[scutty900]

hi

i am looking to buy myself another triumph now my thunderbird has been written off.
looking through the secondhand market there are quite a few well priced rs`s on the market.
im not sure why the price of an rs is down on most of the other triumph models of the same age and milage etc.

is it a decent bike?

are there any particular things that i should look out for if i go ahead and buy one other than the usual things?

can i put some higher bars on an rs without altering cables etc?

cheers
pc

 

[mikey]

Hi Scutty do you know anyone near you with a Sprint RS or ST? That way you might be able to go for a test ride. Personally I wouldn't consider buying a Spring 8 months ago.
Then something happened my friend who buys and sells a lot of bikes and parts for his living asked me if i wanted to do a straight trade for my 97 T-Ace,
he'd asked me before but I wouldn't even consider it then.
I decided to to go for a test ride with it.he lives on the outskirt of town and there are lots of roads perfect for riding.
The Triumph was a blast to ride and shifting gears didn't really matter much since the bike has lots of torque.
Coming back half hr later felling great with no aches and a big smile I'd made my choice
Maybe it was all the positive things combined but having a bad back and feeling good when parking was BIG for me.
my first impressions was how easy it felt to just ride and enjoy it with no worries.
Good luck with your choice hopefuilly we will see more of you on the Sprint Forum
Mikey

 

[GRN]

An '02 RS is what got me turned back on to Triumph... came close to letting an ST1100 go for a Trophy years back, and the 40 miles I did on the RS last spring really opened my eyes... it wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it had a lot to do with the new Sprint ST in my garage today...

 

[gazza]

Yes, buy one because it is a fantastic bike for the money.

Yes, I think the st bars are a straight swap without any cable issues.

The only downside is the lack of aftermarket, which is actually good because it saves you money.

 

[jefftarlton]

The RS is so similar to the ST but for some reason they are worth less.
ST bars will fit as will several aftermarket options.

 

[rs_tt]

scutty900
an RS is great bike, the rear sping is a little stiffer the front fork is at slightly steeper angle and has bit more hp than the ST (So I've been told).
You can put ST bars on an RS.I tried them on mine, but i prefer gen mar risers .You may have to turn the master cylinder fitting for the ST bar swap,to use gen-mars and st bars you would have to lengthen the cables and hoses.

 

[Thefallenone]

No you shouldn't - they are s#/t mate :-D

Seriously - just go and try one. You can pick up a 2000 model with all the goodies for £1900. If you are looking for a sporty bike but don't want a jap race rep then its for you.

Why would you want to change the bars? If you want more upright, buy the ST (more expensive BTW). The ST bars are a direct bolt on.

Kev

 

[JWats01]

I'd heartily recommend getting one!!!

I put the ST bars and the Genmar risers on my RS with no cable issues. I found plenty of aftermarket accessories for my RS. Many, but not all, of the ST accessories fit the RS as well.

Here's a really ugly page o' links I made for myself:
My ugly page

Check out the links to reviews near the top. The RS has gotten many good write ups along with the ST.

Unfortunately, my RS was stolen this past Nov. I am on the verge of getting a ST, because I want the luggage now :-D

Let us know what you decide.

 

[steventhechef]

Hi scutty900,

There are quite a few ST's, T100 and Tigers around here at work.

Everyone said how reliable, smooth and forgiving the new age Hinkley Triumphs were. I like the finish and the NO oil leaks of the new models and the individuality of the Triumphs in all.

I picked the RS because of the affordability (sh1tty resale price), the sportier aspect that I was looking for, the beautiful triple power and note from the exhaust.

The RS would have to be one of the best kept secrets in the Triumph line. Take advantage of it !!

To add : The late 02-04 had the second generation motors that have a couple more ponies and are (mechanically) a little quieter.

They are a brilliant bike. 10 out of 10 from me and that not just self justification.

FWIW I am 6'1" and am comfortable with the clip ons, I do two up alot and the bike still handles really well when loaded.