New Member - 2000 ST Questions

[Bravnik]

First off some history. Grew up riding Dirt Bikes but never got into street until now which is 20 years later. Just finished my MSF Course and looking to get a bike. My style is more of a commuter with weekend jaunts and a possible trip to Texas from CA at some point down the line. I really have no need for speed however I know for sure that I will enjoy the curves but not like a maniac. 2 Up is possible and space is a concern for commuting.

I have been checking out a few bikes and will be going to take a look at a 2000 Sprint ST tonight. So I have a few questions and looking for some comments from you guys/gals that are experienced with the ST.

First of all and most importantly, how do you feel about a new rider having a Sprint as a first true street bike? Keeping in mind that I consider myself a responsible and attentive driver and plan to take it very slow going for at least the first year.

Secondly, what issues should I be aware of on a 2000 ST if any? Things I should look for when checking out the bike. Any worries with getting an older ST?

Last, how is the ST for commuting to work and back? I have a 40mile each way commute and put an average of 90miles a day on my car. The bike will eventually be my primary commute ride so things such as traffic and lane splitting are in my future. I looked at some other commute bikes (Versys, Tiger, V-Strom) but they are simply too tall for me (30 Inseam 5'6") as I'm short and stocky and looking for something with a bit lower center of gravity as my first street bike.

Sorry for the long winded post and thanks much in advance for the advise and comments. Be honest in both as I'm still deciding so I will not get too butt-hurt I promise. Just don't tell me a 250cc is what I should start on as I already know that I will want to replace it in a week as I was wanting more after my MSF course

[ride4321]

I am a daily rider on an '00 Sprint so I'll chime in. My particular bike as had a surging issue I haven't been able to get rid of for the last few months. It is a bit of a bear in stop and go traffic because of it. Luckily I don't do much in town riding so it's not a huge deal. The one you're looking at might not have this issue. Otherwise I think it would be a great bike for what you want. Lot's of room for work stuff in the panniers and it gets around in traffic great. My commute is only 15 miles each way but usually ends up being quite a bit longer on my ride home for obvious reasons. You'll have a hard time going straight home;-). I started riding last spring after decades off. Started with a Ninja 500 and after about 3 months bought the Sprint. No issues at all with the power. It's a very easy bike to get a handle on. Go for it but IMO I'd grab an '02-04 if I could find one instead of the '00. The 2nd generation Sprints I've ridden seemed to be smoother at slower speeds. Otherwise I love this bike. BTW, I've put about 18K on it since last July (08) and haven't done much other than scheduled maintenance and tires.

[Bravnik]

Thanks very much for the reply. Exactly what I was looking for. So no issue with lane splitting with the bags on? I don't plan to LS unless traffic is stopped, I'm not the type to push my luck LSing with traffic moving 20+.

Also, any wear and tear stuff I should look for (besides tires). The bike I'm going to look at has 45k miles on it but well maintained and asking 3.6k. I will be buying it from a dealer but it is not a Triumph dealer so not sure what prep they knew to do on a Triumph.

Thanks again.

[ride4321]

Mine has 22K on it and I recently put it up for sale at $3,200. You might be paying a little too much for that bike. I've seen 04's going for under 4k with way less mileage. If you're in NY we should talk. I started using a bit of oil recently and haven't figured out why yet. Other than that I'd just check to see if the service has been done on schedule. For a comparison, I bought this bike last summer with 4,500 miles on it. It was like new and had been well taken care of. I paid $4200 and might have overpaid a little. Bikes are going for less this year and not selling so well. I'd try to talk them down quite a bit. There are '07's out there with under 10k for $6500 or so.

[ride4321]

Oh yeah, that lane splitting stuff, you might want to hold off on that for awhile. I don't do it unless traffic is at a standstill and it's extremely hot out. The '00 is not as wide as the newer models with the bags on but you'd want to have a little room to spare either way. The bike has no problems overtaking traffic. That's what I love about this bike actually. Very smooth and even power band.

[Bravnik]

Thanks much for the input. I will definitely be talking down the price if I like the bike tonight. I will see if they mind me taking it to a Triumph dealer as well for a checkup. 3.6k is not a lot to pay but I want to ensure it is mechanically sound/safe before I buy it. I will also do some price checking before I go tonight so I have some ammo if we do decide to talk price.

Yeah lane splitting for me will only be when traffic is at a stand still. Most of my commute can be done in a carpool lane with the only exception being the final part. If it does come to that it will be only when traffic is slow enough to do it safely. No LSing at 60mph when traffic is doing 40mph like I see some guys do. That is just nuts if you ask me.

[braindead0]

If you take it easy, I'm sure the sprint will be fine.

You don't say anything about your physical size/condition. The sprint isn't too tall, but it is a bit on the top heavy side. Might surprise you a bit until you get used to it. That's the only thing I'd worry about, as long as you go easy on the fun handle.

As far as lane splitting, I wouldn't recommend that with hard saddle bags... cars have a habit of shifting around and with a fat backside which you can't really watch....well.. it's a recipe for disaster. With the bags up high, any hits on them will apply a lot of leverage to the bike... and in a tight place between a couple of cars.... I'm sure you can imagine.

If you can switch to a tank bag and take off the panniers when commuting... if you find a need to split..

just my 2 cents.

[Landstrom]

The surging issue could be the clutch. I wouldn't worry about it on the one your checking out. I just bought a 99 sprint with 34K on it and it rides and runs like a new bike. I wouldn't try to lane split with hardbags and to tell the truth, wouldn't do it at all. It's illegal in my state. The 955 engine is a 100K plus engine and I'm told, one of the best, if not the best, Triumph made. My 99 has the best brakes and smoothest shifting transmission of any bike I own or have ever ridden. And I have ridden a lot of bikes.

[DaveM]

Welcome to the forum bravnik

Don and I ask all our noobs to please read our forum stickies so thanks in advance for that.

The Sprint 955 or 1050 is one of the easiest bikes to ride I have ever ridden.

It sucks up heavy traffic no problems because of the easy torquey power delivery in any gear.

For a litre sport tourer it is relatively narrow due to the triple engine and can run with sports bikes in the corners no trouble at all.

With your experience in the dirt i see no reason why the Sprint would not make a good first street bike.

I own a '04 Sprint ST 955 with 66,000kms and it goes like a rocket.

enjoy the forum
DaveM

[pushr0d]

Bravnik,

No issues to watch for other than servicing, really. The valves should be checked every 12K, and it costs roughly $400 for the job if more than one needs adjusting. However, the 955i tends not to have any requirement.

Chain and tires, and battery. Look at the brake fluid and engine oil. They should be the proper color.

Note that the Triumph 955 and 1050 are rather noisy, so don't get excited when you fire it up and it sounds like it's grinding something. Lots of valve train (cams, chains, etc.) noise.

I agree that $3600 is a bit steep for a Y2K bike, unless it is in REALLY good shape. 'Course, that depends on where you are.

Good luck!