Words and static pics by Kenn Stamp

Action pics by a reluctant photographer

Video Link: 2WF YouTube Channel  (sorry for the low-quality. We are trying to get it fixed and will re-upload if we can)

Are you tired of bending over into the repli-racer crouch? Are you thinking it's time to stop acting like a teen and start acting like a responsible adult; someone that puts aside motorcycles in favor of soccer practice and a minivan? You'd still like to ride but the GSZXCBR-whats-it just isn't being kind to your body or wallet, what with all the cops looking for the “race-bike riding punks” nowadays? You're just not into a cruiser and aren't nearly old enough for a full dress touring bike? Maybe you've thought about the FJR/ST/Connie/K-bikes before but they're just too big and heavy for you?

Well step right up one and all and see a marvel of the modern world! A wonder of modern technology! A motorcycle you may have overlooked that might be right up your alley. Let me introduce you to the 2009 Triumph Sprint ST! Yes folks that's right; it slices, it dices, it'll even cut through an aluminum can and STILL be sharp enough to slice right through this tomato!

See this is why my wife doesn't let me watch infomercials late at night.

Seriously though. If you are looking for that one bike to ride all the twisty roads you desire no matter how many miles are involved, then this may be the bike for you. Sure your significant other may not want to go along as the rear passenger accommodations aren't very plush, but what exactly is the downside to that? (After that last comment I am now on the lamb from my wife and will write when I have established an alias and new address - Ed)

The Triumph Sprint ST is designed with one thing in mind and one thing only; Sport-Touring. Not like the “100 pounds short of a full touring bike but with better handling and gobs of power” Sport-Touring bikes we think of here in the ol' US of A, but the “slightly bigger and heavier yet still hugely entertaining and flickable” type of Sport Touring bikes they have across the pond.

The Sprint ST gets the incredible 1050cc 3-cylinder motor tuned to produce horsepower numbers smack dab between its two siblings the Tiger and the Speed Triple (Triumph claims 127hp at the crank @ 9250rpm). Unfortunately, the Sprint ST feels like it is held back by a too restrictive exhaust; which is weird because the exhaust doesn't sound restricted. Power is good up until about 7k at which point, though the needle keeps climbing and the bike goes faster, the motor feels a little sluggish. The bike still pulls but there is a noticeable lack of enthusiasm in how the motor produces power up high in the revs. A little more air in and a little more air out should solve that problem nicely and give the bike an even sportier sound than it already has.

The Sprint ST comes with a 6 speed transmission and a cable operated clutch. The downside to the bike's transmission is that, although it is geared well for both around town and highway use, I found inadvertently neutral and false neutrals more times than I am comfortable with. Another rider also had the same problem so I know that it wasn't just me. In the bike's defense it was still new with under a thousand miles on it when I picked it up so maybe that issue will resolve itself as everything breaks in. I hadn't experienced missing shifts with the other Triumphs I've ridden so that leads me to believe that the problem was either bike specific or was due to not being completely broken-in.

One major component of a bike labeled as a sport-touring bike is comfort and the Sprint ST either hits the bullseye or misses the target completely depending on your personal interpretation of both “sport-touring” and “comfort”. I found the riding position to be perfect for Sunday morning blasts, full day corner carving excursions, and I would even put 2-300 miles per day on it if needed. I would not put the same type of interstate mileage on the Sprint as I would an “American Style” Sport-Tourer but then again Triumph doesn't expect you to.

We Americans like our machinery big and powerful, while those quirky Brits prefer lean, maneuverable machinery. If you are a WWII aviation buff just think Thunderbolt vs. Spitfire. Thunderbolt (FJR1300, Concours 14, etc..) = big, fast, heavy, somewhat maneuverable, long range fighter; Spitfire (Sprint ST) = Small, lithe, very maneuverable, shorter range fighter. Pick your weapon depending upon your needs and personality and you won't be disappointed no matter which way you go.