Triumph Sprint ST 1050 (2005-2011) Review

Version: ABS 1050 ST

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £150

Perfect all round sports tourer & VFR beater, for very little money ! WTF doesn't Triumph build a new ST with the Speed 1200RS motor to compete with the very popular GSX-S1000gt & Ninja 1000sx just baffles me ???

Buying experience: Dealer new

Year: 2005

Just love this bike.. Had ride height lowered slightly to accommodate my 29" inside leg. Was definitely worth it. This bike looks great from ever angle, and performance to match. Great triple sound 👌 Would strongly recommend!

Buying experience: Bought from a private seller.. Best £2000 I've spent on a bike so far 👌

Version: None ABS

Year: 2008

Really nice ST which I've always admired since they came out. I bought mine last year with 15k miles. The engine is a gem but the other bits such as electrical, brakes and transmission are problem areas. I've had starting issues hot and cold from time to time. Feels like the ecu is interrupting/cutting the power to the starter. The Transmission can be sloppy and clunky at times. Brakes can pulsate randomly. I've installed new rotors and pads which helped a bit. I do like the bike but it can be a challenge to own since Triumph parts are getting harder to get for it now.

Buying experience: Bought my 1050 ST privately. It needed some TLC. Price was right and with a little work it's doing well.

Version: ABS

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £300

A proper capable, grown up all-rounder of a bike. Sporty and handsome, but capable of shifting a lot a long way when needed. Makes you wonder why the world seems to have decided sports tourers aren't desirable anymore.

Buying experience: Private purchase.

Version: Abs

Year: 2009

Good bike but problems, this bike is great to ride but you need to be spanner and mechanically minded as it needs really looking after. Had two radiators fail due to leaks. Aluminium is prone to corrosion. On the plus it goes like a train. Parts are pricey and main dealers even more pricier!!! Make sure you have a Haynes manual.

Buying experience: Private

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £250

From my experience, the reviews of this bike are overgenerous. I bought a 2005 Sprint ST model, admittedly done 45k, but it's been one problem after the other. From what I have learned from both mechanics and other riders, the gearbox and the electrics are a particular weakness. The engines are great though.

Buying experience: I bought privately and had a bad experience with this bike. I ended up cutting my losses when ANOTHER electrical problem developed. Be careful when buying used, paying particular attention the gear box and electrics. It's very easy to get seduced by the looks and engine and you can end up owing a dog.

Year: 2008

Great engine. Can be a screaming banshee full throttle or soulful and mellow if ridden lazily. Great popping and spluttering on over run coming off the throttle. Comfortable riding position, can ride all day. Rock solid on the motorway at 100+mph. Not really affected by side winds. Feels very stable.Worst thing is the mirrors. The right mirror is now held roughly in place by many rounds of black insulation tape around arm of the mirror where it mounts to the fairing. If the mirrors are regularly folded in and out then the mirror arm quickly becomes lose. A circular spring loaded clip has come off the spigot locating and holding the mirror in place so that it can swivel. Triumph wanted £140 +Vat for a replacement mirror and then an hour's labour + Vat on top to fit a new one.The std seat is nightmare to remove and re-secure being two long bolts under the top edge of the pillion seat. Although the std seat is remarkably comfortable. The bike can feel quite top heavy with a full tank of fuel and luggage. If you are short legged be careful manoeuvring it around as slow speeds.

Buying experience: Bought in 2015 for £4k from a Honda dealer at the other end of the country over the phone. Bike was immaculate as they described with 6k miles on it, one owner and FTSH. Now mileage is 13k. Although when I did the first service a couple of months after getting it I was not happy as the coolant was like coffee and the air filter was filthy having masses of leaves, spiders and other debris in it. It had never ever been changed. The brake fluid was black. The only thing they did change was the oil. So the Triumph dealer saw servicing it as merely a tick box exercise and ripped the previous owner off big time which is why I service my own bikes and cars unless still under warranty, but I have never ever bought a new car or bike as you lose to much in depreciation.

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £350

As sports touring bike it does everything I ask of her and more.when I have the panniers on and the wife on the back I don’t know they are there.

Buying experience: Dealer 2999

Year: 2009

Annual servicing cost: £300

I bought a second hand ST1050, I didn't want to spend a great deal of money in case I was underwhelmed. I have to say that this machine does everything I need from a Sports tourer. It handles well, fuel economy is reasonable. I had a choice of the RS model with the larger panniers and in hindsight I wish I had gone for that, only because of the pannier size, but I think my bike is better looking. Like the MCN tester, I am not happy with the mirrors, but that's it.

Buying experience: I bought the machine from CMC near Cannock, Staffs and I have to say it was a pleasant experience. When I upgrade they will get my business. Full service carried out and new tyres front and rear.

Version: ABS

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £600

Not as well supported by the manufacturer now the company is firmly established.

Buying experience: Dealer. Competitive price but still high. Brilliant support which is why you buy from a dealer.

Version: ABS

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £500

Has some weaknesses

Buying experience: From a dealer Best part of £4k second hand

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £500

Does everything you ask it to do

Buying experience: Dealer purchase fair price but bike did need new tyres

Version: ABS

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £500

Triumph is a great brand but not as customer focused as in the earlier year under John Bloor

Buying experience: But my first one 2004 model brand new £10k which was recently written off by a car Replaced with a 2007 model 16 k on the clock £4k

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £400

Best Sports Tourer (remember those?) of it's time, if a little outdated in style and technology now. The engine is an absolute peach, steering a little slow but very stable handling, suspension pretty good. With the gel seat it was very comfortable. I bought mine in 2012 showing 5k miles fitted with 3 box luggage, gel seat, heated grips and rear hugger. In 6 years I did another 25k, touring all over the UK, Europe once in Morocco.

Buying experience: Dealer. £5,800 cash in November 2012, no part ex. and with all listed extra's fitted. Good buy

Year: 2010

A really comfortable long distance tourer,good fuel economy.I have been to France and Holland on it and it performed impeccably.A gel seat is a must and far better than the standard seat.I have fitted a shorter rear shock as I am a bit short in the leg and this makes manoeuvres a lot easier in car-parks and tight spaces.The bike can feel a bit top heavy with a tank bag and full tank of fuel,but it always puts a smile on my face every time I take it out.

Buying experience: I bought the bike fromA1 moots in York and they were very helpful and even resprayed the tank for me.

Year: 2006

The bike has been faultless since I bought it new in 2007 for £6000 as the new 2007 bike had been introduced. The 12,000 mile service was a rip-off carried out by the now defunct Birmingham Triumph. I needed new pads all round plus new chain and sprockets. I pointed out that i rarely used the back brake, to which they said they meant the front pads. The chain and sprockets were not changed and went on for another 18,000 miles. Regarding the chain, the hand book says set the tension while the bike is on the sidestand, but MOT testers check it on main stand and it failed a few times I now take the handbook with me to its MOT. The bike has now done 46,000 miles, I rarely clean it and it shows on the fork sliders. When running in I got 63 mpg, the way I ride I get 53mpg. A few weeks ago I was at the Horseshoe Pass and was low on fuel (computer said 74 miles left in tank) with 78 miles to home. I stuck to the speed limits keeping my eye on fuel and made it back home with 18 miles left in the tank. I have got through 4 sets of front discs after using EBC hard pads. I then turned to EBC green pads and no more warping of discs.

Buying experience: I was in the show room for two hours in 2007, a 2004 unregistered Daytona or my unregistered 2006 ST were my options. The centre stand decided it, I paid £6000, saving £15,000.

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £200

Bought as an 'upgrade' from having 2 Sprint RS. Found it slower initially but this turned out to be the clutch on its way out at only 24,000, got (supposedly) replaced only for it to go again 2 months later. Was replaced properly and fully serviced (thanks to Revolution Motorcycles) and wow - like a brand new bike. Use every day, long/short journeys, London commuting, two-up jaunts, it does it all. Best bike I've had in 30 years of riding.

Buying experience: Dealer - £3750, 2007, 24,000miles, full luggage, mint cosmetic condition, supposedly fully serviced - false as had poor mechanical condition as mentioned above.

Version: 1050 ABS

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £350

Have owned Triumph's for many years but sadly have experienced a marked decline in the support the factory used to offer. The bike has not done that many miles and a number of serious issues which have cost plenty to attend to are totally dismissed by Triumph as problems needing their support.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. The dealer support some years ago was excellent but now seems to have declined considerably. Not sure if it is the lack of investment in the network or apathy. Perhaps a combination of the two.

Year: 2007

Been a motorcyclist for over 40 years - Harleys and Rice Grinders - this by far is the best overall bike for commuting and touring that I have owned. It put a smile on my face every time I ride it unless it is after dark... Lights could be improved!!

Version: ABS

Year: 2009

Annual servicing cost: £400

Best feature - Engine. Worst Feature - headlight Such a reliable, good looking bike. I have taken mine to Turkey and back and am just about to head off across the USA.

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £1,000

Superbike performance with comfort. So much torque (from 60km/h up to 280 in 6th gear)

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £180

Great fun to ride if you want a spirited ride and pillions would comments that it was a pleasure to be on the back off, which added to the good seating position makes this a comfortable bike. The engine pulled nicely through the mid-range, which added to the option of "lazy" riding. Pretty good economy too and I averaged 55mpg in the years I had mine. Problems - Let down by electrics on more than one occasion. The battery was replaced 7 times in the 10 years I had mine, fuses rusted and died, regulators cooked and needing replacing. I cared for the bike and used a trickle charge in a heated garage throughout the winter months. The bike has only completed a genuine 18,000 miles (just over) and engine reliability is not what I would expect. Today I am scrapping the bike due to compression ratings of 26: 50: 74 in the cylinders caused by a top end "malfunction"; it needs an entire valve kit (c£750) head (c£1,400) plus a few other bits. Yes, I have quoted new parts and I could look at a replacement second hand engine, but coupled with the electrical problems I just can't be bothered with it anymore.

Year: 2006

Amazing bike. Torquey. Sweet handling. Strong brakes. Comfortable. Simple to ride. Everything is laid out exactly where you would expect / want it to be. This is my first non jap bike after 30+ bikes. Last bike being a Hyabusa. I was slightly apprehensive about the sprint st after the power of the busa and as it is a step into the unknown (not Japanese). I needn't have worried. Cracking bike with an amazing sound coming from the exhaust and intake. I love it.

Buying experience: Private sale with fsh and only one owner from new.

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £300

best ENGINE worst front brake, front light

Buying experience: New from dealer 40,000 ago, about £8k

Year: 2005

I have had my sprint for 6 months it has 60,000 miles and I'm serious it rides like brand new! I leave my buddies on there cbr's in the dust. I ride it just about every day to work 80 miles round trip.its so much fun I can't stay off of it. Even in the rain it just sticks to the road.I have never owned a triumph before now I will never not own one!

Year: 2008

HAD MY ST1050 FOR 3 AND HALF YEARS DONE 15K MILES ON LOVE THE BIKE GREAT HANDLING AND A GREAT 3 CYCLINDER ENGINE VERY EASY TO RIDE AND VERY COMFORTABLE OVER LONG DISTANCE, HAD NO FAULTS WITH IT .IT HAS TWO BE ONE OF THE BEST SPORTS TOURING BIKES ON THE MARKET ITS A REAL VALUE FOR MONEY BIKE AND ITS A CREDIT TO TRIUMPH FOR BUILDING A GREAT BIKE LOOK FORWARD TO DOING ANOTHER 15000K ON MINE IT ALWAYS PUTS A SMILE ON MY FACE WHEN I RIDE IT.

I had my St1050 for about 2 years and covered about 18k miles on it. I loved the bike, it had a great handling, was planted on the road and had a wonderful engine. However, the whole experience was spoilt by problems with the regulator/rectifier. The regulator/rectifier burnt out three times and I also had to have the coil rewound. In the end I gave up and swopped the bike for something more reliable.

Have owned nmy 2005 sprint st for 10 months and has been faultless for 15k miles I've covered , main use commuter , but also a week away 2 up which it performed easily , great engine , good tank range 200 + , highly recommended for serious transport

Yes it is relatively heavy compared to a sports bike but I like it for the character of the engine and its touring / commuting ability. A good bike.

I know there are some who own this machine and find fault. That's a personal thing unless you are "over exposed" to bikes like most bike journalists. From the first ride to the thing just sitting outside my window I can say this is by far the most fun, most character I have ever found in one machine. Riding a bike and living with it, "getting into" it is a completely other thing. After 50 years of riding and 40 bikes on 3 continents I have found THE machine. Sit at the lights or park up walk away from it, the sensation of this bike is subtle but unique once you begin operating it. The power ban is nothing short of phenomenal, riding position and seat fits like a 1911 .45 in your hand. Piddle around like a 250 then hit open road and be amazed. There are faster bikes, some lust for that alone. This is in a class of it's own.

I know there are some who own this machine and find fault. That's a personal thing unless you are "over exposed" to bikes like most bike journalists. From the first ride to the thing just sitting outside my window I can say this is by far the most fun, most character I have ever found in one machine. Riding a bike and living with it, "getting into" it is a completely other thing. After 50 years of riding and 40 bikes on 3 continents I have found THE machine. Sit at the lights or park up walk away from it, the sensation of this bike is subtle but unique once you begin operating it. The power ban is nothing short of phenomenal, riding position and seat fits like a 1911 .45 in your hand. Piddle around like a 250 then hit open road and be amazed. There are faster bikes, some lust for that alone. This is in a class of it's own.

If god created bikes this in my opinion would be the one. I have had mine several months and love it more each time I ride it.A long tour into Europe recently showed how great it is. Handles fantastic, Goes like stink and sounds "Awesome". Always gets looks from everyone as you bimble along. Luggage is a let down (NOT waterproof) and how some on MCN said the heated grips could say they were "toastie..???" More of "are they on..?" Forget the rest and settle for one hell of a quick, responsive sounding bike.! Thank God for Triumph..!

40,000 miles in two years is good going and I enjoyed most of them. Short review - it's great and you will not regret it. For a longer look at the bike my blog review is here: http://glyniblog.com/?page_id=79

2years & 8000 miles - very good but not quite a maximum. Plus points Engine, finish is great & comfort - I have done 7 hours North Wales accross country to South Coast straight no problem. Would not want to carry pillion too far though as I find it a bit cramped due to stepped seat & I like to slide back & use rear pegs on motorway cruising. I get 46-50mpg & so 200 miles, could not stand having a small range. Niggles - brakes arn't brilliant, they work but don't feel strong (having said that after my ZRX1200S they seemed brilliant so maybe it was just me having got used to them they no longer feel special) Handling a bit heavy at slow speed & nowhere to put anything mainly because of routing of exhaust. Pet hate - engine heat, I do not like toatsed legs which is what you get in town under 10mph. As good as my VFR750 but more oompf

5 years on and it's still as sweet as when it was new. The sprint 1050 is like a good wine it gets better with age. I have the standard mods on crash bungs,tail tidy,screen and exurst which is a big improvement on the sound which was already good but now in surround sound. Great motor and comfy for all day riding. Did 600 miles in a day through europe last year and not a blip. Will take a look at the new one and the GT to see if its worth trading up. But have been really happy with the one I have. PS Why has the bike never been in the ride best tour/sports bike top 10 when the bmw/ducatis are always there? The ST is much better.than the VFR and ST2

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!

I had an indifferent test ride on my ST spoiled by heavy traffic and what seemed like a lot of heat warming my inner thighs. I walked away from it but went back and found inspiration enough to buy it from the testimonials of others and its good looks. At 18 months old, it seemed expensive and its lifetime value is yet to be proved. The clincher was very low mileage and a continuing manufacturers warranty. I saw several Sprints like this and am suprised that anyone would buy this bike without setting off for the horizon and racking up some miles. Moving from and FZ6 Fazer accentuates the trading up element of the buy. Low down power from idle, mile-eating comfort, loads of carrying power and space and those good looks underpinned by the single sided swingarm. Two Euro tours in six weeks and even German BMW riders find themselves drawn to it. Other benefits with big outcomes for tourers include the power outlet (no more flat mobile phone) and the ability to play sports bike when the whim arises. The engine is the star, just listen to it crackling on over-run. On the downside, minor niggles include poor heat dispersal, brakes that could be a little more sustained from high speed and the petrol guage can be a bit optimistic in the middle of a tankful on long trips. The plastic handrails/pannier rails don't inspire confidence and a few more bungee points are needed. I've supplemented the Scottoiler with a lube tube; I hope I dont still own the bike when it needs re-filling as it only just fits. This bike was a leap of faith that in a very short time has rewarded me with excitement, long distances and a renewed faith in a great British bike name.

my first triumph bike after owning many jap bikes was blown away by the handling and performance of the st . fantastic

Due to a understanding employer I was supplied with a motorcycle of my choice to comute to London every day and also get around London. I got the '06 ABS ST as a new bike in August '07 it has just had it 12,000 mile service and has not really missed a beat. It had a fueling glitch in the low rev's early on but this has been recognised by Triumph and sorted. It's a shame the factory alarm does not have a warning 'bleep' once set i.e. if it gets an accidental knock, rather than going full alarm even if it gets a touch. This makes you think twice about leaving it in alarm. But apart from that I am soooooooo impressed.

I have a phantom black 2007 model. I had the S4 alarm fitted and, to date, I can't fault it. The engine is the perfect blend of low down lazy torque and rev it hard power, whilst the agility is only let down by me. That said, it's the most stable bike in adverse conditions I've ridden in the decade I've been riding. For example, imagine this scenario: heavy rain, down hill, off camber corners, huge diesel spill. Despite all that, it still didn't fall over - all it needed to remain upright was the dab of a toe. Very confidence inspiring. Looking to take it to Spain in the summer so I'll let you know if any niggles crop up.

Had mine for nearly three years. Great bike, had it over to germany this year was so good on the autos and the roads aroune the ring its going back for more this coming may. Looking for a new can to get that bit more out of engin. Have looked at the two brthers can but have not seen one on a bike.Havn't seen many with mods come to thinkabout it. Any ideas out their?

I've had my Sprint ST for 18 months now – it’s the ABS model and I love it. It's my first British bike and I did have some initial reservations about build quality and reliability. However I've now done 13,000 miles - the bike has proved totally reliable and has shrugged off a salt-caked winter with no problems or signs of corrosion. I'd considered a VFR but when ridden back to back with the Sprint the Honda was gutless and the VTEC irritating. The Triumph is comfier, faster, better looking and the triple sounds superb with the Triumph race can I’ve got fitted – just ride that wave of torque! I’ve done 300 miles in a day without any aches or pains – comfort is spot-on. Minor irritations are (1) a bit of a thirst for oil (used about 3litres outwith services in 13K). (2) headlights were poor but this is mainly because they were poorly adjusted from the factory – I’ve fitted uprated bulbs and moved the horizontal adjustment up a bit and now they’re fine (without annoying other road users). (3) front brakes need regular fettling to keep them sweet and the rear brake isn’t very impressive. (4) It took my local dealer 3 attempts to adjust the sensitivity of the Datatool System4 alarm to avoid false activations despite this being an official Triumph accessory. None of these niggles have spoiled my enjoyment of this bike – it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you ride it. I’d thoroughly recommend this bike – it pays to buy British!

I've had my Sprint ST for 18 months now and I love it. It's my first British bike and I did have some initial reservations about build quality and reliability. However I've now done 13,000 miles - the bike has proved totally reliable and has shrugged off a salty winter with no problems. I'd considered a VFR but when ridden back to back with the Sprint the Honda was just gutless and the VTEC irritating.vtec rode this

I'm so happy I went for the sprint over the VFR . I love this bike so much , it's almost perfect in my eyes . It almost handles like a sports bike yet is comfortable for a whole days riding . My only concerns with the sprint are it's soft paintwork , it chips pretty easily . I was growing concerned about the engine using oil but this was just between 2000-4000 miles , it's not used a drop since . I'm planning a 2 week tour round western Europe next year and can't wait , this is THE bike to do it on . P.S. Did I say I loved this bike !

The ST's so good I started a blog about it, see www.motorcyclemeditation.com.

I have had my Sprint ST for 18 months now, I love it. Its a great bike, for a sports tourer its not too heavy and it handles brilliantly. I've put Raask pipes on it and it sounds much better - but not too loud. I've had many sports tourers over the years. Build quality is a little poor compared too jap bikes but as long as you keep on top of the maintenance and cleaning it should be fine. I do have one grievance with Triumph and that is the paintwork. I unfortunately dropped mine and had to replace a right hand fairing panel and had a lot of trouble getting a perfect match from an original panel ordered from Triumph. I have a sunset red coloured sprint st and it seems it was a different colour from the one that was being sold in the shop at the time I ordered my panel and it was also a different colour to the panel that eventually came. Triumph tell me they don't spray inhouse and had to have my original panel to match up new panel. Has anyone else had this problem? Otherwise great bike.

This is truly an amazing machine, comfy yet nimble and able to scratch with the race boys. Looks are a little bespoke, yet the ride and the howl form the triple is awsome. Very friendly power delivery, yet quick also. I love this bike!

As my first British bike, I couldn't be much happier. Yes the mirrors still rattle a bit and the headlights aren't the best but hell, just put in some better beams. This thing handles so well, I almost forget it's a sport/TOUR bike. It's quick and fast and handles "almost" like the Daytona (which I almost got) but I can ride it for hours without getting stiff or cramped up. I got the ABS model which solved the brake issue I've heard from other people. The gel seat is kinder to my old ass than the pure sports ride and seat. I haven't had it too long so I'll write again once I've taken it on a longer trip.

A British bike that beats the opposition. Fantastic to ride but mirrors poor and high beam headlights non existant otherwise a complete package

Great bike with great engine and good handling. The noise from the engine is very nice - it pops and bangs on closed throttle :) It doesn't come with an alarm, which seems a bit cheeky. I fitted a datatool system 4 and got the money back from my first years insurance. There is a triumph datatool alarm available so don't let any cowboys cut your wires.

I've had kwackers all my biking career with the last two being ZX9R's. What a waste, this bike - an 06 ST - is the best by far. Fantastic engine, excellent handling, beautifully comfortable (especially with the gel seat - maybe I'm getting a little old?) and most of all - it's stunning to look at...and that growl is to die for - I've binned the earplugs just to listen to her sing to me!!!! A fantastic bike - only let down by the good-looking but poorly performing headlights!

If you like sports bikes you'll like the ST. It's up,up and away right from the first twist of the throttle and asks to be ridden hard except when you're not in the mood- then it's happy to stroked. (The old bike/bird thing still works).

Have only had the sprint for a couple of weeks after trading in my trusty old Z750 . This thing is amazing , the engine is fantastic . The handling is rather good for a bike of it's size too . Still breaking her in so can't wait to see what the motor can really do . Will post another review once I have a few miles on the clock .

I traded in my 2005 zx6r for the sprint because my wife did'nt like riding pillion on the ninja, I'm so glad I did. The engine is fantastic, with loads of easy power anywhere in the rev range making it really easy to ride fast and letting you concentrate on your lines rather than paying attention to the revs. Handling is really good too, the bike turns in a little slower than the ninja but it can still be flicked from turn to turn with ease. The suspension gives plenty of feedback and is just right for the road. The brakes are good but don't have as much initial bite as the zx, they stop you fast though. The finish is also good, something I was a bit worried about! To top it off the bike looks great, sounds even better and now even the wife is happy! Strengths: Engine (with a great growl), comfort and the fact that a pillion does not effect the handling at all. Weaknesses: No hugger as standard. Thats it.