Make my SPORT-tourer into a sport-TOURER?

The bike:
2002 Triumph Sprint RS w/ Raceteched front end and Penske Rear, Genmar risers, Ventura Rack & 45 liter pack, 190-200 mile tanks when two-up, 40amp alternator (should be good for any heated equipment needed two-up) 955cc torquey motor, and ~450 load capacity of the bike should be fine as well.

The problem:
The GF is not comfy enough for anything over 300 miles in a day. Originally thought to go to a two bike setup. One for track days and aggressive riding and a Touringish bike for two-up riding w/ lockable luggage. I want to be able to do 500 mile day to a destination, have my stuff stored away locked while I leave the bike unattended. I recently purchased a YZF600r for the solo bike but I'm wondering if I can convert the RS into a good two-up bike instead of taking a loss on the RS and purchasing a used Connie, ST1100, or Triumph Trophy.

The symptoms:
GF (10:40:51 AM): i am uncomfortable for the most part due to the leaning over
GF (10:41:17 AM): my butt is ok for a few hours and my knees too
GF (10:41:28 AM): wind sometimes bothers me when i lean back

The proposed solution:
Add convertibars-> http://www.convertibars.com/checkit.cfm For my bike specifically, adds 4 inch vertical and 3 in pullback at most. Sargent Seat. And Givi side cases plus keep the Ventura pack on top, or sides cases and Givi top box: http://www.triumphnet.com/st/acc/thunderbike/index.htm either way giving her some sort of backrest/back pad to lean against every once in awhile.

The questions:
Has anyone done this with their bike? Had the same dilemma? Considered the same comfort options or different ones I'm not aware of? What was the outcome? Is it possible to approach the comfort level of a proper sport-TOURING bike with this solution at a substantial cost savings? The RS was my do everything bike, and has been wonderful, but now I have the YZF for solo riding and track days, and it's either a proper touring bike and sell the RS with a loss or mod the RS to fit for some $....thanks!


Bryce

[frizbee_dog]

The stock seat is hideous for a passenger. Besides that, what else can you do for them?

Like I posted above....ad convertibars and bring my body position near vertical (which in turn does the same for her) with a 4 inch rise and 3 inch pull back max.

[1fastcat]

I would recommend Heli-bars over converti-bars. Heli are infinitely adjustable to every angle. This allows you to tailor the fit to your exact ergonomic needs. Secondly convertibars use a very lightweight clamping mechanism that could move the bars with a slight impact. Heli's are more expensive but the quality is second to none. You will probably need to get a longer primary brake cable to take full advantage of maximum adjustment.

As far as the seat goes - the only back rest for the ST/RS is through Corbin. If you buy their seat, it fits right into a rear slot in the seat. It is a slick set-up, but you have to decide if the Corbin seat is your cup o' tea. Many times debated in this forum. Myself, I had Rocky Meyer make a custom seat, then I custom modified the rear grab bar to mount the Corbin backrest through. It works great, but it is a major fabrication effort.

As far as more comfortable windscreens for touring, my vote goes to Cee Baileys (search the forum for comments).

Sounds as if you already have some serious money into your bike. All of these mods will cost you about $1000, but will truly transform your bike into a sport-TOURER.

Buy a Goldwing :-D

[jefftarlton]

I bought the Corbin just because it had the backrest. My wife really wanted the backrest. Now she's more comfortable than I am. The backrest clears the Ventura rack.
I also put the LSL 7/8" tubular handlebar on my bike, for me.
I put 1151 miles on this bike solo in 19 hrs last month.
With the right aftermarket stuff, the RS is a truly all purpose bike.

[AAA]

I've done 500 mile days two up with no particular complains. Have not done week long touring in that manner, though.

Numb bum is sometimes difficult to avoid, though I haven't experimented much with different seats. Stock one is decent enough for my use.

[Cateran]

My contibution is limited, but I recommend GIVI panniers. I 'inherited' some original GIVI panniers from my brother's BMW. I bought some side 'wings' and used the set-up on a previously owned Triumph Legend, travelling from Scotland to Czech Republic and to Malaga in Spain - the panniers were superb - waterproof and safe. I now have them fitted (using tublar 'PL10' brackets to my SSSA RS). On the comfort side the bars are a bit low for sub-40mph but otherwise, I find it comfortable. I'd rather ride a H*nda than fit a backrest!

[ikonoklass]

The stock Sargent seat puts your arse far enough back so it's quite a stretch to the bars. However, I think if you then add Helibars, you'd have a perfect touring setup, for the pilot anyway. That's my plan.