Sprint ST 1050 - parting shots

[STRAMASHER]

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.

Originally Posted by mister c

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]

Originally Posted by Daimo

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.

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]

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?

Originally Posted by kaivalagi

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

[Gazza77]

Originally Posted by kaivalagi

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]

Originally Posted by speedplay

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:

Originally Posted by Gazza77

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]

Originally Posted by kaivalagi

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 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.

I really like the look of that bike.

Is it me or do the forks look a bit bent