I walked in and put my bag down then said to my wife, "you know, that’s not my style of bike, but I could certainly get used to it". For me to say that about any bike I would not normally put on my shopping list is quite a compliment, and one that started me thinking why I had actually said it. Was it the look of the bike or perhaps the way the 91kw 3 cylinder fuel injected engine seemed to ‘sing’ to me. What was it about Triumph’s Sprint ST that made me want to get to know it long term? But then, what is it about the opposite sex that can make the most level headed of us, act like stupid love sick puppies?

I am reminded of the story of the Odyssey where Ulysses wanted to know what was so attractive about the Siren’s song that had lured all mariners to their deaths on the rocks of their island. The intrepid hero lashed himself to the mast of his ship and commanded his men to stuff wax in their ears and not heed him as they sailed past the island. He wailed for the ship to turn toward the singing harpies but his deaf crew sailed on, Ulysses alone aware of the siren’s sweet sound. Dear readers, the ST Sprint ‘sang’ to me, as did the sirens to Ulysses, but I was weak and allowed the song tempt me to make it sing louder (faster).

Triumph’s sales slogan states "arguably the best motorcycles in the world"! so, who is arguing? After the somewhat dubious reliability of their bikes in the early seventies, in my opinion they now produce something worthy of their sales pitch. So far I’ve ridden most of the Triumph range and if any bike could entice me away from a certain German marque then Triumph is the one.

With a very tractable 955cc engine coupled to a smoother than silk 6 speed gearbox, adjustable front and rear suspension plus one of the best non ABS braking setups I’ve come across, it was a pleasure to spend 2 days in the saddle. I found it very hard to be critical of this machine, but if there is one thing I disliked, then it would be the horn, which is as weak as one found on a forty year old Vespa that had never been serviced. That’s it, I’d get a set of horns from a BMW and I would be absolutely rapped !.

The seat height of 800mm suited my 165cm vertically challenged rider, and also me of course. The ST went through corners in a manner that made average rider me look and feel very much more adept than I am, and what’s more, as I passed shop windows a quick sideways glance revealed that the bike actually made me look good. My son, Derrick said the pillion seat was good and comfortable during a trip down the old road from Toronto to Gosford. Price on road is $17,260 on road, but don’t forget the extras like panniers and top box. Replacement Bridgestone tyres will set you back $176 front and $279 rear.

So that’s it, embarrassing really, I’m supposed to give an unbiased view of the test bike, instead I’m ‘waxing lyrical’ about it, dribbling on like some demented fool. It just means, that if you look hard enough you will eventually find a bike that really does suit you, I’ve found mine, how does that slogan go again?

Test bike courtesy of John Brisan Motorcycles, Whickham 49694500.

Specifications :-

Engine - liquid cooled 955cc in line 3 cylinder

Bore/Stroke 79/65 mm

Max Output 80kw 110bhp at 9200rpm

Max Torque 97Nm @6200rpm

Fuel Supply Multi Point Sequential Fuel Injection

Power Trans/Gearbox 6-speed

Suspension Rear single sided aluminium swing arm with rear wheel chain drive

Spring Travel Front/Rear – 120/135 mm

Tyres Front – 120/70 – ZR17

Rear – 180/55 – ZR17

Dimensions/Weights

Seat Height 800 mm

Weight – Dry – 207kg

Fuel Tank 21 litres