TRIUMPH SPRINT EXECUTIVE (1997 - 1998) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £100
Power: 92 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight: Medium (474 lbs / 215 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Triumph Sprint Executive is a competent sports-touring machine that rides like it looks – top-heavy, fast and old. It’s essentially a 900 Trophy with a Rickman-style fairing slapped across its mug, but the triple-cylinder motor makes a nice noise and it’s reasonably comfortable if you can forgive the noisy, imperfect screen. The Triumph Sprint Executive comes with colour-coded hard panniers.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
2 out of 5 (2/5)

There’s a sensation of top-heaviness that never really goes away. Building confidence on the Triumph Sprint Executive is hard as there’s never any sense that tyres and chassis are working in total harmony. The suspension is very soft and the bars feel weirdly narrow. The Triumph Sprint Executive's four-piston front brakes work extremely well, but the rubber hoses will almost certainly need replacing with braided lines now.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Triumph Sprint Executive’s strongest suite is its engine. The DOHC, 12 valve motor draws its strength from three 36mm, flat-slide Keihin carbs, which produce a nice smooth ride and seamless power. It’s tough and handles pillions and luggage well, with few vibes. The Triumph Sprint Executive is characterful, fast and frugal, too.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Triumph Sprint Executive's paint quality is extremely high, but bikes left exposed to the elements can look tatty quickly. Electrical gremlins seem to be the only bugbear, so keep busy with the WD40 if you ride your Triumph Sprint Executive through winter.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
2 out of 5 (2/5)

The Triumph Sprint Executive is for you if you value Britishness and individuality over price and convenience. Yamaha’s Diversion 900 is cheaper, shaft-drive rather than chain, like the Triumph Sprint Executive and it’s comfy enough for a full day’s riding. The finish is good, providing it’s looked after and the motor will go on forever. Find a Triumph Sprint Executive for sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

If you do lots of touring miles then an aftermarket seat with more support is a sound investment for the Triumph Sprint Executive. You get a decent cockpit, with an easy to read analogue speedo, tacho, temperature and fuel gauge. The Triumph Sprint Executive's 36-litre hard panniers are of good quality and hold a full-sized lid each.

Specs

Engine size 885cc
Engine type 12v in-line triple, 6 gears
Frame type Steel backbone
Fuel capacity 25 litres
Seat height 780mm
Bike weight 215kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload, rebound
Front brake Twin 310mm discs
Rear brake 255mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 170/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 42 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £100
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 13 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 92 bhp
Max torque 59 ft-lb
Top speed 140 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 11.8 secs
Tank range 230 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1997: Triumph Sprint Executive introduced.
1999: Triumph Sprint Executive deleted.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH SPRINT EXECUTIVE (1997 - 1998)

6 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH SPRINT EXECUTIVE (1997 - 1998) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH SPRINT EXECUTIVE (1997 - 1998)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Engine: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Equipment: 3.3 out of 5 (3.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £100
5 out of 5 Triumph Sprint 900 Executive
16 July 2020 by Dave Stevens

Year: 1997

Annual servicing cost: £120

I’ve had mine from new (Aug 1998). It’s never let me down, it still has all the original parts except for tyres, and normal servicing items. Did have to replace an headlight bulb! Done nearly 32k miles including a very comfortable trip to the Pyrenees. Only had one chain and sprocket change and the garage fitted a 46 tooth rear sprocket, which dramatically increased the acceleration and is highly Recommended. I get an average of 46-52 mpg, so on long journeys I don’t expect to go on to reserve until approx 230 miles. As mentioned in previous reviews, it’s a good looking bike which gets plenty of positive, admiring comments.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: New from a dealer.

4 out of 5 Love it
15 April 2017 by Gaz 69

Version: All black

Year: 1998

Annual servicing cost: £80

Had the bike 10 years now. Still gets the looks over more modern triumphs on the road. Never let me down. Still a head turner

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5

Bullet proof engine

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very reliable bike,low to maintain

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Bought a belly pan for it,looks so much better with one.

Buying experience: Payed £2500 for it in 2007. Should definitely be a modern classic within a few years.

4 out of 5 Persevere
08 February 2009 by

I have owned my Sprint for a year, within the first 2 weeks I had put her back on the market. As mentioned in other reviews the bike "feels" top heavy (hardly surprising when you have a 25 litre tank)my bike was fitted with a higher touring screen and a corbin seat when purchased, the screen was the biggest pain and is really what drove me to advertise. While waiting for the phone to ring my two biker sons persuaded me to persevere,the first thing I did was to buy a standard size MRA screen, I fitted the screen , the wife and I went for a run and then I went for a longer run. The difference can not be described, the terrible turbulence disappeared, my riding position changed and because of this the bike did not feel so top heavy.Because of its amazing torque this bike will pull silky smooth from 30 mph in top gear, two up right through the revs. without fuss,I now have complete faith in her and as we stay in rural Scotland the roads around here are quite often twisty and uneven, the Continental road attack tyres seem to suit her and even on the odd occasion when pleasure overcomes common sense the bike feels sure footed and under control.The speedo needs watching as the power delivery is deceptively quick. I have not accurately calculated the MPG but I have put around 3,000 miles on her and I reckon on getting between 45 -50 to the gallon,quite often two up on mixed roads (dont use dual carraigeways much)my wife and I have had 30 years of comfortable marraige together so the bike is quite well laden which is a testament to the non adjustable front and adjustable rear suspension.Some of the screws are showing signs of corrosion,but overall the bike seems to be in quite good nick for its age. The "extended family" are going to the T.T. this year the Sprint, a blade ,a thundercat,a CBR 600 and probably a GSX-R(depending on what my cousin has at the time)and I do not expect to be lonely.I am glad that I withdrew the advert as I have really come to appreciate this bike, and once I became comfortable with her I have had a very enjoyable, if somewhat wet( I do live in Scotland)first year. My wife feels comfortable and safe on the pillion and we are hoping for a better Summer this year with the possibility of our first continental tour. As the title of this meandering tale suggests if you get the chance of a Triumph Sprint take it, some of them are at really good prices now, and persevere. Although it will be after the T.T. my wife believes that SHE has already picked our next bike,a 1050 Sprint I look forward to the future.Ride safe,have fun.Bob.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Persevere
08 February 2009 by

I have owned my Sprint for a year, within the first 2 weeks I had put her back on the market. As mentioned in other reviews the bike "feels" top heavy (hardly surprising when you have a 25 litre tank)my bike was fitted with a higher touring screen and a corbin seat when purchased, the screen was the biggest pain and is really what drove me to advertise. While waiting for the phone to ring my two biker sons persuaded me to persevere,the first thing I did was to buy a standard size MRA screen, I fitted the screen , the wife and I went for a run and then I went for a longer run. The difference can not be described, the terrible turbulence disappeared, my riding position changed and because of this the bike did not feel so top heavy.Because of its amazing torque this bike will pull silky smooth from 30 mph in top gear, two up right through the revs. without fuss,I now have complete faith in her and as we stay in rural Scotland the roads around here are quite often twisty and uneven, the Continental road attack tyres seem to suit her and even on the odd occasion when pleasure overcomes common sense the bike feels sure footed and under control.The speedo needs watching as the power delivery is deceptively quick. I have not accurately calculated the MPG but I have put around 3,000 miles on her and I reckon on getting between 45 -50 to the gallon,quite often two up on mixed roads (dont use dual carraigeways much)my wife and I have had 30 years of comfortable marraige together so the bike is quite well laden which is a testament to the non adjustable front and adjustable rear suspension.Some of the screws are showing signs of corrosion,but overall the bike seems to be in quite good nick for its age. The "extended family" are going to the T.T. this year the Sprint, a blade ,a thundercat,a CBR 600 and probably a GSX-R(depending on what my cousin has at the time)and I do not expect to be lonely.I am glad that I withdrew the advert as I have really come to appreciate this bike, and once I became comfortable with her I have had a very enjoyable, if somewhat wet( I do live in Scotland)first year. My wife feels comfortable and safe on the pillion and we are hoping for a better Summer this year with the possibility of our first continental tour. As the title of this meandering tale suggests if you get the chance of a Triumph Sprint take it, some of them are at really good prices now, and persevere. Although it will be after the T.T. my wife believes that SHE has already picked our next bike,a 1050 Sprint I look forward to the future.Ride safe,have fun.Bob.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Triumph Sprint 1997
06 November 2007 by H-monster

Owned mine nearly 4 years and well happy with it, Okay it's a bit top heavy but you get used to that.It's no blade but it doesn't hang about either.Its carried me to The Isle of Man,Lands End John O'Groats and back and took me back to Scotland fully loaded with Luggage and a pillion with easy. I am will pleased with the bike and it suits me fine

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
2 out of 5 Pricey Boat Anchor
28 September 2007 by marty1035

Owned one briefly from new. My model came with a few extras off the discontinued Daytona (I think). Anyway it was too heavy, too slow, the brakes didn't and I felt as though I was riding something from the dark ages.

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5
Engine 1 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 2 out of 5
Equipment 1 out of 5
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