Market Position:
The Triumph Sprint ST RS 955 was positioned as a capable sport-touring motorcycle, offering a balance of performance, comfort, and practicality for long-distance riding and spirited canyon carving. It competed with other sport-touring models from Japanese and European manufacturers.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with bikes like the Honda VFR800, Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, and Ducati ST series. Its triple engine offered a distinctive character and torque delivery compared to inline-fours or V-twins.
Key Features:
Powerful 955cc three-cylinder engine, sporty handling, comfortable riding position for a sportbike, aerodynamic fairing, and robust chassis construction. The RS variant typically featured upgraded suspension and brakes over the standard ST.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission, Clutch, Chassis, Suspension (Front & Rear), Brakes (Front & Rear), Electrical System, Frame, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Specifications, Maintenance Schedules, Wiring Diagrams
Page Count:
Approx. 300-400 pages (estimated based on typical service manuals of this era and complexity)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanicals, Fuel injection system (EFI), Electronic Ignition, Cooling system, Oil lubrication, Gearbox and Drivetrain, Clutch assembly, Front suspension (forks), Rear suspension (monoshock), Hydraulic braking systems (ABS availability may vary by region), Electrical components, Battery, Lighting, Instrumentation, Frame and Chassis, Body panels and fairings
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment), Engine disassembly and reassembly, Fuel system troubleshooting and repair, Ignition system diagnostics, Cooling system bleeding and maintenance, Transmission inspection and repair, Clutch service, Suspension fork service and seal replacement, Shock absorber service, Brake system bleeding and pad replacement, Electrical system fault finding, Wiring harness repair, Bodywork component removal and installation, Torque specifications, Special tool requirements
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine rebuilds, detailed troubleshooting guides, and component-level repair procedures. Includes diagnostic charts and step-by-step instructions with diagrams.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, Inline-Triple
Displacement:
955 cc (955 cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 74.0 mm (approximate, requires manual confirmation)
Compression Ratio:
11.9:1 (approximate, requires manual confirmation)
Horsepower:
118 hp @ 9,500 rpm (approximate for RS model, requires manual confirmation)
Torque:
73 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm (approximate for RS model, requires manual confirmation)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with twin injectors per cylinder
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane RON (Research Octane Number) / 91 octane AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W/40 or 15W/50, API SG or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (approximate, with filter change, requires manual confirmation)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Triumph Premium Coolant or equivalent 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Ignition System:
Digital electronic ignition with variable ignition timing
Length:
Approx. 2,150 mm (requires manual confirmation)
Width:
Approx. 760 mm (requires manual confirmation)
Height:
Approx. 1,200 mm (requires manual confirmation)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 205 kg (requires manual confirmation)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 225 kg (requires manual confirmation)
Fuel Capacity:
20 Liters (approximate, requires manual confirmation)
Frame Type:
Aluminum twin-spar, fabricated
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,430 mm (requires manual confirmation)
Rake Trail:
27 degrees / 106 mm (approximate, requires manual confirmation)
Safety Ratings:
Not applicable for motorcycle safety ratings in the same manner as cars. Focus is on component performance and rider safety systems.
Active Features:
Triple disc brakes with four-piston calipers (Front), Single disc brake with two-piston caliper (Rear). Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on some models/markets.
Passive Features:
Robust chassis, aerodynamic fairing for rider protection from elements and debris, integrated passenger grab handles, high-visibility lighting.
Front Brake Specification:
Twin 320mm discs, 4-piston calipers
Rear Brake Specification:
Single 255mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front Wheel Size:
17 inch (e.g., MT3.50 x 17)
Rear Wheel Size:
17 inch (e.g., MT5.00 x 17)
Front Tire Size:
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Size:
180/55 ZR17
Infotainment System:
Basic instrument cluster including speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature gauge, and indicator lights. No advanced infotainment or connectivity features typical of modern motorcycles.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available on some models, significantly enhancing safety under braking.
Lighting System:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight, standard turn signals.
Oil Filter Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 12,000 miles (19,200 km), inspect more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 12,000 miles (19,200 km) or as specified by plug type.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 24,000 miles (38,400 km) or 24 months.
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 12,000 miles (19,200 km) or as specified in the manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W (Specific viscosity and quantity detailed in manual)
Known Issues:
Potential for regulator/rectifier failure (common across many Triumphs of this era), fuel pump issues, stator failures, minor electrical gremlins. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures for these and other common problems.
Common Repairs:
R/R replacement, stator replacement, fuel injector cleaning, chain and sprocket replacement, fork seal replacement, brake pad and fluid service.
Brand Heritage:
Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. is a British manufacturer with a rich heritage dating back to 1902. Known for its distinctive triple-cylinder engines and iconic models like the Bonneville, Triumph has undergone various transformations and revivals, maintaining a reputation for engineering and performance.
Model Evolution:
The Sprint ST platform, first introduced in the mid-1990s with the 900cc engine, evolved into the 955cc version in the late 1990s. The RS variant was introduced as a sportier iteration of the ST, offering enhanced performance and handling characteristics. It continued to evolve through subsequent generations with engine upgrades and styling changes.
Production Period:
The 955cc engine models, including the Sprint ST RS, were produced roughly from 1998 to 2004, before being superseded by the 1050cc Sprint ST.
Manufacturing Location:
Hinckley, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
