GGJaguar's Guitarium and Ampeteria Sprint ST Page

GGJaguar's Triumph Sprint ST Page

After riding relatively "old technology" motorcycles since I started riding in 1979, I thought it was time for a new zoot scoot. I narrowed my choices down to the Honda VFR800, the Ducati ST4, the BMW R1100S and the Triumph Sprint ST. Coming off of a BMW (one which I liked very much), I thought for sure I'd be coming out of the dealer with the R11S. But that changed once I took the Triumph for a test ride.

The Sprint ST was an all-new-for-1999 that superceded the Sprint and Sprint Executive models. I never thought I would ever own a first model year motorcycle (or car) since it generally takes a manufacturer a year or two to sort out the bugs. The Sprint has some known quirks, but nothing major and certainly no more than any BMW -- a marque known for reliability. What I find really remarkable is that Triumph was resurrected and making solid, quality motorcycles within a few short years. The features I like about it the most are its English origins (Eurobikes are hip), in-line triple powerplant (in-line fours are so ordinary), locomotive-like torque, great handling, fine riding position, superlative gas mileage, and relatively light weight. These features endeared themselves to the motorcycling journalists as well, and most magazine reviewers felt it was one of the best sport-touring motorcycles made to date. One magazine (Cycle World) even went as far as to crown it the Best Sport-Tourer for 1999 as part of their 10 Best Bikes of the Year Awards!

Although the factory panniers look great on the bike, I hated the look of the pannier mounting frames when the bags were off the bike. This is aesthetically problematic for me since I would only use the panniers a few times a year and I would not ride with them on the bike unless going on a trip. Since the mounts kill the clean and sleek lines of the bike I opted to use my trusty Chase Harper soft luggage which works fine.

Of course, just coming off of two shaft drive bikes, one thing I had to get used to was lubing and adjusting the chain. The new chain lubes are far less messy than the ones I had to use in the early '80s and the new O-ring chains are quite rugged. I haven't owned the ST long enough to make any significant, functional modifications. Besides, since it is an all-new model, few accessories or mods are available. I will likely consider a new exhaust canister or maybe even a completely new (and hopefully lightweight) exhaust system, and a front fender extension (mudflap), but other than that the bike really works well in stock form.

Within two weeks of taking delivery of my Triumph, I took it to the First Annual ST Rallye in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The ST really showed its strengths on the winding and twisted Ozark Mountain roads. It's a marvelous machine. To be honest, though, there's another reason why I got the Sprint St... they are chick magnets 'cause girls love 'em!