Sprint ST issue's

[alphabet man]

Hi all this is my first post in the Triumph section and with any luck the first of many more.
 I am currently looking at a new left over 05 Sprint ST, so of course the oh so wise of the Triumph forum would know if there are any issue's with this year and model I should be aware of.
 I would also like to hear from any one who has used thier ST for 2 up duty, and there opinion on how comfy the pillion was, how is the stock saddle, the ergos are they the same form 05 through to 07, or anything else you feel like telling me.
 Thanks so much.
David D

[Alsworld]

alphabet man,

differences between the 05/06 and the 07.

Ergos - yes a difference.  The 07 has relaxed the riding position (raising the handlebars and a bit swept back).  Similar to adding Genmar risers on the 05/06.  You can buy these newer bars from Triumph to fit the 05/06, but it may take new longer clutch and brake cables.  I think they sell a kit to retrofit.  Your riding position will determine if this option appeals to you.  
The seat is slightly redesigned, a bit skinnier width wise near the tank.
The fairing is slightly redesigned for better heat reduction to the rider.

The '07 has the secong generation fuel injection.  From what I've heard, it only appears to help the bike start faster.  The 05/06's tend to take 4-5 seconds of cranking to start, the 07's supposedly less than half that time.  I haven't seen an '07 to verify.

I've also heard on the '07's that they have removed two catyletic converters from the underseat muffler, but I cannot verify that.  Only heard that once, but the '07's are a bit rare in my area.  The 05/06's pillion seat tends to run a bit warm in warm weather.  But, no heat noticed when it's cold when you would want it.  You can always get the TOR (Triumph Off Road) muffler and it will eliminate this issue, but it's around $700 installed.

There are no mechanical issues to be afraid of.  The 1050 motor is a dream to ride.  Here are three warranty items to be aware of:
1)  The original panniers (hard side bags) were junk on the '05's.  Redesigned for the '06's and work great.  Triumph will change those out for free provided you have purchased them (an option on the 05/06, but I believe??? stock on the '07).
2)  Rear drag link bolt recall.  Free warranty work.
3)  Ensure the heat kit is installed.  It's free warranty work although not a recall.  Keeps you cooler in the hotter temperatures.

There have been many who have had problems with brake spongy-ness.  Enough complaints to be valid for sure, although I have not had this problem on my non-ABS bike personally.  There are various fixes out there, some warranty, some just good maintenance on your part.

Okay, with all of that said, I own an '06 which basically mirrors an '05.  I would not trade it for any other bike.  It is by far the perfect bike that I wanted.  Your results may vary, but that is your decision.  http://www.triumphrat.net has lots of reviews on these bikes.  Also see servicerifle is touring the country on his.   His ride report is listed here at STN under Ride Reports, Supertramp...

As far as the seat goes, it's the most comfortable stock seat I have ridden.  But, those who like Corbin say thay rock and blow the stock seat away.  Sargeant does not make a seat for this bike (05-07) last I checked.  People do like the Corbins because it makes it easier to get the seat on and off.  Oh yeah, people whine about how hard it is to remove/reinstall the seat.  For me, it's a bad design, but I have the seat off or on within 5 minutes.

Good hunting...

[Alsworld]

One last thing.  On some of the earlier '05/06 bikes, there was problem with the inside of the windshield paint bubbling (black paint around the edges).  If that happens with the '05, Triumph will replace it with the Aero windscreen, the same as on the '07.  It was an option on the '05/06 bikes.  I got the newer windscreen under warranty, free of charge.

[vfrmarc]

Okay, with all of that said, I own an '06 which basically mirrors an '05.  I would not trade it for any other bike.  It is by far the perfect bike that I wanted.  Your results may vary, but that is your decision.  http://www.triumphrat.net has lots of reviews on these bikes.  Also see servicerifle is touring the country on his.   His ride report is listed here at STN under Ride Reports, Supertramp...

I concur with Alsworld.  My 06 Sprint is not broken in yet - next week it goes for the first service.  But I can tell you there is more to like than dislike about the bike.  I have Genmars on it and they work fine for raising the stock bars - but I have 07 bars on order - they supposedly come with replacement hoses and cables.  I also have a Corbin seat on order.  The stock seat is fine, but I'm hoping to gain a fraction of in inch in lowered seat height - plus I had a Corbin on my VFR and it was so sweet on trips.

My recommendation would be to get the price as low as possible on the 05 - get the newer bags as part of the deal and put some of the savings into upgrading to the newer parts - bars, windscreen if you need the reduce the amount of forward lean.  Maybe you could build it into the deal.

Oh yeah, back to the break-in.  I just got back from a ride with my son - he has an 07 Daytona 675 - not broken in yet either.  We hit the country roads around Columbus (which are great).  And I have to tell you the Sprint pulls so hard from 3K up that it is hard to keep with in the break-in RPMs.  By the time I hit 6K (my current limit) it is screaming - And I still have all that untapped HP above 6K    From a sport touring performance standpoint there is nothing that can compare.  As you might discern I used to have a VFR which I thought was pretty fast.  Well I'm here to tell you that the torque from the 3 cylinder engine, the extra displacement and oh not to mention an extra 25 HP over the VFR adds up to one sweet butt kicking sport touring machine  

If fuel economy is important to you, I used to get 50-55 MPG with the VFR and the Sprint is very close to that.

I hope this info helps  

[rselin]

Blackfoot in Calgary is asking $13,999 for left-over 06's with the hard bags, and since that's the same price I paid last August I suspect you could get one cheaper than that, so judge the price on the 05 accordingly.

As vfrmarc said, way more to like than dislike.  I have about 6500 km on mine now.  Something I have never really heard people talk about is driveline lash.  Mine has it and it is noticeable at low speeds.  It feels like the cush drive rotates halfway around the inside of the rim before engaging the wheel.  You can both feel and hear what is happening in the rear wheel and if you close the throttle you may have to wait for the wheel to "catch up" before applying the throttle again.  It definitely encourages smoothness.

I'd like to know Alsworld's secret for getting the seat back on.  I can get mine off in 5 minutes, but after a solid hour of f**king around I gave up after getting just one of the two bolts back in.  Easily the worst seat attachment design I have ever seen.

However, the motor more than makes up for any deficiencies!  

[TheRedOnesAreFaster]

alphabet man,

differences between the 05/06 and the 07.

Ergos - yes a difference.  The 07 has relaxed the riding position (raising the handlebars and a bit swept back).  Similar to adding Genmar risers on the 05/06.  You can buy these newer bars from Triumph to fit the 05/06, but it may take new longer clutch and brake cables.  I think they sell a kit to retrofit.

The kit is available through Triumph for $199, and includes the needed cables.  ABS models use a different part number, but are still $199.

  
I've also heard on the '07's that they have removed two catalytic converters from the underseat muffler, but I cannot verify that.

 It's true- the catalytic is now part of the exhaust pipe.  It's just before the pipe makes its upward bend behind the motor.  The TOR can is about $500 if you install it yourself, which takes about 30 minutes, plus another trip to the dealer to get your EFI remapped.  The remap should be free.

1)  The original panniers (hard side bags) were junk on the '05's.  Redesigned for the '06's and work great.  Triumph will change those out for free provided you have purchased them (an option on the 05/06, but I believe??? stock on the '07).
2)  Rear drag link bolt recall.  Free warranty work.
3)  Ensure the heat kit is installed.  It's free warranty work although not a recall.  Keeps you cooler in the hotter temperatures.

1.)  The bags are stock on all new 06 and 07 models, and I'd guess they'd be free on a new 05 as well.  If they're not free, you'd still be able to buy the new bags.

3.)  You'll have to ask for the heat kit on an 05.  You can check if it's there already by sliding your hand between the lower fairing and the engine.  If it's got the heat kit, you'll feel a piece of foam rubber that's perpendicular to the fairing and engine about 3" or 4" from the back of the fairing.

There have been many who have had problems with brake spongy-ness.  Enough complaints to be valid for sure, although I have not had this problem on my non-ABS bike personally.  There are various fixes out there, some warranty, some just good maintenance on your part.

The sponginess issue was generally just an issue on ABS models, the result of a too-small master cylinder.  ABS models get a new mc under warranty. 

 Oh yeah, people whine about how hard it is to remove/reinstall the seat.  For me, it's a bad design, but I have the seat off or on within 5 minutes.

The seat does suck to remove and install- at first.  Two things ameliorate this:  Get longer bolts from the hardware store, and practice.  You have to get used to the odd angle you have to use to insert the screws.  You want to put them in vertically, but it seems like the have to go in at about a 45^o angle, and when you turn the allen wrench, it'll squish the rear of the seat.  Do it a few times, and you'll get the knack of it.

Or leave the bolts out- the seat's not going anywhere.

[alphabet man]

Thanks for all the great info guys, it really helped when I was talking to the dealer today, only thing you guy's (well some of you) had wrong was this ridiculous notion that the red ones are faster    

 thanks again every one, yah even you guys with the red ones
David

 PS I will keep you posted on the  purchase

[Alsworld]

I'd like to know Alsworld's secret for getting the seat back on.  I can get mine off in 5 minutes, but after a solid hour of f**king around I gave up after getting just one of the two bolts back in.  Easily the worst seat attachment design I have ever seen.

Yes a bad design for sure.  I wish I could do one of those youtube videos and show how I do it.  I hesitated taking my seat off at first, but now after it came easily for me (reinstalling it), I wonder if there are variations out there?

I may try and take photos and see if I can do it justice to help others, but a video would make so much more sense.  I have the video camera, but haven't tried to post one on the web.  Yeah, I'm slow...

Enough people have problems that I would dig showing how I get it.  I have found some real usefull videos on Youtube under the DIY section.  Hmmm...any suggestions on the video and I'll give it a shot.

[basco]

Like Red said, just put the seat on without the bolts. I don't have them on and my dealer never put them on in the first place.

And BTW, blue is faster.  

[nomagnashn]

And BTW, blue is faster.  

Thanks for all the great info guys, it really helped when I was talking to the dealer today, only thing you guy's (well some of you) had wrong was this ridiculous notion that the red ones are faster    

You guys MIGHT be right that the red ones aren't faster (but I doubt it) but nobody can argue the fact that the red ones are the best looking/most beautiful of the bunch!    

[stk0308]

OK, why is it improtant to you guys to make seat removal easier?  As I understand it there's nothing under there.  No storage, no diagnostic connection.  What's the need?  

[TheRedOnesAreFaster]

OK, why is it important to you guys to make seat removal easier?  As I understand it there's nothing under there.  No storage, no diagnostic connection.  What's the need?  

Seat removal is a snap.  It's putting it back on that's a bitch.

It's a minor issue, and something you rarely have to do.  And as mentioned, you don't really need to bolt the seat down.  I've had to have mine off more than a few times to do some tinkering, or to install some stuff.

Just because you rarely have to do it doesn't mean it should be a PITA (no, not the bread) to do, though.  Do it a few times, and you'll get the hang of it, and then wonder what you were bitching about in the first place.

[Chronic]

You guys MIGHT be right that the red ones aren't faster (but I doubt it) but nobody can argue the fact that the red ones are the best looking/most beautiful of the bunch!    

Yep  

[Alsworld]

OK, why is it improtant to you guys to make seat removal easier?  As I understand it there's nothing under there.  No storage, no diagnostic connection.  What's the need?  

With the fuel tank being plastic, I had to remove my seat to install the aft strap for a strap-on type tank bag, as a magnet mounted tank won't stick obviously to a plastic tank.  There is no real good way I have found to mount the aft securing strap under the seat, but when I have it on, it (the tank bag) needs to be tied down at all points.  So...I undertook the challenge of seat removal and found it quite easy to reinstall including the bolts fully reengaged properly.

It won't be today, but I'll work something up soon on how I get it done including the bolts fully secured.  I did this type of thing installing my Throttlemeister and pictures are worth a 1000 words.

[VTSprint]

Hey, Alsworld:
You haven't, by chance, installed heated grips on your sprint, have you?

VTS

[Alsworld]

VTSprint,

no, no heated grips as of yet.  I've considered, but living in Florida now, and moving to Texas in a few years permanently, I cannot justify it so far.  Does this happen to refer to a Throttlemeister install with heated grips?  It differs between heated grips and not.  I can help a little there, but have not experienced heated grips myself.

[VTSprint]

Up here in Vermont, heated grips are a matter of survival! I'm trying to decide between the OEM ($200) set or the DualStars ($40 total).

I had a Throttlemeister on my last couple of BMWs, and it served me well on the 'slab... not much good in hilly or curvy country, though....

[Alsworld]

Roger that.  Hilly terrain you are 100% correct.  Wish they would put electronic cruise controls like cagers for sure.  Sorry Bro, I cannot help on the better hand warmers.  Just no experience with them.  I hear good things about what Aerostitch sells, but it's typical internet gossip, no personal experiences from this end.  I'm sure there are more informed on this board than I concerning this subject.  Good luck, I can't imagine that cold up there!

[TheRedOnesAreFaster]

Up here in Vermont, heated grips are a matter of survival! I'm trying to decide between the OEM ($200) set or the DualStars ($40 total).

I've ridden a Sprint with the Aerostitch warmers (which I think are the same as the DualStars) and I have the OEM grips on mine.

They both put out about the same amount of heat, although the 'Stitches might get a little bit warmer.  If you like your stock grips, go with the aftermarket stuff.  The OEM kit uses a different grip entirely (the grip and the heating element are all one piece), and this grip seems to leave a little bit of a gap between the end of the grip and the bar end weight.

The OEMs are a real easy plug-and-play installation, although it took me some time to find the right plug to hook them up to.  The aftermarket stuff will take you a bit longer to install, but shouldn't be too tough.  I'd use the plug for the stock units for power, unless you want to find another way to make sure they automatically power down when you turn off the key.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably go the aftermarket route, but that's just because I'm cheap and I don't mind tinkering with the bike.

[rselin]

Well I finally wired in my new GPS and since I was unsuccessful in finding a connector to mate to the GPS connector under the fairing, I wired it to the battery.  Which meant removing the seat.  Which meant reinstalling the seat.  And much like last time, I f**ked around, but only for 30 minutes this time, and still managed to get just one of the two bolts in.  I traced 50% of the problem (no, it's not me) to the crap clip-on nuts that look suspiciously like the same ones GM used to attach 80% of the interior panels in my old Trans Am.  I expected nothing less of GM in 1979, but from Triumph in 2006?  

If you don't approach the nut at the exact correct angle the first time, and if you apply the slightest pressure to the clip-on nut at the wrong angle, it pushes the clip nut down and away and then you can't get the bolt in no matter how much of an angle you try to insert it at.  Which means you have to undo the side panel bolts, slide the rear fairing back, pull out the spring clip nuts, tighten them with a pair of pliers, and reinstall.  Three times if you're lucky like me.

I attribute the other 50% to having to try to push impossibly dense seat padding out of the way to get the allen wrench in while trying to meet the spring nut at the exact required angle (and without applying undue downward pressure to the bolt), and of course the seat is resisting the allen wrench every millimeter of the way.

Absolutely the worst seat fastening design in the history of motorcycling.  Why couldn't they just braze two nuts to the seat mount like on my 1996 Sprint?

My hat off to alsworld, as you must be blessed with supernatural powers if you can get that seat back on in 5 minutes.