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Comparo
I've been riding the Sprint this week after almost a month straight on the RS. Even though the models are only five years apart, I was struck again by the differences between the two bikes.
The two engines have a completely different feel to them. The 955 is much quieter (none of that washing-machine-full-of-rocks noise at idle) and smoother. The 885 has better low end grunt and seems to pull harder to about 6K rpm.
The 885 also has shorter gearing so it launches quicker. It's definitely quicker up to about 60 or 65 mph but the 955 has a better top end.
The 885 cruises comfortably at 80-85 mph. The 955 is very comfortable at 90-95. (Or so I hear. Those speeds are illegal and I would never ride that fast myself)
The 885 has better weather protection. It has a bigger fairing and more upright screen. Both bikes have aftermarket 'touring' screens. The screen on the 885 kicks the air up over my head, while the air from the Rs's screen hits me at shoulder level. It's not bad, just different.
The riding position is more upright on the 885 with higher, wider bars and lower footpegs.
The 885 also has more steering lock, so in spite of the higher center of gravity it is easier to handle at parking lot speeds. At speed the RS transitions side to side much easier and corners easier. They are both dead stable at freeway speeds and are not affected by cross winds.
Having taken both bikes on 2000+ mile trips, I would rather take the 885 on a long trip, unless gas mileage was a factor. The 885 averages 34 mpg and the highest I've seen was 40 on a trip. The RS gets 45 mpg with a high of 60 on my trip to BC.
On a 300 mile day, stock seats on both are a real PITA, literally. Both bikes have Corbin saddles. I love the Corbin on the 885; I hate the Corbin for the RS and have gone back to the stocker for now. The Corbin for the RS is lower than stock but also wider and it's harder for me to flat foot it at a stop. It also slides you further away from the bars. Not a problem unless you're 5'8" like me.
Overall, if I had to keep just one of them right now I'd probably pick the RS. It's still new to me and I'm still in lust with it. Luckily I don't have to make that choice right now. Lately the RS has been my daily rider and the 885 has been my bad weather bike because of the bigger fairing.
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Is fhearr fheuchainn na bhith san duil.
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