NancysToy
11-14-2009, 06:06 PM
Since Brian already snitched me out, with photos nonetheless, I figured I had better at least say "Hi." Not ready to hang out again on a regular basis, but I want to thank you all for your comments and let you know I am alive and well (with plenty of help from the docs these days).
I test rode the RT today at Nord-Ride Motorsports in Mt. Morris, MI. I did not expect to do anything but gawk, but Brian and Deb set a ride up for me ahead of time. I want to thank them both, and also to thank Frank from Nord-Ride for the opportunity. It was very gracious of him, since it is not my normal dealership, being 120 miles from home. Nice folks and a fine dealership.
I know a lot of you respect my comments, so I would like to tell you about my RT ride. I had considered forfeiting my deposit on the RT for a while, but after today's ride, my purchase is sure to find a home here. My impressions:
The Ride: This thing is smooth and soft! Seems more prone to wallow than the GS/RS with the shocks set the same as ours (3rd notch), especially in an avoidance maneuver, Some may wish to set the shock preload up a notch or two, but remember, this is a touring machine - not a sport-tourer. Soft and easy is what it is made for. I do think I will spend some parking lot time getting used to it first, even after many miles on the Spyder GS/RS. Like Deb said, it's like comparing a Camaro and a Cadillac. It is a different category. I'm looking forward to lots of miles on this baby.
Power: The RT-S is certainly not underpowered. It should do everything it is asked...as long as it is not asked to do it at 3,000 rpm. Seems to like even more revs than the GS/RS. Part of that is the smoothness and the lack of resistance of the throttle. The power comes on so smoothly and effortlessly that it does not kick you in the butt, and requires little conscious effort. It will go faster than you think, way more quickly than you realize. I had to pay close attention to the speedometer. It was easy to go overboard with having a clue. Maybe there will be no reserve, two-up in the mountains, towing a trailer, but it is plenty for my needs...even with a trailer, I'll wager. It's going to look nice towing a vintage bike with Cruisin Dave's trailer or a motorcycle popup camper.
Comfort: The seat was comfortable to me. I'll have to get used to the kick-up behind my bum, but this one didn't bother me like a Goldwing or BMW LT. After I started riding, I forgot it was there. That says a lot for me. The seat itself seems flatter than the comfort seat for the GS/RS, which is fine by me. Less lateral support, but more comfortable to my odd backside. Of course I find the stock GS/RS seat comfortable, which many don't. The passenger seat was nicely supported, and seemed comfortable. The passenger footboards and wide ryder pegs are a nice touch, and easy on the feet. Handlebar position was excellent for my six feet and long arms. The comfort worried me the most up until now, and I am satisfied that I can do 500 mile days, and more, very easily on this...more easily than on my BMW RT.
Fit & Finish: Nicely done! Everything matched and fit well, with no sign of paint flaws. I was very pleased with the Timeless Black. The luggage covers fit well and closed easily and evenly. The trunk latch on this one needed to be adjusted, but they just got it in. Different method of adjustment than the previous model. Could still use a popper spring, but we'll have to invent something different this time. The trunk liner fits much better than the GS/RS, and has convenient zipper access to the fusebox and manual. Overall, there is a quality feel of fit and finish that seems more luxurious than the standard model. There is a nice use of varying textures to enhance the aesthetics, too.
Audio: First I have to say that I have never owned a bike with an audio system, and I am not used to them. This seemed very foreign to me, after years of helmet speakers. I may or may not get used to it. It did seem to work well, but I muted it out after a while. I wish I could comment with some knowledge and experience, but vintage bikes never had these. I will likely continue to just pipe the MP3 player through my existing comm system for a while.
Rider Protection: As has been said, the heat issue on the right foot seems to be completely resolved. No sign of it, although it was a cool day in the fifties, so there was no acid test. The windshield does a good job at both sides and top. Wind noise in my noisy Scorpion EXO700 was almost identical to my BMW RT with a taller Cee Bailey's recurved shield. Very acceptable, and didn't knock my head around. I could only see over the windshield by about two inches (the bare minimum, IMO) in the down position. I looked through it after it was about 25% raised. This may not be acceptable in heavy rain...we'll see. I prefer to peep just above the windshield under those conditions. I will buy a lower shield if they offer one, or might cut the stock one down. Don't know how that will affect rider protection and noise. The deflectors work well, and you notice absolutely no difference in lower airflow with the shield up or down. BRP has obviously spent some time in the wind tunnel with this one. The windshield goes pretty much up and down, the angle doesn't change.
Me: OK, I'm not likely to appear on your order sheet, but I had to comment. My 120 mile ride to see the RT was the farthest I have ridden this year, due to medical problems. I am four days off of spendin three months on the strongest pain meds available, and it was a bit of a chore to ride this far. The new knee hinge hurt noticeably about halfway there, and by one fourth of the way home. I rode my BMW because it feels much better right now than the standard Spyder, which hurts the knee in a few short miles, 10-15 minutes tops. My knee did not even twinge after 15 minutes on the RT-S! I think that says a lot. I did not ride long enough to test my backside, but going for a ride that soon after I got off my Beemer did not reignite the flames. Good ride for a tired old body, in my humble estimation.
Well, there's my two pennies worth. Take a demo ride for yourself soon. It's worth the effort! :thumbup::thumbup:
I test rode the RT today at Nord-Ride Motorsports in Mt. Morris, MI. I did not expect to do anything but gawk, but Brian and Deb set a ride up for me ahead of time. I want to thank them both, and also to thank Frank from Nord-Ride for the opportunity. It was very gracious of him, since it is not my normal dealership, being 120 miles from home. Nice folks and a fine dealership.
I know a lot of you respect my comments, so I would like to tell you about my RT ride. I had considered forfeiting my deposit on the RT for a while, but after today's ride, my purchase is sure to find a home here. My impressions:
The Ride: This thing is smooth and soft! Seems more prone to wallow than the GS/RS with the shocks set the same as ours (3rd notch), especially in an avoidance maneuver, Some may wish to set the shock preload up a notch or two, but remember, this is a touring machine - not a sport-tourer. Soft and easy is what it is made for. I do think I will spend some parking lot time getting used to it first, even after many miles on the Spyder GS/RS. Like Deb said, it's like comparing a Camaro and a Cadillac. It is a different category. I'm looking forward to lots of miles on this baby.
Power: The RT-S is certainly not underpowered. It should do everything it is asked...as long as it is not asked to do it at 3,000 rpm. Seems to like even more revs than the GS/RS. Part of that is the smoothness and the lack of resistance of the throttle. The power comes on so smoothly and effortlessly that it does not kick you in the butt, and requires little conscious effort. It will go faster than you think, way more quickly than you realize. I had to pay close attention to the speedometer. It was easy to go overboard with having a clue. Maybe there will be no reserve, two-up in the mountains, towing a trailer, but it is plenty for my needs...even with a trailer, I'll wager. It's going to look nice towing a vintage bike with Cruisin Dave's trailer or a motorcycle popup camper.
Comfort: The seat was comfortable to me. I'll have to get used to the kick-up behind my bum, but this one didn't bother me like a Goldwing or BMW LT. After I started riding, I forgot it was there. That says a lot for me. The seat itself seems flatter than the comfort seat for the GS/RS, which is fine by me. Less lateral support, but more comfortable to my odd backside. Of course I find the stock GS/RS seat comfortable, which many don't. The passenger seat was nicely supported, and seemed comfortable. The passenger footboards and wide ryder pegs are a nice touch, and easy on the feet. Handlebar position was excellent for my six feet and long arms. The comfort worried me the most up until now, and I am satisfied that I can do 500 mile days, and more, very easily on this...more easily than on my BMW RT.
Fit & Finish: Nicely done! Everything matched and fit well, with no sign of paint flaws. I was very pleased with the Timeless Black. The luggage covers fit well and closed easily and evenly. The trunk latch on this one needed to be adjusted, but they just got it in. Different method of adjustment than the previous model. Could still use a popper spring, but we'll have to invent something different this time. The trunk liner fits much better than the GS/RS, and has convenient zipper access to the fusebox and manual. Overall, there is a quality feel of fit and finish that seems more luxurious than the standard model. There is a nice use of varying textures to enhance the aesthetics, too.
Audio: First I have to say that I have never owned a bike with an audio system, and I am not used to them. This seemed very foreign to me, after years of helmet speakers. I may or may not get used to it. It did seem to work well, but I muted it out after a while. I wish I could comment with some knowledge and experience, but vintage bikes never had these. I will likely continue to just pipe the MP3 player through my existing comm system for a while.
Rider Protection: As has been said, the heat issue on the right foot seems to be completely resolved. No sign of it, although it was a cool day in the fifties, so there was no acid test. The windshield does a good job at both sides and top. Wind noise in my noisy Scorpion EXO700 was almost identical to my BMW RT with a taller Cee Bailey's recurved shield. Very acceptable, and didn't knock my head around. I could only see over the windshield by about two inches (the bare minimum, IMO) in the down position. I looked through it after it was about 25% raised. This may not be acceptable in heavy rain...we'll see. I prefer to peep just above the windshield under those conditions. I will buy a lower shield if they offer one, or might cut the stock one down. Don't know how that will affect rider protection and noise. The deflectors work well, and you notice absolutely no difference in lower airflow with the shield up or down. BRP has obviously spent some time in the wind tunnel with this one. The windshield goes pretty much up and down, the angle doesn't change.
Me: OK, I'm not likely to appear on your order sheet, but I had to comment. My 120 mile ride to see the RT was the farthest I have ridden this year, due to medical problems. I am four days off of spendin three months on the strongest pain meds available, and it was a bit of a chore to ride this far. The new knee hinge hurt noticeably about halfway there, and by one fourth of the way home. I rode my BMW because it feels much better right now than the standard Spyder, which hurts the knee in a few short miles, 10-15 minutes tops. My knee did not even twinge after 15 minutes on the RT-S! I think that says a lot. I did not ride long enough to test my backside, but going for a ride that soon after I got off my Beemer did not reignite the flames. Good ride for a tired old body, in my humble estimation.
Well, there's my two pennies worth. Take a demo ride for yourself soon. It's worth the effort! :thumbup::thumbup: