Triumph Sprint ST 1050 Bike Overview
The Triumph Sprint ST 1050 is considered one of the best sports-touring motorcycle of its generation. What’s great about this bike is that it is comfortable, stylish, smooth and easy to ride.
At first you may find that the Triumph Sprint ST’s turn-in is slow, but once the bike is up and running it feels much more secure. You get some great suspension with this bike, and it handles well on any road terrain, whatever speed you might be going. The brakes are also good. It’s a good all-rounder bike and it doesn’t disappoint.
The DOHC 1050cc motor on this bike really gurgles when you start off, then when you are out on the road the bike is fast and aerodynamic. You can reach 160mph easily on this bike, and the fuel-injection is flawless too.
There are a few things that might disappoint you with this bike. One major fault from Triumph bikes appears to be the risk of corrosion on some parts of the bike. Having said this, the Triumph dealer support is great and you won’t feel out on your own if you need a part for this model.
The re-sale value is also good on this bike if you are looking for a second hand model.
Triumph Sprint ST 1050 Bike Spec
- Capacity1050cc
- Top speed160mph
- Weight241kg
- Average fuel consumption41mpg
- Seat height805mm
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC, 4v
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Triumph Sprint ST 1050 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
It's red.
Cons
Nothing
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alright
good
Pros
The Sprint ST 1050 still looks great, goes very well, is very comfortable and is an outstanding ride.
Cons
After my gearbox and hose issues, I am hoping that the reliability of my now 11 year-old machine is sorted for a while.
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Very comfortable for long distances and touring. Slightly better in this respect than the Sprint ST 955 I had before. No pillion experience to report on but the seat looks well padded.
Reasonably well-built and generally reliable, although I had a seized gearbox (the third-gear had stripped) in the third month after I bought it second-hand (thankfully repaired under warranty) and I recently had a number of radiator hoses replaced. I've had the bike for two years now.
The braking is fine from my experience. With my riding style I try not to use them too much, but they have always been more than adequate when required. Double-discs at the front, single-disc rear and no ABS on my bike, though I believe it was an option.
It's handling is a little more sporty than the ST 955 but I feel the bumps a little more. It's a mid-weight that is okay for wheeling about, but nice and light to ride. It corners very nicely and is very stable.
The engine is smooth and powerful, pulling well from low revs. The performance is very adequate for a Sports Tourer, probably a tiny bit quicker than the ST 955 but I don't notice a dramatic difference. It is slightly lower-geared and revs more than the ST 955 so probably accelerates a fraction quicker. I am very happy with the performance.
The fuel consumption is excellent and I get 51-53 mpg usually on this 160mph bike, reflecting the way I ride and that I don't ride in town much. Triumph servicing is not cheap and the valve-clearances and fork oil service is expensive – around £800 I recall. The radiator hose was another £350 but hopefully I'll have a few years of peace in that respect now.
Pros
Its 3 cylinder engine sounds lovely!
Cons
Quality of coating used on engine and subframe
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Generally a comfortable bike for longer journeys however can put a bit of weight on your wrists – gripping tank with knees helps greatly.
Finish on the engine casings, rear subframe and rear peg hangers is poor – even later bikes such as mine need then recoating. Charging system is fragile and both stator and reg/recs are known to fail, electrical connectors are a weak point also. Mine failed on 1 st day of ownership with bad connection on a switchgear connector and then stator failed at 30000 miles.
Later bikes have a better feel to their brakes, generally stop well but lever feel not to everyone's liking.
A nice neutral handling bike however is a big of a heavy lump at slow speed/stationary. Does benefit from suspension upgrades but at a cost
Good performance for a bike of its size, doesn't have to be worked hard to make good progress.
Other than a stator and service items, its no more expensive than any other bike I've owned.
Pros
Great engine, comfortable and reliable.
Cons
Triumph should have kept the bike in their range and added a low exhaust,a better pillion seat, upside down forks and a better rear shock. Those improvements together with better headlights (they're useless) and a little less weight would have been a real winner!
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Very smooth on UK roads, but suspension is basic. With upgraded forks and shock, the difference is amazing
Lovely torque filled engine. As used in the Speed Triple and Tiger.
Triumph should have kept the bike in their range and added a low exhaust,a better pillion seat, upside down forks and a better rear shock. Those improvements together with better headlights (they're useless) and a little less weight would have been a real winner!
No problems with rust or poor paint
Reasonable feel from original pads. Many people upgrade to better spec to improve the feel
Pros
The engine. It's a classic. I have had my Sprint ST from new and covered over 30,000 miles – commuting, touring at home and abroad, weekend rides with groups and alone and it has coped with it all admirably. It has been reliable and fun to ride and it is a good looking machine. I love it.
Cons
Pillion friendliness isn't great over distances and the headlights should be a lot better.
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Ride and handling are good for a reasonably heavy sports tourer.
The 1050 3 cylinder engine is superb. Plenty of power and very tractable. It sounds good too.
Good on fuel, particularly when touring – I regularly get 50 mpg which gives a 200+ mile range. Servicing is reasonable.
The build quailty is excellent, it has been 100% reliable over 30,000 miles. It still looks great.
Brakes are very good but ABS would be a boon. It wasn't an option on the late model STs which was strange as you could specify it on earlier models.
Pros
It has personality
Cons
Sort the electrical gremlins
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Good handling, well planted and plenty of presence. Sounds great in overrun.
Plenty of power and torque in any gear at any revs. Capable on any road.
Spares are pricy.
Freak stone-vs-oil-filter issue let to a rebuild, also needed a voltage regulator (common fault), otherwise it has been great!
Precise, plenty of feedback and very strong
Pros
Practical, comfy and sporty.
Cons
ABS brake bleeding, heavy
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Rather heavy at slow speeds and a clunky gearbox. but once you get it moving the engine in silky smooth and a real hoot
The best part about this bike. I already loved the 675 triple, the 1050 has more grunt and revs lower, but can still be revved like a sportsbike
I work on it myself and the parts are no more expensive than other bikes
All seems good so far, feels solid.
They are good quality brakes with braded lines as standard, I just wish I didn't have to take the bike to a dealer to get the fluid changed. (ABS version only)