt009 I am lucky to get 5k out of mine ;)
Probably get more as 90% use is commuting not fun
Cheers Steve
The one I had was fitted with Michelin PR2's and they were ready to be replaced, guessing they've done about 6k.
How's your bikes for oil consumption?
I needed to top up before handing it back, about 200ml (about from min to max level).
I have only had to top mine up twice!
danf1234
16-06-12, 05:30 PM
I love mine. It is by far the best bike I have ever owned or ridden, and I have had a few. I only ever ride mine very carefully and slowly lol, but it is more than competant!
Took out the Daytona today...
I forgot how small this thing is! Pushing it out of the lock up requires no effort whatsoever.
Felt like doing a hand stand when reaching for the clipons and the (gel!) seat is a plank compared to the ST couch.
Dicky Ticker
18-06-12, 05:49 PM
Reasons not to like a Triumph Sprint ST1050-------
For 5mph on the top speed you can have better acceleration,higher torque and better fuel consumption from a 955i ST,PLUS IT IS CUMFIER;)
also a lot lot cheaper to buy and still some very low mileage ones out there.Just seen one at 7K miles for £3700 and when you consider that my one is now approaching 50K miles that is a lot of bike for the money if you are not age/style conscious.A bit like comparing a curvy SV to a pointy SV style wise,a matter of personal choice.
With regard to oil consumption,I have just done a 2033 mile trip and the oil level is barely below the max mark on the sight glass.
Both models are good bikes and it is just what your pocket can stand and style choice
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