2001 Triumph Sprint ST

To really appreciate the qualities of any motorcycle, just ask the owner where he’s been on it, and what was it like, and you’ll immediately get his favourite moment.

With me and the Triumph ST it was 10 countries in 10 days. France, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Holland, Belgium.

Yes, I love to go out on an early Sunday morning: 7.00 o’clock start, 100 miles of minor roads. No traffic and no coppers and into a biker’s pub for breakfast at 10.00 and then a leisurely ride home.

No grief from the wife cause she and the kids have only just got up by the time I roll up to the house. Only concern being when will I get the chance to get out for a midweek spin, but oh! 10 countries in 10 days, when can I go again ?

The ST is pretty close to being all things to all men. Sure, down the twisties with my mate on his CBR 600 I’m having trouble keeping up, but when the road opens up, by the time he’s cogged it down a couple to go for it, I’ve just twisted the throttle and the 3 cylinder engine takes me past his tail. That’s what I love about the engine, flexibility. I can ride the twisties in third gear only, pumping the adrenaline, or I can cruise through the scenic lands in top and just ENJOY THE RIDE.

The 10 countries in 10 days trip was surely the ultimate ‘get to know your bike’ experience. Every conceivable road type was encountered. In the morning, snow covered mountain passes and in the afternoon dry forest roads. You name it, and the ST just lapped it up. But lets look at it piece by piece.

Tyres, Bridgestone BT020s. Totally confidence inspiring. You just don’t need to think about tyres unless your riding in three inches of snow or the vehicle in front is spraying the road in diesel. Average reported mileage on the rear seems to rage from 5000 to 7000 miles dependant upon riding styles.

Suspension, factory settings, either 1 up or with a pillion the suspension is superb. To test it just simply overcook it into a bend and dab the brakes. You won’t drift off line. Cruise the open road and you don’t even think about suspension.

Brakes. When you apply the brakes they simply work. You don’t need to thing about them.

Engine performance. It goes when you want to go. It’s economical, 170 miles to a tank while cruising at 120mph, 150 miles to a tank when out ‘blasting’

Wind protection. Here is one area where the ST can be improved. If over six foot tall, then a double bubble screen makes a lot of difference, and if tinted black, it looks the dog’s.

Comfort. All day in the saddle can hurt on any bike. Break it up with the occasional pee stop and you’ll be as happy as a cat on a cushion.

Finish. Everyone tells a different story for every bike on the market. I clean the ST almost as much as I ride it and it still looks pretty good, but why the hell do they use a white undercoat? Stone chips reveal all.

I suppose that what I am trying to say is that if you’re the type of person who wants to ride a bike and enjoy the ride then the ST will be everything you want it to be. You won’t have to think about it. A track day fan would call that bland and boring, but I know what I would rather be riding when covering 10 countries in 10 days.