Is the 2013 RS-S worth the extra money?

[Dynamike]

The 2013 RS already has an upgraded suspension and 15" rims, so is the RS-S premium price justified for mostly cosmetic upgrades? Are the fox shocks that big of an improvement over the new stock shocks?

Am I missing something?

[DrewNJ]

For some reason, other than colors/graphics, I'm thinking the 2013 RSS has an upgraded color cluster, different fenders, different seat cover, Fox shocks, cruise control.

Prior to that it was cosmetics (other than the 2012 fox shocks)......mainly going from silver wheels and bits to black wheels and bits....

It was the primary reason I bought my plain ole' RS for 2012 and swapped in a pair of 2012 RT shocks. I wanted a black spyder and actually like the silver wheels...

So, for 2013 there are a handful of goodies in the -S upgrade....

[Bob Denman]

The've also foregone the 990 series engine in favor of the RT's 991...
That simplifies the product line with more parts commonality.
That's what allows for the electronic cruise control.
Some GS/RS pilots seem to gumble about the loss of 6 hp; only time will tell if the additional torque and lower-rev powerband will make up for it...

[MikeinGA]

The 2013 RS already has an upgraded suspension and 15" rims, so is the RS-S premium price justified for mostly cosmetic upgrades? Are the fox shocks that big of an improvement over the new stock shocks?

Am I missing something?

I have found with every new model year there are fixes and new engineering that solve problems from earlier models. It's always better to get the new model year. That's IMHO.

Mike

[Laila's Dad]

In my Opinion, if money is not a consideration always go with the new stuff. Unless the new design changes to the point that you only like the older model.

[Sarge707]

http://spyder.brp.com/compare-models?categoryCode=RS

By the comparoson above All I see is different fenders, Fox Shocks and the 2 Tone colors if that strikes your fancy?

I would buy the RS Save $1,700 and then put on Bajarons sway bar ($200) and Pick-up a set of almost new 2011-2012 RT shocks
($150) = Still saves you about $1,300 and you might want to add a Windshield or Lighting?

[Dynamike]

That is what I was thinking. It looks like the RSS has cruise control also, which is not a big deal to me. I really like the gloss black RS paint and the RS rims over the RS-S rims. None of the RS-S colors are really striking me in the photos, I probably will have a different opinion after seeing them in person.


Can't wait until the motorcycle show in January!

[retread]

The 2013 has a new frame, better suspension, brakes, and everything else listed by others here. It depends on whether you want to save money or get an improved product.

john

[Dynamike]

I'm not debating buying an older spyder vs a new one, but specifically the extra cost of the RS-S over the RS. I am definitely buying a 2013 because of the updates, thanks for the info though.

[Bob Denman]

If the colors and fenders that are available on the base model work for you;
Shocks, swaybars, even paint are all items that can be addressed as the plan develops...

[MikeinGA]

The've also foregone the 990 series engine in favor of the RT's 991...
That simplifies the product line with more parts commonality.
That's what allows for the electronic cruise control.
Some GS/RS pilots seem to gumble about the loss of 6 hp; only time will tell if the additional torque and lower-rev powerband will make up for it...

Yes, then the older GS/RS models will be faster and some people will pay more for the the older models. That's progress inverted .

Mike

[Bob Denman]

Will they??
The lower rpm powerband might just tip the scales in favor of the 991...
Time will tell!

[Dynamike]

It will be interesting to see how the difference in horsepower translates to real world riding. For my money, I think I'd rather have an extra 3ft lbs of torque 1250 rpm sooner than 6 more peak hp. The hp/lbs difference is only .4.

Honestly, we are probably splitting hairs with such a small difference.

Does the 991 motor accept performance upgrades as well or better than the 990?

[chris56]

the new RS should need 10% less fuel than the old one ?!? and this new RSS is really a problem for the ST Fans ..like me

[Sarge707]

It will be interesting to see how the difference in horsepower translates to real world riding. For my money, I think I'd rather have an extra 3ft lbs of torque 1250 rpm sooner than 6 more peak hp. The hp/lbs difference is only .4.

Honestly, we are probably splitting hairs with such a small difference.

Does the 991 motor accept performance upgrades as well or better than the 990?

Having 24,000 miles on a 2009 GS and 1,300 Miles on the 2012 RT I can tell you I like the Broader powerband of the RT (Same motor in the 2013 RS) BUT The 09 GS out accelerates it by a BIG margin and especially from the 50 MPH to 100 MPH range where the RT is kinda doggy Compared to the GS!
The 2013 RS is 100 Pounds heavier than the 2008-2012 GS/RS. The ST is 160 Pounds heavier! I will gladly put 50,000 miles on my GS before I think about trading it for anything!

[Bob Denman]

Ahhh; those weights...
Could that be a real 100 lb difference, or is BRP finally admitting to what they REALLY have weighed all along???
We need to get some stock bikes onto a scale to sort this out!

[chris56]

Ahhh; those weights...
Could that be a real 100 lb difference, or is BRP finally admitting to what they REALLY have weighed all along???
We need to get some stock bikes onto a scale to sort this out!

[Dynamike]

That certainly adds a new spin on the choice. I guess with larger rims, new suspension components and new brakes, there could be a 100lb weight difference.

[Bob Denman]

I don't know...
How much does the 14" rim weigh?
The 15" tires should be a bit lighter due to the lower sidewall.
Bigger rotors; there's a little bit.
The Brembos will weigh more also.... a couple of pounds per side?
I just don't see anything NEAR a hundred extra pounds over a 2012 model bike.

But I could be so wrong that you guys will be reminding me about it for years!

[Arthur---Mexico]

True only if you purchase a new model after it's been on the market for one year. That gives the manufacturer one year to clean up their act.
Arthur---Mexico City

I have found with every new model year there are fixes and new engineering that solve problems from earlier models. It's always better to get the new model year. That's IMHO.

Mike

[Kratos]

Ahhh; those weights...
Could that be a real 100 lb difference, or is BRP finally admitting to what they REALLY have weighed all along???
We need to get some stock bikes onto a scale to sort this out!

Exactly....the old weights were probably false.