Sprint GT Decision Gt Or St?

Discussion in 'Sprint & Trophy' started by Stu9000, Jan 2, 2025.

  1. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2021
    133
    93
    Kingston-upon-thames
    I want to move up to something with a fairing that tours well but can also handle filtering and city traffic.
    The ST or GT1050 seem to be the best option. But which to go for?

    The ST sounds amazing but swinging my leg over that high back seat could get annoying. Also, I like a spirited ride but have no desire to get my knee down.

    The GT seems more suitable.
    Yes the side exhaust looks a bit old fashioned compared to the STs under seat one, but at least it wont roast my nuts. I've read the GT has better headlights and is more stable at speed whilst still able to twist and turn with ease. Suspension is softer, but I don't mind that, within reason, given the state of our roads.
    Does this match your experience?

    The ST has that lovely over run pop and burble.
    My Tbird 900 does that I and I love it. Does the GT also do this?

    How heavy is the clutch?

    What issues to look out for?
    I have read to watch out for a seized chain tensioner.
    I'm not to worried about the battery issues some have mentioned as I can change out the cables if need be and have a trickle charger arrangement.
    My Tbird needed a new cam chain at under 30k. Is this an issue with the GT?

    Thank you wise ones;)

    I'm ideally looking at something 2008 or later so ULEZ compliant, with around 20k miles and preferably not too many owners, for around 3k. Having haunted all the usual sites, this seems possible.


    S
     
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  2. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,507
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    @Stu9000 My own personal choice is the ST i had four in all over the years and one GT which i did not get on with. But they are both great bikes I also found that bits on the GT were easy to damage like those chrome flashes on the fairing. This is only my opinion and i am no expert.
     
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  3. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2021
    133
    93
    Kingston-upon-thames
    #3 Stu9000, Jan 3, 2025
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2025
    Thanks Jo. Gotta say I am leaning more towards the GT atm. The under seat exhaust looks great, but I wonder how practical it is. Apart from the chrome flashes, what was it about the GT you didnt like?
     
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  4. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,507
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    @Stu9000 Only my opinion but i found the GT less aggressive. But as a bike in its own right it was faultless in every other way. I think as i had the ST'S i got used to that style of bike. Even though i had one explode coming out of Liverpool. My boy was riding it and went past me all i saw was a great plume of smoke and steam and him skidding to the hard shoulder in a pool of oil. To this day i still don't know how he kept it upright. But i really think you wouldn't go wrong with the GT At least you get a fab set of luggage with it. Let us know what you decide. And lots of luck.
     
  5. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2021
    133
    93
    Kingston-upon-thames
    Thanks. That makes sense. Putting money down tomorrow. :D
     
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  6. Samsgrandad

    Samsgrandad Senior Member

    Dec 15, 2019
    621
    243
    Somerset
    Sounds as if you have made a decision by now but if it helps I had a GT some years ago and found It to be an excellent bike, it was a bit more comfortable than the ST as you can move around more on the seat. I don't recall having had any problems with it and toured in Europe on it several times.
    Let us know what you decide and a couple of piccys please!!
     
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  7. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2021
    133
    93
    Kingston-upon-thames
    Thanks. Deposit paid!
    Picking it up on Sat 11th. If all goes to plan I will be proudly posting a few pics.
     
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  8. Rob the Scott

    Rob the Scott Active Member

    Dec 14, 2022
    109
    43
    New Jersey
    I have a 2011 GT with 43k miles on the clock, 18k of which I have added (purchased with 25k). It has been a wonderfully comfortable bike if you like the body position. I chose to install drop footpegs (25mm) and bar risers (30mm) to relax the body position. Although I also had the optional touring windscreen (+3 inches), I replaced it with a Zero Gravity unit that was taller, preferring more wind protection than less.

    Comparatively, I understand that the ST is about 6" shorter, which will make the ride a bit rougher. The GT has manually adjustable shocks, front and rear, so you can stiffen the ride to your liking. Not sure about the ST. I also installed LED headlights and have Twisted Throttle driving lights, so nighttime riding is well lit.

    I don't know if that helps, but I have not been unhappy with the GT. BTW, I also have frame sliders and front axle sliders to provide protection in the event of a topple, which I have confirmed. :D
     
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  9. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Nov 4, 2021
    133
    93
    Kingston-upon-thames
    I would not be surprised if I did all those mods. But I want to ride a while before I make a decision. How tall are you?

    Bike is being delivered Friday lunchtime. Slowest week ever!
     
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  10. Rob the Scott

    Rob the Scott Active Member

    Dec 14, 2022
    109
    43
    New Jersey
    I am 6'1" tall (190lbs).
     
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