2020 RTL - thoughts from the first 200 miles

Printable View

02-28-2023, 05:15 PM
Chiefburg

2020 RTL - thoughts from the first 200 miles

First, I have loved my 2013 RTL and decided to upgrade because I found a deal locally. Here are some things I’ve discovered:

- The floorboards seem much bigger and longer. This means the brake pedal is much further forward than on my 2013. Not a biggie at all - I just need to adjust.

- Much smoother shifting gears without a hard clunk. Moves up through the gears with ease!

- Seems to corner a little better - probably due to newer suspension.

- Engine sound at idle reminds me of a small diesel motor…

- The ride seems much smoother. I’m guessing the suspension is much better than on the 2013.

- Wife seems to have more room on the back. Previous owner installed the BRP armrests and they seem far superior to any aftermarket armrests.

- Ride is quieter with the rpm’s around 3500 vice over 5000. Love that it has a bigger gas tank as well.

- Many buttons are in different spots…again, no biggie - just need to learn the new spots.

- Sound system seems so much better than the 2013! It may have to do with how the speakers are pointed at the driver.

- Seems much more stable at 70mph. It may sound strange, but the ugly air of the 18 wheelers DID NOT seem to push me around near as much. Am I hallucinating?

- Wife says the ride is smoother for her and she loves the armrests.

I think I am happier, although I was pretty happy on my 2013. Great ride! I do not regret upgrading!
02-28-2023, 06:24 PM
al0vely

Lucky you for being able to take a long ride. I purchased mine at the end of January and only had a short ride of around 5 miles to top off fuel and add stabilizer. My 2020 was stock so I have been adding stuff … lights, usb charging port, hitch, etc. I am hoping for some warmer days soon so I can get some miles in … I am coming from a 2016 F3L.
02-28-2023, 07:46 PM
Pooch

Told you you would like it!!
Our neat ride to Willow City Loop did indeed yield Blue Bonnet sightings.. we were surprised and pleased. They should be bountiful in a couple of weeks. Come on over and enjoy the ride and the flowers!
By the way… what color scheme is the new ride?
02-28-2023, 08:55 PM
Chiefburg

I forgot to mention that I have one mirror that shakes...I am sure there is a fix for that but have not looked yet. Loving the bike!
02-28-2023, 09:30 PM
Knizar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefburg

I forgot to mention that I have one mirror that shakes...I am sure there is a fix for that but have not looked yet. Loving the bike!

Lamonster has the best fix for the 2020RTL mirrors, approximately $25 for both mirrors!
03-01-2023, 09:39 AM
blacklightning

Glad you are liking it so far. My 2021 RTL makes the 6th spyder that I have owned (if you count the one I picked up for the wife). This one is more comfortable to ride than any of the others. I have nomally had to stop at 80-100 miles. But this one allows me to go for a full tank of gas. In fact, I am so impressed that I will be doing my first Iron Butt on it this coming Monday and Tuesday. A buddy and i are leaving around midnight on Monday and should get back around sunset the next day.
03-01-2023, 10:56 AM
Bangorbob

The mirror fix from lamonster is definitely worth the effort. Good luck and enjoy your new ride.
03-01-2023, 01:07 PM
ARtraveler

:congrats:
03-01-2023, 02:52 PM
tntnj

Chiefburg you will find you can ride longer and farther on you new RTL. Have fun with it.

Blacklighting I am jealous. The weather up here too cold for me to do an Iron Butt. I hope to do one this May. I could only do about 700 miles when I had my 2017 F3 LTD but, with my 2021 RT I am sure I could do 1000 Miles in 24 hrs.
03-01-2023, 03:10 PM
Mikey

Quote:

Originally Posted by tntnj

Chiefburg you will find you can ride longer and farther on you new RTL. Have fun with it.

Blacklighting I am jealous. The weather up here too cold for me to do an Iron Butt. I hope to do one this May. I could only do about 700 miles when I had my 2017 F3 LTD but, with my 2021 RT I am sure I could do 1000 Miles in 24 hrs.

Not if you had my navigator with you!!:clap::roflblack:
03-01-2023, 04:34 PM
Chiefburg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bangorbob

The mirror fix from lamonster is definitely worth the effort. Good luck and enjoy your new ride.

Thanks...ordered it and it is on the way.
03-01-2023, 04:44 PM
Chiefburg

1 Attachment(s)

Someone asked about color - Chalk Metallic! It is a metal flake white and looks really nice with the dark wheels.
03-02-2023, 08:55 AM
blacklightning

Quote:

Originally Posted by tntnj

Blacklighting I am jealous. The weather up here too cold for me to do an Iron Butt. I hope to do one this May. I could only do about 700 miles when I had my 2017 F3 LTD but, with my 2021 RT I am sure I could do 1000 Miles in 24 hrs.

I have owned a lot of spyders, and the longest ride that I had done was 600 on my 2014 RT. It nearly broke me. Done a few 500 mile days on the F3T and even 530 on my BMW K1600B. But nothing comes close to the comfort of this 2021 RTL. The stock seats are on a different level when compared to any other spyder or 2 wheeler that I have owned. I am not normally much into riding just for miles, without a destination and purpose. But due to the mistake that was made on the milage area of my title, I decided the sooner that I get to the 4,000+ miles that was printed on my title, the better off i will be.