First trip impressions

[RodO]

Here are my thoughts on the RT A+C after 3 weeks and 5,727 km (3,559 mi).

Most of this was a 10-day trip of 4,435 km (2,756 mi).

This was from the central prairies (Saskatoon) to the west coast (Vancouver) and back, so a combination of divided highways, 2-lane mountain roads, and some in-town. Some of the mountain roads weren't what you'd call a highway (e.g., the Duffy Lake road [highway 99] to Whistler, with 15% grades and tight hair-pins).

This was our first 2-up longish trip, so it was a learning experience for my wife and I -- and for the new RT. (I've had a GS for 2 years, so had some expectations, and re-training, to deal with.)

The RT is a great tourer, especially on the highways. On the mountainous roads, the high CoG was noticeable, but not an issue. The shocks are set on the 2nd from the top setting, so maybe the top setting would have been better.

Riding posture is really good -- I could not have done this on the GS because of the forward-leaning riding position.

The SE5 is brilliant. (I'd still prefer the SM5 for the GS, though.)

Really like having the music options, but would be better if we could pause the iPod play.

Had my own Garmin 660 bolted onto the left-top of the dash board, which I think is better than the BRP location. It obscures the analog fuel gauge, but I'd disabled that, so having it default to the digital gauge was great.

We had a mixture of wet and cold (+6C) to warm (+26C) and sunny weather. The weather protection is very good and we were comfortable most of the time with a heated vest. The heated grips are great -- but I needed my heated gloves when it was below +7C or so (but that's because of lousy circulation).

Average speeds on the open roads was 100-120 kph (60-75 mph).
Fuel consumption = 338.3 L (89.4 US gal).
Average fuel consumption = 7.63 L/100 km (30.8 mi/US gal).
So it looks like the range is about 300 km / tank. The low fuel light comes on with around 7-8 L left, so at around 50 km left.

Had zero mechanical issues.

Got home to the DPS recall notice, though, in the mail (sent the day before we left).

Lot's of interest in the RT at every stop -- but only saw 1 other Spyder (a black RT in Kelowna) on the whole trip.

Bottom line: where we going next?

[canam9]

Sounds like you and yours had a great time. Cheers.

[Dragonrider]

Sounds like a successful trip

I just came back from Baniff and Jasper - with snow in the park, and a bit of rain into Calgary and hot weather through Whistler into Vancouver… love to ride in that part of Canada. US customs are not fun tho...

[fastfraser]

Thanks for the great write up .

[SpyderAnn01]

Sounds like you had a great break in trip.

[dancogan]

Sounds like a wonderful trip for the two of you ... and the bike!

[MotorTony]

Cool trip! Photos next time, please. I agree with your impression exactly.

[rogerb]

You prorably got to meet homeland security at customs. Big difference. Regular customs people are more likable and more easy going. Homeland security have a chip on their shoulders. They treat everybody as a criminal.

[Lamonster]

Good report