[Blorton]

I promise - no silly questions about weight, or whether upgrading exhaust is worth doing. (Do the Sato's silly!)

Are any of you guys using your RC's as a daily driver?

I'm not sure I could get around the limited range I'm hearing about on the RC. I commute 60 freeway miles a day and can go two and a half days before hitting reserve as it is. Having to top up every other day would get old with the RC. Is there a practical way to boost the range on these? My commute is a leisurely 80 mph cruise, so if the range on things gets better in old lady mode, please let me know.

Vibes: Love the power and handling on the 'Blade, but hate the vibey grips(even with zero weight on the hands). Are the RC's grips that much smoother?

The reason I'm asking is that I'd love to add an RC to the stable, and wouldn't have a problem with the above issues on weekend rides - but I have a rule that all my bikes be able to do commuting duty if need be.

I'd appreciate any input,
Dan

[TGZ13]

Honestly if you are looking for a daily ride I wouldnt get it for just that. I used my seca II as a daily ride with 0 problems minus the lack of total power but the RC just doesnt cut it. If you are looking for a super fun bike to rip around on then definately get one.

As for the vibes I honestly think they are less annoying then they were on my old bike but I cant compare it to anything else really.

Yesterday was the first time I rode it into work and the ride in sucked b/c there was a ton of traffic and the seating position was a nuisance. On the way home though with no traffic the bike was a blast to ride.

So as a second bike to play with yes as a "commuter" bike no.

I am trying to figure a way to pay my girl back quick without having to sell the Seca so I can still use that for traveling or maybe pick up something else in the same price range for traveling duty

[figment]

a vtwin is going to have more vibration than your I4. You can get the SAME mileage out of the RC51, you just have to keep your right hand extended more often than retracted. For commuting this riding style is entirely practical.

[showmethebombs]

I do not see a big deal as to using the bike to commute. some people are all anal about the whole "track only" stuff...but I saw WHATEVER to that. The RC can be great on the street just the same. I would say get a aftermarket seat at least though. (not needed however...I just wanted it for the EXTRA long rides 150 miles +)

[TGZ13]

Originally Posted by showmethebombs

I do not see a big deal as to using the bike to commute. some people are all anal about the whole "track only" stuff...but I saw WHATEVER to that. The RC can be great on the street just the same. I would say get a aftermarket seat at least though. (not needed however...I just wanted it for the EXTRA long rides 150 miles +)

The seat doesnt bother me. I dont know if its the A* pants or what but the seat that I originally had near the top of my list moved down a few notches

[oldfogey]

By the way, is the RC51 the same bike as is marketed in the UK as the 1000VTR SP1 and SP2 where the superhawk is the VTR1000?

[TGZ13]

Originally Posted by oldfogey

By the way, is the RC51 the same bike as is marketed in the UK as the 1000VTR SP1 and SP2 where the superhawk is the VTR1000?

I believe you are correct sir

[deez]

Dan yeah it would be good for that. The reserve on the RC is 1.2 gallons. The reserve on your current bike is .8 gallons if I remember right. On the RC you can get 130 miles before you need fuel, but you have to be careful on the throttle. I can't do it though

Also with Yoshimura/Dynojet's newer stuff, you could hook the bike up with a map switch and use 2 different maps. 1 to commute, 1 to ride hard in the twisties or the track.

[abtech]

I thought the RC was the RVT not the VTR . . .

[Blorton]

Originally Posted by figment

a vtwin is going to have more vibration than your I4. You can get the SAME mileage out of the RC51.

Originally Posted by booth23

On the RC you can get 130 miles before you need fuel, but you have to be careful on the throttle.

Thanks for the feedback guys. As long as I can reasonably commute two days without stopping for gas, that's good enough.

Figment - but those vibes are more of a low-frequency, less buzzy type than the 'Blade has, right? I thought I'd heard the RC was real smooth in the vibes department.

Originally Posted by showmethebombs

I would say get a aftermarket seat at least though. (not needed however...I just wanted it for the EXTRA long rides 150 miles +)

You bet! I took way too long to decide to put a Sargent on the last bike(A Viffer) but got one right away for the 'Blade. Like the factory workshop manual, that's one of those things I now automatically do for a new bike. Of course, my idea of a long ride is 400+ miles. Takes me 80 just to meet my buds at a place central to all of us, then we do a big loop up to the Cherohala Skyway, etc, then back home.

Appreciate the feedback, gang. Oh, and Booth - that dual map thing sounds like the shiznit. I'll have to look into that. Heck, I've been meaning to do an economy map for the 'Blade.

Cheers!
Dan

[The Sook]

The RC is both Abtech, depending on where you're from. Down here it's a VTR1000SP..........1 or 2

[vma]

Originally Posted by The Sook

The RC is both Abtech, depending on where you're from. Down here it's a VTR1000SP..........1 or 2

Just like RC45 was in some market VFR750R and some other RVF750(R)...

[ccwilli3]

Having had an RC51, I didn't think it was all that comfy or liveable unless I was riding hard. Putting around the neighborhood or commuting on it sucked. Thats just my opinion of course, but the bike was awesome when you were riding the tits off of it, but commuting, no way...

[TGZ13]

Originally Posted by ccwilli3

Having had an RC51, I didn't think it was all that comfy or liveable unless I was riding hard. Putting around the neighborhood or commuting on it sucked. Thats just my opinion of course, but the bike was awesome when you were riding the tits off of it, but commuting, no way...

Thats what I was trying to get at. I have only been riding mine for a few days but commuting hasnt been to much fun on it unless there is no traffic. Riding it in the twisties or anywhere where you can let it breathe is the most fun I have ever had

Going to try taking it to work again since I seem to be getting used to the position more and more besides next week the clipons go on so we shall see

[Blorton]

Originally Posted by ccwilli3

Having had an RC51, I didn't think it was all that comfy or liveable unless I was riding hard. Putting around the neighborhood or commuting on it sucked. Thats just my opinion of course, but the bike was awesome when you were riding the tits off of it, but commuting, no way...

Good point. Truth be told, I was actually waffling back and forth between the RC and the 'Blade before I got the 'Blade. I spent a lot of time in the showroom test sitting one and then the other. I ended up picking the 'Blade because I felt like the seat to peg distance was too tight for day-long rides.

There are times when I get stuck in bad traffic on the 'Blade, and that *sux*. I've thought about doing helibars, but haven't managed to talk myself into those yet. What's strange is that in the showroom at least, the RC felt like I could sit more upright on it.

ccwilli3,
How do you like the ergos on your 600rr? Don't know if I could handle the loss in torque, but an even lighter machine would be nice to try out. What kind of fuel range do you get?

Cheers!
Dan

[deez]

Originally Posted by TGZ13

Thats what I was trying to get at. I have only been riding mine for a few days but commuting hasnt been to much fun on it unless there is no traffic. Riding it in the twisties or anywhere where you can let it breathe is the most fun I have ever had

Going to try taking it to work again since I seem to be getting used to the position more and more besides next week the clipons go on so we shall see

Wait until you have those clipons installed and a new seat, those 2 mods dramatically change the comfort level on that motorcycle. It went from being a complete rack to a nice comfy machine. Once in a great while I'll commute on it, it's fun as hell, especially w/ the Satos

[TGZ13]

Originally Posted by booth23

Wait until you have those clipons installed and a new seat, those 2 mods dramatically change the comfort level on that motorcycle. It went from being a complete rack to a nice comfy machine. Once in a great while I'll commute on it, it's fun as hell, especially w/ the Satos

Cant wait for the clipons they should be here Wed

I would love to see peoples faces as you go by them in traffic with those evil pipes

[asiliat]

I think the crummy mileage of the RC would be a turn off for me. Then again, my 929, with the way I ride, isn't getting anything astronomical.

Depends on how long you have to ride one way I guess.

[davef]

OK I was in the exact situation as you: I had a 929 (which I loved but it was getting up there in lileage) and I wanted to go try a RC. My commute is 120 highway miles a day although I can take country routes if I want. So I sold the 929 and got a 2002 RC. I rode it for a year and put 7000 miles on it. Here are my observations:

1. The range sucks. Even with stock gearing I couldn't do better than ~ 120 miles before the light came on.

2. I was happy with the seating position but I'm 5' 9" and 155 so I fit pretty well on most sport bikes.

3. The sound from the exhaust and the gear whine from the motor give me wood

4. The trunk was a little small

5. Doing the twisties reveal some weaknesses of the stock bike. The gearing is pretty lame...go with 15/41. Due to the (excessive) weight the bike was very stable in long smooth sweepers but hold on tight if you hit a bump. And it was a little clumsy through low speed, sharp turns, also due to the weight. From my research, I've learned that the stock suspension is impossible to set up for an individual of my weight. The slightest bump upsets the chassis while leaned over. The brakes are awesome, however.

So I eventually decided to sell it, mostly because of reasons 1 and 5. I saw a 2002 954 on Ebay with full Ohlins I had to have it! So I got it and sold the RC after parting out the aftermarket stuff the previous RC owner put on it I sold the bike for a total of $200 less than I paid a year before So if you do decide to buy it rest assured that they hold theier value well, if you change your mind.

Obviously, all the above comparisons are made with reference to my experiences on a 929 and a 954 so bear that in mind.

Overall...not the greatest commuter bike, but, if it had been financially feasable I would have kept both liter bikes!

[deez]

When the suspension is sorted it turns into another animal. With good pipes and a map, another animal, and it just keeps getting better. Essential mod list to any RC owner.

Satos
PCIIIr
Sato Clip ons
corbin/sargent
15/41 gearing
ohlins shock
mori/dk link
revalved forks (cheap to do for this bike)

Whether slow or fast turns, straight line, whatever, it's on
The mileage is a show stopper for some, but if you are very easy on the throttle, you can make it work

[davef]

[quote=booth23]When the suspension is sorted it turns into another animal. QUOTE]

The stock suspension cant be sorted for someone my weight...the fix is very expensive ranging from Kyle fork revalving all the way up to full Ohlins.

I worked on it for many many hours and while I could definitely make it worse, I couldn't get it right.

I do miss the sound and the looks but not much else...

[CBR929RE]

I guess its just me but I could hop on any bike and be happy with the mileage it gets. but thats cause the mileage in my car varies, 10-12mpg (a little on the low side but its a V8 with 156k miles in a car that weighs almost 4000pounds and it has gas leak right at the fuel filter but I'm too lazy to try to fix it cause of the new engine thats going in when I get it ready to go in. it was rated at 17 and 22 when new)

[G-Man]

Just like RC45 was in some market VFR750R and some other RVF750(R).

Close but no cookie.

The VFR750R was the RC30 not the RC45.

[abtech]

Originally Posted by G-Man

Close but no cookie.

The VFR750R was the RC30 not the RC45.

My RC30 said VFR750RR not VFR750R

[G-Man]

Yours wasn't OEM, then.

VFR750R

Mine says