Decision Dilemma

[major911]

I have been wanting a spyder since i took my first demo ride in 2007. I have demo'ed the RS several times and being a long time harley cruiser guy (1 electra glide and 2 Road kings) I wasn't crazy about the sport bike seating position. When the RT's came out i thought WOW all the things I wanted to change about the early spiders have been taken care of. However being a long time reader of this forum I was back and forth with my decision based on all the quirky things I read about this new spider, I finally got the opportunity to ride a 2012 RTS the other day at my local dealer and I was impressed with the comfort and amenities but not the price. I don't really need all the bells and whistles so I'm considering the basic RT, the way i see it the fewer gizmos on it the fewer things to break down. Besides I'm most interested in the seating position, comfort and storage capacity anyway. Seems like there are still a number of issues with the RT's so I was wondering if the RS would be a more sound decision and was hoping some owners of each might be able to provide some feedback. The RS has been around longer and seems to be less buggy from what i read on here but I do like to travel and often times two up, would the RS be comfortable enough for a 800 mile trip? There's such a huge difference in prices between the two and it gives me a headache trying to make a sound decision. I want a ride thats going to be on the road more than in the shop. something I can depend on. Is my logic sound about the RT vs RTS? Is less better? or is it more sound to opt for the RS thats been around long enough to have had the bugs worked out and just try to achieve the comfort level thru mods? Not looking for someone to make up my mind, just give me some good feedback to help me make the right choice.

Thanks

 

[ARtraveler]

I have owned 2 RS versions and now 2 RT versions. I have been a :ani29: owner from day one. Over 60,000 total combined :spyder2: miles. Have never had bad mechanical issues on any of the four :ani29:'s which have never held me hostage from riding while being in the shop.

You have to buy what is best for you though.

It sounds like you are more of an RT person than RS though. RT is for touring and RS for sport. Each :spyder2: has its own particular characteristics. The RS is less expensive. I fixed both up with over $6000.00 worth of farkles on each, and it still did not make either one an RT.

I bought a premier edition RT when it first came out--with everything on it. Currently, I have 25,000 miles plus on it. It has never had any mechanical issues. I just purchased a second RT--a 2011 A & C--a lower priced version--without EVERYTHING. I saved money by buying a 2011 vs a 2012. We like the second :ani29: just as much as the first.

A good servicing dealer is very important. The :spyder2: needs to be set up right. This is my take on :ani29:. Recommend test driving both again and going from there. Price is no worse than the HD's you are used to for the RT. Technology wise, I think you are ahead with the :spyder2:.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

If you are looking for comfort and didn't care for the sport bike seating position on the RS then you will probably be happier with the RT. I had the opportunity to use a RS for an extended time and it was not cmfortable for me. I have had my 2010 RTS SM5 since July 2010 and have gone 38,000 miles. Mine has definitely been on the road more than in the shop. I'm getting ready to head out on a 5,000 mile trip followed up by a 3,000 mile trip and I have total confidence in the RT. So I say :welcome: and good luck with your purchase.

 

[napper39]

ive have the rs with everthing you can put on it for compfert but i spent moore money doing that than a rt would have costed me and still not as good as the rt so you better get the rt in the long run it will save you money,now as soon as i can ill trade for an rt.manet other riders has done the same thing all the ad ons will not make it an rt.:2thumbs:

 

[summerdawn]

There are no guarantees in life (just warranties)! You want the RT, buy the RT. We all risk getting a lemon with any product but we rarely do. That being said- my new RT is in the shop recovering from a poor dealer setup or a problem it was shipped with. When I pick it up in a couple of days I expect plenty of trouble free riding. The RT meets needs that the RS can not easily: its carrying capacity is fantastic and it's riding position is relaxed. Get what you really want.

 

[NancysToy]

Most of our RTs have been very reliable, and have spent much more time on the road than in the shop. Don't forget that the Internet magnifies problems greatly. You never hear about the folks that are just riding and riding, just from those searching for answers or understanding. If you wait for something that has 100% reliability, you will never get to ride. Only you can decide how much risk you are willing to assume, but I don't think are as grim as you perceive, by any means.

 

[Firefly]

I have been wanting a spyder since i took my first demo ride in 2007. I have demo'ed the RS several times and being a long time harley cruiser guy (1 electra glide and 2 Road kings) I wasn't crazy about the sport bike seating position. When the RT's came out i thought WOW all the things I wanted to change about the early spiders have been taken care of. However being a long time reader of this forum I was back and forth with my decision based on all the quirky things I read about this new spider, I finally got the opportunity to ride a 2012 RTS the other day at my local dealer and I was impressed with the comfort and amenities but not the price. I don't really need all the bells and whistles so I'm considering the basic RT, the way i see it the fewer gizmos on it the fewer things to break down. Besides I'm most interested in the seating position, comfort and storage capacity anyway. Seems like there are still a number of issues with the RT's so I was wondering if the RS would be a more sound decision and was hoping some owners of each might be able to provide some feedback. The RS has been around longer and seems to be less buggy from what i read on here but I do like to travel and often times two up, would the RS be comfortable enough for a 800 mile trip? There's such a huge difference in prices between the two and it gives me a headache trying to make a sound decision. I want a ride thats going to be on the road more than in the shop. something I can depend on. Is my logic sound about the RT vs RTS? Is less better? or is it more sound to opt for the RS thats been around long enough to have had the bugs worked out and just try to achieve the comfort level thru mods? Not looking for someone to make up my mind, just give me some good feedback to help me make the right choice.

Thanks

I just made the switch after 56,000 miles on my RS and I can tell you... even with $6,000 worth of add-on stuff--- my RS was never as comfy as my RT.

By the time you outfit an RS to be an RT-- you'll spend more.

I'd go for the RT.... actually I just did !

 

[Bob Denman]

And Fly; you made a wise choice! :2thumbs:

 

[johnnyg]

Major911 give me a call here at the house, 352-288-0605.[John ] I live up here in Ocklawaha. We have both 2010 RT 34k and my wife has a 2011 RS.14k

 

[harrypottar]

No matter which brand of motorcycle/atv/car/watercraft forum you visit here will always be post about horror stories.

I've been on VTX forums and goldwing forums you find plenty of issue with both, the RT is relatively new and has had teething issue.

Personally I think BRP are quite responsive with updates and bulletins to fix known issues.

I still think with the amount of spyders out there that those with major issues are a minority and certainly not the norm.

I test rode an RS several years ago and I did not like the seating stance either, went from a Goldwing to the RT and love it.

I have all the amenities (limited edition) because I was spoiled with Goldwing.

If you only concern is the reliability don't give it a second thought, find a good dealer and go for it.

harry

 

[major911]

I have owned 2 RS versions and now 2 RT versions. I have been a :ani29: owner from day one. Over 60,000 total combined :spyder2: miles. Have never had bad mechanical issues on any of the four :ani29:'s which have never held me hostage from riding while being in the shop.

You have to buy what is best for you though.

It sounds like you are more of an RT person than RS though. RT is for touring and RS for sport. Each :spyder2: has its own particular characteristics. The RS is less expensive. I fixed both up with over $6000.00 worth of farkles on each, and it still did not make either one an RT.

I bought a premier edition RT when it first came out--with everything on it. Currently, I have 25,000 miles plus on it. It has never had any mechanical issues. I just purchased a second RT--a 2011 A & C--a lower priced version--without EVERYTHING. I saved money by buying a 2011 vs a 2012. We like the second :ani29: just as much as the first.

A good servicing dealer is very important. The :spyder2: needs to be set up right. This is my take on :ani29:. Recommend test driving both again and going from there. Price is no worse than the HD's you are used to for the RT. Technology wise, I think you are ahead with the :spyder2:.

Let us know what you decide.

Sounds like your more than qualified to make that comparison. Thanks for the candid response. I'm pretty sure that the RT is the right choice especially after riding it. I appreciate yours and all the feedback it's good to know there is such a great deal of support out there.

 

[major911]

I just made the switch after 56,000 miles on my RS and I can tell you... even with $6,000 worth of add-on stuff--- my RS was never as comfy as my RT.

By the time you outfit an RS to be an RT-- you'll spend more.

I'd go for the RT.... actually I just did !

Which RT did you get?

 

[Firefly]

Which RT did you get?

RT A&C package.... SM5 .... got it from Cowtown in MO..... Len takes good care of us out here....:thumbup:

 

[major911]

Major911 give me a call here at the house, 352-288-0605.[John ] I live up here in Ocklawaha. We have both 2010 RT 34k and my wife has a 2011 RS.14k

Thanks John, we're practically neighbors. Will be looking for a riding partner when I settle on this thing...LOL

 

[Bob Denman]

RT A&C package.... SM5 .... got it from Cowtown in MO..... Len takes good care of us out here....:thumbup:

Did you go for the foglights... or the air induction system???

 

[dick574]

Got a RT A/C SE5 last July. Have a great dealer who knows how to take care of the Spyder & really cares that everything is right before it leaves the shop. Only had a throttle body replaced but it never shut me down. Had plenty of warning & it got fixed right away. I wouldn't do anything different if I was to get a new one. Good luck with your decision.

 

[major911]

RT A&C package.... SM5 .... got it from Cowtown in MO..... Len takes good care of us out here....:thumbup:

I definitely know I want the SM5 whichever RT I decide on. I like the control factor of deciding to switch my own gears not the bike deciding for me...LOL. Reason I'm leaning toward the basic RT besides cost of course is the less technical gizmo's the less technical problems. I'm not sure the bells and whistles they put on em are worth the extra coin. I figure if i don't have the radio then Ive eliminated two of the problems I've read about 1. the battery drain issue and 2. the water invasion around the antennae. Ive never had a radio on any of my bikes so i doubt Ide miss it. I do want to be able to mount my garmin zumo 550 on it and it would be nice to hear it thru the bike. Do you know if the basic RT is equipped with the front speakers or not?

 

[steve635]

Personally I am very comfortable on my RS and am looking forward to doing some road trips, the addition of a few minor changes, primarily a touring windshield and 1" riser made all the difference for me. Also the RS models do seem to have fewer problems. However, what's comfortable for me will not necessarily translate for you, and there are plenty of trouble free RT's around so I recommend buying what's comfortable for you.

 

[NancysToy]

I definitely know I want the SM5 whichever RT I decide on. I like the control factor of deciding to switch my own gears not the bike deciding for me...LOL. Reason I'm leaning toward the basic RT besides cost of course is the less technical gizmo's the less technical problems. I'm not sure the bells and whistles they put on em are worth the extra coin. I figure if i don't have the radio then Ive eliminated two of the problems I've read about 1. the battery drain issue and 2. the water invasion around the antennae. Ive never had a radio on any of my bikes so i doubt Ide miss it. I do want to be able to mount my garmin zumo 550 on it and it would be nice to hear it thru the bike. Do you know if the basic RT is equipped with the front speakers or not?

Just so you understand, the SE also allows you the control to switch your own gears. It can not upshift automatically. It will, however downshift if the rpm drops too low, and prohibit upshifting if the rpm is insufficient. I prefer the manual myself, but don't make your decision on the basis of lack of control...the Spyder is not capable of that degree of automatic operation.

 

[major911]

Personally I am very comfortable on my RS and am looking forward to doing some road trips, the addition of a few minor changes, primarily a touring windshield and 1" riser made all the difference for me. Also the RS models do seem to have fewer problems. However, what's comfortable for me will not necessarily translate for you, and there are plenty of trouble free RT's around so I recommend buying what's comfortable for you.

How do you like that touring windshield? A buddy of mine has an 08 se5 and he has gone thru several windshields trying to find one that can keep some of that wind off him at hwy speeds.