How does the Older and Newer Generation RT Passenger seat/leg room compare?

[GoldenCrater]

Hi, thinking of moving from a Goldwing to a Spyder. We were at the dealer today and sat on a 2024/2025 RT and F3. They did not have any used models in stock.

The F3 had the driver backrest which remained folded when my wife got on the passenger seat due to her leg position. I couldn't get on the F3 to try sitting while she was on there. They couldn't remove the backrest easily.

The RT did not have a driver backrest, but there seems to be a lot more room with both of us on it. Or the seating position is better.

So, my question is that there are quite a few previous Gen, 2018-2019 RT's out there for sale. How does the passenger seating size legroom compare from the 2019- generation to the 2020+ generation? Bigger? Smaller?

The nearest 2019 is an hour away, is it worth the trip to take a look? The molded backrest and top case makes it look cramped, but that's only photos I'm seeing.

We're doing only a few weekenders a year, the rest is solo riding, so I'm balancing the price vs the nice to haves here.


Thanks.
-jim

 

[Mikey]

I would say it would be a great thing to do, go check it out because if you don't, you'll always have that question in the back of your mind until you do!! The hard part of using someone's advice on seats and leg room is that what feels good to me, may not feel good for you, you're a different size than I am, I am sure!!! Good luck in your search, don't rush it, that's a lot of money and you want to make a good discission for you!! P.S Welcome to the site!!!

 

[ned64]

If you're going to be riding 2 up most of the time, I would go with an RT. When I drive the wife's F3 and she is on too, she and I both feel cramped for space. On my RT we feel better for room and I can move my feet around more on it. On the older '17 RT that I had it was a good ride, but my '22 RT is better for room and it corners better. Try sitting on the different year Spyders to get the feel for the one you like best. Both of you need to sit on them at the same time to see how much room you'll have.

 

[JayBros]

Speaking from a semi-tall bloke (6'3"+) perspective, sitting on a bike will tell you only so much. Remember the old saying, "The girls all get prettier at closing time." You must test ride to see just how the roadster of your choice feels. My example, in 2016 I test rode a sharp looking and fun riding F3 - was very enjoyable. The killer was the Tupperware forward of the seat; both sides hit the inside of my knees right at the joint wearing my ATGATT; it was a painful experience I wouldn't accept on a full tank length ride. Was at a dealership this morning and the F3 problem is still there for me.

 

[Mikey]

If your able to test ride it!! Most places in Maine will only let you ride in the dooryard, that to me is a bunch of bull!!! You don't get the full affect in a small dooryard, ask me how I know that!

 

[GoldenCrater]

Thanks everyone, I found my answers on the Corbin seat site. We'll take a look at the older model, now that I know there is an extra 3.5" over the F3. I'm posting the info here, should others be looking for the specs:

• RT 2020+ 18" Passenger length, 19" Passenger width
• RT 2010-2019 13" Passenger length, 16" Passenger width
• F3 2016+ 9.5" Passenger length, 15" Passenger width

No image for the older gen RT, but they do give the dimensions as: Rider 17x15, vertical support 5, vertical backrest 14, Passenger 16x13.

-

Happy riding, all!

 

[GoldenCrater]

If your able to test ride it!! Most places in Maine will only let you ride in the dooryard, that to me is a bunch of bull!!! You don't get the full affect in a small dooryard, ask me how I know that!

Sounds like us with the Goldwing bought during covid. Yeah, I can touch the ground, I can hold it up with passenger. I can move around the parking lot. But, put a few pebbles under my feet or try stopping on uneven surface when 2 up and yikes! Then I got it home and backed out of my garage on to the sloped driveway and my feet don't touch ground for 3 feet.

I got to the realization this year that I was so concerned with supporting the bike when stopping and stopped, that I wasn't enjoying the ride anymore.

My sister has a 1st gen Spyder and loves it. I probably should have listened to her.

 

[Mikey]

Sounds like us with the Goldwing bought during covid. Yeah, I can touch the ground, I can hold it up with passenger. I can move around the parking lot. But, put a few pebbles under my feet or try stopping on uneven surface when 2 up and yikes! Then I got it home and backed out of my garage on to the sloped driveway and my feet don't touch ground for 3 feet.

I got to the realization this year that I was so concerned with supporting the bike when stopping and stopped, that I wasn't enjoying the ride anymore.

My sister has a 1st gen Spyder and loves it. I probably should have listened to her.

Ya, I feel your pain, after two knee jobs I decided two wheels were not a great thing for me and the bride. And like you, my inseam was a little short and the feet were never flat on the ground which made a bad combo at times!! We both enjoy this ride a lot better, not to mention I don't mind the rainy days, wire bridges and all of the different road material so much on three as I use to.

 

[Ages]

Thanks everyone, I found my answers on the Corbin seat site. We'll take a look at the older model, now that I know there is an extra 3.5" over the F3. I'm posting the info here, should others be looking for the specs:

• RT 2020+ 18" Passenger length, 19" Passenger width
• RT 2010-2019 13" Passenger length, 16" Passenger width
• F3 2016+ 9.5" Passenger length, 15" Passenger width

No image for the older gen RT, but they do give the dimensions as: Rider 17x15, vertical support 5, vertical backrest 14, Passenger 16x13.

View attachment 211627 - View attachment 211628

Happy riding, all!

Here is another option that may give you more space:

 

[GoldenCrater]

Thanks @Ages . We found a very unused (3,500 km) 2024 RTL, and will be picking it up April some time. We went dealer hopping and tried a bunch of model/years. We'll try riding this year and see if we need to do any mods, or maybe this change one will let me get a backrest. We'll see. Looks like a nice mod, though. The only thing I can't wrap my head around in this bike is the total lack of Android support, AFAICT. I mean, Car Play, fine. No Android Auto, ok. But you had a (kind of) working solution with BRP Connect, why scrap it so there is nothing for 1/2 the phones out there? This is just kind of hitting home now as I'll have to ride the unit home in a few months. The dealer is about an hour and a half away (easy enough) But I really don't know the roads in that city well enough to get me to the highway so I can get home. I'll have to try to follow my wife in the car (she gets ALL green lights, I get ALL red lights... don't ask) and make sure my helmet is paired to the phone "Hooneey!!! Where am I??" I'll get a phone holder once it's in my possession and then be able to throw some GPS app on the phone screen, so not the end of the world, but it seems a strange marketing decision.

 

[Ages]

@GoldenCrater, I'm also trying to figure out how to use navigation from my Android phone via BRP Connect. I know it can be done, I'm looking for a video. If I find a good one I'll post it. This is what AI says about it:

To use Android navigation on BRP Connect, you need to access the "BRP GO!" app on your Android phone, which allows you to utilize navigation features like maps, route planning, and points of interest directly on your vehicle's display through the BRP Connect technology; essentially, you're mirroring your phone's navigation app onto the vehicle's screen by launching the BRP GO! app and selecting the navigation function within it.

Key steps:

• Download the BRP GO! app: Ensure you have the BRP GO! app installed on your Android phone.
  
  
• Connect your phone: Pair your phone with your vehicle using the BRP Connect feature.
  
  
• Open the BRP GO! app: Launch the app on your phone.
  
  
• Select navigation mode: Within the app, choose the "Navigation" section or "Off-Road" playground depending on your vehicle type.
  
  
• Input destination: Search for your desired location on the map within the app.
  
  
• Start navigation: Once your route is planned, start the navigation feature to receive directions on your vehicle's display.

Important points to remember:

• BRP Connect is the technology:
  While you're using Android navigation, it's accessed through the BRP Connect feature that allows your phone's apps to be displayed on the vehicle screen.
  
  
• BRP GO! is the app:
  The primary app to access navigation on BRP Connect is usually called "BRP GO!".
  
  
• Check compatibility:
  Make sure your vehicle model and Android device are compatible with BRP Connect and the BRP GO! app functionalities.

 

[racoon]

BRP Connect/BRP Go isn't supported on 2024 Spyders, or more accurately, BRP Connect/BRP Go isn't supported on 10.25" screens:

BRP GO! & BRP Connect FAQ - Can-Am On-Road

Get the answers to all your questions about our BRP GO! navigational app and BRP Connect technology right here.

can-am.brp.com

Look at the second item in the Vehicle Connection section.

 

[Ages]

BRP Connect/BRP Go isn't supported on 2024 Spyders, or more accurately, BRP Connect/BRP Go isn't supported on 10.25" screens:

BRP GO! & BRP Connect FAQ - Can-Am On-Road

Get the answers to all your questions about our BRP GO! navigational app and BRP Connect technology right here.

can-am.brp.com

Look at the second item in the Vehicle Connection section.

Well, that's quite irritating. I'll call that 1-888 number tomorrow to inquire more about it.

 

[racoon]

Well, that's quite irritating. I'll call that 1-888 number tomorrow to inquire more about it.

The only options I'm aware of are handlebar mounted devices, like a Carpuride system or a Garmin Zumo XT or XT2 motorcycle GPS.

Carpuride CarPlay Screens for Motorcycles & Cars – Wireless & Portable

Upgrade Your Driving Experience with Carpuride's Wireless CarPlay Screens - Perfect for both cars and motorcycles, Carpuride CarPlay screens offer seamless in-car entertainment and connectivity. Upgrade your ride with advanced features that keep you connected and entertained on every journey.

carpuride.com

Garmin zūmo® XT | Motorcycle GPS Navigator

The zūmo® XT is an all-terrain motorcycle navigator with an ultrabright, rain-resistant, glove-friendly 5.5” display and preloaded on and off-road mapping.

www.garmin.com

Garmin zūmo® XT2 | Motorcycle GPS Navigator

zūmo® XT2 is a motorcycle GPS with a bright 6” glove-friendly display, visual route planner, group tracking, & a design built to withstand all kinds of weather.

www.garmin.com

 

[GoldenCrater]

Thanks. LMK if you get anywhere with BRP. I've ridden bikes since '86, so I should be used to riding without. I did really like the Goldwing with built-in GPS. I rarely connected AAuto and it got me to where I was going when touring, or at the office with 'let's go to lunch at that new place, blah, blah, blah'. If you're going to tour, you'll be going to new places and a GPS only makes sense these days. Be it with A Auto, Car Play, Built-in, or external. As I said, it just seems a strange business decision. I've heard BRP Connect isn't super great, but it is better than nothing, it's developed, and I suspect from a hardware POV, it should run on the new screen.

@racoon I did hear Carpuride is quite nice and can add front/back cameras which can be nice when you need that proof that you didn't just change lanes in front of them... I wonder what mounting bracket to use for the screen? I've also seen a bunch of off-brand types available on Amazon.

 

[racoon]

I'm an Apple user, so I've been using Apple Carplay with my 2024 Spyder RT S2S.
Since my 2023 Honda Ridgeline also supports Apple Carplay, I've been very comfortable with it.

As for handlebar mounts, I've heard of Tackform and RAM mounts, but I went with an Arkon handlebar mount for a Garmin Zumo XT, before Can Am figured out the Apple Carplay issues and I no longer needed the Zumo XT GPS.

Arkon® Mounts - High Quality Car Phone Holders, Tablet Mounts, & More

Headquartered in Southern California, ARKON® Mounts is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality, professional-grade mounts and holders for tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Since 1988 our commitment to quality and customer service has made us the go-to choice for keeping your...

arkon.com

 

[Deanna777]

My other half has a 2023 S2S and sometimes I ride with him (as his passenger). I sit higher than him then. I do not feel cramped in the passenger seat. I am a tall person, but I am comfortable sitting in the passenger seat. I still have plenty of leg room.

Deanna

 

[Ages]

I called BRP Customer Service and inquired as to when we could expect an upgrade to BRP Connect for Android phones. To make a long story short, the Customer Service was less than enthusiastic regarding addressing the matter and merely said "we don't have any further update at this time."

 

[racoon]

I did hear Carpuride is quite nice and can add front/back cameras which can be nice when you need that proof that you didn't just change lanes in front of them... I wonder what mounting bracket to use for the screen? I've also seen a bunch of off-brand types available on Amazon.

It comes with a mounting bracket, and I found a series of pictures on how to mount it.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0566/5112/0797/files/X8_c3be3c7e-7621-444b-ad0a-fe3ba60dedf0.jpg

From looking at the pictures, there's a round clamp that goes around the handlebars, with some plastic shims to use so it fits your handlebars.

Also note the ball mount on the handlebar clamp and the ball mount on the back of the Carpuride unit.
The connecting rod tightens around the two balls to hold the device in place. It's easily adjustable by loosening the clamp slightly and then tightening the clamp when it's in the position you wnat.

I found an unboxing video that does have a picture of the mount and the shims, although it doesn't have any details of them.
Look at 3:23 in this video. The things in the plastic bag are the shims.

 

[GoldenCrater]

It comes with a mounting bracket, and I found a series of pictures on how to mount it.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0566/5112/0797/files/X8_c3be3c7e-7621-444b-ad0a-fe3ba60dedf0.jpg

From looking at the pictures, there's a round clamp that goes around the handlebars, with some plastic shims to use so it fits your handlebars.

Also note the ball mount on the handlebar clamp and the ball mount on the back of the Carpuride unit.
The connecting rod tightens around the two balls to hold the device in place. It's easily adjustable by loosening the clamp slightly and then tightening the clamp when it's in the position you wnat.

I found an unboxing video that does have a picture of the mount and the shims, although it doesn't have any details of them.
Look at 3:23 in this video. The things in the plastic bag are the shims.

Thanks @racoon !
The day is getting closer for me to pick the new toy up.