Sprint RS purchase advice

This is my first post as a newbie to the DB. I have decided to join the Triumph fold after spending several years on BMWs, a Hayabusa, and recently a '92 Ducati 907. The Sprint RS is the bike for me and seems like a great buy. I am actively shopping.

My question: Is it worth going the little bit extra to get the the '04 ('03) SSSA last year model? Some say the SSSA is the thing to have. Others say its just a leftover parts bin bike (is that a bad thing?). I had my eye on a '02 since it is supposed to be an improvement over the '01 with the bigger hp and quieter alternator. I can see the advantages in '02 over '01. But does the '04 add anything. Is the SSSA worth an extra $500? I understand the SSSA eliminates wheel alignment issues but adds some weight. Are there other improvements I dont know about with the '03-'04 RS? Hermy's doesnt have any specs on the last year model.

Thanks in advance for any input! I am glad to be part of this board!

[ This message was edited by: gamecock on 2006-09-20 11:13 ]

[chefjpd]

The SSSA RS is actually a half faired ST. The "real" RS is the DSSA. Only minor differences in the suspension ( a bit racier), and the DSSA is lighter.

Probably comes down to preference, do you prefer the single swinger? then go for it, the 02+ engines are all the same. I would definately go for an 02+ regardless of the swingarm.

do a search here on known problems, so you can identify them up front (fuel connectors, brakes, corrosion), and you will be happy with your new purchase.

:wink:

Hi guys, just joined. I have a stock 2002 RS (DSSA) and it ROCKS! Great power, cornering characteristics, and ergos. DSSA has no disadvantages, unless you want to put in an underseat exhaust. But what aftermarket can should go on this bike. Anyone?

[steventhechef]

Welcome to gamecock & BackroadBee

The whole RS range are fantastic allround performers, but I am a little biased.

The DSSA and SSSA from 02 onwards are the pick of the engine models as they had an upgrade (HP and design) from that year. IMO.

The set up is basically the same - fork rake, suspension throughout the RS line - which are incidentally different to the ST's.

The engines are still great through the whole range but 02 onwards had a few mods that made the motor sound less mechanical and gave it about 10 extra ponies.

There are a couple of 03 and all 04's that are SSSA. I have not heard bad reports about either that I would be concerned about.

Good luck with your steeds, they are a fantastic bike.

BackroadBee > I have a carbon can on mine and I love the sound (throaty but not overwhelmingly loud) but some have reported them to be prone to leaking. The S/S can sounds good too.

[ This message was edited by: steventhechef on 2006-09-20 17:16 ]

[PaloAlto]

Gamecock,

Generally, the DSSA is functionally superior to the SSSA. DSSA is lighter, more rigid, and simpler (less to go wrong). But SSSA looks hotter. Aside from being a bit newer model year* and probably less mileage, the only other value an '04 SSSA has over an earlier DSSA is the aesthetic value to you. They're all good bikes.

*'02/03 RS' have different clipons (a little lower) and, I think, slightly different triple clamp angles (therefore a little more responsive, a little less stable?) than the Sprint. I don't know if the '04 RS's no longer have those changes from the Sprint (and therefore would be different from the '02/03 RS's).


Bern

Thanx for the input @ the can, Xtreme, but is it a carbon Triumph can? I've heard they are very well made. Am going to drop a tooth on the front sprocket ASAP after talking to a local RS junky. I've been with him on the track and his bike is fast: 114hp at the wheel with very minor mods done to the bike.

[steventhechef]

My can is genuine Triumph. Gives a couple of more ponies than standard. It was on my bike when I bought it. I really like the sound. DaveM had 3 CF Cans changed as they leaked continually and he ended up with a S/S can. Others has similar tales of woe.

I like the safety aspect of the C/F can as they don't burn when they are accidentally touched. I have 3 small kids that touch things...

The 18T mod is worth the effort as bang for buck mods go. I am yet to do the changeover as I was going to fit it out with a new chain etc also. Everyone that has done the mod says how good it is.. :-D

I understad the kid aspect. I was informed that the CF can was the SS can wrapped in CF, so what's the difference? Apparently nothing. I would, however, love to have a black can on my bike. My main goal is to be able to hear my rpms at freeway speeds. I'm not looking for anything super-loud, but I'd like some pitch. Does the Triumph can have what it takes?

Thread hijack :hammer:

[rodneybrown]

I hope you received my PM on this but to make a long story short, buy the one that looks best to you, is in the best condition or is the best buy. Neither one is faster, handles better (they do handle a bit different) or anything else.