Triumphrat

GreenGoblin · 08-27-2007

Just about to take delivery of a 2002 955i RS

Can anyone tell me what to look out for, both the good and the bad of ownership. I have 2002 Trophy 1200 which is too cumbersome for daily use and as such it spends most of its life sulking in the garden not being used.

The Trophy has only covered 3450 miles since new so you can see the reason for getting a different bike!!

The Trophy would return a little shy of 40 to the gallon and I would ask what sort of gas mileage I can expect to see, it will be used mostly for a 60 mile return daily commute into London and some 'pleasure' trips.

Finally, can anyone advise on the part number or supplier that sells belly pans?

Thanks, GG

dolson · 08-27-2007

Hi G/G,

The '02 RS/ST series are a very straight forward. The RS has a little more aggressive head stock angle for a little more aggressive but most have found this to be a moot point and handling is largely dependent on tires.
The engine and tranny combo. are the same and pretty bullet proof. The major differences probably would be I'm thinking are the dual sided swingarm RS vs. the single sided swingarm on the ST.
The riding position and handling will be more aggressive than what you have been used to.

I would check to see that all recalls and service is up to date as is the latest mapping.
WARNING!!! do not touch the throttle on starting the engine. Doing so will screw up the idle speed censor.
If you disconnect the battery the engine warning light will come on. This is normal and usually if the light does come on and everything is Ok it should go off with 3 complete heat cycles.

Depending on a lot of variables, I would say that you could expect anywhere from 46-51 USMPG. I average 51 on My ST. Actually, the harder I push it the better it likes it and gets better MPG. It doesn't like loafing on the highway.

Other than that ride it and enjoy it.

Don

norcaltriumph · 08-27-2007

I have an '01 RS, and I think it's a fantastic bike, especially for the price. One of the main differences, as dolson mentioned, would be the riding position, as the RS is relatively aggressive. I went ahead and purchased a used set of ST bars and put them on, which moved my hands about 1" (25mm) higher and 1.5" (38mm) back. Risers would be an option as well to simply raise the bars an inch or so.

Other than that, definitely double check the recalls, and I would also make a a priority of replacing the OEM tires (Bridgestone BT020 in my case...bad cupping, mediocre traction). You might want to consider replacing/re-aiming the headlight bulbs as well (Osram Silverstar, PIAA).

The best part about this bike as you mentioned is the fuel economy. In my non-scientific observations, I've been getting about 47/49 with mostly high speed commuting. If I didn't have the carbon can/tune, I thing I would be over 50.

Enjoy, and let us know how you like your bike after you've got a few miles on it...

GreenGoblin · 08-27-2007

dolson and norcaltriumph,

Many thanks for your inpt, much appreciated. I am looking forward to picking up the RS in a weeks as I am on holiday tomorrow. The bike shop gave me a fair offer on the Trophy and the deal was sealed.

I used to own a jap 600 before and would never think twice about going out in all weathers and ride it both commuting and socially. I have always loked Triumph bikes and when my brother offered his for sale with less than 3K miles on it I just had to have it. However, I was soon dissapointed with the trophy as it was so heavy and gas thirsty sometimes only returning 31 MPG (imperial). Accordingly, despite 9 months ownership I have only managed a further 500 miles on it and several times have nearly dropped it.

GG

bruce19 · 08-27-2007

I have an '04 RS and it's the best bang for the buck all-arounder I know of. To make it "right", I re-valved the forks and used Race Tech springs (stiffer) to reduce the dive. I also went to a softer brake pad compound up front. Those are the only changes I felt needed to be done. If I were to do anything else, it would probably be a slipon. Great bike. Perfect stable mate to my 998.

Stlakid · 08-27-2007

YOU ARE GOING TO BE A VERY HAPPY CAMPER!

Like the others have stated this is THE best all around bike Triumph ever built, period. I still think they are missing a spot in their line up for this bike. The 2002 and up RS is just about as bullet proof as you can get. I prefer the DSSA over the SSSA. No giant sockets or cam adjusters to seize up on you, it's just easier to maintain and that's a good thing because you are going to want to be riding it all the time.

I have close to 30,000 miles on mine now. I do all the maintenance myself and so far the only 'Hard Parts' that have gone bad were one rear bearing in the rear crush hub and one clutch cable! Thats it! This is the first bike I've ever owned where I actually worry about 'What am I going to replace it with when I finally wear this one out?' I enjoy it that much and wish they still made them. I don't seem to get the mileage others get, but I feel that is because the Triumph 'Off Road Tune' is basically set to FAT.(rich) I get around 43-45 around town.

The difference with the Sprint bars is subtle, but I think the MAJOR difference is that the Sprint bars have a more natural angle for your wrists while riding. The RS bars seem to be angled in towards the bike to much and become uncomfortable on longer rides.

Triumph fixed the few bugs that the earlier 955 engines had which didn't crop up that often in any case. The worst was the alternator bearings self destructing and sending the shrapnel into the lower case and transmission sump. They moved the alternator to the end of the crankshaft and all the related bearing and drive assembly was removed completly. That's also why the 2002 and newer engines are quieter sounding at idle. They made them shift better at that time also. The extra 10HP with the new Lotus designed head didn't hurt either. Although I bet most people can't really notice much difference.

For the recalls, Triumph has a link on their website that will tell you which ones have not been done on the bike by simply providing the vin #. That link is...........................

http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/7094.aspx

YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS BIKE!

rs_tt · 08-27-2007

just ride and enjoy !

RSRAT · 08-27-2007

review all posts here and you'll find out virtually everything you'll want to know about this bike-- overall it's perhaps the best all-rounder there is.

I've had mine since new and just keep improving it bit by bit-- suspension, tires, levers, windscreen and much, much more.

Note-- mushy front brake, though great stopping power anyway-- can be improved with several different kinds of fixes reviewed on this site. I used SkyKing kit-- excellent results. It's now much easier to ride smoothly, aggressively or leisurely.

best upgrade probably the Racetech kit in front forks; second, Penske shock on rear; third was Pirelli Diablo Corsas(now using the III's).

but again, it's a great bike even in straight stock trim.

If you have more questions, feel free to write back and I'll happily share with you what I know or try to refer you to others who probably know a lot more than I.

kludge · 08-28-2007

Try the RS with the stock bars on a few longer rides before thinking about swapping them. I put the ST bars on mine and think they suit me less than the stockers, and I'm a shorty. Going back to stock.

Get used to cleaning the brake calipers every 5,000km or so if you want the lever travel to stay normal and the action to stay sweet.

Otherwise, it's a lot of bike for the money. Really good midrange bark and lots of fun in the twisties.

GreenGoblin · 08-28-2007

Thanks for the input guys.

I intend to leave the bike stock until I get used to it, other than a rack and top box as I need to be able to leave my lid, trousers and jacket in the top box when I see customers.

I would prefer Givi in place of Triumph as they are better priced, but ask whether anyone knows if Givi do a rack kit for the RS?

Thanks again for the replies, GG