What should I look for in a used Sprint ST?

[Jvswan]

Hi all, I'm new to STN.  I've had a couple of bikes since I started riding 4 years ago.  Now I'm looking for a sport tourer for daily commuting and occasional overnighters.  Maybe a long ride in the next year or two.  I need a bike that is pretty light, has upright ergos, and locking hard bags (I carry stuff back and forth to work every day).  I've looked at V-Stroms and Bandits, and for the most part I'd have to drop $700+ on luggage unless I get lucky.  On the other hand, I have found a number of good Sprint STs in my price range (<$4,500) with nice factory locking bags.  Seems like the Triumph is about the same weight as a Strom 1000 and lighter than a Bandit 1200, so that's good.  And I really like the looks of the Sprint.

So, I'm pretty much settled on a Sprint ST unless a crazy good deal presents itself on one of the other bikes.  So, what kinds of things should I be looking for?  I've seen '99-05 in my price range. I've heard good things about the 955i engine, too.  And the bikes that have attracted me all have fewer than 30K miles.  Are there any questions I should ask?  Any issues I need to be aware of?  I'll probably have to fly-and-ride, so I want to do everything I can to ensure I know what I'm getting into before I jump on an airplane.

Any suggestions/discussion would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Stripes]

If you're looking into a 1050 Sprint ST a few things I can think of off of the top of my heard are: 1. Has the Sprag Clutch been replaced? 2. Updated heat dissappation kit installed? 3. Rear wheel bearing greased &/or replaced. 4. Gearshift linkage? 5. Have all the recalls been performed? 6. Routine maintenance? That's all I can think of after this long ass day... If I think of more later I'll post it up. I loved my '05. I regret selling it everyday.

[ia sprint]

I had a 2000 Sprint ST for a year, currently a K1200LT.  My Sprint was the 955, LOVED IT!  Switched for passenger comfort and gizzmos, but miss the Sprint frequently.  I didn't have any issues with mine in the time I had it.  Mine didn't have factory bags, so I can't speak to that.  I wouldn't rule out the 955 Sprints.  It's a great bike.

[Cricket1]

I'm on my second 2003 955 Sprint ST, and love it.  (A deer claimed the first one in WVA) The factory hard bags are better than the 1050's (2005-2010) in that the 955 bags will hold a large full face helmet, the 1050's will not.

Great for long trips, around town, and shorter two up rides. Triumph made a number of changes partway thru the 955 run.  1999-2001 have a slightly larger gas tank, more agricultural sounding engine, and slighltly less power. (like 10hp) vs. 2002 to 2004. Hard bags are the same on all.  If you want hard bags, get a bike that already has them.  It is foolish to buy one thinking you can pick up the bags and add later.  Trouble with that is the mounting hardware is VERY hard to find, and once you do, is NOT an easy install.  

Also, 1999 came with the 18 tooth front drive sprocket, 2000 on went to 19T only to pass European noise regs.  Switching to 18T cures the very tall gearing feeling, and really "wakes" it up.  It adds about 300 rpm, but is worth it. (about $25 and 1/2 hr of your time to switch)

They are senstitive to a fully charge battery.  If it becomes weak, it will crank and not start.  

Good luck in your search.

[Jvswan]

Thanks for the info, y'all.  I've been leaning toward the 955 engines because it seems like they were pretty well sorted out by 2000 or so, and I've read posts from many folks who seemed to prefer them.

If I find a 1999-2004 Sprint with the 955 engine, what issues should I ask about? Stripes mentioned several things to ask about for the 1050 motor. What about the 955?

[Cricket1]

On the 955's a few things come to mind.

1. Fuel fitting recall- should have been done long ago, but still would be a dealer fix. The fuel line fittings that go into the gas tank were plastic, and known to crack. The replacements are metal.

2. Front brakes can be "mushy" as in lever can go to the bar. Sometimes on some bikes.  Known fix is to replace the front brake calipers with 6 pot Tokico's off Gen 1 Hayabusa- direct bolt in replacement. Gives more swept area and slightly better feel. ELIMINATES the problem- which is sticking caliper pistons. Upgrading the master cylinder at the same time from a 15MM unit to 5/8" also helps some. EASY to do both at the same time. PLENTY of 'Busa donor parts avail on flea bay.

3. A very few bikes have sprag clutch issues like the 1050's. Rare, but can be $$$ to fix.

4. Like many Triumphs, the head lights kinda suck. High beams are ok, lows nfg in the twisties.  The 1050's are WORSE, with a projector lamp with very sharp cutoff. I upgraded to Sylvania Silverstar bulbs that do help. But they are a #$%& to replace.  You need 3 small hands.  

Not a problem per se, but the stock exhaust is a heavy monster and whisper quiet.  The Triumph off road can, or Quill I have sound   and with the off road FI map, still get good gas mileage. Not too loud, but a great rumble.

I get about 40mpg (US) around town and 50 on the back roads.  If I really cane it  in the twisties, low 40s.  

The suspension is just ok.  If you weigh 160# or less, its fine, other than that it is undersprung. You will need to crank up the preload at both ends, and set the rebound damping on the rear to almost full hard.  Even then, with my 180# butt on it, still nose dives a fair amount with hard braking.  If you spend $400-$500 to get it resprung, I've heard it helps a bunch, but I've not done it.

Thats about all I can think of.

[Jvswan]

Thanks for the tips. I'll keep these things in mind as I search for my next bike.

[bluedogok]

I swapped out the front master cylinder on mine for a Hayabusa master cylinder, did the Galfer dual line front brake conversion, I did not do the calipers, I did clean and lube them while changing out the other parts. My 2000 may still be sitting on the dealers lot here in the Denver area, probably not but they aren't very good about updating their web site with used bikes.

[stk0308]

1. Fuel fitting recall- should have been done long ago, but still would be a dealer fix. The fuel line fittings that go into the gas tank were plastic, and known to crack. The replacements are metal.

There are 2 options.  The Triumph one, which are a dealer fix and should be free.  It only replaces on side though.  The male connectors.  Or the Team Triumph(http://www.rideteamtriumph.com) set that replaces them all.  Male and female connectors.  I'd suggest the later option.  But those you have to buy on your own dime.  They're worth it.  I've seen the free factory replacements done on bikes.  A year or so later, the remaining plastic female connector cracks and start leaking.  Between both my '99 and '02 I never had an OEM connector fail.  But I did replace the connectors on the '02 with the Team Triumph set after 3 years of use.  Just for piece of mind.

2. Front brakes can be "mushy" as in lever can go to the bar. Sometimes on some bikes.  Known fix is to replace the front brake calipers with 6 pot Tokico's off Gen 1 Hayabusa- direct bolt in replacement. Gives more swept area and slightly better feel. ELIMINATES the problem- which is sticking caliper pistons. Upgrading the master cylinder at the same time from a 15MM unit to 5/8" also helps some. EASY to do both at the same time. PLENTY of 'Busa donor parts avail on flea bay.

You can also replace the caliper pistons and seals with the >'07 or '06(I can't remember) 675 Daytona pieces and cure the problem that way.  I did on my '02.  My '08 has not required it.

4. Like many Triumphs, the head lights kinda suck. High beams are ok, lows nfg in the twisties.  The 1050's are WORSE, with a projector lamp with very sharp cutoff. I upgraded to Sylvania Silverstar bulbs that do help. But they are a #$%& to replace.  You need 3 small hands.  

Bulbs, or HIDs, will not cure the cutoff problem with the 1050s.  Only accessory lighting, or careful aiming, but there's only so high and out you can go before your a hazard to oncoming traffic.  I would strongly suggest upgraded bulbs, and proper aiming, of 995 headlights though.  I didn't find the 955 that hard to replace bulbs in.  As I recall I didn't even pull off any bodywork to do them.  Just some careful positioning of the forks, and planning how to do it.  You may have to work by feel and memory, but it can be done.  Now the 1050, that wasn't as much fun replacing the low beam bulb I had to replace this year.

The suspension is just ok.  If you weigh 160# or less, its fine, other than that it is undersprung. You will need to crank up the preload at both ends, and set the rebound damping on the rear to almost full hard.  Even then, with my 180# butt on it, still nose dives a fair amount with hard braking.  If you spend $400-$500 to get it resprung, I've heard it helps a bunch, but I've not done it.

The suspension on Sprints are definitely set toward the tour side of sport touring.  Yes, re-springing the front is a definite to-do.  I found the money spent up front paid off bigger than in the rear shock.  I did a Race Tech Gold Valve kit with correct springs up front on my '99.  I didn't use anything but stock rear shocks(two total) for it's life with me.  When I bought a 2002 Sprint ST, I had the front Gold Valved and spring-ed before I even picked it up.  I lucked into an Ohlins on e-bay after a couple years.  It was a nice upgrade, but not earth shattering.  I'm a fairly aggressive rider.  I even did a few trackdays on my '02.  And I got used to the firm front end on long haul tours.

These are my opinions from over 178,000 miles of Sprint ST ownership.  Spread over 3 bikes.  Your experience may not match.  YMMV.  Take with a grain of salt...well, you get the picture

[Jvswan]

Thanks for the awesome info. I'm looking forward to getting a bike. Will have fun working on it.

[pushr0d]

Your profile doesn't say where you are, but I'm assuming the States.

One point not mentioned above:  The '02 - '04 955 engine is a better design than the earlier version.  Not 'deal-breaking' better, but if you have a choice, go with the Gen II bike. (I've owned both.)

DO NOT buy a bike without bags (installed) if you want bags.  The triumph bags are getting scarce, and they are WAY expensive.

I've never had a problem with my brakes.  However, you do need to work at bleeding all the air from the system.  Sacrificing a chicken helps.

[timdow]

I traded up to an FJR due to family being out-of-state, but I really miss my '01 Sprint ST.  You won't be disappointed.  Take the advice on the fuel fittings above and make sure they were replaced and if not replace them.  This was the only problem I had with mine... fuel leak 40 miles from home.  Bad day for sure.

[GerryPetrecca]

JV,

Every one who responded to your inquiry has given you top advice.

I have an 01 and just love it.   Just be sure you keep the battery charged.

Where are you located?

Feel free to PM me.

Good luck.

Regards,

Gerry

[playinatwork2]

If it sounds like your shaking a coffee can half full of marbles when it's idling, then it's running right.  

[DNA]

I loved mine as well - ran it really hard and put over 50K miles in 3 years.  

I thought it was good looking and i really liked it, but it did have issues.

There are a select few out there that have had motor problems like every bike manufacturer.  Someone must have been drinking that day when the line was running.  Check oil level and usage.  Any sign of smoke or burning oil and walk away quickly.  Mine used over a liter of oil every 1000 mi.  

I found bad gas or lower octane would cause engine ping in the summer heat - that is not good, and could have contributed to the engine degradation.  I think I got a really bad tank one time in the sticks during a rally - bad news.

You don't say what type of riding you do - but I set mine up for LD.  220 miles per tank was a PITA as I had to stop too much, but my case was a bit of an outlier.

If you want to sport it up new shock is a must - but the stock works well for basic needs - until it gets old and tired.  

Get a good chain, replace it with the sprockets, maintain regularly and you should get 20K miles (I did).

Overall, I miss mine - mostly.

[Poweranger]

I have 18,000 miles after 4 riding seasons on mine. Only part I had to replace was the radiator cap after I removed it to do a coolant flush. The dealer told me after you remove those caps once they seem to always leak after. I think I had it in for a recall but honestly can't remember what it was for. Something minor like a bolt replacement or something. I did the valve check at 16,000 and they were all spot on. It never uses oil and always runs like the day I brought it home. I must have ended up with one that was built early in the week and not on a Friday afternoon.    

[stk0308]

Only part I had to replace was the radiator cap after I removed it to do a coolant flush. The dealer told me after you remove those caps once they seem to always leak after.

This has not been my experience.  First I've heard of this actually.

[veefer800canuck]

For sale:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,76211.0.html

[Poweranger]

This has not been my experience.  First I've heard of this actually.

I had never heard of it either before this. About 1000 miles after I flushed the coolant system it started pissing coolant every once in a while. Just a small puddle if you stopped and let the bike sit. I stopped by my dealer and asked if they might know what the problem was. First thing they asked was if I had the cap off. They sold me a new cap. I think it was about 15 bucks? Never leaked again with new cap.

[Dan K]

Huh. Never knew that about the cap.

Advice here is all good - if it's the 1050 before, I think 2008, look for the brake piston swap with the Triumph 675 bikes, or a caliper swap with the Busa; that there is an updated mofset R/R on the bike, and that's pretty much the important stuff.

Good luck - love my 2006 other than the bad lighting at lean at night.

- Dan