2014 RT ECO Mode

[Geosik]

I took a one hour test ride on a 2014 RTL yesterday and other than "WOW" I am not sure what to say. The wife currently has a 2013 RTL and the improvements over the 2013 are great and I can see a 2014 in our future as my two wheels seems to keep getting heavier. The issue would be do I get the14 or does the "other" half get it?

A question for all the 2014 RT owners out there.
What is the intent/purpose of the ECO Mode, cute little green arrows telling you to up shift but I did not like it, I was more comfortable not using it.

I am seeking the benefit of your experience.

Thanks

[sddinnh]

I tried it once and never used it again

[murphybrown]

Say..cute green button and that's all. Truly I don't think I've read one review that says AWESOME...great benefit. I never use...like others tried once...then twice then said "hmmm--whatever was BRP thinking?" and have never used or given any thought to since...Ryde on sans the ECO mode!!!

[ARtraveler]

Great pick up on the Eco Mode. An interesting gadget thought of by BRP so that they can join the "green" movement.

I am another that has tried it and think it is a distraction, a waste of time, and not needed. I shift by tachometer (2500-3000) mostly at 2750 or just the sweet sound that comes out at 2750 +, and get 40 mpg consistently now.

I always rant when someone mentions Eco Mode. Here goes--Most of us would rather have the electronic frunk release instead of the Eco mode.

[Bob Denman]

It's a really neat idea...

That falls a bit short on it's execution.
It seems to soften up the power delivery, and gives you a prompt for upshifting, that is supposed to help save on fuel...
The problem as I see it...
The upshift prompt is so low on the dash, that you have to take your eyes off of the road to watch for it.

[redhorse]

I took a one hour test ride on a 2014 RTL yesterday and other than "WOW" I am not sure what to say. The wife currently has a 2013 RTL and the improvements over the 2013 are great and I can see a 2014 in our future as my two wheels seems to keep getting heavier. The issue would be do I get the14 or does the "other" half get it?

A question for all the 2014 RT owners out there.
What is the intent/purpose of the ECO Mode, cute little green arrows telling you to up shift but I did not like it, I was more comfortable not using it.

I am seeking the benefit of your experience.

Thanks

I rode my 14RT limited on a 3000 mile road trip and using the eco mode, I figured it got about 1 more mile per gallon at study road speeds,65-75mph.
I averaged 40.3 mpg on the trip. my wife has a 13RT limited and her bike averaged 31.6mpg for the entire trip.
enjoy your ride.
redhorse

[Chupaca]

from the start the testers ryding these new units said you realky get nothing out of the eco and minimize the ryding experiance. But the epa folks love it so there it is. Good thing is it is still a choice..let's hope it remains a choice...

[A1A]

So other then telling you when to shift up through the gears by the green arrow. There is not much of a benefit once in top gear and cruising right?

[Bob Denman]

It does actually soften up the power delivery...
I found the arrows to be unnecessary, and a distraction from the roadway.
As far as fuel mileage; I didn't notice any significant difference... but I already ride conservatively without it!

[A1A]

Okay thanks Bob, I was thinking along those same lines myself.

[BikerDoc]

I use it when I am doing relaxed country riding. It does improve the mileage a bit in more sedate riding and it can make shifting a no brainer . At higher speeds and cruising I don't see any savings

[ThreeWheels]

I tried it once and never used it again

Me too.

[dadof4]

I've used it since the first day I picked up the Spyder. A couple weeks ago I turned it off at a red light and gassed it when the light turned green. There was a noticeable difference in acceleration. It actually frightened me a bit. Since I drive conservatively (that's an understatement!) I turned the ECO back on. I shift at low RPM's and since the first few hundred miles I haven't looked the ECO shift indicator on the dash. Difference strokes for different folks, I guess.

[SpyderAnn01]

I call it boring mode!

[steversssss]

I tried the eco today and wondered why it was telling me to shift into 6th gear when only doing 42mph.....

[ruthie]

Your always make the wife happy.

[Bob Denman]

I tried the eco today and wondered why it was telling me to shift into 6th gear when only doing 42mph.....

The 1330s will actually pull from as low as 38, or 39 mph in 6th gear.

WITHOUT using ECO mode!

[PW2013STL]

I must be different in that I have never tried it. Read about what it did and since I average around 40 mpg without it and being an aggressive driver (lead foot and hand) I see no reason to even try it.

[Nito]

I'll have to dig out the brp literature (which is a sales pack included in my workshop manual) but it softens the throttle curve so that max throttle in eco is only iirc 60% of normal throttle opening. So it's like restricting your throttle to 60%. I don't use it either, lame imho. If I want 60% I'll open the throttle 60%!! Oh and of course the green arrows etc suggesting when to change up.

[Purple Guy]

I used it once to get a feel for the shift point on the '14 and haven't put it on since...

[Nito]

IMG_2774.jpg

Here's the graph, as I remembered, full throttle on eco equates to an actual 60% of normal throttle with a softer throttle map. This comes from the dealer engine presentation pack.

Cheers
Nito

[Woodsrider]

Good info, appreciate this thread. Mine came delivered with eco mode on, now I have to read up on how to turn it off. Hard to grok that it goes faster...

[Nito]

Press and hold the eco button for a few seconds and experience 100% throttle!

Albeit it still has plenty torque at 60% so don't get your hopes up too much but it will certainly feel sharper!

Enjoy!

[A1A]

IMG_2774.jpg

Here's the graph, as I remembered, full throttle on eco equates to an actual 60% of normal throttle with a softer throttle map. This comes from the dealer engine presentation pack.

Cheers
Nito

So during the 3,000 mile break-in period and in ECO mode. If you twist the throttle full open 60%, its not considered full throttle in accordance with break-in procedure?

[Nito]

Sounds fair to me, don't think anyone would argue with that! But why 3,000 miles? Pretty sure my handbook says 1,000 miles before full throttle and 3,000 miles for the first service.

cheers
Nito