TBS or RS

[OKAggie]

Just visited my local dealer and saw the '04 RS with the SSSA. Way cool. Now I am torn between it and the TBS. I'm pretty close to having the cash saved up to get either bike, but not both. The RS has a $1000 rebate for military, so that lowers the price substantially for me. My dealer said the rebate does not affect his profit and he would be willing to deal with me in addition to the rebate. I guess the main thrust of my question is which bike will satisfy me for the long haul, as I don't expect to ever sell it. I really like the sport ride aspect of the RS and the classic good looks of the TBS. This looks like the last year for both bikes, so if I want a new one, I have to act now. I am 6'2" 230 lbs - - 51 years old and have not ridden for 30 years. I have already taken the MSF course, have my license and full leathers, so I am ready to start riding. My wife will probably ride with me about 10% of the time. Eventually, I will probably save up again and buy a pre-owned (RS or TBS) for a stable meate, but I want to own a brand new bike at first.

Throw some opinions and thoughts out there for me. Thanks.

(I am posting this same question on the TBS board).

[garry]

The TBS has better (fully adjustable) suspension and classic good looks. The RS looks more modern and has more motor. The riding position on the RS is probably more sporty (never ridden a TBS), so the more upright position of the TBS may be more comfortable for longer days.

I own a 2002 RS and like it a lot. Aside from the suspension issue, it's a great bike for all-around use (commuting, sport riding, etc). I find it comfortable for long days, but I'm tall, so it's not as long a reach to the bars for me. My wife does NOT like being a passenger due to the riding position and lack of a grab handle and backrest.

That new SSSA RS sure is a nice looking bike. Couldn't stop checking it out at the IMS show in Cleveland...

- Garry

[Solace]

I bought an '04 RS with SSA (it's the RSS variant, from what I understand, RS front end and ST back end) a couple of weeks ago. It's also the first bike I've ever owned, but I took the MSF BRC as well and it will serve you well.

I was >this close< to buying a VFR, and ended up buying the RS almost on impulse. I'd never even considered Triumph, but had the "You have my bike!" experience when I saw it at the dealership.

I can't speak for the TBS, but the RS is so confidence inspiring (so far) that it's ridability cannot be overstated. I've logged precious few miles due to the weather, but it just feels natural. I'm 5'9" 180lbs, so I'm not even particularly long of inseam and it still fits great. Point being, they may let you run them both around a parking lot if you sweet-talk the dealer. In my opinion, you just can't tell enough about the important parts of a bike when it's sitting still.

Right now I'm suffering through the break-in period, which is complicated by the fact that this engine really wants to go! :-D

Solace

[OKAggie]

On 2004-02-11 05:11, Solace wrote:
I bought an '04 RS with SSA (it's the RSS variant, from what I understand, RS front end and ST back end) a couple of weeks ago. It's also the first bike I've ever owned, but I took the MSF BRC as well and it will serve you well.

I was >this close< to buying a VFR, and ended up buying the RS almost on impulse. I'd never even considered Triumph, but had the "You have my bike!" experience when I saw it at the dealership. . .

Last year, when I first started looking for a bike, the orange and black TBS jumped out at me (ie. "You have my bike.") I did not have the discretionary funds to buy it at the time, and since then I am leaning more toward the "sport" side of riding. I was focusing in on buying a pre-owned 2000-2001 (with the older motor) until I saw this new '04 with the SSSA. Now all I can think about is that black beauty fitted with a belly pan and CF can.

BTW Solace . . . what color did you get?

[Solace]

BTW Solace . . . what color did you get?

Jet Black. Is there another color? :-D

Actually since they only had one I didn't have a choice, but I would have wanted the black anyway. The liquid appeal of it is one of the reasons I converted so quickly to this bike.

Solace

[preachp]

On 2004-02-11 05:11, Solace wrote:
I'd never even considered Triumph, but had the "You have my bike!" experience when I saw it

Right now I'm suffering through the break-in period, which is complicated by the fact that this engine really wants to go! :-D

Solace

Hi Solace,
I am going through the break-in period also on my Sprint ST. Use it to get to know your bike. The RS has the 955i motor also. It is a great machine but because it has a BUNCH of torque at mid way and gobs of HP farther up, it can turn and bite you in hurry! They are great bikes, and I love mine. I didn't see the blue at the dealer when I bought mine. They had to order it. But htey had a Caspian blue Daytona and a sliver ST and I could visualize the color on the bike. And yes it was one of those "Hey there's my bike!" moments.

WElcome and ride safe.
Preachp

[vdlcinc]

Hi Aggie...

I have an '01 RS... w/ 35K on it... that's how nice it is to ride...

I'm 6' 0" - 220lbs, and am very comfortable on this bike... I use it for commuteing and weekend fun time (when the wife and kids schedules allow)...

I wish I had the SSSA, because I have mounted the ST hard cases, which forced me to lower the exhaust... I am looking to convert to a SSSA so I can mount the exhaust under the seat... hell, all it takes is cash, right?

I also have the top box, which you can put a nice little back rest on for the comfort of a passenger, then take the box off and you will only have the small luggage rack on... I used a dremel to notch the cowel (sp?) so I can have it on even with the luggage rack or a grab rail...

As a side note... the top box has not effected the stability of the bike at high speeds... I only have the top box on when commuteing, so I'm not flying... I generally can cruise about 75 - 80 for a good chunk of my commute... but have ridden at 90 - 94 without any ill effects...

I would recommend the RS to anyone without hesitation...

good luck on whatever you decide...

[OKAggie]

On 2004-02-11 08:05, Solace wrote:


Jet Black. Is there another color? :-D

. . . The liquid appeal of it is one of the reasons I converted so quickly to this bike.

Solace

"Liquid" is a very apt description of the "wet tar" black paint on the plastics and engine casing.

I have a little vision of changing the paint scheme some when I get an RS. I want to use some Triumph Tangerine orange in there somewhere, similar to the old yellow and black TT600 a few years ago. Maybe paint the tank and wheels orange. I wish someone had paintshop or something and could put some pics up with the various orange/black paint schemes.

[OKAggie]

On 2004-02-11 12:10, vdlcinc wrote:
. . . I also have the top box, which you can put a nice little back rest on for the comfort of a passenger, then take the box off and you will only have the small luggage rack on... I used a dremel to notch the cowel (sp?) so I can have it on even with the luggage rack or a grab rail...

I really like the idea of being able to convert the RS to a sport tourer at a moments notice. Can you post some pics of how your cowl looks after surgery? IMHBAO, a cowl is a must have when riding solo. The seat is kinda long looking without it.
Thanks

[Solace]

The good Pastor wrote:

I am going through the break-in period also on my Sprint ST. Use it to get to know your bike.

You bet. I'm being Mr. Careful & Conservative until I really feel like I can trust the bike and my control of it. I've been spending a good bit of parking lot time and a little surface road time just getting comfortable with leaning it and choosing lines.

Unfortunately, it's hard to rack up any mileage in a parking lot. If it would stop raining in Tennessee, I'd use it more for local commuting. I'm still way too wary to go out with slick roads right now. The hard part for me has been in the details, like the bloody turn signals that I forget are on.

Right now sublime patience is protecting the engine and my skin. How far along are you in your break-in cycle?

Solace