Test Rode A Rally Yesterday

[Rob Rodriguez]

Finally had a day where it wasn't raining so I called the dealer and asked if I could do a test ride on their demo Ryker Rally. They said sure and when I hopped on it it had 15.9 miles.....brand new. I've been riding a 2012 RS since 2013 when I bought it new. That bike has about 20K miles on it. I love the RS but its out of warranty and I've had it for a while. Thought it would be good to change it up to a new ride. Problem for me is................I don't care for the RT or the F3 so buying one of those was/is out of the question. When the Ryker landed I had high hopes it would work for me. My ride was about 40 miles. About 10 of those miles were on the interstate.

Some general observations:

• First thing that struck me is how small and low to the ground the bike is. You don't step on a peg and saddle up. You step over the bike and sit down.
• During the ride I stopped and made quite a few adjustments to the foot pegs and brake position. I found one I liked. I could see myself adjusting positions during the day to change things up a bit. I like this feature.
• The fit and finish is OK. I wouldn't call it superb but its not bad either. Mostly what I noticed is mating plastic panels not mating fully or tightly in some areas. Perhaps some assembly issues since I believe the dealer installs most of the plastic panels?
• The Rally rims are as just as ugly in person as they are in pictures

Pros:

• The bike handles great. I would say it handles better than my RS mainly because you're lower on the bike.
• I thought it rode great as well. My biggest complaint with the F3 seating position is every bump goes right to your tailbone. I didn't feel this on the Rally and the roads here are still full of frost heaves and pot holes so they are plenty rough.
• Love the no shifting CVT. It's just like riding my snowmobile which is good for me.
• Love the shaftdrive. The RS has belt vibration in the 75-80 range and other ranges when riding 2 up. No vibration on the Rally. None at any speed
• I like the different driving modes and the ability to lessen the "nanny" I would personally just delete ECO mode if I were BRP but.............
• When seated it doesn't feel like they is any bike in front of you. You have a clear view of the road. This is like the RS. On the F3 I feel like I have 4 feet of "stuff" between me and the road. In reality there is probably the same amount of bike between me and the road on the Rally or F3 but it doesn't feel that way on the Rally and that's important to me.
• The power is decent. I would like it to be quicker but overall I'd say power delivery is about the same as I get, "feel" when riding the RS. Top end is a bit of a let down but again not terrible. I hit 105 on the speedo. I'm typically driving between 50 and 100 and most of the time in the 70-80 range so the power is decent in those ranges.

Cons:

• It needs more power. A little more quickness and a top speed of about 115-120 would be perfect.
• Storage. There really isn't any. RS riders have been spoiled with lots of storage

The pricing is great and the accessories being there and ready to go is great as well. I actually wish they offered more accessories. So, after the test ride I bought one. It's very much like my RS. I don't really feel I'm giving anything up to the RS except a bit of power and I'm gaining a new bike with 4 yr warranty, shaft drive and it looks nice. I'll be keeping my RS as well for a while and it will be good to play switch a roo and really see the differences over time.

[gkamer]

Great review. Thanks for sharing.

[honsfun]

"I'm gaining a new bike with 4 yr warranty" How so?

[Rob Rodriguez]

Added the BEST extended warranty with purchase

[nchangin]

Thank you for the perspective of the Ryker experience from a previous Spyder owner!

[Deanna777]

Rob,

Thanks for the into.

When I get a chance I'm going to take a "Test drive" on a Ryker.

Deanna

[KC61]

I test rode the Rally also. When I saw the 900 Base sitting beside the Rally I thought the Base 900 looked very cheaply made, didn't appeal to me at all. Now the Rally on the other hand, I loved it at first sight. Even the wheels. I think for an extra $1k the Rally is the way to go over the Base 900. Mine will be here by the end of the month, hopefully. I totally thought I would like the Base 900 better but when I saw them in person I quickly changed my mind.

[Chupaca]

I will stay with my RS and glad your hanging on to yours even only for a while longer. But it is a great review and covers many question some have...

[WisconsinDavid]

Thanks for the great review. It sounds like BRP hit the nail on the head with the Ryker. Good for the company, new riders and current riders of other models. Thanks also for the encouraging words for those of us still on the RS. It sounds like, even though models are moving along with time and improving, our original Spyders still warrant a head nod from you

[Aufgeblassen47]

Added the BEST extended warranty with purchase

AKA they took full advantage of you & your wallet.

[Rob Rodriguez]

AKA they took full advantage of you & your wallet.

LOL. Maybe. They knocked a couple hundred off the cost of the warranty. I think its worth it to have it. I paid a little less than I did when I bought the BEST for my RS (different dealer). That one paid for itself.