Re: [ST] Re: ST vs RS - help me decide

[Bryce <bster13@xxxxxxxxx>]

- --- Barry Croft <barrycroft@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Your style sounds similar to mine. FWIW after back
> to
> back test rides I chose the RS. That was 4 years ago
> and I'm still very happy with the decision. 

I chose the RS as well after owning an ST.  Feels so
much lighter and easier to turn!
> 
> Differences? The RS bars are about 1" lower and 1"
> further forward, which makes it feel and handle
> great
> on fast lanes, but also gives you earlier back and
> wristache on long runs. I put ST bars on in winter
> for
> more commuting comfort, but usually go back to RS
> bars
> in summer. 

Genmars are also an option, u can pick up a used pair
for ~$100 but the ST bar swap move them closer to you.

>The RS suspension is firmer and about 1"
> higher at the back, supposedly for quicker steering.
> The RS has a lighter, stiffer conventional double
> swingarm, and only a half-fairing. And a neat
> digital
> speedo. The RS is lighter and nimbler. It has a
> slightly unfinished feel about the fairing, and
> cheaper suspension, but is also significantly
> cheaper
> to buy.

The suspension components are stiffer spring rates
slightly, and a longer shock body on the RS, which
gives it's additional ride height.  The RS has .5
degree less steering head angle, higher footpegs for
increased ground clearance, shorter wheelbase, less
overall weight by 10-15 lbs, as well all leading to
quicker handling.

I recently was on the Cherahola Skyway switching back
and forth between my RS with Penske Rear, +6mm of ride
height added, racetech gold valve emulators in the
front and my buddy who has a 95' vfr750 with
progressive springs and heavier fork oil and Penske
rear and to tell u the truth the bikes are very close.
 I felt a little wiggling of the rear 170 section tire
on the VFR at lean angle, where as the Sprint's 180
felt more planted,  but nothing that concerned me too
much.  They both handled very similarly and felt good
to me.  In the end I'd still pick my RS as it has more
ground clearance, and motor over the VFR big time.  I
ran the cherahola in 3rd gear even up in the higher
atmosphere, while he was shifting through some gears
to keep up.  

Good luck in your decision...I ran two-up with my GF,
900 mile 3-day wknd was our best, and 2500 mile trips
for me over a week with genmars and stock seat, and it
was ok.  The Ventura pack is just as good as my
buddy's Givi for all I care.  I don't leave my bike
for long periods of time, just to go eat so the
locking feature of the Givi isn't a big deal. (u can
remove two screws and steal a givi top case anyway)
They both remove from the bike easily, but the biggest
difference I guess is that the givi is mounted up over
the rear tail piece all the time away from the rear
axle, where as I can get my Ventura's weight sitting
right on my passenger seat when riding solo for more
weight centralization, not sure I really noticed all
to much, but I guess it helps.

Bryce


		
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