While traveling at approximately 55 mph under normal road conditions, the rear tire experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure. I felt the tire fail first, followed by an immediate loss of stability. The tire split down the center of the tread without warning. There were no prior symptoms, warning signs, or handling issues before the failure. During the loss of control, I then felt the rear of the motorcycle drop further. After the crash, a rear suspension linkage component was found to be cracked at the mounting point. It is UNKNOWN whether the linkage failure occurred before or as a result of the crash sequence, but it was not felt prior to the tire failure. The tire, 180/55ZR17 73W, had been installed in August and had less than 1,500 miles of use. Tire pressure was set to manufacturer-recommended levels prior to operation. The failed tire is available for inspection, and the damaged rear linkage component remains on the motorcycle. The failure created an immediate safety hazard, resulting in a crash and injuries to a passenger. The motorcycle sustained severe damage and is considered a total loss. No prior warnings, messages, or indicators were present before the failure.
The worst 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Tires1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Tires1
Recalls 3
Suspension
- What is wrong
- Triumph is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2009 sprint st 1050 motorcycles manufactured from november 4, 2004 through september 2009. The rear suspension drag link assembly in these motorcycles can fracture due to corrosion.
- Risk
- In the event of a fracture, part of the suspension will drop causing the rear tire mudguard to contact the rear tire, which could cause a crash.
- Remedy
- Triumph will notify owners and repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on september 22, 2009. Owners may contact triumph at 1‑678‑539‑8777.
Recall number 09V378000 · Recall details
Suspension
- What is wrong
- Triumph is recalling 372 my 2008 sprint st motorcycles. There is a possibility that the single bolt that is used in the 3 positions on the rear suspension drag link assembly can become brittle and fracture. The bolts involved are the (1) drag link to drop link bolt, (2) drag link to frame bolt, and (3) drop link to rear suspension unit bolt.
- Risk
- The head of the bolt may detach causing the drag link assembly to come apart resulting in loss of rear suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove and discard the 3 bolts and replace them with new bolts. The recall began on september 24, 2008. Owners may contact triumph at 1‑678‑539‑8782.
Recall number 08V457000 · Recall details
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack
- What is wrong
- On certain motorcycles equipped with an optional accessory luggage rack, undersized washers were used which prevents the sliding carriage from moving as intended.
- Risk
- Reduced stability can occur if the motorcycle is ridden with the fitted accessory, exceeded maximum weight, and at speeds far in excess of the 80 MPH limit warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the accessory racks for lateral movement. Those racks not displaying any movement will be repaired. The recall began on february 8, 2008. Owners may contact triumph at 1‑678‑854‑2010.
Recall number 07V562000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 93
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Daignostic software and dealers should begin using it...
- Dealer notice advising to check for an immobiliser software update before replacing any TPMS components on...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-07 and dealers should begin...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-06.1 and dealers should begin...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Technical Bulletin 264.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool version 2026-06 and dealers should...
- Technical Bulletin 264 provides instructions that relates to: Triumph Diagnostic Tool
- Dealer notice advising the availalbility of TDT version 2026-05.2 which resolves the ABS as Not Connected...
- Dealer notice reminding of Motorcycle Cleaning, prohibited use of High-Pressure & Steam Cleaning equipment.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2026-04 and dealers should begin using it...
What 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Other model years
20062008
Questions about the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Is the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050, close to a typical Sprint ST 1050 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050?
Tires, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 have?
3 recalls, covering suspension and equipment.
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