Triumph Sprint ST 1050 (2005-current)

Before I start, just in case you don't read any further, I will say that this probably the best bike I have ever owned. It’s a fantastic machine. I’ve had an06 model since new ,and done approx 14k so far. I've owned about 48 bikes (including FJ’s, VFRs, and a Blackbird) in my 30 years of riding so it is a special machine for me to say that. I actually got my sunset red ST1050 in ’06 after having owned its predecessor, the 955 Sprint since 2000, so I was familiar with the excellent 3-cylinder motor. In fact, it took me quite a few test rides to convince myself that the 1050 was worth changing to!! The 1050 is a much better handling machine and feels more balanced. It has a sportier riding position and feel but it is still comfortable. The extra power and torque are not hugely different (which is good) but the newer chassis helps make better use of it. I feel so much more confidence in the 1050 in just about every situation. It’s great to feel that level of confidence in a bike and it’s a real credit to Triumph’s development riders. I use BT020 tyres (just on 3rd set so averaging 6.5 k ), which must play some part in that feel but it’s the way that everything works together so well that makes it such a satisfying ride. The facelift really made the bike look classy and I think it will stand the test of time well. The revised instruments are much clearer and well laid out and the fuel guage is reasonably accurate. I love that blue lighting of the far right dial at night. They can be difficult to see with a full tank bag though. I ride mostly 1 up and the standard suspension settings are just about right for me (about 189lbs) so no complaints there! The engine and fuelling is fantastic and it’s perfect for touring, town or fast riding and also returns great fuel economy. My fuel log says my average is 49.08mp(uk)g. The worst was 41.6mpg & best was 58.15mpg. My “2 up with luggage touring in Europe” average is 50mpg. The sound (with a triumph race can) just tops it off! I haven’t done any major engine servicing myself (I have it dealer serviced at the moment) but I have done the oil and filter changes, chain adjusts etc and found everything easy enough to do. It seems to use a little oil between services but nothing of any concern! The build quality seems high and apart from one or 2 small stone chips on the front lower fairing nothing has rusted, worn or broken unexpectedly and the original battery is still in the there!! I replaced the stock saddle with a Corbin but still get bum ache after 110 miles or so - must be me! The saddle is slightly flatter for the pillions who like to see where they are going but don’t like the wind blast being up high! The saddle is quite a climb for short pillions too compared to the 955. I fitted the high bar option as I found the standard set up aggravated a shoulder injury. I think they updated the position with the ’08 models. I also opted for the brake master cylinder mod to makes the brakes more responsive. These are all early on issues , so later bikes should be better . I you do tour, beware of the heat coming up to the rear(givi|) rack from the pipes at standstill –it melted the bag I had wrapped the tent and sleeping bags in!!!! I had pre-empted that by bolting an aluminium food tray to the rack underside to deflect heat but it split at the end of the tour. If you have never tried one, just do it. It may be the package you have been looking for! I’m keeping mine!

Had the Sprint just over a year now and I have really gelled with it. The handling with Avon Storms fitted is superb, much better than those old Bridgestones. I have ridden friends bikes recently(CBF 1000 & FJR13) and they felt very wooly on the front end compared to the ST, nowhere near as stable and confidence inspiring, those four cylinder motors were also a bit souless but definately smoother. With 12k on the clock now the gearbox has improved no end nearly up to jap standards and less like BMW! On the downside the discs have warped slightly although they are still within tolerance, a common fault so I'm told. I would still recommend the Sprint as an excellent choice if you do a lot of mixed riding, not tried it on a track day yet tho.

Hi Des, Take that plastic tie off your brake lever and try cleaning your caliper pistons. Believe me, problem solved.

Having owned a new one for over three years I feel qualified to rate the ST. A major improvement was having Ohlin springs and oil put in the front along with a splendid Ohlins unit on the rear. All fitted and set up by a qualified engineer. In addition, the power commander and bespoke exhaust raised the weedy 115hp (from new..dyno tested) to 127hp. However, the largest gain was in torque which went from 76ftlbs to 92ftlbs...great. The throttle is still too jerky for really accurate track day use but along with Bt016's I keep up with most of the big bikes on track although i'm beat on out and out excelleration and braking. All in all a good allrounder let down by poor panel work, too much plastic rattle, pethetic lights and silly panniers you cannot get your helmet in. Iv'e taken all that crap off anyway. I nice hugger helps and having the front brake blead regulary and keeping a plasti tie on the lever for 24hrs has improved the brakes by some considerable margin....wow.

I bought mine new June 2008 & covered 4k miles in 6 months including a trip to Italy & over the Bonnette 2802M into Provence, France. Good bits: Dipped beam lights are Brilliant when adjusted, handles well & feels light once under way, better leg room for pillion. Bad bits: Slower than my 955, much worse on fuel, panniers useless, slung them & fitted Givi's, rider seating feels like sat on camel, replaced seat with a Corbin style, main beam like a torch, terrible gearbox like stirring porridge with a teaspoon & finding lumps in it, not as much fun to ride as a 955, been designed by somebody on his notice. Luckily I kept my 955 ('cos it's done 54k (by me)so I was only offered £1300 in Part ex!) which I keep getting out in preference. Why couldn't Triumph have just refined the 955's handling a tad & put better headlights on it?

I bought the Sprint ST kind of 'by accident' I was offered an 06 plate in excellent condition at just the right money, so I went and bought it. Totally standard bike. I liked the bikes ability to run at speed, yet remained 'softly' comfortable without being spongy. I decided that a few more horses were needed so I bought the Triumph Sports exhaust and had the ECU remapped to suit. This now lets the engine really growl and adds a few mors 'ponies' to the back wheel. It also makes that now famous (especially near where I live) triple growl even more exciting. The ride is great, I can cover many miles without any issue at all. To be honest when i push it quite hard, I find the front brakes a little spongy, maybe time for a fluid change, not sure. It does handle very well, even two up. My girlfriend finds it extremely comfortable as well, although when we have the panniers fitted she says that affects comfort a little in terms of leg position. The build quality is bestter then most of the current crop of Japanese beasts, there are a couple of corroded fastners, but the paintwork all seems to be great. All in all, its fantastic motorcycle, can be more sport focused than most people realise, and suprises a few hyper-sports bike riders when it goes whizzing past them. Yep it gets the Stunty thumbs up!! Now if only they made it in KTM ORANGE !!!!

ticks all the boxes,the virtues of a four,speed,perfomance,smoothness,quick revs,the benifits of a twin,torque out the corners,engine braking,with its own sound,unmistaken triple.in all the miles ive done in all the wearthers never mist a beat.

I have just covered 3000 miles on the Sprint now and she's spent every night outdoors. It is by far, the best all rounder I have ever ridden. I needed a bike that could easily chew the miles up carrying gear for work, yet would allow me to keep a reasonable amount of face on Sundays. This is not an old mans bike. It looks amazing and is totally reliable. Basically everything I think is great with the bike except for these things which I think Triumph and manufacturers could improve on. 1. The Triumph approved Datatool alarm took lots of tinkering over the phone as it wasn't going off when it should and vice versa. 2. The heated grips are poor. 3. I have to mention the crash bungs, they are amazing and probaly saved me a grand last night! 4. The skidmarx aftermrket hugger is rubbish, it can't be fastened down to the right hand side of the swingarm, I can here it rattle when I go over big bumps. Why don't Triumph make an approved one, or fit as standard? 5. I have found false neutral twice. I'd buy one again though!

After a 27 year diet of various Jap bikes I sold my FZS 1000 and I wasn't sure what to get next then along came a Sprint at the right price. Test rode it, loved it and bought it! The star attraction has got to be the engine, lovely torque right where and when you need it for the road. At first it seemed slow compared to the Yamaha but its a deceptively quick bike, the motor never feels strained so you need to keep an eye on the speedo. Wind protection is great, it destroys A roads and motorways. High speed handling is good and it always feels very planted and stable, great in the wet. The downside is it's a bit of a bus on the twisty Welsh B roads and it gets hot round town. Build quality seems a bit below par compared to the Jap or newer Italian bikes, plastic fairing panels are a bit thin and I've had the footplate hangers replaced due to corrosion already. Dealer is spot on though (Performance Triumph in Cheltenham)really helpful. So to sum up a great bike with character and best of all it's British.

Myself and my partner have just upgraded to a 2008 Sprint 1050,and after test riding one,i can honestly say what a fantastic machine.Our previous bikes were a ZZR1100 & a CBR1000F. Ok so the sprint doesn't have the outright horsepower to compete with those two....but it is lighter,and the torque of the 3 cylinder motor is superb in any gear.If you want a great sports tourer with a more sporting bent then test ride one of these!Recommended!