Can an RS be made a comfortable cruiser for 2

You can do anything if you throw enough time and money at it. In the years you are looking at, the RT model is not that expensive and is already where you want it to be. By the time you throw on the required bags, larger windshield, better seat, backrests, etc, you will have spent the difference in price. The real questions are what is your definition of comfortable, how close to that is your wife's definition of comfort, and who's definition are you going to build to? My suggestion would be to find an early model 1330 RT and go from there.

What pegasus1300 said.

Kcled01 said:

I know it's been a decade since you posted this but I wanted to ask if you recall how to add the cruise control? I just purchased my first Spyder (2014 RS SM5). Haven't even picked it up yet, dealer is installing new tires. Do I just need to find a right hand control module that has the cruise control on it and install it?

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I don't have a definitive answer, but cruise control is done by the ECM, and the ECM part numbers are different for the RS SM5 and RSS SM5 (the RSS came with cruise control). That said, I had a 2019 Ryker Rally which did not offer cruise control. I added an aftermarket Rostra cruise control, but it is far from plug and play.

DickB said:

I don't have a definitive answer, but cruise control is done by the ECM, and the ECM part numbers are different for the RS SM5 and RSS SM5 (the RSS came with cruise control). That said, I had a 2019 Ryker Rally which did not offer cruise control. I added an aftermarket Rostra cruise control, but it is far from plug and play.

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You've got that right! And if you ride it in the rain, it won't last. I've had 3 systems. I even loaded the controller with silicone. It lasted longer, but eventually failed. I averaged about 2 years on those. To be fair, they do not claim to be waterproof. I think they even say not to expose them to weather.

There was a guy in Australia that supposedly solved the problem with a system he developed. But it was very expensive. I don't know if he is still around.

BajaRon said:

You've got that right! And if you ride it in the rain, it won't last. I've had 3 systems. I even loaded the controller with silicone. It lasted longer, but eventually failed. I averaged about 2 years on those. To be fair, they do not claim to be waterproof. I think they even say not to expose them to weather.

There was a guy in Australia that supposedly solved the problem with a system he developed. But it was very expensive. I don't know if he is still around.

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I put mine in a plastic bag and had it for 3 years no problems. In Florida, if you don't ride because rain is in the forecast, then you won't ride for half of the year. I got drenched more than a few times.

DickB said:

I don't have a definitive answer, but cruise control is done by the ECM, and the ECM part numbers are different for the RS SM5 and RSS SM5 (the RSS came with cruise control). That said, I had a 2019 Ryker Rally which did not offer cruise control. I added an aftermarket Rostra cruise control, but it is far from plug and play.

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Thank you for the informative reply. Much appreciated.

laserracer said:

Looking at buying an RS for the wife and i to do weekend trips away... main factor is price .. as these.. seem well priced here in New Zealand looking at used probably 2008 ..2012.. whats needed to make these nice for touring.. more so from the passengers point of view.. like they say HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE.....shes not a confident passenger on 2 wheels.. so looking at possibly seat options back rests, arm rests,..I know an RT is probably the preferred spyder for this task but they are about twice the price here

Cheers Dave

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I had a 2012 RSS, and yes, they do bounce more that the Ltd. I found the "Ultimate seat" which is manufactured in Ontario, Canada, (half the price you would buy the same seat for in the US) is very comfortable and I added the drivers backrest as well. I bought a top box for about $100 Canadian with a passenger back rest. I modified the existing back seat cover to hold the top box. That way I had storage for traveling and if I did not want the top box, I mounted the rear seat rest. Adjusting the spring to a softer setting will help a little as well. I put 245,000 klm on my 2012 RSS. Bumpy roads are not fun, slow down on those; I broke a rear fender and lost my tail lights by going too fast.

I loved New Zealand; spent three weeks on a motorcycle touring the North and South Islands.

Good luck and enjoy the