It's twin spar aluminium chassis and single-sided swing-arm remain unchanged. Clever touches include a two-position exhaust, either fixed high for added cornering clearance, or lower down to allow room for fitted luggage. Only the graphics are changed for 2002.

The new 120bhp powerplant is identical to the new 955cc three-cylinder engine fitted to the new Speed Triple and Sprint RS. Employing high-pressure die-cast crankcases for both strength and lightness, the DOHC 12-valve liquid-cooled engine's new cylinder head utilizes 1mm larger inlet valves and 1mm smaller exhaust valves, set at a narrower included angle. Both inlet and exhaust ports are redesigned for better gas flow and the new cast pistons run in steel liners. The Compression ratio is up from 11.2:1 to 12:1 while overall the new engine is 2.5kg lighter than before.

A larger airbox feeds the new closed loop fuel injection system which features smaller, lighter injectors, while compact, light plug-top ignition coils provide dependable high-intensity sparks. The closed-loop system features an oxygen sensor that monitors and adjusts the air/fuel ratio at idle varying engine speeds to optimise engine performance. The fuel injection mapping is tuned for mid-range torque.

As on the Speed Triple engine, the alternator and starter motor drive are now located on the left-hand end of the crankshaft and the starter motor drive is located on the right. This layout, featuring a compact rare earth magnet reduces noise, especially at idle, as there's now no need for a gear-train to drive the alternator. And a revised claw-type gear-change mechanism gives a much smoother and more positive shift action.

The exhaust system has new headers and balance-pipe to further boost midrange output. Cooling and lubrication systems are revised with oil-jets to cool the undersides of the pistons. An increased 95 percent of the oil now passes through the new extra-capacity oil-cooler, while the coolant radiator now employs a thinner core, increasing efficiency without adding size or weight.

The 2002 Sprint ST is available in distinctive British Racing Green, cool Sapphire Blue and dashing Tornado Red.

Sprint ST Specifications

• Engine - Liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
• Capacity - 955cc
• Bore/Stroke - 79 x 65mm
• Compression Ratio - 12.0:1
• Fuel System - Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
• Ignition - Digital -inductive type - via electronic engine management system
• Gearbox - 6-speed
• Frame - Aluminium beam perimeter
• Swingarm - Single sided, aluminium alloy with eccentric chain adjuster
• Front Suspension - 43mm forks with adjustable pre-load
• Rear Suspension - Monoshock with adjustable pre-load and rebound damping
• Front Brakes - Twin 320mm floating discs, 4 piston calipers
• Rear Brake - Single 255mm disc, twin piston caliper
• Length - 2160mm
• Width - 735mm
• Height - 1220mm
• Seat Height - 800mm
• Dry Weight - 207kg
• Fuel Tank Capacity - 19.5 litres
• Colours - Tornado Red, Sapphire Blue, British Racing Green
• Warranty - 2 years, unlimited kilometres