If you took the RT demo ride post here

[SpyderWolf]

I only hit 110 during the test ride on mine. If I would have known this I would have pushed it a little more to try to stick closer to the dealer on the Yamaha crotch rocket!

[Brevet05]

Hello to the group that was at the San Antonio event at South Texas Suzuki!!! It was great to see everyone and all the owners that came out! The store demo RTS should be at the store next week. For anyone that missed the event Saturday come on out and play with mine anytime!! I am very excited to get it and ride!! And for those of you that are NEW SPYDER OWNERS from the Event welcome to the Family. VWATSON and I will be getting together soon so that we can try to do an San Antonio Spyder Meetup!!! If anyone has any questions on Pricing or specials we are running on the RTS please let me know!!

Kelly,

Great event, thanks for hosting! Looking forward to hearing and seeing more about the new Spyders. Oh, and thanks for the great service on the Army Spyder. Took it out for a long ride and it ran like a scalded cat on rails (okay, weak description, but you get the point). Bruce is a keeper!

[Brevet05]

I only hit 110 during the test ride on mine. If I would have known this I would have pushed it a little more to try to stick closer to the dealer on the Yamaha crotch rocket!

We must have had the same kid on the test ride. Mine said, "I'll ride my Aprilia, which also has a Rotax 990." The ink was still wet on my first ever motorcycle license, and out onto the interstate we flew. Now, I'd taken the MSF class, so I knew that the right answer was not to ride beyond my abilities, but the class didn't mention how I was to know what that looked like, so I got on his tail and stayed there. I think he took that as a challenge, and soon we were well over the posted speed limit, but below the governor, apparently, as the Spyder never missed a beat. I was white-knuckled (quite a trick for those who know me!) and grinning like a loon. It worked, and I kept smiling until he told me that the freight and setup was $1340. I walked. Still bought a Spyder, but not there. Since then, I've found STS, and they've done all the work (great job!) on my Spyder.

[sts]

Yes Bruce is a keeper!!! Hey what is the website that you got the army stuff done I had a ton of questions on it.

[skypup]

Yes Bruce is a keeper!!! Hey what is the website that you got the army stuff done I had a ton of questions on it.

I think he got it here: http://www.spiralusdesign.com/motorcycle.html

I just wrote to them. Diane wants to do her bike in a Navy design.

[Brevet05]

I think he got it here: http://www.spiralusdesign.com/motorcycle.html

I just wrote to them. Diane wants to do her bike in a Navy design.

Yes Bruce is a keeper!!! Hey what is the website that you got the army stuff done I had a ton of questions on it.

Close, but at the risk of having someone with a Navy Spyder, it's: http://www.spiralusspyder.com/index.html. Same folks, just specifically Spyder pages. Marc St. Louis is really user-friendly and open to design input. His phone is: 403-873-7743. Cheers!

[Wheeler~]

Brevet05, I have ordered a RT (A&C) model and am 6'5" tall. Just wondering how tall you are and wanting to see what the leg position was like and if the windshield will work the same for me. I'd really like to look forward to ridding without a face shield on my helmet. I'm assuming the leg position my not be to my liking with my 36" inseam but I figure the aftermarket will remedy that problem after they have been out a while.

I have a 34" inseam and it was tight for me but there are a number of places that modify seats. I need about 2" cut out of the back of the drivers portion of the seat and it'll still leave comfort room for the wife. It was my only problem and Problem Solved!

[SpyderWolf]

Thanks for the links to the graphics web site. They have some pretty cool stuff.

[skypup]

Close, but at the risk of having someone with a Navy Spyder, it's: http://www.spiralusspyder.com/index.html. Same folks, just specifically Spyder pages. Marc St. Louis is really user-friendly and open to design input. His phone is: 403-873-7743. Cheers!

Thanks Brevet05! Your bike looked awesome on Saturday, my wife says it looks fantastic. She thinks hers may look a little better with a Navy emblem on it

[bjt]

Rode it this morning and I really liked it. It wasn't perfect but it was just as good (in a slightly different way) as my Spyder. If the RT version was available at the same time that I got the PE Spyder, I would have gotten the RT.

I was happy with the passenger seating and rode on the back during Debbie's test ride. I got about 8 minutes of iPhone video of my passenger ride.

Once it shows up on YouTube, I'll link to it here.

[bjt]

Here's the YouTube video. The sound gets loud from the wind noise so you might want to turn the volume down.

[NancysToy]

BJT lured me into the public for an RT ride today. I wrote it up separately, here. Just dropped in briefly to say "Hello."

[redspyderlady]

Got to test ride one yesterday at East TN ATV in Elizabethton, TN. Nice folks there btw. I liked the feet and hand positions SO much better than what I have now. Huge windshield. Radio was nice. Felt more like a big car than a motorcyle. Wouldn't mind having one for sure

[BumbleBee]

It felt easier to steer...power was there, although, because of the crowd and traffic in Galveston, I couldn't get higher than 3rd gear...very smooth shifting...really nice...like I've said I'm sold!
Glynnk

i tested it today... as good as expected!... very comfortable, less noise than the sm5 i have, and enough power with two up...
my wife loved it, so i put down the required deposit...
se5, rt-s, black, no trailer (so no free jacket)... estimated delivery: february...

(quote=beechers)Had the opportunity to test ride the RT-S today at Jacksonville Beach FL. First time I had even sat on a Spyder. Good accelleration, very comfortable seat, lot of neat accessories and all in all a nice controlled ride. It was a group ride. Would have liked to have been able to open it up a little. I also realize I'll need a couple hours to get used to corners, the turning radius and my weight distribution when turning. Not going to be a problem. My hope is that someone will come up with a floor board and peg extensions that allow a little longer leg extension at shift peg and brake pedal. My 34" inseam makes it feel like my knees are right up against my elbows. Still happy with my first hands on considering I'd already applied my deposit on the RT-S SM5 in Timeless Black. I didn't jump the gun did I?

Add your name on the RT Deposit list:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=14987

Thanks

[Cruisin Dave]

Test rode RT-S today. Write-up here

[dltang]

I posted my write up in the wrong thread so here is a duplicate cross post.

Went up to Nord Ride this morning for a Demo Ride. We even met Scotty there who rode 2 hours just to check it out. Here are my impressions:

I had already seen the bike up close at Lamont's and heard the sound system and checked out the differences and nuances. Today, I had a chance to ride the RT. The only way I can describe these two spyders it like this, they are both spyders the way a Camaro and a Cadillac are both cars. They are just two different machines. They are for different needs and personalities. Kind of the same way some people like a cafe bike vs a cruiser vs a touring model. I loved the cruise control, I loved the sound system. The ride was very comfortable and it was smooth. The windshield had great protection but I had to either have it up and look out of it or put it down and it was right at eye level. I didn't like that too well. Also, it just didn't seem as much "fun" to ride. When I finished with my ride, I took the owners spyder out and Scotty got on the RT and I took him out. My fun factor was back. I feel like a junkie that just got a fix. So in conclusion, I would have to say the RT is a comfortable ride and would probably be great for the long haul. I really like the look and the feel. If I could afford to have one of each I would. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a touring type bike. But, and here is the big but, I can't afford to have one of each and for right now, I have to say, I prefer my current spyder. Maybe down the road, I will want the RT or some version of it. Maybe I just have my spyder modded out to my liking and that may have something to do with it. Overall, I give the RT a big thumbs up though. It appears to be everything the consumer asked for in a touring spyder. Those of you that have ordered them, I think you will love them.

[Questions]

My 2 cents..
Test rode rt-s today in Wisconsin......nice machine for the most part, I like the looks. This one had lots of buss vibration in seat and passenger floorboards at road speed. Power was fine 2 up. Radio not quite as good as my Wing,and
the cruise would not resume.. it would only set at whatever speed you were going when you hit the resume. Heated grips worked good though better frt than rear. Brakes worked fine. I would want/ need a larger windshield to protect the passenger more.[I'm used to looking through a barn door]. The clutch works very easy but felt like it was taking hold way at the end of lever release[maybe not adjusted right]handle adjustment made no difference. Steering is super twitchy and I believe would require 2 hands all the time even on the straights.[I know ..we should be always using 2 hands anyway but with my trike I can do one handed if I like and still feel secure.] While mostly impressed, I don't think after my ride today that it is nice enough to make me give up my Goldwing trike. Even though the rt-s has a few more safety features. I am/ was interested mainly for the auto trans which I also tried and test drove on the rs model. Nice. I am set up to drive another rt-s again at another dealer... I'll see how that one does... maybe I can still be convinced... safe riding trikerbiker

[NancysToy]

My 2 cents..
Test rode rt-s today in Wisconsin......nice machine for the most part, I like the looks. This one had lots of buss vibration in seat and passenger floorboards at road speed. Power was fine 2 up. Radio not quite as good as my Wing,and
the cruise would not resume.. it would only set at whatever speed you were going when you hit the resume. Heated grips worked good though better frt than rear. Brakes worked fine. I would want/ need a larger windshield to protect the passenger more.[I'm used to looking through a barn door]. The clutch works very easy but felt like it was taking hold way at the end of lever release[maybe not adjusted right]handle adjustment made no difference. Steering is super twitchy and I believe would require 2 hands all the time even on the straights.[I know ..we should be always using 2 hands anyway but with my trike I can do one handed if I like and still feel secure.] While mostly impressed, I don't think after my ride today that it is nice enough to make me give up my Goldwing trike. Even though the rt-s has a few more safety features. I am/ was interested mainly for the auto trans which I also tried and test drove on the rs model. Nice. I am set up to drive another rt-s again at another dealer... I'll see how that one does... maybe I can still be convinced... safe riding trikerbiker

welcome I hope a few tips will help your next experience go a bit better.

First, the vibration: You will have to learn to rev a little higher than you are used to. I noticed the vibration turns silky smooth by five grand, which is right in the Spyder's power band low end. Try a few more "R"s. Also, the vibration tends to lessen after break-in.

Cruise worked fine on the one I rode today. Don't count it out.

There was a rumor about both a shorter and taller windshield, but it remains a rumor for now. Aftermarket will likely jump on it if there is a need.

I noticed the same thing about the clutch. Inherent in the design, I suspect. You get used to it quickly. I find it is not uncommon with hydraulic clutches.

The "twitchy" steering is something most of us have had to get used to. It is caused by overcontrol, a result of the power steering and our natural tendencies learned from other bikes. It is enhanced by the handlebar position on the RT, which makes steering even easier. If you consciously relax your grip, and let it go down the road itself, it does better. In time you will get very used to it, and will be riding with one hand again. I rode with one hand on either side today, and it was as stable as our 2008 GS Spyder...straight as a string.

I do hope you give it a second try. I think it is worth the effort...a really nice machine at a decent price for the breed. Let us know your second thoughts.

[JP58]

Nancystoy. I rode the Rts with Trikerbiker today and we were at 5000 plus rpm. Lots of power but did buss alot in seat and footboards. Hoping it was just this one. I wrote a review under dealer demo.

[bjt]

...Steering is super twitchy and I believe would require 2 hands all the time even on the straights.[I know ..we should be always using 2 hands anyway but with my trike I can do one handed if I like and still feel secure.]...

...The "twitchy" steering is something most of us have had to get used to. It is caused by overcontrol, a result of the power steering and our natural tendencies learned from other bikes. It is enhanced by the handlebar position on the RT, which makes steering even easier. If you consciously relax your grip, and let it go down the road itself, it does better. In time you will get very used to it, and will be riding with one hand again. I rode with one hand on either side today, and it was as stable as our 2008 GS Spyder...straight as a string.

I do hope you give it a second try. I think it is worth the effort...a really nice machine at a decent price for the breed. Let us know your second thoughts.

Agreeing with Scotty's (and many other's) assessments / recommendations of the steering, it's something that you have to learn the proper "feel". Another reason for the steering feel is that, with two wheels in the front, the Spyder's tracking on the road is different than a motorcycle or a car (that has a wider wheelbase). Once you get used to how a Spyder steers / tracks, you'll be very confident in "one handing" it.

[bjt]

Here is my "more detailed" review...



My Russell seat gives me a similar comfort level as the RT seat has. If anything, I'd like the rider back support on the RT to be back a little farther but it was definitely more than adequate based on the short test ride I did (10 - 15 minutes). Judging by the looks and initial feel, I'd guess it'd be great for hundreds of miles of continuous riding. Certainly capable of an Ironbutt ride as is. If I got an RT, I would eventually look into getting the rider seatback reshaped to get me back just a few more inches from the handlebars. I rode passenger when dltang took her turn at riding the RT and the passenger seating is about 10,000% better than the GS Spyder. The adjustable footboards are great and the leg position was awesome. The backrest really cradles you in and supports your upper body terrific. I believe I could ride passenger on this for hours (only if necessary ).

I've ridden with two different adjustable windshields on my Spyder and this one works okay, not as good as the Madstad I'm currently running with but it's so much easier to adjust and you can adjust it on the fly. That is only possible with the F1 slider windshields right now and they aren't as easy or safe as the RT adjustment. I'd say the RT adjustable windshield's protection is the same as an F1 slider but worse than a CHAD or Madstad system because it's adjustment is only moving up or down a few inches. The other two windshields can change the rake of the windshield to really tweak in the protection for each individual rider.

The power felt great to me. I'm not a hot rodder or a speed junkie and I thought this compared very well with my GS. Certainly capable of getting up to the 90 MPH range which is about the top end of my comfort level. I'm more of a "posted limit +5" type of rider (and I'm slowing down as I get older). Debbie might say that I'm starting to drive more and more like my father who is a "posted limit -5" driver.

I absolutely loved the rear bags and the new, deeper, front trunk. I've had soft saddle bags, Industries 7 Givi bags, rear seat bags and sissy bar bags for my Spyder at various times (I currently use Cortech soft saddlebags and a Nelson-Rigg sissy bar bag). I really like the extra carrying capacity for any Spyder on a road trip or even putzing around town and shopping. With my GS, I really liked the option to remove all those bags for a sporty look but the RT looks great with all it's permanent bags. For the type of riding I really like to do (long, touring rides) the RT would be perfect.

I love listening to music while riding so I was really glad to see and test out the audio system. As a rider, I thought it was great. Like Lamonster said, it almost seems like the music was right in your helmet. As a passenger, it wasn't as good as the windshield couldn't adjust up high enough to get my helmet out of all of the high speed windstream. I am 6'4" though so for a shorter passenger, maybe 5'10" max, I'm sure it would be fine. IMO, the solution for audio while riding two up would be to use helmet headsets so you could talk back and forth easily and definitely get the music right in your helmet. Tapping on the shoulder, pointing and yelling isn't the perfect comm. system for me.

The cruise was great and seemed to operate smoothly for the short test that I was able to give it. IMO, cruise a huge plus when doing long distance rides.

The one overall thing that I thought wasn't great was the way the controls for the audio, parking brake or the air suspension worked (maybe more things but those were the only things I messed with). It seemed like there wasn't real positive feedback when the buttons were pushed. Maybe it would just take getting used to how the systems worked but Debbie and I each pushed the parking brake button on and off a number of times when trying to set / reset the parking brake. Maybe we were too impatient or didn't know exactly what to look for to see if it was working. Same with the air suspension. Sometimes 1 button push would move the indicator up or down. Other times, it took multiple pushes for the indicator to change and I don't know if holding the button down made the setting index up or down multiple levels but it didn't seem like it. The radio controls seemed similar. A few times, pushing the volume up or down buttons didn't seem to make a change and seeking a new radio station (going from 102.5 to 88.9) was time consuming as it stopped at every station between where it was and what I wanted. Maybe there is a way to directly move to other stations but I didn't learn about that. Hopefully, station presets are an option and are easily navigated. I didn't get to test out the iPod option as I didn't want to be the first to open the "parts baggie" in the tailbag. Hopefully iPod music navigation is easy with the audio system. Like I said, hopefully it just takes getting used to how the systems operate.

All in all, I loved it. If the RT was an option when we were first buying Spyders, I would have bought it instead of the GS / RS. Debbie said she preferred the fun, sporty ride of her GS. To each his own.

[intothenew]

First, I want to thank SwampFox Motorsports of Bluefield VA for putting up with us asking questions and kicking tires for close to a year.

Assuming we follow through with a purchase, this is to get my wife off of the pillion. And, this gets her hat box, make-up kit, three pairs of shoes, extra cuddle duds, dinner suit, etc......etc......out and off of my panniers. We have waited with much anticipation for the RT release, yesterday was not a let down.

Please take this for what it is, MY view of HER getting a new ride. We tour, we tour two-up on a loaded pig of a motorcycle. I failed to mention my fifteen pound tool kit, the netbook, a tent, a cook stove, gps, etc....etc. We typically take two, one week long trips per year with a few three and four day weekends scattered in.

So, a brand new RT-S SM5 that we helt, felt, and smelt. Hmmm, a clutch lever, I was kinda leaning SE. We'll see how she does with that. Baggage, lots of baggage, but I just couldn't figure out where she is going to tie the tent on. I know what you are thinking, trailer, but I think we should resist. Truth be known, if I had my way, she'd be pulling a pop-up complete with a mini bar.

Martha got the first spin, of course. I'll let her elaborate on that, but she looked good wearing a Spyder, and the Spyder looked good wearing her. The manual tranny was a non-issue, sheeew, that's a relief.

Now, I get my chance at this strange piece of engineering. 6' with a 32" inseam, and I enjoy a tall motorcycle. I feel a little cramped when I first take a seat, but I can get to all of the controls. Fat grips, how in the world did Martha get her fingers around these things? After the walk through on the controls, I get clearance for a taxi run through the lot. A little fuel, clutch out easy, and we're rollin'. Nice feel, an electric sort of feel, and not just the fly by wire throttle. The clutch take was smooth, and there was no lurch from the mill on the low end. A right hander around the car wash and I return to the staging area with a thumbs up that I am prepared for take-off.

I get a few minutes of four lane. Up through the gears, a little clunky, that could have something to do with these size twelve Alpine Stars that I have at the bottom of my legs. Not bad, I don't feel like I am going to miss anything. She's got a nice smooth pull, I don't want to twist too hard. It's a borrowed machine with only 150 miles on it, show a little respect. The track weave starts at about 40 mph, I had been warned of this one. On up to double nickle and I get to relax finally, shield up, nice day, and the twisties are comin' in just a few minutes.

Intothetwisties, I find the turn signal without looking, back off the fuel some, drop a couple of cogs, and touch a little bit of brake. Loud brake servos, not obnoxious, but loud. A right hander off of the four lane, and we head into heaven. Rolling hills, sweepers, off cambers, and some square turns that give me a chance to scrub the tires just a little. Twitchy at first, but I realize that is me, you just have to think it and the machine reacts. Balanced, I don't feel a push or any looseness. An SUV complete with a cell phone operator darts from an intersection, of course I make a right hand grab at the same time the Alpine Star finds the peddle. Again, smooth decel with no wander or appreciative dive.

After about fifteen minutes of heaven, it's back on the slab. I crank her on up to 65 for a moment, things smooth out a little more. With the shield up, I get no buffeting, shield down and I can see over it but can't take the turbulence.

The landing is uneventful, pull in, push the park button, and power down.

Nice machine, you just may have to leave some prejudice and preconceived notions behind before you grab the bars. This forum has helped me on that particular note. The stability control system is obviously a must. This machine, unbridled, would be of let's say, an extreme detriment to those of less than prudent decisions.

[NJERNIE]

I was able to check one out last week, didn't get to ride it. Seat very comfortable, wife says it's comfortable also. Like the windshield, leg positions, the new front end but will hold on to my wallet until the power is increased to offset the additional 220 pounds. If they torque it out to 125 horse like the harley buell, I'll be buying.



Very Happy Spyder Owner

[medican]

I got to take out the RT-S in Calgary AB Can. The weather was great @ 40 degrees.

A little background info for you. I have not been on a bike in about 20 years but have been looking to get back into it for awhile now. The wife said she wouldn’t feel safe on a two wheeler so I started to look at the Spyder.

In Calgary, all you need is a deposit on the credit card and your gone, no guide or coarse just go!!!!!

I had the RT out for about 3 hours and 150Km later and here is what I think.

WOW......I’m sold

LIKES

Comfort was great and it was a dream to handle. Everything was in easy reach and with a little work got it all figured out. Loved the windshield, down in the city for a little more air and up on the highway keep me wind free. I’m not a speed demon and off the start it was nice and smooth, Rs I had smokin off the start but I like the smooth as well. When I needed the power it was there (thanks to this site and all the info ie keeping the rpms higher). Loved the tunes, I was able to hook up the Aux to a small ipod as well to my BB for internet radio, worked great. The RT has a good sound to it, not to loud and not to tiny. Roll on it had you can hear her hum......

The cruse was disabled but I’m sure it works well for cruising.

DISLIKES

The Comms, would like it to be PTT not VOX. Still thinking about a interface system so I can get what I need out of it.
Cornering, front end seemed to fold over on me even at low speeds. Didn’t look at where the shocks were set but I think I will be stiffening them up a bit.
These are little things to me.

All in all, a GREAT ride, I loved it.

I hope to have a in my garage by the spring.

Richard

[BumbleBee]

I got to take out the RT-S in Calgary AB Can. The weather was great @ 40 degrees.

A little background info for you. I have not been on a bike in about 20 years but have been looking to get back into it for awhile now. The wife said she wouldn’t feel safe on a two wheeler so I started to look at the Spyder.

In Calgary, all you need is a deposit on the credit card and your gone, no guide or coarse just go!!!!!

I had the RT out for about 3 hours and 150Km later and here is what I think.

WOW......I’m sold

LIKES

Comfort was great and it was a dream to handle. Everything was in easy reach and with a little work got it all figured out. Loved the windshield, down in the city for a little more air and up on the highway keep me wind free. I’m not a speed demon and off the start it was nice and smooth, Rs I had smokin off the start but I like the smooth as well. When I needed the power it was there (thanks to this site and all the info ie keeping the rpms higher). Loved the tunes, I was able to hook up the Aux to a small ipod as well to my BB for internet radio, worked great. The RT has a good sound to it, not to loud and not to tiny. Roll on it had you can hear her hum......

The cruse was disabled but I’m sure it works well for cruising.

DISLIKES

The Comms, would like it to be PTT not VOX. Still thinking about a interface system so I can get what I need out of it.
Cornering, front end seemed to fold over on me even at low speeds. Didn’t look at where the shocks were set but I think I will be stiffening them up a bit.
These are little things to me.

All in all, a GREAT ride, I loved it.

I hope to have a in my garage by the spring.

Richard

Add your name to the list, if you have pre-ordered your RT;

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14987