ST3 or Triumph Sprint?

[superjohn]

I'd love to have an ST3s at this point. Since the garage is full, I don't know which of the current rides would go. If it's as good as I've read, it may be both of them, but getting a new bike is not a high priority right now.

[dlearl476]

OK, I know I'm gonna get killed for this, but I had an ST3, then I had a Multi and just recently traded the Multi for an 06 BMW K1200GT. I really didn't want a bike that big but my wife rides with me alot. Don't regret it at all. 152hp,electronic suspension,antilock brakes and handles better than the ST3. I'm still gonna get a Monster for a second bike though. At least go test ride one.

Next Step:



I have a '99 ST that I love. (100hp 955i motor)  Commute on it a lot (or at least I have been while the Monster is apart) Taken several 2500+miles trips on it in total comfort.  This vintage did have a few issues that I'm aware of: plastic QD's on the fuel line broke or were broken by ham-fisted mechanics.  Most were replaced in a recall.  Some have fuse/stop running issues due to the factory placement of a wire tie just underneath the ignition switch which eventually wears through the insulation and shorts wires.  AFAIK, it's a real easy fix, just remove the tie, wrap any worn insulation, and relocate the wire tie/strain relief so it doesn't pull the cables taut when on full lock.

Mine suffered a kind of rare, but not unheard of, malady akin to the ign. switch issue.  Apparently, the ground for all the elex, FI ECU, and instruments cumulates in a single ground point.  If that conglomeration of 6 or so sta-cons gets corroded, it can cause issues.  With mine, it showed up after I did the 40,000 mile service.  It would run for a while, then die as if I'd hit the kill switch.  Start again, run for some time, die.  No dealer here had a clue.  It was only when I talked to a friend who is a Triumph dealer in the UK that I found out about it.  I chaulked it up to the 5K mile trip I made to BC where it rained for at least two hours out of every day for a week.

Like I said, mine is a '99 with a 100hp 955, in 2000 or 2001 they dropped the Daytona motor in them for 115 hp (still the 955) then in 2003 or sommat they came out with the 1055's. 

IMO they are all excellent bikes.   Easy to work on, cheap for parts, a comfortable blast to ride 10-1,000 miles.  It will honestly cruise all day at 105mph (if you can find someplace to do that) and not give you so much as a whimper.  For me, I've seen around 45 mpg with a controlled right hand.  Some folks regularly report 50-60.  Riding fast I get around 40.

Lastly, one of the nicest things about these Triumphs is their use of SAGEM fuel injection which allows tuning with a program (TuneBoy) and a PC.

[Randy@StradaFab]

  you guys are funny. I wasn't aware I was riding an old mans bike, thanks for the heads up. Yeah, the Beemer doesn't have that Duc sound, but it does everthing better than the ST3. The Triumph don't sound like a Duc either.

[silentbob]

OK, I know I'm gonna get killed for this, but I had an ST3, then I had a Multi and just recently traded the Multi for an 06 BMW K1200GT. I really didn't want a bike that big but my wife rides with me alot. Don't regret it at all. 152hp,electronic suspension,antilock brakes and handles better than the ST3. I'm still gonna get a Monster for a second bike though. At least go test ride one.

I like all three of those bikes but I wouldn't say that the K1200 handles better than an ST3, at least not an ST3s.  Although, I haven't ridden an ST with low end suspension.  The BMW is great for what it is but the very long wheelbase and the 200 extra pounds, combined with a somewhat vague front suspension and clunky shaft drive do not make it a bike that will out handle the ST.

[DesmosDromos]

Mine were the same key.  The previous owner must have replaced a bag on yours.

I don't think so. Maybe 1998 was different? Hmmm...now I have to go look into this a bit.

[ScottRNelson]

I don't think so. Maybe 1998 was different? Hmmm...now I have to go look into this a bit.

Mine is a 1998 and one key opens both bags.

It doesn't make sense for them to have different keys originally.  Someone replaced one lock or maybe one bag on your bike.

[DesmoDiva]

An ST3, hands down.

My hubby and I love our ST4s.  Spend the extra for an ST3s.  The suspension is tons better.



The stock seat is okay, but a Sargent is better. 

The first recommended mod would be to regear with a 14 tooth front sprocket.  Makes driving around town a lot easier and you really don't loose that much top end. 

Feel free to PM me with any specific questions.    [moto]

[DrDesmo]

I know it's totally out of left-field and a complete "grampa" bike ... BUT ... I have owned an ST2, an ST4S, two VFR's, and now an '05 FJR1300

... And man alive is the FJR a sick bike.  Power everywhere, incredible fit and finish, and almost zero maintenance.  (27k valve intervals, shaft drive oil every 17k)  Took it up to lake placid for 700 miles this weekend with a friend on a monster and it didn't leave me wanting when things got twisty. 

Not as flickable as my S4R ( O RLY ?? ) but it's an incredible bike, and for two-up, perfect in every way.

Cheers,
Adam

[DrDesmo]

Mine is a 1998 and one key opens both bags.

It doesn't make sense for them to have different keys originally.  Someone replaced one lock or maybe one bag on your bike.

+1, my '98 ST2 had one key for both bags

Adam

[some_dude]

I have a Sprint ST 1050, and I love it! The engine is really something.

[DucHead]

I'd love to have an ST3s at this point. Since the garage is full, I don't know which of the current rides would go. If it's as good as I've read, it may be both of them, but getting a new bike is not a high priority right now.

Your SS would have to go....directly into my garage.