Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums banner

Looking at an '08 ST

1K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  Onedwn5up 
#1 ·
I've found a local '08 ST with almost 18k on the clock. Looks clean, but has minor cosmetic damage due to a drop/tip-over.

I've been going through as much info as I can find on the '08 ST's, so I understand the maintenance requirements and intervals. I also gather the suspension and lights are mediocre.

I'm wondering if there are any potential issues specific to this model year that I should look out for, besides what's referenced in the maintenance checklists?

I'm currently riding a '99 Ducati ST2, which I've got pretty well sorted and really enjoy. But it's starting to get a little long in the tooth and I'm feeling like I want something a little newer. The price tag on a used Multistrada makes the Sprint an attractive option...

Also wondering if the Sprint hardcases are sized to fit most helmets, or no?

Thanks much.
 
#2 ·
The stock headlights are horrible(I went 35W HID on all 3 lamps) and the front suspension(I went custom re-build by Tmod) is less than mediocre.

Clutch cable adjustment is critical for good shifting.

My brake pads lasted around 16K regardless of manufacturer.

The air filter seems to be pretty well shot in 6K in my not-so-dusty environs.

A full-face helmet will not fit in the side cases.

I put over 50K on my '08 with no major problems.
 
#3 ·
Thanks, Bruce.

Seems like the Reg/rec might be an issue, too? I'm not sure how prevalent that is, though.

The current owner is the third owner and can't really confirm 6k or 12k service, as he didn't own it at the time. Makes me a little hesitant.

And while that Sprint's lights are considered bad, the Duc ST2 light is miserable. Not being able to stow a helmet is a big downside for me, though.

Thanks for the feedback.
 
#4 ·
The R/R was never a problem for me. But I was so aware of the electrical problems as posted on this site that I mounted a voltmeter.

The total capacity of the panniers is good, partly because of the under-seat exhaust. But helmet storage is a negative as you said.
 
#5 · (Edited)
'08 here with 24,000 miles. Calling them headlights are a misnomer. They are equally as bad as my '07 Ducati 1098S. HID's are cheap and extremely effective. I have 35W in both lows and 55W in the high. The high beam is the envy of locomotive engineers.

R&R has never been an issue but I swapped it out anyway, JIC. Don't skimp on the battery and don't even think about Lithium-based chemistry if it gets colder than 55 degrees, The battery MUST be strong or the starter solenoid will release before the bike starts, resetting the ECU each time.

Side bags are fine but as other peeps have said, not wide enough for a full face brain bucket. The top box, however, works fine for that.

Maintenance is easy. Regular chain lubes - I do mine every other tank of fuel - and had to actually adjust the chain 2-3 times total in 24K. I run super high quality but smaller 520 chains and think the extra cost is worth it in fewer chain adjusts.

I checked the valves at around 18K(?). They were all fine.

Air filter gets dirty in about 1500 miles, and the bike never sees unpaved roads! Best to get a K&N or Piper that you can clean and re-oil.

Front fork is very inexpensively fixed with a set of aftermarket linear-rate springs and fresh, lighter oil. I have Ohlins springs, and the performance is very acceptable.

Rear shock goes bong-bong and that's about it - worthless for any dampening up or down. I upgraded to Ohlins and haven't given it a thought since. That's the test of a suspension, i.e., if it's out of mind, it's working perfectly. If you're constantly thinking about it, then it sucks!

These bikes, without any modern electronics, are a great value IMO and the motor is just soooo sweet, it's what makes the bike worth owning. The bike is rather top-heavy at parking lot speeds, but once you get moving, all is forgiven.

The brakes are adequate when upgraded to EBC HH pads. They improve to "good" with a smaller master cylinder providing more mechanical advantage, available for cheap on ebay. They'll never be monoblock Brembos though. Going back and forth from Ducati to Triumph can be harrowing if you momentarily forget what you're riding.

These are the things that come to mind. It isn't the best bike in the world, but it's a great value that's fun to ride and the uniqueness is refreshing in a sea of Asian 2-wheelers.
 
#7 ·
Nada lists at 6k for non-ABS, 6.5k with ABS. KBB a little lower at 5.5k or 5.9k. As a basic guide.

I've been seeing a few on CL in the upper 5's and mid 6's with similar mileage. They're not super common, which affect price.
 
#8 ·
I sold my 07 ST for 4200 with about 20K on the clock. I did nothing but change the oil. As far as mods, I put 1" bar riders, a double-bubble windscreen adjustable levers and I did swap the front calipers for 6-piston tokico's off a hayabusa/zx12. It helped with a little more stopping power and took away some of the initial mush/travel from the stockers. A good suspension adjustment helps a bunch but it really depends on the type of rider you are and how you are riding this bike. To me, the ST was like a sportbike with saddlebags and I rode it like one and would every now and again have an oh-moment by over-riding the bike. I'd have to remind myself that I am not on my track bike. The luggage capacity is decent but no helmets are fitting anywhere unless it's a brain bucket. I ride the bike sometimes 4-500 miles a day. The saddle gets a bit uncomfy on the equipment after a while as you are leaning into the tank. It is bearable tho and I've certainly sat on worse. The headlights sucked. Mine had the dimming issue that would make it look like you were a cop in someones rearview. I was just getting set to sort that when I sold the bike. My dad's friend retired from riding and I got his K1300GT for a steal and it is way more bike then the ST will ever be. But sorely, I have mostly lost my ability (and patience) to work on the BMW myself whereas I did everything on the Sprint.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top