RS DPS vs RT DPS

[pro10is]

I own a 2011 RS-S but I've also ridden an RT on occasion. Every time I ride an RT I'm struck as to how much more active the DPS is. It's almost like power steering on a car. When I ride my RS-S I'm not aware that the DPS is doing anything, so much so that I asked the dealer to be certain it's working. He said it's not throwing any codes so it is working (although they never actually test drove it).

Is this the case with other RS/GS models? Can you feel the DPS working? My RS is not hard to steer but to me it feels like there is no DPS assistance at all under any driving conditions. I suppose that's the way it should be designed for a sport model but I want to be certain there are no problems before my two year warranty expires.

 

[arntufun]

:agree: If the Spyder is helping me turn, I can't tell and often feel that I'm doing all of the work. :dontknow:

 

[zrc]

Is there a way to turn it off in the comp and see how much worse / better / no change?

 

[NancysToy]

keep in mind that this is Dynamic Power Steering. It helps more at low speeds than high speed. The assistance level diminishes as your speed rises. It is entirely possible (and likely) that the algorithym is different for the heavier RT, so it feels different. The best way to check your RS is to as to take a demo ride on another machine of the same model, or ride a friend's Spyder. That's how several SpyderLovers found their DPS was not working...and no, they did not throw any codes, either. Another clue is to try to turn the bars with the Spyder running, and with the engine off. The difference should be obvious.

 

[Firefly]

As one that had DPS failure problems, it was very noticeable at slow speeds when it wasn't working. Like Scotty said, you should be able to tell a difference between turning the wheels with the bike running as opposed to everything off. Easiest to tell on smooth or glossy pavement as on rough asphalt it can be a bit hard turning regardless.

You used to be able to pop a relay and run without the DPS.. but I think that throws a code now and won't work anymore since one of the DPS software updates.....

 

[pro10is]

I can't feel any difference at any speed, or at idle, or with the engine on or off. It feels like the steering is direct.

RS/GS owners, can you feel a distinct difference in steering force with the engine on and then off?

 

[wyliec]

I can't feel any difference at any speed, or at idle, or with the engine on or off. It feels like the steering is direct.

RS/GS owners, can you feel a distinct difference in steering force with the engine on and then off?

I just double checked before I opened my mouth. I have a 2008 GS and there is a distinct difference in the force applied to the spyder handle bars between the engine ON and OFF; I was standing next to the spyder when applying force in both instances.

 

[Sarge707]

As someone who just had the DPS replaced last Thursday I can tell you there was a hugh difference.
Some in the past have callled it twitchy after the DPS was replaced- I call it better BUT much more powerful Power Steering!
(Maybe my DPS wasn,t even working?)
Before the replacement I had to actually use effort to turn at most speeds and used to swerve from one side of the (BackRoad:lecturef_smilie
to another when noone was around to practise accident avoidance at 35-50 MPH.

Now, I stopped that practise till I have a LOT more hours with this New DPS because it takes almost NO effort to turn.

All in All I,m happy because its like a New Bike BUT one you have to handle Gently.
nojoke

 

[MikeinGA]

keep in mind that this is Dynamic Power Steering. It helps more at low speeds than high speed. The assistance level diminuishes as your speed rises. It is entirely possible (and likely) that the algorithym is different for the heavier RT, so it feels different. The best way to check your RS is to as to take a demo ride on another machine of the same model, or ride a friend's Spyder. That's how several SpyderLovers found their DPS was not working...and no, they did not throw any codes, either. Another clue is to try to turn the bars with the Spyder running, and with the engine off. The difference should be obvious.

:agree:

Mike

 

[arntufun]

I can't feel any difference at any speed, or at idle, or with the engine on or off. It feels like the steering is direct.

RS/GS owners, can you feel a distinct difference in steering force with the engine on and then off?

I have mine covered up, because the nice weather is gone, but I will check mine out when I wake her up for a spin and let you know.

 

[bone crusher]

I can't feel any difference at any speed, or at idle, or with the engine on or off. It feels like the steering is direct.

RS/GS owners, can you feel a distinct difference in steering force with the engine on and then off?

I have a 2008 GS and it turns fine at any speed...or even when not turning. You want it to be stiffer at higher speeds so that you don't throw the bike off the road...

I'm wondering that without any type of assisted steering, the bike wouldn't be too hard to turn...I'm sure some here can answer that?

 

[ThreeFeet]

I had a RS SE5 2009 that the DPS was replaced and all of a sudden I had extremely sensitve steering. Before that I had to push it fairly hard to get it around corners. Took it to Smokies and made it thru those twistys without too much effort BUT sure made a diff after the fix!!! THEN I got the 2010 RT it's like driving my old 52 Chevy without power steering. I keep asking about it but the guys say it's been replaced. But I work harder at getting it around corners than I did with the RS. maybe the wt has a lot to do with it. I want to try somebodys RT to see if there is a diff. Maybe I can con Len (Cowtown Len) into letting me try one of his bikes. In the meantime ( I can't find how to start a thread) We had a CAN AM pull out into traffic onI70 right in front of a Kenworth. Bike went right and driver thrown and killed. He was 36 yr old. Pray for his family. He was from Lake St Louis.Mo.

 

[pro10is]

Update: I checked my 2011 RS today and there is a difference with the engine running. It's subtle and you have to pay close attention but the DPS does appear to be working. I'm wondering if perhaps the DPS torque was detuned a bit on the 2011-2012 RS. Perhaps it may be related to the reason why BRP only endorses the use of Fox shocks on 2011-12 models. Just speculation but if anyone ever has a chance to directly compare a 2008-2010 to a 2011-2012 RS it would be interesting to see if there is any difference. I already know there is a major difference in the RT DPS vs the RS.