 2008 Sprint ST
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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http://www.easier.com/view/Bikes/Triumph_News/article-158789.html Quote:
For 2008 Triumph Motorcycles is delighted to announce the release of an updated version of its acclaimed touring champion, the Sprint ST. The bike, which was originally launched in 1999 and last updated in 2005, has been a consistently popular member of Triumph’s UK line-up.
A direct response to customer feedback, the changes for 2008 are subtle but serve to enhance the outstanding performance of this superbly versatile motorcycle. The new model features a steel fuel tank, enabling the use of a magnetic tank bag, whilst the footrests have been modified and now employ a more durable rubber for prolonged wear. The headlight performance has also been markedly improved.
Renowned for its superb handling, powerful engine and unrivalled reliability, the Sprint ST has won a host of accolades since its launch and has come to represent the very pinnacle of sports touring refinement. Just last year, it beat off competition from 12 other bikes to win German motorcycle publication, Motorrad’s, 50,000km endurance test.
Available from January, the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST costs £7,999 otr. An ABS version is also available at £8,599 otr. Colour options are Pacific Blue, Graphite and Tornado Red.
For those keen to experience this sublime machine for themselves, a free test ride awaits at most Triumph dealers.

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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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I suppose it's nice enough, but I wish they had done something different with the bags. It looks like they forgot them and tacked them on at the last minute with sticky tape.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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 I Want !
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
The headlight performance has also been markedly improved.
It couldn't be any bleedin' worse!!! A candle in an empty jam jar would've been an improvement!! Looks like they have dropped the black which came out just after I bought mine in graphite  Looks dam nice in black too.
Last edited by Funkletrumpet; 02/01/2008 12:54 PM.
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Ah HA! You must have gotten the "Home Market" model Sprint then. (the boys in Hinckley figured you chaps would be accustomed to poorly lit headlights thanks to a certain Mr.Lucas years ago....remember: "A true gentleman doesn't motor after dark!") 
Last edited by Dwight; 02/01/2008 1:29 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
Quote:
The headlight performance has also been markedly improved.
It couldn't be any bleedin' worse!!! A candle in an empty jam jar would've been an improvement!! Looks like they have dropped the black which came out just after I bought mine in graphite  Looks dam nice in black too.
I agree. The subtle metal flake in the black paint looks very nice on the Sprint. It is a pity that it is not included in this model year. Same with Caspian Blue. Everyone I see who meets Rhonda, loves her Caspian Blue paint. Why did they take it away? Why I ask, why!!!
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Funny that, I nearly had the caspian blue but the sales guy actually pointed out something I had already noticed, they were a popular colour ... ok!! COMMON. I've said it, they're COMMON!!! Oh yeah, he had the graphite one in and ready to fly out of the door, I'd have had to wait a few days for the blue!!! That's right, I couldn't even wait a few days for it 
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 56
Member
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Member
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ryan, everyone with a sprint,
I am going to be in the market for a tourer when I return from mobilization. The sprint is high on the list, but I am curious about the riding position. Do you find it hard on your wrists? Are you constantly having to hold your head up at an angle? Are 500 mile days reasonable?
I am not getting rid of the speedy (read that as ever), but the wife won't ride on it. She (unfortunatly for me) caught a ride on a friend's Harley Bagger and now expects every bike to feel like a sofa. She thinks we should get a Rocket III touring, and I would agree if they didn't go to a single headlight (too road king for me). But a sprint with a top box to lean back against, that will work right?
Sorry for the rambling....
TM
"She's torn up plenty, but she'll fly true" - Zoe Washburn
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Mike, I doubt she would like it. That's EXACTLY how i ended up with my SM. My wife didn't like sitting up so high. the perch on the back is way up there.
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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TM, you can get risers for the handlebars for the Sprint if you want a more upright riding position. I just can't remember where I saw them...
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I would love to trade for sprint. The more I think about it, the riding position was way more comfortable than the speedy. My back kills me on the speedy and not on the sprint. Plus the wind helps keep your head up.
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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OK, these are my opinions ...
Top box is great for pillion with the back rest pad (what a surprise, it's a cost option for the pad!!) US spec '08 bikes come with the higher position bars (UK are £££ option! Who'd a thunk?) Gel seat is easily comfortable for 500+ miles per day ... just check out the leg riding position for comfort Same goes for rear pillion - check out peg position for comfort
I'll hopefully get Wenster to add the pillions perspective .....
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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wow u got it bad, your wife wants you to get a R3 and you dont want one. bet there are a lot of guys who want your problem
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
She thinks we should get a Rocket III touring, and I would agree if they didn't go to a single headlight (too road king for me).
You can always swap out the headlight to something else.
In my opinion, the Sprint isnt really much of a passenger friendly bike because the passenger is sitting way high and open.
Soren
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 56
Member
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Member
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Thats true, a headlight swap is an easy fix. I suppose I can look at that when I get back. Plus by then the oft debated mid-line cruiser will be out so who knows. I guess I am just not ready to buy a ginormous bike. Still seems a bit like overkill...
TM
"She's torn up plenty, but she'll fly true" - Zoe Washburn
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Erwin 05 America
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
ryan, everyone with a sprint,
I am going to be in the market for a tourer when I return from mobilization. The sprint is high on the list, but I am curious about the riding position. Do you find it hard on your wrists? Are you constantly having to hold your head up at an angle? Are 500 mile days reasonable?
I am not getting rid of the speedy (read that as ever), but the wife won't ride on it. She (unfortunatly for me) caught a ride on a friend's Harley Bagger and now expects every bike to feel like a sofa. She thinks we should get a Rocket III touring, and I would agree if they didn't go to a single headlight (too road king for me). But a sprint with a top box to lean back against, that will work right?
Sorry for the rambling....
TM
I just did a 20 mile demo on an '07 Sprint with gel seat this morning. There was an '08, Tornado Red, on site. I had slight discomfort in my throttle wrist only because I am not accustomed that position. I assume it will fade with practice. Other than that small issue, the bike is fantastic. I was cruising along at 85mph in 3rd gear doing 6,500 - 7,000 RPM's and didn't notice. No wind buffeting regardless of riding position and bullet proof handling. I would point out that the front forks are too soft for me but easily corrected with proper springs/oil (similar to stock America) The motor is super smooth, and could lead to a little trouble with the law for the non-vigilant types. 
Fantastic bike. I revoke all of my previous comments about riding position, heat from fairing, etc.
and the '08 should be hitting the dealerships very soon, however, the Graphite model will be in extremely short supply here in the states (so says the dealer).
Last edited by Ryan7771; 02/15/2008 2:51 PM.
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Ryan, BMW Motorcycles of Daytona has a 2006 ABS Sprint for sale at $7995.00. You might want to check it out. Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I saw that one Tom. I think they are asking too much for it with 13,000 miles on it. No goodies either. I have someone poking around nationally looking for a great deal on an '07.
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Did you want me to call over to Triumph Detroit for you? They've usually got a good selection and if you like something there I would even be nice enough to ride it down to Florida for you. 
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Oil Expert
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what a great idea. 
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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we should do this every weekend!
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
what a great idea.
Hey I'm good like that. Seriously if you want I can call over there and find out what they've got.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 455
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Has anyone ridden both the Tiger 1050 and the '07/'08 Sprints?
Just lookin' for a ride comparison.
Brad
Neon Blue '05 SM
Where are the pedals on this thing?
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Yep.. sure have. Apples and oranges man... the Sprint is a touring bike.. full fairing, and stiffer sport style suspension. The Tiger is a bit more nekkid with a bunch more ground clearance and suspension travel.... both are highway bikes so I suppose it just depends on the highway.
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Adjunct
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I've got the Tiger...love how it rides...and lots of power. just didn't know how it compared in feel to the Sprint.
Biggest beef with the Tiger is the windscreen. It really fouls the air at high speed. Oh, and the lights are subpar, but otherwise, it's a beast.
Brad
Neon Blue '05 SM
Where are the pedals on this thing?
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 117
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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That's good to hear about the Tiger. I've liked the looks of it for a while now and if I can convince myself to have 2 bikes I might get it.
Do you know if there are lots of good aftermarket screens? I know the lights should be a pretty easy fix....
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Sep 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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So, everyone...not trying to change this to a Tiger thread.
There are a handful of aftermarket screens available for the Tiger. I can PM a list I know if if you like. But they all seem to cost a pretty penny for us USA types.
I'm actually looking for a shorter than stock screen of the double bubble type. It should smooth out the airflow nicely.
Brad
Brad
Neon Blue '05 SM
Where are the pedals on this thing?
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Hey Brad, I just ordered the MRA Vario for my Tiger from Twisted Throttle. From what I've read it's the one that works. The problem with the Tiger is the winshield is too far from the rider.
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Adjunct
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That's one of the ones with the spoiler looking piece on the top?
If the demo truck comes close enough this year maybe I'll jump in the Tiger line and try to get some saddle time....
I've been on a Kawai Concourse with the electric adjustable screen and it seemed to go from one useless position to another pretty easily.
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I don't get any buffeting from the stock screen on the Tiger but the air hits me square in the middle of my visor and the wind noise is a bit high. Yes the MRA Vario has the adjustable deflector.
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Joined: Sep 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Hey, Matt. I've thought about getting the Vario (JF, it has the spoiler piece)...but I was waiting to see if Zero Gravity in California comes out with a double bubble.
Brad
Neon Blue '05 SM
Where are the pedals on this thing?
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Brad, this Thurs. Gengras Triumph is having a suspension set up clinic. 6 PM.
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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That's my baby!!!
SPRINT ST WINS READERS' CHOICE
Triumph’s sport-touring Sprint ST has been voted the best motorcycle in the touring class by readers of the influential German publication Motorrad.
More than 35,000 readers from across Germany took part in the survey, scoring the latest bikes in all areas of machine performance and giving their thoughts on customer satisfaction levels.
Triumph performed very well in all categories, especially in the touring class, where the Sprint ST eclipsed the locally-built BMW models to take the best in class.
All eight of the Triumph models included in the survey made the top seven of their category. The Rocket III Classic and Street Triple models both came second in their class, within a few points of taking top honours, while the Daytona 675 SE was the only middleweight machine to be featured in the top 10 of the sports category. The award-winning 675cc three-cylinder machine was voted the sixth best sports bike, missing out only by a quintet of one litre superbikes.
Tue Mantoni, Triumph’s Commercial Director, attended the gala dinner in Ludwigsburg to collect the award. He commented: “Overall this was a very successful evening for Triumph and we’re delighted to have taken top spot in the touring category. It is an extremely competitive segment, where quality, reliability and usability are the key. The fact that this award was voted for by the people who actually buy our products gives it an even greater significance and is a tribute to our skilled product development teams at Hinckley in the UK.â€
This is not the first honour bestowed upon the Sprint ST by Motorrad. Last year the model beat off 11 other bikes to win the publication’s gruelling 50,000 kilometer test, a firm endorsement of the bike’s reliability and high standard of build quality.
The Sprint ST is one of Triumph’s most popular models, offering the handling and performance of a sport bike with the comfort and versatility of a tourer. It has been updated for 2008 with a number of small but important changes aimed at improving the bike’s touring ability, such as upgraded headlights, modified footrests and a steel fuel tank, to which a tank bag can now be affixed.
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Our local dealer said that triumph is a little tight with the sprints and they can't get one for a demo. my son was checking on getting one if he could just test drive one to see what they are like.
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Sprints are pretty scarce.. we've only seen two '08's.. both graphite. That color looks really good on those bikes... those and the 675's.
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
Our local dealer said that triumph is a little tight with the sprints and they can't get one for a demo. my son was checking on getting one if he could just test drive one to see what they are like.
mike
Mike, take it from me. Smooth and fast. 
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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we should do this every weekend!
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
yes@ smooth & fast!
somehow when you say, "smooth and fast," JR, it has sort of a different ring to it. 
allhailthefrenchpress
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 Re: 2008 Sprint ST
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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