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

[JAU149@xxxxxxx]

Blasphemy, Bryce ! Blasphemy I tell ya ......

:-)

Its interesting how you compare a new RS and an almost ten year old VFR. You give the nod to the RS, but it certainly sounds like the VFR held its own....I guess that says alot for that bike. I have a 99 VFR 800 in addition to my 02 RS, and I have to say that while I enjoy the the bike for what it is ( and what it is is a very capable sporttourer ), it just doesnt hold a candle to the RS. The RS goes better, turns better,  stops WAY better, and is more comfortable on long hauls. Both of mine are bone stock, and the VFR is for sale.... 

Just my opinion, YMMV, etc.

John
02 RS
99 VFR ( for sale )
99 Superhawk
85 Shadow 1100

>--- 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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