Weight Difference

[DaedalEVE]

Ok so the difference in dry weight between the S3 and Sprint is about 46lbs (20.8Kg).
Would it be too much to assume that weight difference is attributed to the Sprint having luggage, a full fairing, and larger tank and triple exhaust (ie: more metal than the tank and exhaust on the S3)?
Can I also assume that aside from those weight differences, both bikes use the same engine and are capable of the same performance?

Sorry for the stupid questions, I'm just trying to make up my mind here and am trying to figure out the exact difference in weight/performance between the Sprint and S3.

[ruscook]

Ok, the dry weight is because of different, forks, clamps, rear suspension, frame, and fairing - not luggage. That's extra again for the Sprint

The S3 motor is also in a slightly higher state of tune, AND has lower gearing than the Sprint. I think the S3 has a shorter wheelbase as well.

So you have less weight, lower gearing and more top end on the S3 - wonder why it's called a hooligan bike

Have a look at my site (below) for some of the differences between the bikes and why (for commuting AND touring - solo) I preferred the S3.

Either way the 1050 is great, it's a cheap mod to put th 18T front sprocket on the Sprint. So in the real world it comes down to personal preference.

Russ

[Calliway]

18T on the Sprint does change it but I will say that it takes time to notice the real change. I expected a different bike when I did the change and that wasnt what I got.

After a while though you notice how much more jam it has and that you are leaning onthe bars to keep the front end down.

Personally I love the Sprint, love it but I love the S3 as well. I am looking at for next Spring either a new S3 or a new Tiger.

[DaedalEVE]

What's the tooth count on the front and rear of the stock Sprint and S3?

See I'm coming off a suzuki SV650 (naked version), and it has lower gearing than the sport version, so I'm familiar with the difference in changing a sprockets.
Speaking of naked bikes, that actually what drew my attention to the Sprint... I'm a little tired of the naked look/feel and was interested in trying out a fairing for once. But I'll be honest, real life performance and "bang for my buck" will win out over any fairing. Thats why I'm having such a hard time between these two. They both are about even, but one has one thing that puts it over the top, while the other has another thing that puts IT over the top... It's a tug of war.
If I could have the S3 with a full fairing that would be that. But I can't *cry*. I even looked at the Daytona 955i, but after finding the Sprint I think it's the better of those two.

I guess I am looking for a do everything bike to be honest. I like playing in the turns, I like going fast (too fast), I want range, comfort, and style.... I want it all lol.
With what you had just told me I now know that I can get the same gearing with both (which solves one question).
I guess all that remains are the difference in the brakes and suspension.
I'm 5'11", 320lbs (though in all fairness to myself I look 250). Point is I'm a heavy guy and for me to ride solo is like others riding with a passenger. My SV650 for instance, I resprung my forks and used a higher weight oil, then ordered a custom valved and sprung ohlins shock. Which of the two am I less likely to need to do that for?

As things stand right now, I am planning on at least an after market shock, adding a power commander, and putting on a bunch of after market stuff like sliders, seat cowl, after market exhaust...
Given that, is there really ANY difference between the two aside from looks?

[DaveM]

Calliway,
I would disagree and say the 18 tooth front sprocket is immediately noticeable from take off at low speed, and especially once you get into the corners, rpms in each gear are up by approx 250rpm.

DaedalEVE,
The stock cogs for the Sprint are 19 front and 43 rear from memory.

Not sure what the S3 is.

DaveM

[Calliway]

Well that is possible and maybe you are more sensitive to it but I did my change to an 18T and I was pleased with the result it took about 1/2 dozen rides for me to really realise the difference. Its there but it shows itself in different scenarios.

Way better in town at speeds and when you walk on it you have to put your weight forward because the front end gets light. It is a great mod but for me it took a bit to really notice the advantage.

Realise though, I dont have a corner or windy mountainous road for 300kms from my house. It was when I took it to the track that I really noticed the difference.

[dandrewk]

Another factor is insurance cost.

My insurance company (Geico) classifies the Sprint as sport/touring (as well they should). But I know from experience, if they classify a bike as sport, the premiums are WAY higher.

If cost is a big factor for you, you may want to check with your insurance company regarding the premiums for either bike.

e.g. The bike I had before the Sprint was a Yamaha FZ1. The premiums went DOWN $854/year when I got the Sprint (I have a pretty good record). That's two sets of tires, installed, and then some... every year.

[DaedalEVE]

Actually talking to my agent was one of the first things I did after doing online quotes. Stupid Geico wants to charge me more than $1500 a year for crap 20/40/15 coverage. Meanwhile with my independent agent I can get 100/300/50 for $1000 a year (for the speed triple), and like $900 on the Sprint. Meanwhile if I got a daytona 675 it would be $2000. lol funny scam the insurance companies have going on. They don't know a think about the S3 or Sprint, and I'm not telling them either. If they knew the Sprint could keep up with a GSX-R1000... hehe.

Anyway one I find out the deal with the brakes and suspension I'll make up my mind. I have a few months till I get anything. Am waiting till winter so I can talk the dealer down as low as possible... I'm ruthless. Then again I have to be, since I got ripped off for my sv650. I was stupid and didn't know what was what back then.

[PhxMan]

I have Geico insurance on my 99 Sprint St and only pay 300 per year full coverage, with under insured and no no issuance. Guess it is so much cheaper cause it a older bike, or cause I am a old man. LOL

[DaedalEVE]

Yeah I'm only 26, single, and been riding for only two years (currently paying $504 for an '06 Suzuki SV650 with Progressive).
After 3 years rates go down a lot I'm told.

If I wanted to I could get anything I want, drop collision coverage, and be happy. Doing it that way I could have a Hayabusa and only pay $600 a year. But if anything happened I'd be responsible for replacing/repairing the bike. I have half a mind to do that... just get whatever and say screw collision coverage, but everyone is like h my god no".

Had a cabbie think he could pass through me last year. we were both headed the same way (4 lane road, two lanes in each direction). He was on the inside lane and I was on the outside. I was about to pass him when he just turned from his lane right across mine at an intersection. He didn't get over first, he didn't signal.... he just turned.
I of course braked, but not enough before my front tire met the rear of his car. The friction pulling my wheel the way he was going while I and the rest of the bike continued straight.
Long story short, damage came to like $400, I wasn't hurt at all (I wear full gear when I ride), but my deductible was $500 so I ended up paying for everything myself. My own insurance company even ruled it was BOTH our faults. I don't see how, unless they went with that crappy "failure to control vehicle resulting in a collision" stuff.
Point is, insurance hasn't done a thing for me so far except leave me several hundred dollars poorer than I was before. Considering that my TV and Computer cost the same as my sv650, I don't see it as a lot of money if I total a bike. It's a hassle sure, but I'll get over it. Depending on the bike, the difference between having collision coverage or not is the difference between paying $600/year, or $5000/year.

Don't mind me... I'm just hot headed and tend to think everyone is out to rip me off (cause they usually are).

Oh, and to spite the accident, and me supposedly being partly at fault... my rate still went down $100 this year. You would think it would go UP... but nope. Totally inconsistent and nonsensical if you ask me.