Sprint ST FAQ's - New Sprint
Owner
So, now you have your new Sprint. But, you've only recently discovered the ST site ..... What wisdom have you missed out on?
Here are some easy fixes and things to look for that may save you aggravation down the road.....
- #4 - Tank Vent Line - Some ST's left the factory with the rollover valve installed on the tank vent line - upside down!. This means that your tank cannot equalize pressure as the fuel is drained from the tank and could lead to a problem with starting the bike (and make it difficult to open the filler cap). To check your line, first find the vent line - there are two lines that exit near the shifter - one is the tank overfill drain which connects to a hole on the back end of the filler neck plate - and the other which runs up through the gas cap when closed - this second one is the one that you want. To check, simply blow into the tank vent line from the bottom - if you can blow through it, you are fine - if not your valve is upside down and should be corrected or removed.
- #3 - Upper radiator hose wear - The upper radiator hose (as seen through the vent on the left hand side) sits on or near an engine mounting bolt. A couple have noticed slight wear, but at this point I am not aware of any failures. Either makes sure to check this area from time to time or add a small rubber strip between the hose and bolt to reduce any possible chaffing.
- #2 - Windshield Edging - The edging along the shield is held only by friction. In a good rain (typically when you need both hands on the bars) the edging will detach and begin flapping in the wind. A couple of drop of adhesive in the groove of the edging will keep it in place, but still allow you to remove it, if the need should ever arise.
- #1 - Ignition Wire - (Thanks to Richard and Lisa White) - Early ST's (not sure when or if this has been corrected on later builds) had a cable tie on the wire running to the ignition switch. This wire holds the ignition wire tight against the ignition assembly. After a period of time this wire WILL short to the frame causing all sorts of problems. Take a look and if yours has the wire tie, the recommendation is to cut it off.