2005 Sprint ST comfort?

[skippy929]

I've been searching the local craigslist ads for my next gently used motorcycle and found a '05 Sprint ST with 8k mile for $4300.  Assuming the bike is in good condition this seems like a fair deal.  I realize the seating position is a little aggressive(in comparison to sitting bolt upright) but was wondering how badly do your nether-regions suffer?  I traded my cbr929 because i couldn't take it anymore.  It was torture with the seat forcing my crotch against the tank.  I picked up a hayabusa which was very kind to my gentleman parts but was a terrible bike to go less than 80 on(not a practical all around bike).  I test rode the Sprint GT earlier this year and was pleasantly surprised at how smooth it is and the seat didn't really push me into the tank.  However it was a short ride that was at least 14 months ago.  Any feedback that any current or previous owners could provide would be great.

[expatbrit]

I put 20K miles on an '06 with stock seat, and while I had complaints the 'squashed nether regions' wasn't one of them. Mine were focused around heat and heat management (but I live in the desert SW), and the fact that I'm just taller than the bike is made for.

Great bike. Fabulous engine, loved the looks, loved riding it -- but when I realised I was more comfy doing longer trips on a KTM950SM with a Renazco seat due to my height I knew it was time for a change. I liked the bike enough that I seriously thought about trying to deal with the heat (replace exhaust, get cats out from under seat/feet), drop the pegs and lift the seat but then it'd be impossible to sell.

Plus there are GREAT deals on them.

[Cablebandit]

The underseat exhaust was unbelievably hot on the one I rode.  So much so that I think I had first degree burns after a summertime test ride.

[Bowtie76]

I came from a Maxum 550 to a Shadow 750 to a C10 concours, ending with a 06 sprint ST so I can't compare the riding position to the 929 but I find it very comfortable.  I'm 6'5" 33" inseam 230lb.

The seat on mine gets warm but never Hot.

My knees are a little tight on the bike but a little stretch every once and a while while riding has me riding till the tank is empty.  

These bikes are GREAT values on the used market, and seem to be bullit proof on the road.

[stinky93071]

I have been on a 929.. the 06 nothing like it for me.. think of the 929 as a R6/R1.. The sprint will be a FZ6/FZ1..

As far as the heat.. when its hot its hot.. that's all I am going to say.. I do not ride when it gets over 100 anyway..

[sammyseaman]

I had an '06 and it's one of the most comfortable bikes I've owned. I rode an '08 that had the taller risers and shield and didn't care for the riding position. Also, never had a heat issue.

[Dan K]

My '06 has the heat kit (less some foam near the R/R) and heat isn't an issue unless your at 90+ degrees.

I have the taller '07 bars on it, and the ergos are great.  Very comfortable. Great wind/weather protection.

Do need to stretch the legs after a couple hours, but ergos aren't an issue for me on this bike, - it's all day comfortable.

[akahige]

I'm 6'3" with 32" inseam. I've been able to compare the '06 Sprint ST to an '06 Hayabusa. I found the ergonomics to be similar, but the Sprint is more relaxed with higher bars. I thought the leg comfort was similar. The grips on the Sprint seemed a little wider as well.

The older 955 Sprints (99-04) have a seat that slopes forward more causing it to be more prone to the junk-crushing. I had to switch to an aftermarket seat to get my '03 to stop pinching my wedding tackle.

[caddydaddy]

I did a 2,400 mile road trip on my '08 Sprint last month.  My butt was the only thing that hurt.  But an air hawk cushion helped that out a lot!  Other than my butt hurting after a 150 miles or so, it was a pleasure to ride on the highway!

[Jeff]

I have an 05 with stock bars and an aftermarket seat. Seating position is difficult on my wrists during in town riding. I try to hold my self up with my abs but it only helps a little. But as soon as I hit 55mph the wrist pain disappears as the wind holds my upper body up. I wouldn't hesitate to go on a long distance ride with it.

BTW, mine's for sale, although I'm not in FLA.
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65747.0.html

Jeff

[Playinthestreet]

The early 05s had a heat issue from the engine compartment.  The factory supplied a kit which mitigated quite well.  Later bikes had the insulation from the factory.  You'll need to check the inside of the fairing to see if the 05 you're considering has the insulation.  If not, I'd check and see if the kits are still available before committing to purchase.

[expatbrit]

My '06 has the heat kit (less some foam near the R/R) and heat isn't an issue unless your at 90+ degrees.

I have the taller '07 bars on it, and the ergos are great.  Very comfortable. Great wind/weather protection.

Do need to stretch the legs after a couple hours, but ergos aren't an issue for me on this bike, - it's all day comfortable.

Interesting. Mine was a cooker at 75-80 degrees -- and had the heat kit, on an '06. I didn't have the taller bars, but I have short stubby legs (34" inseam) and a long torso and arms (7' wingspan).

[Dan K]

Interesting. Mine was a cooker at 75-80 degrees -- and had the heat kit, on an '06. I didn't have the taller bars, but I have short stubby legs (34" inseam) and a long torso and arms (7' wingspan).

75-80 would cook the legs, but only in stop and go traffic.  The engine on mine gets hot - 7 of 10 bars - in stop and go when it's hot out, but I'm thinking of adding an aftermarket exhaust to let some more heat out the back...

- Dan

[Playinthestreet]

I had an early 05 and installed the heat kit when it became available.  Was happy with the results.  I had 6-7 bars in city traffic as well.  Even in hot weather it was more comfortable to ride with leathers  than with jeans of textile pants.  Gen Mar risers for mine.  31" inseam

[skippy929]

I appreciate all of the input and real life experiences.  I ended up buying a gently used 2005 zrx1200.  I know its on the other end of the spectrum but its really fun.  Honestly all the comments about heat management really woke me up.  In Florida we only have a few months of riding that are below 70 degrees.  Once again thanks for the input.