ST vs RS?

[MisterMichigan]

Hello all,

Have just started looking at Sprints as I've been lusting after a Thruxton for a while, but the Sprint just seems more overall useful. I understand there are two models of Sprint, the ST and the RS. What are the differences between the two?

I've done some searching and haven't found a definitive answer.

Thanks!

[M.Guy.Vig.]

Hi Mr Michigan. The main differences are....... The RS has a half fairing and an exposed engine. The RS has lower handlebars. The RS has different instruments. I think the frame and/or steering geometry is different. The ST is more suited to distance work, due to the higher bars and the factory panniers, which most seem to have. The last RS also had the SSSA. I had one of the last RS's and it was a bloody good bike, but I couldn't get on with the low bars (old injuries, and old age!). You won't go far wrong with either of these bikes.

[MisterMichigan]

I found one listed for sale near me, a 2001 for $3200, 6K miles. Oddly enough, the guy listed it as a Sprint ST but the photos are of an RS, so I'll see what he says.

[M.Guy.Vig.]

It's useful to know that ST bars will fit an RS, and make quite a difference to the riding position.

[44033]

If you weren't already aware, '04 was the last year of the RS as well as all 955 Sprints; Sprint ST 1050 from '05 onwards.

[DaveM]

The frames are not different they are the same.

The RS has a slightly longer rear shock than the ST which steepens the steering angle.

All 955's have much lower bars than all the 1050's which have gotten progressively taller.

There is very little difference in bar height between an RS and an ST.

The main differences in bar heights are between the 955's and the 1050's, the 955's all have considerably lower bars than the 1050 engined bikes.

For the most part the bikes are identical.

DaveM

[BTR01]

MM,

First off, welcome aboard! Really good forum here, and some really great and knowledgeable folks.

As was stated earlier, both bikes are great rides! I have an RS, and did my first long tour last year (only about 260 miles, or 424 kms). Even after the trip down, and the trip back, I got off with absolutely no feeling of having been on a bike (to my surprise!), and that with the stock seat! I'm happy to have my Sprint RS, and while I'd love to move up to the 1050ST one of these days. I can't beat the feeling of never having seen another bike exactly like mine on the road. I love that individuality thing.

Whatever you decide, enjoy! Also, when you get ready for a new set of hoops, have a look at the search functionality of the forum. Trust me, all of your questions will be answered.

Later...

[steventhechef]

Welcome to the forum. The ST & RS 955i engines had an upgrade from Gen 1 to Gen 2 in 2002/03. Slightly quieter motor and a little more refined. They have a few extra HP but it is not that noticable.

They look physically different in shape and colour Gen 1 is silver and black and Gen 2 is all black on the RS

Either way they are both great bikes. Good luck on your choice,

[bikingteacher]

There are a couple of us here in Michigan. Where abouts are you? (I'm in Grand Rapids area).

[KitNYC]

Originally Posted by DaveM

The frames are not different they are the same.
<...>

To be somewhat pedantic, the frames do not share the same part number. There were four frames for 1999-2004 Sprints- '99-'01 ST, '99-'01 RS, '02-'04 ST, and '02-'04 RS. The fact that the part number for RS frames did not change from '03-'04 tells us that the swingarm is not the source of the ST/RS frame differences. The fact that they kept different part numbers with the new motor suggests that the difference between the earlier frames was more than just the paint. It seems likely that a fairing bracket or a threaded hole or two is the only difference, and they can certainly be swapped with minimal effort, but I am a hopeless anorak and can't help but point out that, while essentially the same, they are not, in fact, identical.

Cheers,
-Kit