revtothelimit - motorbike forum

Am considering a move to a yr 2k sprint st. 18k on the clock. Standard can panniers and top box. Totally standard. I'm aware of the fuel tank issue and this has been replaced. I spoke to mechanic mate who said electrics can be an issue. Internet browsing tells me plastics aren't the strongest but it does also say they are great bikes, competitive against vfr's etc so I thought I'd pick at the collective and see what the verdict is. What are they like to ride and live with? Problems/benefits? I do like the look of it I'll admit and I'll probably convert it to bars rather than clip ons at some point. Tia. Bars open.

Had one, ran it until it had 70k on the clock. It was excellent. Completely reliable, burnt a little oil towards the end of my ownership but never had valve clearance issues or anything else at service time. Had a Triumph race can on. Replaced a VFR800 which I thought was marvelous until I got on the Sprint - especially when it came to servicing bills etc.

Certainly didn't have an issue with plastics. A double bubble screen worked really well for longer distances (Pyramid).

Bags more Character than The VFR800 (I had a VFR8). Mate of mine had the 955i with pretty high miles on it, zero issues.
Pretty low risk choice for a great all rounder I reckon

Electrics, electrics and then some more electrics.
Other than that they are great, I've had a couple of T595 and 955i's. Now own a Sprint ST1050 which has the same issues....

The finish on the ancillary metal parts (footrest hangers) can be atrocious (IIRC).


Welcome to the new madhouse mate.

Rockburner wrote: Fri Nov 20, 2020 5:05 pm The finish on the ancillary metal parts (footrest hangers) can be atrocious (IIRC).


Welcome to the new madhouse mate.

Thanks. If the finish is rough I will stand ready with the paint .... Matt black paint. Although to be fair the stanchions are in good condition, the rotor carriers do need a paint and the exhaust needs a clean up as some rust.

Just as a matter of interest, how much is it up for?

If the tank has just been swapped, it will swell again. It needs to be sealed internally with Caswell or similar.
The chain adjuster eccentric is prone to seizing if neglected.
As previously mentioned, the throttle bodies and associated bits can be problematic,
Aftermarket cans give big power gains on these when the correct map is loaded.
Keep the battery topped up to protect the sprag clutch (although the ECU on these doesn't give a spark until the crank has turned 1 full rev, so it's better than the earlier carbed bikes).
Other than that, the same things you'd look out for on a 20 y.o. bike.
Enjoy!

lostboy wrote: Fri Nov 20, 2020 5:20 pm Just as a matter of interest, how much is it up for?

Looking at swapping out for my twin. We haven't got to talking money but guessing £1200. My only concerns are while it has all the panniers and racks it is missing the lower fairing/belly section, the seat is ripped right by the tank under the riders right thigh and both side panels are cracked again at the place just under the riders thighs. Lastly, it's been stood a while (hence the tank) and won't run. I only just found this out after some direct questions so am now looking at walking away. It's blue on a v reg if that rings any bells.

Is it missing the fairing lowers or is it actually an RS?

KungFooBob wrote: Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:35 pm Is it missing the fairing lowers or is it actually an RS?

Well, it has the SSA and the plastics do say st on the side. I'm not sure what other differences there to tell

Had a quick Google. Am 99% certain it is an st that's missing lower fairing.

I have pics and a video on messenger if someone wants to message me I can forward on??

I never noticed before that the ST had a SSA and the RS didn't!

Apparently it's just not starting. Beginning to walk methinks unless it's just a flat battery. Other issues known to crop up are vacuum lines splitting and connections corroding and water getting into plug well and causing havoc. Might just stick with the twin????

KungFooBob wrote: Fri Nov 20, 2020 7:57 pm I never noticed before that the ST had a SSA and the RS didn't!

Saves a bit of weight and makes for a stiffer (fnurk!) ride as well as being cheaper

This just popped up on my Friendface...

KungFooBob wrote: Fri Nov 20, 2020 8:53 pm This just popped up on my Friendface...

That's private, can't see it unless you join the group

£1,600
2004 Triumph Sprint
21K kms · Nuneaton, England

Triumph Sprint ST 955i.

2004.

Mot until July 2021.

Full service history.

Just 21000 miles.

3 owner's.

Good tyre's.

Recent chain and sprockets.

3 key's.

Loads of old MOT'S and invoices.

Been very well maintained.

Comes with Triumph panniers.

Top box.

The left hand lock on the pannier rack is broken but panniers can still be fitted.

Just had a full service with new plugs/filters and all fluids changed even the brake fluid.

Rides absolutely lovely.

Very smooth.

Lovely condition.

It's in the FB group "Motorcycles + Parts Sell or Swap UK"

If you fancy a later ST1050 I may have one for sale soon. Blue, about 35k miles, no mot at the moment. Has panniers, but it’s cheap at £1500?
Probably doing a deal on a Trophy later today, hence the sale before I fix it!!
Mick