Sprint ST 1050

From what I recall when I was considering one:
Early ones had lack of heat shielding thus hot bum.
Headlights rubbish.

Struggling to think of anything proper! It got lots of nice reviews.
 
I've got an '07 plate, which is similar to the 2005 model apart from the following:-

Colour matched panniers, handlebar risers and an improved windscreen.

The windscreen is still pretty poor for me (six feet tall), and I have to get right down over the tank at high speed. I've recently purchased an after market double bubble screen but haven't fitted it yet.

I don't know how much difference the handlebar risers make as I haven't sat on an older model. I found it uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks with pressure on the wrists but that soon cleared. Coming from a Ninja it won't bother you at all.

The tank is plastic so you'll need a tank cover if you want a tank bag. I got one off the bay for £25 and tank bag was just over £80 for a 21 litre.

Mine didn't come with the top box although it did come with the colour matched panniers. I got a Givi top box and rack off the bay for £160, I can get two helmets in there.

The turning circle is poor compared to say a Bandit. Road handling at speed is no problem at all though.

The seat is fitted with two allen keys, i.e. it isn't a quick release job on a key. Not too much of a problem as the Sprint has a storage compartment on the right hand side of the fairing.

There isn't a sight glass for the oil level, again not a major issue.

The Sprint is very comfortable to ride long distance. It is also very comfortable for pillions (unlike the Ninja!) and has the added advantage that your passenger can keep their hands warm by reaching round to the exhaust which is under the seat.

The Sprint has a single side swinging arm which means the sprocket and chain can be replaced without removing the wheel, and the chain tension is adjusted very easily using a 'scythe' shaped tool. You don't need to take the wheel off to replace the rear brake pads either.

The headlight is fine for me.

Overall it's a comfortable tourer with the added bonus of having 125 BHP thrown in. The brakes are solid enough although the bike doesn't come with ABS until 2006.

If you do a lot of miles then you'll be really happy with it. I am :)
 
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I had a 99 ZX9R. I loved the bike, but the service intervals on Kawasaki's are ridiculous. I tend to barely use the bike now during the week, but every few weeks have a trip that at least 300miles. then of course every summer I travel around Europe.

I'm keen for something with hard luggage available and decent pillion comfort, with performance not too far off ZX9R, and that isn't sat bolt upright. I've got an 09 Bandit 1250 on hire at the moment and I don't get on with it at all.

I would only be able to afford a 2nd hand 2005 model, as i'd have just over £3,000 available to me, so would probably have to save up extra for panniers.
 
gillywibble said:
It is also very comfortable for pillions (unlike the Ninja!) and has the added advantage that your passenger can keep their hands warm by reaching round to the exhaust which is under the seat.
Click to expand...

Is this part of the design? I ask because if you put your hand anywhere near the exhaust on most bikes you'd suffer some nasty burns.
 
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