Triumph Sprint ST

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Triumph Sprint ST

| aka =
manufacturer = Triumph
production = 1998-
predecessor = Sprint 900
successor =
parent_company =
class = Sport touring bike
platform =
engine = 1050 cc Triple
125 bhp
transmission = 6-speed
suspension =
frame =
brakes =
rake =
trail =
wheelbase = 1457 mm
length =
width =
seat_height = 805 mm
dry_weight = 210 kg ( ABS model: 213 kg)
wet_weight =
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity = 5.2 Gallons
related =
note = specifications for 2007 model year
similar = Ducati ST3, Honda VFR800The Triumph Sprint ST is a sport-touring motorcycle similar in design and function to the Honda ST1300, BMW K1200S and Yamaha FJR1300. These bikes are characterized by a fully-faired sport-bike look with a longer wheel base, more upright riding position and a higher capacity fuel tank. Sport-touring bikes also tend to possess certain amenities useful to long distance trips, but frowned on in pure sport bikes (typically because they add weight, instrument clutter or increased drag); these include panniers, center stands, anti-lock or linked brakes, complex instrument clusters and heated hand-grips.

Generations

955cc

The Sprint ST was first introduced in 1998 as a complete redesign of the earlier Sprint 900 (1993-1997). It made use of the same 955 cc inline-3 engine found in the contemporaneous Speed Triple and Daytona models, only slightly retuned for smoother power delivery. With a claimed convert|105|bhp|abbr=on, a very forgiving 6-speed transmission, and excellent brakes. the ST inserted itself firmly into the sporting end of the sport-touring spectrum.

The model's appearance remained mostly unchanged from its introduction in 1998 and an engine revamp with the assistance of Lotus in 2002 endowed it with convert|118|bhp|abbr=on and 100Nm Torque from a lighter engine. Mostly positive reviews followed this upgrade. Popularity of this model was evident in the plethora of information available to upgrade or modify its already impressive specification. LED tailights, relocation of seat lock, Gear position indicators, Adjustable clutch levers and even remote garage door openers were all available as simple DIY mods. This model was the last to come in British Green.

1050cc

In 2005, Triumph introduced a redesigned Sprint ST based around the same inline triple, increased in stroke to yield 1050cc's of displacement and with a new fuel injection system. The redesigned chassis found its wheel base shortened, the instrument cluster was modernized with miles-per-gallon and miles-to-empty displays (a true rarity in motorcycles), exhaust pipes were tucked under the seat, the headlights were completely rethought and LED tail-lights added, and a host of modern options (including pannier mounts and anti-lock brakes) became available. One problem, the under-seat exhaust pipes leaked too much heat into the seat and the area near the right foot-peg, plagued the early models, but was corrected in 2007 with the addition of more heat-shielding.

Also in 2007, to make the Sprint ST more appetizing in an increasingly crowded market being actively courted by euro-bike rival BMW, three features that were options in previous models became standard features: color-matched panniers, handlebar risers and an improved wind-screen.

For 2008, Triumph released changes based on customer feedback. The changes include a steel fuel tank to allow the use of magnetic tank bags, a new headlamp design to improve night vision and new footrests are claimed to be covered with more durable rubber. The Sprint's chassis, bodywork, and engine remained unchanged.

External links

* [http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/4517.aspx Triumph Web Site]
* [http://www.triumphnet.com/ Triumph.net Website]
* [http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/122_0510_la_laguna_seca/triumph_sprint_st.html Motorcyclist 2005 Sprint ST Review]
* [http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/triumph_sprint_st_1999.php Bikez.com Triumph Motorcycle Specifications by Year and Model]
* [http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mctriumph/99sprint.html Motorcycle.com 1999 Sprint ST Review]
* [http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/escape/motorcycles/146_0002_sport_touring_motorcycles/index.html 2002-04 Sprint ST - 10's of Links.]
* [http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=751&fArticleId=2414427 Motoring.co.za 2005 Sprint ST Review]
* [http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3426902&fSectionId=1566&fSetId=381 Motoring.co.za 2006 Sprint ST Trip & Review]
* [http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=5023 Motorcycle-USA's 2007 Triumph Sprint ST Review]