ST3 or Triumph Sprint?

[zenjim]

I commute every day and like to take long ass trips about once a month. Usually to places like Sonoma, Monterey, and Tooele. I'm pondering a Sprint or an ST3.

The Sprint is really comfy and the pannier thing with the top case works well. I dig the 5 gallon tank. The motor and ride is great for me, especially for commuting and I think it's sexy as Hell in black. I have the opportunity to pay cash for a new one, so it would be cool to have a new bike and not have payments. The last time I bought a new vehicle I kept it for 13 years and I get that vibe from the Sprint.

All I know about the ST3 is what I've read, which is not much. That, and a guy at the Streets of Willow smoked me on one. But that's no mean feat. It's no 1198, but she's a looker I'd be happy with. And she's no Multistrada.    So if it can match the Triumph ride wise I'd be happy. Plus a used one would save me at least $5k which of coarse means more money for coke and whores.

Whichever bike I get, I'll be getting a beater for the track, so that's not a consideration. My Monster was doing all of this, but due to a recent accident, she'll be retired and probably be a learner for my girlfriend if it's not totaled. Can't talk about the accident for legal reasons.

I did a search, but not much ST3 info on this site, hoping you guys can help out.

Grazie,

zenjim

[Markus]

I have no FHE with a Sprint so I can't comment on how the two bikes compare, but I can say I love my ST3s and will probably hang into it for many years to come. It's a terrific all-rounder - excellent handling, comfortable ergos (but still sporty), adequate storage especially with a top case and a tank bag, manages 2-up well, wind protection is good. The ST3 is a great compromise sports-tourer bike with a definite slant towards sporty.

If you can find an "S" model I strongly suggest springing for one rather than the standard version. Lighter weight wheels, Ohlins rear shock with a remote preload adjuster (hugely convenient for 2-up touring), and the ABS brakes make it a more adaptable bike (IMO anyway). I've had my ST3s on the track a few times and it performs very well despite not being a really sports bike.

Have a go on the Sprint before you decide on the ST3. They have an excellent reputation and devout following. The triple motor is supposted to be a beast. I'm sure a Sprint would give an ST3 a solid run in a shoot out.

[psycledelic]

I thought I had read of some reliability issues with the Sprints a year or two ago.  You might want to do a little more research to check.   

[ScottRNelson]

I've taken a test ride on a 1050 Sprint ST and I own an ST2.  For overall handling and riding position, the bikes are very similar.  I could live with a Sprint ST.  I would suggest that you make the choice based on which engine you like the best.  I have to have a V-twin because they just feel better to me, but many people like the three cylinder Triumph engines too.

An ST3-S with ABS is an extremely good sport touring bike.  I'll get one as soon as I finish wearing out my ST2.

[KnightofNi]

i just picked up a sprint in feb. i absolutely love it. it would be nice if it had lower bars, but i can live with stock bars.

i feel the sprint is a bit more sporty than the ST3, but the ST3 seat was a bit more comfortable and the bike felt skinnier. it also felt a bit longer (my legs weren't as bent when up on the pegs.
the st3 won out on overall smoothness and looks. i like the way the sprint looks with the bags off better than the st3 too.

the bags on the sprint are MUCH easier to take off than on the ducatis. i think size wise the bags are about even though.

the new sprint in black looks dead sexy. i wish they had one when i bought mine.

the thing i didn't really get to compare was the wind protection. on the sprint the wind kinda hits me right in the helmet coming off the fairing, but a diff windshield would fix that.
i recently did a 2500mi trip with a guy on an st2 and in the long run(pun intended) the bikes are pretty much the same. they just sound and look a bit different.
ohh and i think with the bags on i could still just barely outpace him at WOT on the hwy in an attempt to determine top speed.

[corndog67]

I used to have a Daytona 955, I was pleasantly surprised by the reliability over 60,000 miles, and the general quality of the bike.  I didn't have to do a thing to the engine, valve adjustment never changed.   I'd buy another.  I believe the Sprint is the same basic engine.   It did take a month to get a clutch cable, but the one off of an XR600 Honda fit pretty close, with just a bit of fiddling. 

[Triple J]

FWIW...the last sport touring bike shoot-out I read (Rider magazine) included both a Sprint and an ST3 as 2 of the 4 bikes. The Sprint came in #1...ST3 #4. 

The summary was that the ST3 was the sportiest of them all and best at canyon carving. However, the Sprint was still very good in the canyons, and better at everything else.

[silentbob]

I had an ST4 and loved it.  I could ride that thing forever and still not be tired.  For me the overall comfort of a bike has to include how well it handles, brakes, accelerates too.  My Harley Road King had an extremely plush ride but was not as comfortable as the ST because you never felt like you were in complete control like you are on the ST.

the bags on the sprint are MUCH easier to take off than on the ducatis.

I could have both bags off in under 10 seconds.  Turn key, lift latch, remove bag, done.  The Sprint must have an auto eject button on the dash to be that MUCH easier than the ST.

[DesmosDromos]

I could have both bags off in under 10 seconds.  Turn key, lift latch, remove bag, done.  The Sprint must have an auto eject button on the dash to be that MUCH easier than the ST.

I would agree, but I had to do it a few times on my ST2 before it became automatic. Also, on the ST2 you have to find the right key for the bag as the L and R are different, but not marked.

[silentbob]

I would agree, but I had to do it a few times on my ST2 before it became automatic. Also, on the ST2 you have to find the right key for the bag as the L and R are different, but not marked.

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

[ScottRNelson]

I would agree, but I had to do it a few times on my ST2 before it became automatic. Also, on the ST2 you have to find the right key for the bag as the L and R are different, but not marked.

I'll admit that I was baffled the first time I tried to figure out how to get the bags off of my ST2.  But I think that I can also get mine off in about 10 seconds.  Very quick both on and off.

Somebody screwed things up on yours if you need a different key for left and right.  A locksmith could easily fix that for you.  I'm just annoyed that I can't use the ignition key on the bags.

[Speeddog]

ST3 please. 

[KnightofNi]

the bag difficulties come from someone else. he had to use a diff key than the ignition key and apparently they require a bit of a shove to get them off.
it could jsut be his bike. 


my bags come off with the turn of a key lifting of the handle and then the bag picks right up and off the bike.

I used to have a Daytona 955, I was pleasantly surprised by the reliability over 60,000 miles, and the general quality of the bike.  I didn't have to do a thing to the engine, valve adjustment never changed.   I'd buy another.  I believe the Sprint is the same basic engine.   It did take a month to get a clutch cable, but the one off of an XR600 Honda fit pretty close, with just a bit of fiddling. 

the engine is now a 1050, but i haven't heard any reports of problems on it.

a month for a clutch cable? i ride a duc too, waiting for parts is normal 

[Randy@StradaFab]

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.

[zenjim]

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 actually checked out a Beamer. An R1200ST. Nice bike, OK ride. Felt heavy. But when someone else rode by on it, it sounded like a sewing machine. Also, I'm not ready for my grandfather's motorcycle. In about 20 years when I'm riding to Sonoma for the wine AND the prune juice, I'll get the Beamer.