Rig's 2004 Triumph Sprint ST

17th September 2006

After parting ways with my previous Triumph Sprint ST (a decision I immediately regretted), I started hunting for my next ride. After about two weeks of browsing, reflecting, and wondering why I’d sold the Sprint in the first place, I had an epiphany: why not get another Sprint ST? Problem solved.

I’ve put 200 miles on the new bike so far, and I’ve got to say, Triumph’s 2002 engine update is smooth—smoother than my last one, for sure. The gearbox is better too, though it’s still not quite as buttery as those Japanese bikes everyone raves about.

October 2006
First order of business with the new Sprint: the chain and sprockets. After 18,643 miles (even with a Scottoiler), they were on their last legs. Instead of getting my hands dirty, I let Windy Corner do the honors. For the reasonable price of £185, I got a shiny new chain and sprocket kit. Worth every penny.

Rig's Triumph Sprint ST 955i at Elan Valley in 2007

April 2007
We’ve now clocked 21,000 miles together, and it’s been nothing but fun. I’ve just fitted a fresh set of Bridgestone BT-020s from the chaps at Wheelhouse Tyres, and replaced the rear brake pads with EBC HH pads because the old ones were crying for retirement.

I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the fuel consumption. My old ’99 Sprint ST averaged around 41.8 mpg, but this new beauty? She’s giving me a solid 49.6 mpg. More miles, less fuel – can’t complain about that!

May 2007
The big moment: my Sprint ST’s first-ever MOT test. She’s now officially over 3 years old, and even though I’d done a full pre-check with new brake pads, fresh tyres, and gave it the fine-tooth-comb treatment, I was still worried.

Flashbacks of my younger days haunted me—MOT fails for bent forks, bald tyres, missing wheels… But, of course, all my worries were for nothing. The Sprint passed with flying colors. Phew!

December 2007
It’s nearly Christmas, so what better time to give a festive update? The Sprint is now sitting at 24,375 miles, and over the past six months and 3,116 miles, she’s been a dream. No hiccups, no issues, just smooth sailing. All I’ve had to do is check the oil, tyre pressures, and fill her up with petrol—job done. Up next is the 24K service, so that’s something for January.

January 2008
I started noticing that my rear tyre was losing a few PSI every couple of days, which wasn’t ideal. After a slow ride over to Wheelhouse Tyres in Coleshill, they found the culprit: a tiny hole in the valve. £12.50 later, problem solved!

Also, the Sprint hit 24,795 miles, so it was high time for the 24K service. Action Motorcycles took care of everything and, as usual, they did a top-notch job.

May 2008
Another year, another MOT! This time, I took the Triumph to Arch Motorcycles while we were passing through. No issues whatsoever. Another victory for the Sprint!

July 2008
After 5,537 miles, my rear Bridgestone BT-020 was wearing thin, and the handling in the wet was getting a bit dicey. Time for an upgrade! I swapped it for a Bridgestone BT-021 at Wheelhouse Tyres, and just like that, the Sprint was back to her grippy, responsive self.

24th August 2008
After nearly two years and 8,563 miles of adventures, it was time to say goodbye to “Blue.” She’s now in the hands of her new owner, Ed. I hope he has as much fun with her as I did—and best of luck with the IAM observer training, Ed!

Accessories

Triumph Panniers	Triumph Top box
Triumph Heated Grips	Triumph Carbon Look Heel Guard
Triumph Front Mudguard Extender	Triumph Luggage Rack / Grab Rail
Triumph Gel Seat	Powerbronze Hugger
Philips Blue Vision Bulbs	Scottoiler
Blueflame Dual Port Exhaust (appalling customer service – avoid them!)	Powerbronze Screen
R&G Crash Bungs	Skyking Bar Risers
Telferizer GPS mount