Sprint St1050 Questions, Suspension And Servicing

Hello I have an ST1050, its an 08, with ABS, heated grips and 23k miles. The bike is new to me, and whilst I have ridden a few miles on two wheels I know nothing about ST's in general and even less about this one (bought cheaply without history)

Suspension:
It feels to me like the despite the low miles, it could really do with a forks service and a new rear shock. What do people tend to use in terms of spring rates and rear shock upgrades? is the original any good in which case I will get it serviced, or I am better of sourcing an aftermarket item?

Other bits:
this was very much an impulse purchase, so I know precious little. I want to stick fresh oil and filter in it and will need to work out what sort of servicing may be due on it. I don't even know what the intervals may be for the cam chain. it is chain driven right?

Is there an online copy of the owners manual and or workshop manual somewhere?

Lastly, I live in the Coventry area, does anyone have any recommendations for mechanics?

 

I have read your thread with great interest actually.

From what I read, there is a fairly important weight difference between the two bikes , and the GT has a longer wheelbase. So its likely we will see some differences on the suspension set up.

Point taken on the returning to standard before doing anything else though. And the user manual. In my experience, spending a few quid on suspension has always proved money well spent, especially as I tend to buy cheap, older bikes.

 

I looked the guy up, and he does indeed attract glowing recommendations from clients all over the UK!

 

Wow...

So I have been to see Mr Wood... and am I glad I did!

The first thing I hadn't grasped was that the single sided swingarm requires special care, compared with a regular design.
Because, these maintenance operations are fairly specific, a lot of people, and workshops wont bother doing it, sometimes despite the fact they have charged for it.

The ST tends to be the workhorse of the triumph range accumulating miles throughout the winter on salty roads, where a Daytona 675, 955 or a Triple tends to live a cosseted garage life only coming out in dry weather.

Predictably these tend to then fail, but the design of the swingarm means their removal becomes very tricky and can often lead to irremediable damage to the swingarm.

Putting your bike on its centre stand and moving the back wheel by hand will instantly show play and, according to Clive a very scary number of ST's on the road are being ridden on seized or collapsed bearing. He had told me about it before he'd seen my bike and was able to demonstrate it straight away!

Anyways, check your rear wheel for play! about a millimetre is normal, apparently.


Cheers T552 for pointing me in Clive's direction. Top chap, lives and breathes Triumph, a fountain of knowledge and was more than happy to have me sat nearby whilst he was explaining what he was doing, how and why he was doing it. I cant say I have enjoyed the ride there and back, but I doubt anyone else would have imparted so much knowledge...

Anyone with a Triumph should know this guy.

 

Not as glad as I am !

 

I believe that pin is part of the suspension bearing. hope my terminology is correct here.
Clive wanted to go to also service the main swingarm bearing, but I didnt give him enough time to do so.
The eccentric adjuster turned out not be seized, a rarity apparently, so "we" did not need to take it apart. I am told these are a complete bar steward if not serviced according to schedule

attached is a picture of Clive's demonstration swingarm, normally used to point bits out and teach maintenance