Triumph Sprint ST
The traffic on the way there was dire, and my return trip was completely in the dark thanks to the winter nights. Not sounding too good, is it? But there was a saving grace. And that was that I was on board the fabulous Triumph Sprint ST. Proof, if any were needed, that even in the worst weather that Britain has to throw at us, riding can still be an enormous pleasure on the right bike.
Triumph launched the Sprint ST as its flagship sports tourer back in 2005, and it has barely changed since that time. The truth is, it hasn't needed to. With its hugely tractable engine, comfortable riding position and ABS brakes, I felt in perfect control as I clawed my way from Fowlers down the A37 out of Bristol.
As an all-round package the Sprint excels at what it does. The emphasis really is split 50:50 between 'sports' and 'tourer'. There are better sports bikes on the market and there are better tourers, but if you only have space in your garage for one machine and you want to do track work as well as cross continents, then the Sprint ST has got to be top of your list. Offering a sporty yet relaxed riding position, it’s remarkably comfortable over distance. You can really lean forward to make the most of those fast, sweeping A-roads yet, with a relatively low seat, there is little weight on your wrists, meaning you can stay on this bike all day and have fun on every type of road that comes your way.
The Sprint ST is blessed with one of the smoothest, strongest motors currently available. Its three-cylinder, 1050cc powerplant - which also sees action in the new Tiger and the loopy Speed Triple - is tuned for effortlessly linear torque and gives strength in every gear whatever the revs. Fourth gear is a revelation though. You can pull away from the lights in fourth and accelerate strongly, in the right circumstances, way up into the three figures before a change is needed. And there are still two more gears to play with.
Handling, particularly in the rain, is very surefooted. The ABS, too, is nicely balanced, and although I'm not usually a fan, it does make sense on a machine of this nature. Sleek, aggressive styling and a rorty exhaust note come as standard, and the triple theme runs from tip to toe on the Sprint. The three cylinders are matched by a headlamp split into three, a three-way set of clocks, and three distinctive pipes that point machine gun-like from underneath the seat. For no real reason, Triumph have given the Sprint ST a single-sided swingarm, which adds weight but lends to the sculpted look. The huge tank might allow for extra mileage but it does mean that those shorter in the arm may struggle to reach the bars in comfort.
The fairing height is quite low, which makes it great for tucking in behind at high speeds. What it also means is that if you choose to sit up, the wind turbulence - albeit minimal - buffets your chest rather than your head, making it much easier to cope with. An optional higher screen is of course available as an extra, as are the attractive colour-coded panniers that you might need because underseat storage is non-existent.
Chrome fairing vents, a full onboard computer and front indicators set in the mirrors round off what is a very accomplished package.
Article written: October 1, 2007
The Triumph Sprint ST was kindly loaned by Fowlers Motorcycles of Bath Road, Bristol. For more information about test rides, call Fowlers on 0117 977 0466. You can also visit the website at www.fowlers.co.uk
OUR STEER ON THE TRIUMPH SPRINT ST
Price: £ 6,499 (Oct 07)
Engine: 1050cc, three-cylinder four stroke
Power: 123 bhp at 9,250rpm
Torque: 104 Nm (77 ft lb) at 5,000rpm
Transmission: six-speed
Weight: 210kg
Fuel capacity: 20 litres
Top speed: 161 mph (est)
Seat height: 80.5cm
by Jon Bennett
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