RS vs RSS -- your thoughts on which way I should go???

[staysafeonline]

Greetings all, long time lurker, hopeful owner of a new Spyder in the next month or two. Seeking some advice and counsel from the wise folks on this forum... I know I am going to go with a variant of the RS (99% it will be a new bike), but here is my question to you experts. I have a vast amount of motorcycle experience (the two days of the motorcycle safety course :roflblack: ) so the Spyder is going to be my first bike and it is actually is the reason I finally took the course).

From what I can tell, the main differences between the RS and RSS are things like color, rims, seat and in the 2012 the upgraded Fox shocks, but it looks like the rest of the bike is pretty much the same. If we look at MSRP on the bikes here in the States, the RS goes for $16,499 (SM5) vs $18,099 (SM5) for the RSS. If you were me, buying your first Spyder, would you spend the extra $$ on the RSS or would you think you'd be better served to save the $1500.00, go with the RS use the "saved money" to spend on the inevitable upgrades/accessories?

The $1500 difference isn't going to make or break my decision, just wondering if the "RSS upgrade is really worth it"?

Second question -- if I did decide on a maximum budget and my choice was between an RS (SE5) vs an RSS (SM5) which direction would you go?

Your thoughts are appreciated in advance and I can't wait (quite literally) to be an ACTUAL member of the family rather than just a step-son (which is how I view myself right now). Ha-Ha!

Warmest regards,
Brian

 

[SpyderLady]

It really depends on which you like best. I went for the RS and then added what I wanted because I did not like all that cane on the RSS. Just my opinion..... U are the one that will be riding it. Get what you want

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome:

IMO: RS vs RSS--its the bling factor with some performance upgrades--if cost is not a problem go for the one you want the most. Don't suffer from the "gee, I could have had a V8" syndrome.

Manual vs. semi-automatic. A lot of us like the semi-auto--even bikers like me who have been riding since the mid 60's and have had several bikes.

There is no performance difference, fuel mileage is not that much difference, and its nice to just punch it and go without having to back off on the throttle.

If in doubt, suggest you try both kinds of transmission to see what you like best. Let us know what you do.

 

[arntufun]

The most important factor IMO is the color. If you like the color of the RS-S better than the RS, get the RS-S. That is the big ticket item you should consider.

Secondly is the shocks. Fox shocks has a great reputation and make an outstanding product. Since you can no longer get the EVO sway bar (it's an aftermarket item that helped with steering in corners), the shocks might be your only performance upgrade you can get for the suspention. You can get other shocks ( the most popular is ELKAS ), but they are more expensive and you might not notice much difference between Fox and Elkas.

I intalled the BRP custom seat cover on mine that you will get with the RS-S and it makes a HUGE difference in the looks. You might not think it would, but trust me I love love love the looks of it.

IMO it is a no brainer, get the RS-S !!! :thumbup:

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

I would have to agree with most of the comments here but add that if you ever wanted to trade the RS or RS-S in the SE5 auto may make it more saleable to a wider group of riders.

Also for the $1,600 difference you could get the fog lights and the Elka shocks on a RS and have all you really need that on the RS-S. Paint and colors are great but if you scan the folks here there is a lot of aftermarket additions.

I'd go with the RS unless color is a big factor.

 

[Bob Denman]

RS versus RSS... YES! :2thumbs:

Beyond that it all comes down to transmission and color and those choices are strictly yours to make...
Hey; more than half of the fun is in the shopping anyway! hyea:

 

[SPYD1]

I chose the Spyder for the SE5...so you know my answer. I wouldn't pay the extra for a seat and shocks when there are many aftermarket choices for each that may suit you better for less money. But...afterall...as others have said...it is your choice.

 

[docdoru]

RSS SE5 :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

I am a function-over-appearance sort of guy, so my focus would be on the mechanical aspects, and not the bling. You may be quite the opposite, however. I think the first thing to decide is SE vs SM. I prefer the manual clutch, partly because there is less confusion when switching to most of my other bikes, but as a new rider, you could easily adapt to either. I'd suggest that you test ride both versions, then make your decision. IMO, 1500 bucks is better spent on the semi-auto feature than on doodads.

As an alternative, you could spend the money on Elka shocks, and maybe some lighting upgrades. Those routes are also money well spent, to me. Or, if you want fancy paint, you could invest in a good vinyl wrap. You pretty much have to go with your heart and your pocketbook on this. Whatever you do, don't pay extra for something you are not sure of. It is easier to modify things later than to regret your decision for years. The only thing you absolutely have to decide up front is SE or SM.

 

[JimAtLaw]

So, I posted another thread about it (which I may delete), but since folks are talking about it here, I'm curious - has anyone actually tried the RS-S and the RS back to back and could you tell the difference between the shocks? Any thoughts on the comparison?

 

[docdoru]

So, I posted another thread about it (which I may delete), but since folks are talking about it here, I'm curious - has anyone actually tried the RS-S and the RS back to back and could you tell the difference between the shocks? Any thoughts on the comparison?

I have on Silver Dream 3 Elka's stage 2; I was ryding RSS with Fox shocks and IMPO they are much, much better! nojoke Plus, warranty from BRP.

 

[staysafeonline]

I have on Silver Dream 3 Elka's stage 2; I was ryding RSS with Fox shocks and IMPO they are much, much better! nojoke Plus, warranty from BRP.

Which did you like better? Sounds like you are saying the Fox shocks since you mentioned the BRP warranty.

 

[staysafeonline]

Thanks everyone -- I am just excited to finally be at a point where this is a decision I am going to "have" to make. I took a test ride on a RSS SM5 last June and liked it, so I guess it maybe makes sense to take both transmissions for a ride and decide that since it IS the only thing that can't be tweaked in the aftermarket....

ahhh, life is good!

 

[docdoru]

Which did you like better? Sounds like you are saying the Fox shocks since you mentioned the BRP warranty.

Yes.

 

[pro10is]

I went through the same decision myself last year. Here's exactly what you're getting in an RS-S for the extra money over an RS in 2012:

• Stitched seat cover (great looks improvement, even better have the dealer swap in the Comfort Seat as part of the deal, mine did for only an extra $250.)
• Two tone coloration (Looks -much- better than the std paint job, IMHO)
• Black six double-spoke front wheels (Major, major improvement in looks, these wheels look so much better than stock.)
• Black rear wheel and sprocket (Major improvement in looks and expensive to add on afterward)
• Painted front spoiler and A-arms (Nice touch)
• Carbon black handle bar console and lower body parts (Great improvement in style, looks lean and mean.)
• RS-S graphics (Nice touch)
• Gas charged adjustable Fox front shock absorbers (Major performance improvement.)

Come on, unless the extra money is a key factor, this is a no brainer. Get the RS-S, you won't regret it. You're really getting your money's worth with the RS-S package.

As far as the SE5 or SM5, go with the automatic. As a new rider it will be a wise choice. Unless you love to shift the old fashioned way (some hard core bikers do) the SE5 is soo much better. You'll spend more time enjoying the ride than concentrating on shifting. As a new rider you will also have more time to focus on other things like the traffic. Finally you will have an easier time selling an automatic over a standard because more people will be able to drive it.

The RS-S is the obvious choice, go for it.

 

[JimAtLaw]

When I was first looking at these a couple of years ago, folks were having trouble with the SE5 transmissions - did they work through these issues? Now that I'm in the market again, wondering if changes were made and this stuff got worked out.

 

[pro10is]

I have on Silver Dream 3 Elka's stage 2; I was ryding RSS with Fox shocks and IMPO they are much, much better! nojoke Plus, warranty from BRP.

Whoa! Doc! On spyderlovers.com (aka elkalovers.com ) this is practically heresy! I admire your courage for having what's sure to be an arguable opinion.

I for one would love to hear the details. I think Elkas are a great product but strongly believe that a quality performance shock can be offered at a far more reasonable cost which is why I'm looking closely at Fox and Progressive. Up until now it's been nearly impossible to get any objective opinions on Fox/Progressive vs Elkas which is a shame because these forums should offer objective opinions on all products not just the local favorites.

So as not to hijack this thread I'll start another on this subject on the ShopTalk forum. Please meet me there! opcorn:

 

[ABQ_Spyderman]

While I agree that the RS-S is a no-brainer, I humbly disagree that you should go with the semi-automatic. I did the same as you--learned on a 2-wheeler at the MSF course and then got my Spyder--my first ever motorcycle of any kind. But I am a big fan of the clutch. For me it enhances the ride. I don't even think about it, but it sure makes it nice to have it in the friction zone while in traffic or to really rev that engine and then pop that bad-boy and take off like a bat outta hades. The best feature, though, is being able to clutch it when you are in bad weather. I have come across black ice or major snow/slush or even massive puddles--and it's nice--no matter what gear I'm in--to be able to just pull in the clutch and disengage that rear wheel from the engine. That allows me to just coast through whatever poor road condition I just encountered without any slips/slides, etc. Of course, I'm on the younger side of the Spyder community, so maybe this is just youthful exuberance talking! :roflblack:

At any rate--whatever you get--welcome to the family! :congrats:And happy ryding!!

Best,
--ABQ

 

[mowin]

I agree on the RSS over thr RS.

the spyder was my first bike also. The last 2 wheeler I rode was a ten speed bicycle when I was 18, I'm 48 now.

The ONLY manual MC ive ridden was durring the saftey course last spring. I test rode a SM5, and a SE5. I Liked them both, but prefered the SM5
and am happy with my choice.

Get the one YOU are happy with and enjoy your:spyder2:

 

[spyderdmb1621]

Rs vs rss

At he end of the day I'll save the cash on the rss, I can paint the moldings cheaper anyway, the fun is customizing the bike your way, they. Oth drive the same was