UGH! I can't decide.. RSS or ST

[shawleyj]

I'm looking at purchasing my first Spyder... I can't decide between the RSS and the ST. I plan on using it mainly for driving between home and work 4-5 days a week. The ride to work is about 45 miles of nice country back roads each way. My wife might ride with me once in a while and my son will also want to ride along some days. He is a little gear head . What i have been finding online is a $3,000-$4,000 difference in price. Any feedback or suggestions would be great. I have been looking at the 2012 - 2014 models. I don't have the cash for a new F3 so that is not even an option

Thanks everyone! This forum ROCKS!

[Chupaca]

as always...a tes ryde will be a great help. They have different seating positions and purposes. The ST was to be that middle of the road RT- RSS/RS so it is set up for more comfort and touring/freeways. The RS/RSS is the sport backroads fun ryde. So if it is mostly backroads and fun ryding go with the RSS but if you plan on doing some traveling etc maybe the ST....Test them out...

[Mr. Pickels]

I'm looking at purchasing my first Spyder... I can't decide between the RSS and the ST. I plan on using it mainly for driving between home and work 4-5 days a week. The ride to work is about 45 miles of nice country back roads each way. My wife might ride with me once in a while and my son will also want to ride along some days. He is a little gear hear . What i have been finding online is a $3,000-$4,000 difference in price. Any feedback or suggestions would be great. I have been looking at the 2012 - 2014 models. I don't have the cash for a new F3 so that is not even an option

Thanks everyone! This forum ROCKS!

I am leaning towards this sweet RT special edition at this one dealer... but still can't make up my mind. I will be 2-up 50% of the time.....hmmmm I'm scheduling a test ride to make my final decision.

[Bfromla]

I'm looking at purchasing my first Spyder... I can't decide between the RSS and the ST. I plan on using it mainly for driving between home and work 4-5 days a week. The ride to work is about 45 miles of nice country back roads each way. My wife might ride with me once in a while and my son will also want to ride along some days. He is a little gear hear . What i have been finding online is a $3,000-$4,000 difference in price. Any feedback or suggestions would be great. I have been looking at the 2012 - 2014 models. I don't have the cash for a new F3 so that is not even an option

Thanks everyone! This forum ROCKS!

Well one thing that made my choice easier for the ST, I could add a trailer hitch later & did just that I'm a solo ryder but thx to my SMOOTHSPYDER. Dual mode back rest I can swap between driver back rest or passenger if & when I need to. 34k miles of smiles,9states,2Spyderfest, southernmost point, & more to come

[Motorcycledave]

Go with the ST

[esmith3190]

I went with the ST w/backrest for the wife. We love it and when you have no passenger you can speed it up a little for thriils

[Bob Denman]

You have asked a good question, that can be used to discuss a VERY important issue!
You mentioned pricing almost at the very start. There's no doubt that pricing is always a component of the decision-making process... It shouldn't be the only one.
The RS-S and the ST are really designed for two different types of rider.
The RS-S has a much more "Sporty" seating position, and the ST sits you up a bit higher, and brings your feet a bit more out in front. It is designed for a bit more... relaxed and comfortable riding style.

It's about the ergonomics:

Ergos RS.jpgErgos ST.jpg

[Haze]

I made the choice for the STS
Compared to the RSS
Bars are extended back.
Seat is more vertical.
Pegs are slightly forward.
Cruise control is part of the package for the STS.

Both are great rides. My choice was for comfort and touring.

[Trbayth]

But keep in mind that both models have been discontinued. If you want mods and farkles best to get them sooner rather than later. Eventually the aftermarket will stop making parts for them. As it is now, it's much easier to find mods for the RT and F3.

[Deer Slayer]

Had the same question. I went RS-S. Added bags and bluetooth. I wanted the lighter better handling unit for the twisties I am blessed with. Did not care for the F3 as you feel as if you set behind it, and I am not a fan of the birthing position for my legs. I need the pegs under me to smooth the bumps due to back issues. Now at 32,000 and gaining more bugs on my teeth. Good luck.

[Deer Slayer]

Oh! One more thing, the 15 RSS is offered at $11.800 with BRP kick back!

[Sarge707]

Another ST Vote- I had a RS for 32,000 miles and it great if you like the crotch rocket bent legs position. I traded for the F3 because the RS was starting to scare me on hard corners (Being tossed OFF) The ST is more upright and you should be more able to muscle it through hard corners- Add the Sway Bar Of course. You can still get good deals on the ST if you search Hard!

[Firefly]

Stay away from the 2013 ST......

I'd lean towards the RSS.....

[asp125]

Being sport bike riders, we started with an RS for riding twisties. Then we discovered the overnight possibilities that came with side cases and top cases, so I added a full Givi luggage option. Then we wanted to ride two up in comfort, so I added the comfort seat and touring windshield. After that came the bar risers with power outlet and GPS mount.

SO yeah.. you could learn from my "mistakes" or you could simply get an ST.

[Bob Denman]

Stay away from the 2013 ST......

I'd lean towards the RSS.....

It the st is of a later Model year... it's proabably as reliable as the RS-S.
If it's a 2013, and hasn't had the heat attenuation protocols completed:

[ARtraveler]

It is going to all boil down to what you like and a good test drive. Bob (post #7) has about the best description. Think RSS (crotch rocket) and ST (more touring like). Value wise, I am thinking the ST will hold its value more. The RSS is more of a "specialty" RS, usually with trick paint jobs. Both types are discontinued--so that is also affecting their resale value.

If you can, a 2014 with the three cylinder engine is a better choice. You have the F3 or the RT to choose from.

[Graptor]

I spent a lot of money making my RS ride more like an ST. I should have went with the ST myself.

[shawleyj]

I stopped at my local dealer.. they only had 2016's..

Oh! One more thing, the 15 RSS is offered at $11.800 with BRP kick back!

[oldgoat]

I spent a lot of money making my RS ride more like an ST. I should have went with the ST myself.

Been there & almost done that. Still have the greatly modified/changed/accessorized '08GS.

Happy now but it did cost a lot.

[Deer Slayer]

I stopped at my local dealer.. they only had 2016's..

Rats!

[Firefly]

It is going to all boil down to what you like and a good test drive. Bob (post #7) has about the best description. Think RSS (crotch rocket) and ST (more touring like). Value wise, I am thinking the ST will hold its value more. The RSS is more of a "specialty" RS, usually with trick paint jobs. Both types are discontinued--so that is also affecting their resale value.

If you can, a 2014 with the three cylinder engine is a better choice. You have the F3 or the RT to choose from.

F3 didn't come out until 2015. You can still find them new for great deals.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bob Denman]

If you like the cruiser style seating position. Ergos F-3.jpg

[shawleyj]

How do you know if this has been done?

It the st is of a later Model year... it's proabably as reliable as the RS-S.
If it's a 2013, and hasn't had the heat attenuation protocols completed:

[shawleyj]

I can't thank everyone enough for all of the feedback. I think I'm going to go after the ST right now. Yes the price is more but I think it will be worth it in the end. I like the seating position a little more on the ST then the RS. With any luck I will see some of you on the road this summer.

[Ex-Rocket]

I was looking at iMotorsports website at their used inventory and they have several 2013 ST & STS for sale. They have the SM5 & SE5. Might be worthwhile to check it out. They also have free shipping on bikes over $5000.00. They are a sponsor here on Spyderlovers.