Hello everyone,
Newbie here hoping to buy a 2020 RT Limited in the near future. Looking forward to posting on here and getting to know some of you folks. Live full-time in a motorhome. Currently spending the winter in Las Vegas, NV. Travel for 6 months from Spring to Fall. Hoping to tow the Spyder on a trailer behind the motorhome and leave the SUV behind in storage.
I had briefly ridden all three Can-Am models at a riding course in December. That RT was a 2019 model. Last Saturday I test rode a 2020 RT Limited. As soon as I sat on it, I noticed a big difference in how it fit me. I'm 5'11". On the 2019 I felt way too close to the handlebars and didn't have enough room to stretch my legs. The leg room on the 2020 is greatly increased with the large floorboards and the seat being slightly farther back. Way more comfortable. The handlebars were at a comfortable distance. Probably wouldn't need the optional long reach handlebars, but can add them later if necessary. The Tri Axis handlebars from previous models are not on the 2020. According to the dealer, the standard handlebars are not adjustable. If you want a longer or shorter reach, you swap out the bars. Seat was a bit lower and very comfortable. Would probably want the back rest for long rides.
I have no experience on motorcycles or trikes, so I'm starting fresh and not bringing muscle memory to the Can-Am. And I can't compare the 2020 to previous models. All I know is that everything seemed so easy the first time riding in traffic. Riding slowly around a track in a parking lot is plenty easy, but I wondered about the reality of being in traffic at higher speeds. Except for the paddle upshifting and handlebars, it felt kinda like driving a car. My 64-year-old legs could hold up a bike now, but I ain't gettin' no younger, so I liked the simple concept of pulling up to a red light and just stopping and sitting there.
Ride lasted about 35 minutes. Was surprised at how smooth it rode at highway speed. Highway was straight, and the side roads were mostly residential, so I was not able to take it fast through curves. Don't know how top heavy it would feel with speed. Steering was effortless at all speeds. Had heard the steering could be a bit touchy in some previous models at highway speeds, but I didn't sense it in the 2020. With a full-face helmet and the visor down, I preferred the windshield to be in its lowest position for a view of 2 to 3 inches over the top. At its highest position, I was looking through the windshield about 3 inches below the top. The vents let in a lot of air, but the right amount for my liking. Not a lot of wind noise. Mirrors were steady. The automatic downshifting from gear to gear was noticeable, and the slight revving of the engine with each downshift caught me off guard at first. I thought maybe I was still on the throttle by mistake and had to double check myself. I think I'd get used to it pretty quickly, though. LED dashboard was nice and bright in sunshine. Didn't play around with the Bluetooth system or stereo.
As a newbie, I'm probably not thinking of other aspects you experienced riders want to know about it. But I wanted to pass along my observations. Please feel free to ask any questions. Hope it helps.
Newbie here hoping to buy a 2020 RT Limited in the near future. Looking forward to posting on here and getting to know some of you folks. Live full-time in a motorhome. Currently spending the winter in Las Vegas, NV. Travel for 6 months from Spring to Fall. Hoping to tow the Spyder on a trailer behind the motorhome and leave the SUV behind in storage.
I had briefly ridden all three Can-Am models at a riding course in December. That RT was a 2019 model. Last Saturday I test rode a 2020 RT Limited. As soon as I sat on it, I noticed a big difference in how it fit me. I'm 5'11". On the 2019 I felt way too close to the handlebars and didn't have enough room to stretch my legs. The leg room on the 2020 is greatly increased with the large floorboards and the seat being slightly farther back. Way more comfortable. The handlebars were at a comfortable distance. Probably wouldn't need the optional long reach handlebars, but can add them later if necessary. The Tri Axis handlebars from previous models are not on the 2020. According to the dealer, the standard handlebars are not adjustable. If you want a longer or shorter reach, you swap out the bars. Seat was a bit lower and very comfortable. Would probably want the back rest for long rides.
I have no experience on motorcycles or trikes, so I'm starting fresh and not bringing muscle memory to the Can-Am. And I can't compare the 2020 to previous models. All I know is that everything seemed so easy the first time riding in traffic. Riding slowly around a track in a parking lot is plenty easy, but I wondered about the reality of being in traffic at higher speeds. Except for the paddle upshifting and handlebars, it felt kinda like driving a car. My 64-year-old legs could hold up a bike now, but I ain't gettin' no younger, so I liked the simple concept of pulling up to a red light and just stopping and sitting there.
Ride lasted about 35 minutes. Was surprised at how smooth it rode at highway speed. Highway was straight, and the side roads were mostly residential, so I was not able to take it fast through curves. Don't know how top heavy it would feel with speed. Steering was effortless at all speeds. Had heard the steering could be a bit touchy in some previous models at highway speeds, but I didn't sense it in the 2020. With a full-face helmet and the visor down, I preferred the windshield to be in its lowest position for a view of 2 to 3 inches over the top. At its highest position, I was looking through the windshield about 3 inches below the top. The vents let in a lot of air, but the right amount for my liking. Not a lot of wind noise. Mirrors were steady. The automatic downshifting from gear to gear was noticeable, and the slight revving of the engine with each downshift caught me off guard at first. I thought maybe I was still on the throttle by mistake and had to double check myself. I think I'd get used to it pretty quickly, though. LED dashboard was nice and bright in sunshine. Didn't play around with the Bluetooth system or stereo.
As a newbie, I'm probably not thinking of other aspects you experienced riders want to know about it. But I wanted to pass along my observations. Please feel free to ask any questions. Hope it helps.
hyea:
