I've owned a 2007 Sprint ST for the last 9 years and just back from a run out on it and it still puts a smile on my face. Great bike, great engine, shorter and lighter than the GT so handles better. I've not ridden the GT but the ST is a fantastic sports tourer, that's why it is still with me. I would need to invest a lot of money to get a better bike. I had to replace the reg/rec and stator about 6 years ago but that is the only issue I have had and doing the job myself kept the cost well below £200. My only other costs have been, servicing, tyres (Michelin Road Vs are superb) and a new chain and sprocket set. I paid £2.6k for my bike and it is probably worth more than that now. MCN Reviews put it ahead of the VFR800 of a similar vintage. I would recommend the ST to anyone looking for a low cost daily driver that you can scratch at the weekend, cross France with three boxes and a pillion on and still give you over 200 miles between refills.
It is a lump, however once dialled in you adjust and the bike is designed for pillion and luggage, I sometimes ride fully loaded (no pillion) and it seems to make little difference.
Had mine for about 9 months. My god it is a heavy bike. Iv had a few CBR 1100 blackbirds though so used to the weight. My last bike was a 2018 z1000 which in my opinion was a lot easier to ride however was cramped on the back for my pillion. I find on the GT that the front feels like its got the rake of a cruiser when turning. Bit odd really. I also find it feels quite “vibraty” 😂. It does the job i need it for but I’m still trying to figure out if i like it or not haha
Yep not an 'easy' bike to manoeuvre around. It does not turn easily (although a lot of owners say it does!) but you have to ride it the way it wants to be ridden - slow in fast out and a lot of back brake for really slow stuff. In my opinion it manages to feel heavier than it is due to a high centre of gravity!
I personally would say the VFR (800) is the better bike, not without its faults but it is the better quality item. Depends what you want, Sprint has better power and more space if you ride two up but the VFR just feels smoother and more polished! Haven't ridden the last incarnation of the VFR but despite being outdated it just looks a cut above anything else!
@@martynpriddy1006 thanks for the reply. Yea the short list is the z1000sx, gsx1250fa, sprint and the vfr. Think I'm goin to go for the vfr. Seems to have the most positive reviews of the lot. Thanks again Martyn
@@powereire The only caution I would add is the VFR is a bit cramped, but find a lower mileage late (09 ish) one and you wont be disappointed, if you can splash to a new model you can just enjoy looking at it!
I've owned a 2007 Sprint ST for the last 9 years and just back from a run out on it and it still puts a smile on my face. Great bike, great engine, shorter and lighter than the GT so handles better. I've not ridden the GT but the ST is a fantastic sports tourer, that's why it is still with me. I would need to invest a lot of money to get a better bike. I had to replace the reg/rec and stator about 6 years ago but that is the only issue I have had and doing the job myself kept the cost well below £200. My only other costs have been, servicing, tyres (Michelin Road Vs are superb) and a new chain and sprocket set. I paid £2.6k for my bike and it is probably worth more than that now. MCN Reviews put it ahead of the VFR800 of a similar vintage. I would recommend the ST to anyone looking for a low cost daily driver that you can scratch at the weekend, cross France with three boxes and a pillion on and still give you over 200 miles between refills.
Great in depth review. Better insights than any other so far.
Thanks Gary, tried to be honest!
I just bought one today. I love it.
It gets better as you understand it more!
Me too 😀
Just bought a 2010 GT, I notice the weight more when the tank is full, remember every 1 litre of fuel is 1 kg of weight.
It is a lump, however once dialled in you adjust and the bike is designed for pillion and luggage, I sometimes ride fully loaded (no pillion) and it seems to make little difference.
@@martynpriddy1006 Quite right, the more I ride it, the less I'm noticing it, and its a pleasure to ride.
Petroleum: 1 litre = 0.79 kilogram; Gas, diesel, light fuel oil: 1 litre = 0.84 kilogram;
Had mine for about 9 months. My god it is a heavy bike. Iv had a few CBR 1100 blackbirds though so used to the weight. My last bike was a 2018 z1000 which in my opinion was a lot easier to ride however was cramped on the back for my pillion. I find on the GT that the front feels like its got the rake of a cruiser when turning. Bit odd really. I also find it feels quite “vibraty” 😂. It does the job i need it for but I’m still trying to figure out if i like it or not haha
Yep not an 'easy' bike to manoeuvre around. It does not turn easily (although a lot of owners say it does!) but you have to ride it the way it wants to be ridden - slow in fast out and a lot of back brake for really slow stuff. In my opinion it manages to feel heavier than it is due to a high centre of gravity!
@@martynpriddy1006 completely agree. Forget the U-turns haha
Great review mate. You mentioned the Honda VFR in the video. Would you recommend the VFR over the Sprint. Thanks
I personally would say the VFR (800) is the better bike, not without its faults but it is the better quality item. Depends what you want, Sprint has better power and more space if you ride two up but the VFR just feels smoother and more polished! Haven't ridden the last incarnation of the VFR but despite being outdated it just looks a cut above anything else!
@@martynpriddy1006 thanks for the reply. Yea the short list is the z1000sx, gsx1250fa, sprint and the vfr. Think I'm goin to go for the vfr. Seems to have the most positive reviews of the lot. Thanks again Martyn
@@powereire The only caution I would add is the VFR is a bit cramped, but find a lower mileage late (09 ish) one and you wont be disappointed, if you can splash to a new model you can just enjoy looking at it!