Triumphrat

johnshumpert · 08-22-2006

I enjoy reading reviews of the RS, but always thought these reviews don't really apply to me because my bike has the SSSA, and the reviews are always for the dual sided swingarm version. So my thought is that I must have the identical suspension and handling characteristics of the ST, which are pretty dang good. Does my bike have the sportier handling charcteristics the RS is suppose to have? I don't think so... Not that it even matters really. I love the bike, but I like to know EVERYTHING about it.

I think my bike was at one time suppose to be called an RSs. Anyone ever heard of an RSs?

Thanks,

- John

stevecro · 08-22-2006

Apart from being a touch heavier (the swingarm has to be beefier to resist twist and to cope with just one fixing point for the wheel) I can't see what else would necessarily change.

(but that is only my guess). Are your bars RS or ST height. That may be the clue because the slightly lower riding position probably worked in with the slightly different trail, rear ride height etc.

jellero · 08-22-2006

my 2004 rs is titled as an st, same with insurance. 2004 rs does not exist except in our garages... j

Stlakid · 08-23-2006

The RS'S was a model outfitted by an Italian distributor who had a knack for making prototype models that were really nice bikes. It was rumored that Triumph was considering doing this model, but they decided (stupidly IMHO) that the RS was somewhat of a redundant model and dropped it and any chances for an RS'S as well. I remember people raving over the pictures that surfaced. The person behind the Italian customs died a couple of years ago as well.

The last of the RS's were just to get rid of a bunch of half fairings Triumph had in stock if you ask me. When you sign up for the new Triumph Ratt they only count up to the 2002 model as an RS! Hence the later ones being titled as a Sprint as that's what it is with an RS half fairing and gauges.

steventhechef · 08-23-2006

Skatlid, what about the fork rake of the later RS's (SSA)? The earlier models had an increased rake compared to the ST's..

stevecro · 08-23-2006

Doesn't answer all the questions but interesting anyway

SA magazine

[ This message was edited by: stevecro on 2006-08-23 03:06 ]

chefjpd · 08-23-2006

The "real" RS models also have a slightly longer shock, that gives more ride height and more real wheel travel.

I'm pretty sure that the yellow spring on the rear shock is RS and the red spring is ST.

rodneybrown · 08-23-2006

The frame on an 04 RS and an 04 ST have different part numbers. There is a very slight difference between the steering head angle which makes for a very slight difference in trail. I had both at the same time (02 ST) and it seemed like the RS did turn quicker but over the same course I road my ST faster. IMO the difference might be apparent to Rossi or Hayden but I couldn't tell it.

johnshumpert · 08-23-2006

Thanks Everyone for all the info.

My shock is red.
My clipons are in the more aggressive RS position

Guess I have a Sprint RT

- John

rs_tt · 08-23-2006

I have an 02 rs, the shock is yellow,and the fork angle difference may explain why the st ,at least to me is easier to ride two up.