S vs RT fairing performance on long tours

[herseyb]

Hey gang,

I've been trolling craigslist for an RT to use for >400 mile trips, and leave my naked bike for local jaunts through the driftless... 

Now I see a nice K75S for a decent price and I'm wondering what people think of the protection of the S vs RT fairings for touring.

Cheers.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I have both.  The RT is good for long trips, I've done a 1500 mile Iron Butt run on it.  I can do strings of 600-700 mile days on it.  The S is almost a naked bike.  The wind on it can get a bit tiring after 7-8 hours, especially where it is pulling your knees out away from the tank.

The S is really good for hot weather as you get the full air flow.  If it's cold or raining, the RT is the way to go. 

The S is a bit more nimble, and the riding position is more aggressive, the RT handles well despite being a little more clumsy at low speeds and the riding position is more relaxed.

One thing, whichever model you choose, go for the comfort seat.  If you get an RT, see if you can find a Russell Day Long seat.  The stock bench seat will kill your ass, and some of the Corbin models are brutal as well.  I had one on my S when I got it, and had to get it replaced as soon as possible.

[Martin]

A K75s can eat miles but the RT is better at it. However mine is a lot better with a few mods. It helps if you suffer from ducks disease (are short of stature but stout of heart) keeps you behind the screen. You need a good seat, OEM not very good and gets worse with the passing of time and miles. I also moved my handle bars up and back and have installed a throttle lock that is easier and safer than the OEM one. A Camel Back is essential in a hot climate but good in any climate, I also like music when doing long distances, it stops me from zoning out. Intercom is also probably good for this but I don't have one. You also must have comfortable riding gear nothing worse than air leaks or rubbing seams or boots.
Regards Martin.

[johnny]

greetings...

the s fairing is for sporty looks... not for protection... and you will slow roast behind that rt fairing in the summer... especially if it has a fixed windshield...

since you gotts a neked 750 for the driftless...

id score this k1100lt... fly and ride...

proally needs nothing and your hawt woman will like it for 2up motocamping...

seriously... most likely wont be a money pit and at your size it would be perfect ergos for busting out the driftless or blasting a day ride to colorado 1up or 2up...

j o

[michael]

You can "summerize" the RT fairing by fitting covers over the exposed engine parts near your legs and plugging the vents in the leg shields. Use insulated aluminium foil as in the stuff you fit behind household radiators to reflect heat into your room and away from the wall during winter. This redirects the hot air to the rear of the bike. It does not cause overheating or loss of power. Cover the leg vents with black gaffer tape or put he aluminium foil under the vent in the leg shield. Come october you can peel it all off and have the heat for winter riding. I have been all over europe in the summer using this heat deflector and it works well.

[Chaos]

when I had the fairing off my "S"  after a deer hit I appreciated how much it actually did do, especially rain and to some degree cold weather.  It is no RT but bar risers and an Aeroflow shield make it decent, and I prefer it to driving a barn door across country. 

[Martin]

+1 Chaos I've found that in rain on my 75s at 100 KPH that I stay pretty dry except for my gloves helmet and the lower 6" of my right leg. still can't work out the right leg only thing. :dunno   However in Queensland tropical down pours nothing works on any bike. I had to pull over under a bridge and remove my neck sock while wearing it and an open faced helmet. I was drowning.  :hehehe
Regards a slightly puzzled Martin.