I'd never really considered Triumph to be a marque I'd consider buying. I have owned 3 bikes now, the last two being a BMW and latterly a Kawasaki. I wanted another BMW, but this ST captured my heart from the moment I tested it.
RIDE
With a triple engine, the bike is responsive and has ... Read review
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A review by wreckferret on Triumph Sprint ST February 17th, 2003
Author's product rating:
Comfort
Excellent
Handling
Good
Looks
Good
Features
Excellent
Fuel consumption
Excellent
Advantages:
Does it all
Disadvantages:
Headlight bulb change is complicated
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I'd never really considered Triumph to be a marque I'd consider buying. I have owned 3 bikes now, the last two being a BMW and latterly a Kawasaki. I wanted another BMW, but this ST captured my heart from the moment I tested it.
RIDE With a triple engine, the bike is responsive and has a flat torque curve, which means it pulls very evenly throughout the rev range. It's a 955cc lump, which puts it firmly in the big bike class. Fuel injection has managed to obviate the need for a "choke" or fast idle lever and is very smooth, unlike other snatchy fuel-injected rides I've experienced. It corners beautifully, although the original equipment tyres (Michelin Macadams) don't seem as grippy as I would like. I think I'd prefer the bike shod with BT020s from Bridgestone instead. I've not suffered the archetypal wrist and lower back pains associated with sportier bikes and I can testify to its long range, as I have got more than 200 miles from a tankful. The Triumph heated grips are lovely!
RELIABILITY It's not died on me yet. The bike was second-hand, and I have had to rectify a few niggles brought about by the previous owner's neglect: head bearings, poorly fitted rear hugger, new chain and sprocket set and small holes in the exhaust. The bike has rewarded me with effortless starting and the accessory power socket on the left side of the bike under the fairing is ideal for plugging in an Optimate charger in order to maintain the longevity of the battery. The headlamp bulbs cannot be changed without removing the cockpit and fairings, which requires a lot of patience and know-how. I see no reason for this, especially when other manufacturers have taken this important maintenance point into consideration when designing the bike.
PERFORMANCE The engine has a lovely acceleration: an addictive rumble rising to a meaty bellow when near the redline. It keeps up with most of the power rangers' steeds, which suits me fine. Put a decent rider on an ST and the bike will outperform most others on the road. It'll run for longer too, thanks to its relatively frugal fuel consumption. The brakes (once I had them maintained) are very responsive and braided hoses come as standard. The exhaust is plenty loud enough, so it doesn't need changing... I'd like a double-bubble screen though, for long distances. I'm 6' and the wind catches the top of my lid.
OVERALL I would like to say that in an ideal world I'd have 2 bikes: a racebike and a tourer. I'm not in a financial position to fulfil that ambition yet, so this is the best possible bike for me. It does everything I want right now. It wears a tank bag and hard panniers, it is a fast tourer, is my main commuter tool and is utterly reliable. It also looks the business! The centrestand makes it easy to wash and maintain the rear. It's a beauty to live with. I'd like to see a nice modern revamp though! The clocks are still analogue, which I think ought to go digital. Mind you, what you get for your money in one package is not to be sniffed at.
Advantages: comfort, handling, power, gorgeous looks and finish Disadvantages: None. Not a darn thing wrong with it!
...try. I took my 2003 Triumph Sprint ST for a test drive right off the showroom floor on May 1, 2003. First drive: The dealer (California BMW & Triumph, Mountain View, CA) was afraid to let me drive a new Sprint, and let me drive a RS instead. I wasn't impressed by the comfort, and hesitated to drive the ST. However, the dealer changed his mind and urged me to drive it. I took it out, and couldn't believe the difference. It was absolutely amazing. ... ...beefy 118 hp of the Triumph Sprint ST. The VFR seemed heavier and felt a bit closer to the BMW tourers than I prefer. I did not want an official touring bike, which is how I would describe the VFR. It's a great bike in general, but just not as comfortable or as fast, and doesn't corner as well. For those VFR fans, I am sorry to say that I simply cannot find any advantage this bike has over the 2003 Sprint ST. In the looks department, although subjective, ...
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Advantages: Build quality, features, engine Disadvantages: Turning circle, comfort with a pillion
I bought the ST after months of looking at the usual Japanese suspects. The clincher was when the dealer fired up the engine on his demo model in the showroom. I couldn't believe the sound and feel of the big triple. The VFR800 might rev snappily and wildly, but the hearty grumble of the 955, with that meaty thrumble through the midrange is simply unforgettable.
British Racing Green. It should be obvious, I suppose, but when the bike rolled out ... ...jaw dropped with the "That's MINE" feeling. Clocking up a couple of hundred miles in a few hours is easy, blasting over backroads. The huge tyres, easy handling, eye-popping brakes, and infinitely torquey engine make this middle distance work nothing short of completely enjoyable. No sore back, sore bum or sore arms. I opted for heated grips too, so after a two-hour drive to Edinburgh in November I was actually warm!
It's not a short journey bike ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: An excellent allrounder with impressive mid-range performance. Disadvantages: Fuel gauge fluctuates wildly
This bike is good looking, comfortable to ride with good handling. Performance is best mid-range when you need/enjoy it most. The 3 cylinder engine sounds great and is very responsive. It captures some of the torque of the big twins combined with the attributes of a multi. The mix works well. It is also very good on fuel consumption. Bike starts easily and runs smoothly immediately. gearbox is quite slick too and not clunk like some of jap boxes. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Cheap, economical, lots of fun Disadvantages: Dodgy electrics & prone to rust
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Overall, then, the Suzuki GP125 is a great first time bike that will do everything you need as a learner, and give you plenty of grins and fun besides. There’s a lot to be said for small bikes – even my TriumphSprintST-owning fiancé loves to ride it when I let him. Due to the age of even the newest examples, and the dodgy electrics though, I would caution those who aren’t confident enough to have a go at their own maintenance, or don’t have someone around who is....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
05.06.2004
