Test ride of a 2014 RTS

[ottawa-rider]

Just did a test ride of a 2014 cognac RTS SE 6.

I ordered an RT Ltd yesterday. Today, the local BRP Rep was at the dealership with a prototype RTS and I was invited to go in for a test ride along with a friend that also placed an order recently.

We both did a 4 miles loop with the machine, it sound great, not like what I consider the "tinny" sound of the V-Twin.

[Bob Denman]

anything else?? :dontknow:

[Kratos]

Tell us more......

[DJFaninTN]

that's it?

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/shaking_head_breaking_bad.gif

[Bob Denman]

:bbq::bbq::bbq::bbq::bbq::bbq:

[ottawa-rider]

There is not much more to say, like I said in my first post, the ride was only a 4 miles loop, others were waiting for their turn.

I managed to get it to 105 KPH (65 MPH) on one stretch but did not get a good feel on how differently it might handle. Probably due to the different sound of the engine, it did not even seem I was going that fast until I look at the speedo.

It was my first time riding the semi-automatic as I currently own an 2010 SM-5 RTS, so I can't really comment on any differences with the transmission.

[Bob Denman]

At what rpm level were you shifting?
We've heard that they seem to like being shifted at around 2,000 rpm; how did it pull from those revs? :dontknow:

[ottawa-rider]

I did not pay much attention to the revs, I shifted more by feel.


I liked the fact that it pretty much only downshifted when I was about to come to a stop, I did not get to try accelerating from a very low speed in a higher gear.

[Lamonster]

At what rpm level were you shifting?
We've heard that they seem to like being shifted at around 2,000 rpm; how did it pull from those revs? :dontknow:

They produce 80 ft.lbs of torque at 2000 rpm but that's not where they like to be shifted at. I would still run it up around 5K before shifting.

[Chupaca]

Seems like one of the first reports from the field and not impressed. Maybe it just hasn't sunk in yet. Hope the ryde was not a straight line drive although one has to turn around at some point....:roflblack:

[Lamonster]

Seems like one of the first reports from the field and not impressed. Maybe it just hasn't sunk in yet. Hope the ryde was not a straight line drive although one has to turn around at some point....:roflblack:

I don't know, he ordered a new one so I would say he was pretty impressed. :doorag:

[Bob Denman]

Thanks! I was thinking about that "ECO" mode; how it made the bike feel...

[Pirate looks at --]

I don't know, he ordered a new one so I would say he was pretty impressed. :doorag:
...he had already ordered it which I think is why he was invited to test drive it:yes:

[jerpinoy]

Thanks for sharing and I guest I just have to test drive it my self to find out the rest of the 2014 can offer.

[ARtraveler]

It is good to hear of your first impressions after a short test ride. I am also hoping to hear from those who start putting on the miles once they bring their new :spyder2:'s home.

When the 5000 mile beta testers/owners start reporting...:thumbup: we should have a pretty good idea. :thumbup:

[quickster47]

ottawa-rider your personal test ride impressions are much appreciated. The others are just jealous, and would have probably not thought about the other things they mentioned as well. Besides, 4 miles just ain't that far.

Carl

[SpyderAnn01]

that's it?

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/shaking_head_breaking_bad.gif

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: My feeling exactly.

[SpyderAnn01]

How did it look? Did you like the new color? How did the new seat feel? Did the one you rode have the backrest? (I haven't heard anything positive about the backrest yet)

[Bob Denman]

Ann,
You have GOT to be feeling "itchier" over this; than even I am... :shocked:

[Chupaca]

please don't misunderstand...by not impressed I did not mean disappointed, or running down the new spyder. I simply see more excitement from those who installed a BajaRon sway bar. This short ryde could not have been a real test...on to the next..!! :ohyea:

[ottawa-rider]

Like I said originally, the ride was short, 1 mile south, more than half of that in a 70 KPH zone, then another mile east in a 80 KPH zone, that is where I was able to get it to 105 KPH, from there, headed north and then west thru mostly a residential area and the main street of the small town (Embrun, Ontario) where the dealer is located. So not much opportunities to open it up.

The cognac color did not do it for me but that is the color that my buddy who was also there ordered, so he was happy to see it in person, he liked it, he ordered the SM 6 RTS, he wanted to stay with a manual. I ordered a RT LTD Silver with Burgundy Seat.

[Rayelljay]

They produce 80 ft.lbs of torque at 2000 rpm but that's not where they like to be shifted at. I would still run it up around 5K before shifting. My Trident, even though it would pull like a truck, felt better when allowed to spin and there was a distinct change from a rumble to a lovely roar at around 6K. The old Yamaha 750 Triple was very similar.

[quickster47]

please don't misunderstand...by not impressed I did not mean disappointed, or running down the new spyder. I simply see more excitement from those who installed a BajaRon sway bar. This short ryde could not have been a real test...on to the next..!! :ohyea:

Nice try for a recovery... NOT!!!

Carl