Reasons to Like the 2013 RT

[stewartj239]

Since the 2013 RT threads are dominated by the bad press regarding the heat related issues that some (but not all) owners are experiencing, I thought I'd start a thread that points out some of the positive attributes of the 2013.

1. Motor: This motor started out life in the Aprilia RSV sport bike and has been around for a long time. The V-Twin design is proven and the engine is extremely reliable. Compared to the new 2014 engine, it is only down 10-15 HP which is not a huge number and is 60 lbs lighter. This engine is still viable.
2. Chassis: The revised frame geometry, suspension, Brembo brakes and 15" wheels were carried over to the 2014. All but the suspension (IMO) stand out as great improvements. The 2013 RT will be the only year that mates this new chassis to the V-Twin motor and so far appears to be a great combination.
3. Battery Location: The battery was relocated from under the seat to the frunk area which makes it much more accessible.
4. Colors: Yellow, Red and Blue were great color choices!

The 2013 is a great platform and if you're not having heat issues related to the recall, then it is much easier to believe that.

[spydercatjohn]

It's fun to ride and is the most advanced of the pre 2014 Spyders. Great suspension and handling. Comfortable ride. Beautiful blue. Wife loves it.

[3 Wheel Addict]

I agree With the 2014's come a whole new batch of issues as well, only time will tell.

[SpyderAnn01]

You forgot to mention that it was the first year with the cool new fenders!

[MouthPiece]

Floorboards on the RT-S and above. The black wheels that come with the yellow. (not sure about the other colors). All those things mentioned previously. Smoothness is what I like best compared to other years.

Chris

[Bob Denman]

No doubt; the "Old girl" can still turn more than a few heads as she goes by!

[gorcutt]

Dont forget the Brembo Brakes on the 2013.

[Larry rt]

I agree , best ride ever. The only thing I changed was the seat ( ultimate ) and added a third brake light. Do not have any of issues that have been posted(: took a ride out west , loved every minute of it (9000 miles) ! I have a 2013 rt limited over 14,000 miles in three months ! When I am bored or a little depressed , I take a ride . She heals all my issues . Think I will add a MD to her name (:

[bullant12]

I love the blacked out rims, exhaust and bottom pegs and body parts. Also the new fenders are more stylish!

[Cruzr Joe]

You forgot to mention that it was the first year with the cool new fenders!

Some things we want to forget.

I truly enjoy my 2013 RT

Cruzr Joe

[SpyderAnn01]

You forgot to mention that it was the first year with the cool new fenders!

Some things we want to forget.

I truly enjoy my 2013 RT

Cruzr Joe

Joe, you notice I said cool new fenders not hot new fenders

[Bob Denman]

Didn't you get the one with the "HOT New Fender" option?

[Well Hell]

I agree with all of the other posts on this. The red comes with the blacked out wheels also. I liked the the blacked out areas on the rt-s in red. I had a Harley Electra Glide with all the chrome goodies and spent more time polishing than I did riding. Now we just ride! The wife likes this way more than the Harley and she is always wanting to go. We have been very happy with ours.

[Cruzr Joe]

Didn't you get the one with the "HOT New Fender" option?

NOT I

Cruzr Joe

[Bob Denman]

Sorry Joe...
I meant to address that comment to Ann...

[Cruzr Joe]

Joe, you notice I said cool new fenders not hot new fenders

I am not going to pick on SpderAnn01 (Aka The Torch) , she has that "Hit you in the head Button"

Cruzr Joe

[Bob Denman]

Now; Faran might just beat you with a stick!

[Cruzr Joe]

Now; Faran might just beat you with a stick!

No "might" to it, she will get you quick and get you good. (gotta watch them country gals)

Cruzr Joe

[Bob Denman]

Texas Tan Line.jpg Check out the "Texas Tan Line"...

[Cruzr Joe]

Texas Tan Line.jpg Check out the "Texas Tan Line"...

Did we just hijack another thread???

Anonymous (they will never know who i am)

[Bob Denman]

I think that we did...

"We now return you to your regularly scheduled broadcast..."

[jerpinoy]

to all 2013 owners who have more fun than others.

[dancote]

Deer in the headlights newbie here with less than 300 miles on our new '13 RT SE5 so I haven't had to endure any of the problems others have reported.

Long-time motorcycle rider but I've ridden several "killer" off-road 3-wheelers without incident. I've been the proud owner of a late 70s Honda Goldwing with a Vetter Terraplane sidecar. I also toured briefly with a Trikeshop VW trike. My latest excursion into the 3-wheel world (before the Spyder) was with a Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive true trike conversion from thetrinitytrike.com / now yelvingtontrikes.com. This conversion is an engineering tour-de-force. Unfortunately the heavy steering played havoc with my back (never properly healed after being broken 3 years ago).

Diminishing 2-wheel riding skills and reduced reaction times drove me to the 3-wheel world. I found that my riding enjoyment was compromised by thoughts of falling down and going boom and the exponentially longer healing times of my 70 year-old body.

Yes, accommodating to the different riding dynamics has been a challenge. But, once I past the 200 mile mark, it feels like the learning curve has gone nearly flat.

I'm not sure I'll ever be comfortable with this engine's operating power band over the long haul, but I guess I'll have to. I've reached that point in my life where I can no longer keep spending my money on the latest/greatest tech of the moment.

More power to those of you who can.

Regards,

Dan

[Bob Denman]

to all 2013 owners who have more fun than others.

[Dan McNally]

I love mine and plan to ryde it until I wear it out . . . or until I wear out . . . whichever occurs first!