Sprint ST 1050 ?'s

[Epyon]

I'm 5'7" 29-30" inseam and I'm looking for a ST machine.  I've had two trumpets already and really love the triple engine  .  I have been mostly thinking about FJR's or ST1300's but the ST 1050 is also on my radar.  My concerns maybe some of you have some information to enlighten me.

The land missile couches are just unbelievable in the wind protection department.  I normally ride a naked (Hyperstrada right now) but I notice even the fairings on my RC-51 help a ton.  I have a Sena but don't really use it because I can't hear it worth a damn.  Are the touring screens good enough to get me a decent bubble so I may have a chance of hearing my Sena?  I do wear ear plugs but all the extra wind noise essentially makes the thing worthless..  Weather protection is nice but I don't mind getting wet too much.

How about super slab riding?  I have a few trips in mind like MN to AZ, MN to the Dragon, stuff like that.  Now I know its not one of the couches but it seems like a fairly "relaxed" riding position.  I did a 250ish mile day with lots of slab work on my RC-51 and I was surprised that was as ok as it was, seeing as its a race rep.  On those LOOOoong days it would be nice to brake it up a little, some slabbing and some twisties.

My other concern is reliability.  Though I had 0 issues with my 2 trumpets and I hear almost all good about the ST which is comforting.  Not having a Japanese bike I don't have legendary reliability and a dealership in most every town though.  I'm inclined to say that won't be an issue though.

Lastly are their are other wheels like Ducati wheels or something that swap in the back??

Thanks for helping out a noob!

[Sport-Touring]

[expatbrit]

So...

I'm built different to you (6'7, 34" inseam) and had an '06 Sprint ST for ~20k miles before I decided I really /wasn't/ ever going to fit on it. The engine is bloody fabulous as you say, and I truly love the looks of that bike, but if noise is your issue I'm with many others -- get the A0304 bracket for the Sena and run a decent set of in-ear monitors and you'll never go back. With S-plugs and the Etymotic ER6i's before I've never had issues hearing music, or anything. Love that setup.

 I'm on a Mutleystrada now, but had a 950SM as an in-between bike, so might not be the best person for a wind-protection comparison. (Mind you, I also have an RC51 -- I saw your comment elsewhere about piggy V-twin race reps, and invite you to sample an RC8. So not piggy. So V-twin. I've done 400 miles a day on mine before I converted it to 'aggressive' for the track).

On the Sprint, the seat is a bit soft and starts to wear on the arse after some miles. Later models have better windscreen and more upright riding position (2008 and above, I think). Suspension starts to wallow when I (at ~200lbs) started to whale on it a bit, but it had never been resprung for me. I've done slab on it, and been just fine, and I had one minor issue in the 20k miles where I had to tighten my own alternator cover bolts since it was weeping a bit of oil. Brakes get squishy, and a caliper swap is fairly common on the front (either the 6-pot Tokico off a 'busa, or the Daytona 675 calipers). Headlights on the '06 had a killer abrupt cutoff, which was frankly terrifying going into a turn after dark. /I/ found the heat obnoxious, with the frame getting painful to the touch, but others have had very different experiences.

All said -- I'm a little sad I sold it, but it wasn't a bike for my height. The engine and looks made it, and it was enough lighter than the FJR/ST1300 for me to appreciate, but still 550+ -- my time with the 950SM told me I really like lighter bikes.

Why swap the wheel?

[Epyon]

Ohh believe you me if I could only get my hands on an RC8.  One of the local track day organizers has one but I couldn't finagle my way into a ride.  On the other hand a good buddy of  mine has an RSV4 that is mine for the asking.

Hmm I've been trying to avoid ear buds but that may just be a fact of life....

Anything I get will be getting resprung at the very least.  I'm a suspension guy, power is nice but don't come crying to me when I beat your 600 up with an SV650 hahaha.  They say that the ST1300 is more touring, I'd imagine some good boingers would fix that real quick.  But yes heavy bikes are...ugh.  One of the things I did not like about that C14 was the 15 point turn and straining to move it around in my garage to get it out.  The RC is heavy but mangable.  Thanks god for low center of gravity.

The massive yet not large enough panniers on the Sprint are disappointing.  I just started reading today about the head light issues. All in all though as I've thought about it the Sprint really is a logical contender for me, mmmmm miss that motor...

Is winter over yet?  Oh it's not...ok.

[Volfy]

I'm exactly the same frame size as you and the '09 Sprint ST I had felt too tall a seat height to me.  It was my first sport touring bike and I loved the 1050 triple.  The packaging left a bit to be desired.  The panniers were odd shaped, the underseat exhaust cooked my thighs and roasted my nuts, and cause the seat shape to be rather uncomfortable and tall.  If you are tall and live in colder climes, you'll probably have no problems with it.  Triumph addressed allthose issues - and some - with the Sprint GT, which I have now.  I would strongly recommend the GT if you are interested in the Sprint line.  This sort of "continental sport tourer" isn't for everyone, but with your propensity toward sporting machines, you sound like a good match.  Personally, I can do a 250 mile day on just about any sport bike, even with aggressive ergos and limited range.  North of 300 miles though, these sporty ST, like Sprint/VFR/K1300/etc., become a better fit.  But if you like to sit up straight and prefer your bladder outholding your fuel tank, these aren't for you.

The reliability thang is overblown by those who can't find much else to knock certain models/brands... and can't find much else to tout about their preferred models/brands.  I've had 4 Triumph so far and zero problems.

[Epyon]

I have had a long time lusting for VFR's as well.  Again its the weirdo engine configuration that gets me  .  I believe that the VFR will have to be added to the list of bikes for demoing next season too.  Thanks for your input!!!!

[caddydaddy]

How about super slab riding?  I have a few trips in mind like MN to AZ, MN to the Dragon, stuff like that.  Now I know its not one of the couches but it seems like a fairly "relaxed" riding position.  I did a 250ish mile day with lots of slab work on my RC-51 and I was surprised that was as ok as it was, seeing as its a race rep.  On those LOOOoong days it would be nice to brake it up a little, some slabbing and some twisties.

It's not bad on the superslabs.  I have a higher windscreen on my 2008 and I was impressed how the wind didn't beat me up at all while going 70-75 or so!  I rode it from New Orleans to the Virginia coast and back, stopping in Knoxville, TN on the way up and back.  By the time I'd get to Knoxville by butt would hurt from sitting so long, but the rest of me was fine.  I had the 18 tooth front sprocket, which raised the RPMs a bit, but still managed around 50 MPG.  I've added lower pegs since then and that made a difference in leg angle.
 The saddlebags are kinda weird shaped, but they still hold a good amount and stay dry.  I added a Bestem top box to mine, which can hold a full face helmet and then some.  
For reliability, the only problem I had was the stator burnt up at around 24k miles.  It was about $110 for an aftermarket one that I replaced myself.  Other than that, it's been 100% reliable.  I don't ride as much as I use to, but I have around 34k on my 2008 that I bought new.
  When I lived in New Orleans, the heat coming up from the underseat exhaust was brutal when it was 95 degrees and I was stuck in traffic.  Once you are moving, it's not too bad.  A seat cover helped with the heat.

[Epyon]

Got a pic with the top case on?  All the images I've seen of them on the cases are so high up!!!  Almost looks like a step stool would help to get in there haha.

So you think the panniers are pretty ok then?  Lots of people saying they suck.  Yeah not big enough for a full face helmet does suck, but a helmet lock would work fine too.  I did a weekend run on my Ducati Hyperstrada and one bag was more then enough for all of my stuff.  Well besides tent and sleeping bag.

[Dan K]

SW Motech rack.

[caddydaddy]

Got a pic with the top case on?  All the images I've seen of them on the cases are so high up!!!  Almost looks like a step stool would help to get in there haha.

So you think the panniers are pretty ok then?  Lots of people saying they suck.  Yeah not big enough for a full face helmet does suck, but a helmet lock would work fine too.  I did a weekend run on my Ducati Hyperstrada and one bag was more then enough for all of my stuff.  Well besides tent and sleeping bag.

Mine sits about the same height as the one DanK posted.  It's high, but not too high in my opinion.  

Yes, the bags are ok.  They aren't huge like BMW bags, but I packed everything I needed into them and my top case when I rode to Virginia for 3 weeks.  The steel fuel tank on the 2008-up Sprints makes it easier to throw a magnetic tank bag on there for a little extra room.

[Epyon]

Dan how tall are you and how does that windscreen do for ya?

[redsled]

I have a Givi on mine and it's not too high at all. You want to see high? My Tiger 1050's topcase was in the stratosphere compared to the Sprint.


Chris Pope
Locust Grove, GA
07 Sprint ABS
07 Tuono
85 V65 Magna

[mellow_gold]

Why do I still torture myself by reading threads about Sprints.  Oh how I miss my Strumpet  

[caddydaddy]

Why do I still torture myself by reading threads about Sprints.  Oh how I miss my Strumpet  

I keep thinking of selling mine and trying something else, but then I realize I'd probably miss it!  

[mellow_gold]

Don't do it! I'm selling my Bandit and will probably give a VFR 800 a shot but I'm fearful it will leave me wanting too.

[Epyon]

After having owned 2 Trumpets I'm almost on board already.  I still need to ride one, but I also came to the realization that I'm getting very close to affording a Ducati Multistrada 1200 too....  The ultimate nuclear powered arm chair with excellent ground clearance....

[expatbrit]

After having owned 2 Trumpets I'm almost on board already.  I still need to ride one, but I also came to the realization that I'm getting very close to affording a Ducati Multistrada 1200 too....  The ultimate nuclear powered arm chair with excellent ground clearance....

I've owned both. I love the Mutley. I'm also 6'7


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Epyon]

One day maybe!

[expatbrit]

Dan K -- looks like one I've seen somewhere else...

[Dan K]

Dan how tall are you and how does that windscreen do for ya?

5'9, long in the leg, and it was great.

Many long highway trips, no issues. Only sold because I had a bad case of new bikitis.

One and only negative I can point out on the Sprint is the headlights - can't see shit in the dark when leaned over. Add auxiliary lights if you buy one.

 -Dan

[stevent]

I just picked up a '10 1050 Tiger, you might give one a try just to see if it works for you. I tried out a Sprint but the Tiger's riding position worked a little better for me. Same engine and all, Really loving this bike.

It's my 4th Hinckley Triumph and I have no qualms about reliability, they're pretty solid.