RC vs TLR

TheSollyLama · 10-13-2004, 12:08 PM

Has anyone ridden both the RC and the TLR? I'm wondering how they compare, as I've ridden neither. I'm way into the RC, but I no one wants to sell them and I don't think I can afford a new one. I do know of a TLR for sale locally that I could score tomorrow if I wanted. I prefer the design of the RC better, but don't know how they rate performance wise vs the TLR. And since Suzuki ain't makin' the TLR anymore, no magazine is doing comparos.
Thanks, guys.

FryDaddy · 10-13-2004, 02:02 PM

Both of the bikes are great machines. I have the RC51 and love it. As most people will say, that these bikes are not for the wheelie guy, they are more situated for curves. I have not rode the TLR, but I think that the suspension is a little softer than the RC and is easier to ride longer distances. If compared together, the RC would be on top because off its newer design compared to the TLR, better stock suspension and may be a few pounds lighter (not much).

Tarheelguy3 · 10-13-2004, 07:12 PM

Tiller is much more comfortable.

In every other category power, suspension, brakes.... Advantage RC.

21 natas · 10-14-2004, 03:06 AM

I've had both and I would choose the RC over the TLR in every catagory except comfort also.

jspecracer · 10-14-2004, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 21 natas

I've had both and I would choose the RC over the TLR in every catagory except comfort also.

My thoughts exactly. I have owned both also. The TLR has way more low end torque which makes wheelies a breeze if your into that though, Whereas the RC is more mid to high end unless geared differently. The TLR is 10x more comfortable for everday riding around the city, but IMO handles like poo compared to the RC.

TheSollyLama · 10-14-2004, 09:37 AM

Thanks guys. For comfort, it's important to me because my knees suck. That's the thing that makes me love my YZF so much, I can ride it for hours even with my metal knees. However, I don't have alot of time for really long rides, so it's something I can compromise on some.
I could care less about stunts. I'd just buy an R1 if I wanted to wheelie.
Would you say the TLR could benefit from a good regearing? That made all the difference for my 600R. Once regeared, it felt just like the SS bikes.
Thanks again for the input.

nig · 10-14-2004, 11:41 AM

Have you looked at the SV1000? It seems like it would make a better street bike. I have friends with both TL and RC, both bitch about comfort on longer rides, and they're 21, I think yer fucked

Edit: BTW, I've sat (not ridden) both and even the TL has a *much* racier position than the 600R (had one).

Raimey7 · 10-14-2004, 08:46 PM

All I have ever owned are inline 4's and I'm about to purchase an rc, I don't ride wheelies but I don't mind one popping up shifting gears. How is the rc with that?

TheSollyLama · 10-15-2004, 09:28 AM

I've seen RC's on the rear wheel a few times. Especially under hard aceleration. It'll wheelie, no doubt, but it doesn't favor it from what I've seen.
I was under the impression that the RC was a good deal faster than a TL. Am I incorrect?

Unicycle · 10-18-2004, 02:55 PM

I've seen both "kinds" of wheelies on the RC. Just the other day, a guy in my group standing it up and riding indefinately. Two blips of the throttle and he had it. The other, just cruising down the freeway sitting and guy snapped it up with the look and precision of tons of torque. By that I mean it snapped to balance point immediatly, without any drama and held it perfectly. I test rode one and it didn't snap up at all like I thought it would. But then, I can only do short wheelies on my F4i too, so I know I just suck at wheelies ;) Too skeered to ride 'em to get the height for mile long wheelies! Hopefully I just wasn't in the right powerband of the RC, cause I do want a bike that will be a really SMOOTH wheelie machine... I thought the RC with all its torque would do that??? Oh... maybe I'll just get one and practice

G-Man · 10-19-2004, 08:22 AM

Change the gearing to 15/42 and try and keeping the front wheel planted becomes an excercise in futility.

slingblade · 12-24-2004, 08:49 PM

I know this is a little late, but here it goes...

I had a YZF600R before the RC. Due to a problem with the front end of a mustang, the 600R was no more, and I now have metal knee and shoulder.

The YZF is a cruiser compared to the RC.

I've done 400 mile days on the RC and have felt it for sure, but for me its all in the wrists (I'm getting adjustable clipons before spring). My knees feel completely fine. A quick 200 mile day is pain free. These aren't highway miles either

96SNAKE/03RR · 12-24-2004, 09:59 PM

I agree with the other guys here..

I've ridden them both and love them. The TLR does seem to have better power/gearing down low and the RC seems to have more power or better gearing up top. No doubt the Honda has the better out of the box suspension (and generally feels more flickable) but if you can ride well and take the time to set the TL's suspension properly(very finicky bike with susp and tire pressure) you can stay with anyone. You also have to change your riding style a bit on the TL by keeping as much of your weight towards the front of the bike as you can and you must hang off the bike. If you like to keep your weight on the bike, it will seem to handle like crap.

Comfort wise, the TL is decent. It's still aggressive but easy to live with for cruising around. The Rc is more race oriented and I know I'd love to have one for the track someday. V-twins just plain kick ass. I love that I can just loaf around at 3500rpm in 6th gear and still have very useable torque.

Good luck with either bike you go with.(edit) Didn't realize how old this post was. What did you buy?