ADVANTAGES TO 2015 RT VS 2012 RT

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

I am thinking of trading up from The Beast to a 2015 RT S SM6. I know all about the motor advantages, which is why I am considering trading. My question is, what are, if any, the other advantages to the 2015's?

[JKMSPYDER]

I would say the biggest advantages of the 2015 would be less maintenance such as longer interval between oil changes, no valve adjustment and better fuel mileage. Go for it!

[Copperman]

Bigger and better brakes.

[Bob Denman]

A MUCH stronger electrical system.
(1200, versus 650 watts)
NO heat being blown back onto the operator's right leg
Lower rpm levels under all operating conditions
Better fuel economy results in better range between stops

When they put the 1330 into the RT; all of our gripes were addressed by BRP.

[opiewhan]

I am thinking of trading up from The Beast to a 2015 RT S SM6. I know all about the motor advantages, which is why I am considering trading. My question is, what are, if any, the other advantages to the 2015's?

also has the 6 speed transmission along with the new improved clutch system for the semi auto /paddle shift models.. Cant go wrong with a 2015 as far as im concerned, only wish i had ONE..

[jtoro1]

It has fog lights and analog fuel + temperature gauges other extras

[Chupaca]

That's quite a list of pros to assist you with making up your mind. ..it's the future of the RT your going to be there eventually so the thing your really dealing with is when. ... if your ready go for it...

[Cruzr Joe]

Bigger Tires, alternator, more comfortable seat, better ride.


Cruzr Joe

[Radthorne]

We traded in our 2011 RTS for a 2015 RTS last October. The motor, as you've seen, is the biggest improvement overall - vastly improved mileage, lower rpms, etc. Most of the other posters have listed the other items, although collectively they are not as big as the various things the 1330 provides.

There are a few other things to consider as part of an upgrade consideration that may or may not be of consequence:

The 2015 comes with floorboards instead of pegs for the rider. At first I thought I would not like that, I rather liked the pegs; but I have changed my mind and actually like the floorboards. I still added some highway pegs for stretching out on the road.

The seat has a hole, covered by a plastic seal, to add a backrest. This makes installing a backrest far easier than cutting the old seat. After considering the options, I went with a Utopia like I had on the 2011, very happy with it.

The front is redesigned as a result of the new motor and relocating the radiators (the latter helps the heat issue considerably). To my eye it is not quite as pleasing a shape, though not offensive. The biggest drawback there is the frunk is smaller. We used to be able to fit both helmets in there, now only one will fit because the front to back depth is a bit less.

The front fenders have been redesigned (which was done on the 2013 actually). We had the LED strip lights in the crease on the front fenders of the 2011 but that is not an option on the newer bikes.

The wheels (unless you get the chrome ones) are black and a different design. Personally I preferred the 2011 wheels but just a matter of taste.

On the motor, one very obvious difference when you start it up is that it sounds nothing like the older twin. Personally I don't think it sounds very "motorcycley" anymore (in fact it sorta sounds like a John Deere to me). Certainly easier on the ears for long rides. But it was actually one of the few things I really didn't like about the new ones. I decided to buy Lamonster's Performance Exhaust pipe and am having that installed next week - the sound (based on his video clip) seems better.

But as was noted by Chupaca, if you are on the "RT" path, this is a singular improvement in nearly every area aside from those I noted above. I am very happy with it, and looking forward to having this one a long time!

[Highwayman2013]

It has fog lights and analog fuel + temperature gauges other extras

So does my 2012.

[ARtraveler]

The previous posters have most everything covered that I notice. I have one of each in my garage and really do prefer the 2014 for all the mentioned reasons.

Give one a test drive and I have a feeling you will be hooked.

[Bob Denman]

Try it... you'll like it!

[SpyderAnn01]

Have you made up your mind yet? There really is no comparison, the 14 and newer is that much better. One correction to make to Cruzr Joe's reply is that you will not have floor boards on an SM. I love the blacked out pieces on the S model 100% better than the washed out gray on the older ones and the chrome on the LTD.

Buy one, you won't regret it.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

What about handling of the stock configuration? The front springs, shocks, and suspension were redesigned for the 2013 RT and are the same for 2014 & 2015, right? Tires went from 14" to 15". Since I'm not familiar with the 2012 or earlier I can't make any comment about handling differences, but I know some you others can.

[Bob Denman]

My 2014 RT Limited handles with about 90% of the "crispness" of my 2010 RT (That had shock and Swaybar upgrades); with NONE of the harshness... A real winning setup!

[latony007]

everything has been mentioned but if your loaded like a lot of spyder owners, not my unfortunately IMO go for it. The engine power and less maintenance is awesome but the other big thing to me is the heat. My brother has a 2012 that i put a lot of miles on and if it was over 90 forget riding that thing it would cook you like a chicken. The heat issue is Much better on the 15 as they moved the radiator.

[fireplug98]

What I've noticed, my 2015 RTS VS my 2011 RTS is,

My 998 had a little more spunk off the line than my 1330.
When I try to pass someone with any kind of real power, I have to downshift 2 gears on my 1330. Only 1 gear on my 998.
I'm not knocking my 1330, I really love it, but sometimes I miss the spunk and winding out, high rpm of my 998.
Also, cat delete on 998, to me, sounds way better than my 1330. I also run Two brothers exhaust.
I think the 1330 RT is the best Spyder for touring. As is the 998 RT, but the 1330 edges it out for the better.
There were a lot of great improvements when the 1330 RT's hit the streets. Thats for sure !!!


Tommy J.

[Cruzr Joe]

Have you made up your mind yet? There really is no comparison, the 14 and newer is that much better. One correction to make to Cruzr Joe's reply is that you will not have floor boards on an SM. I love the blacked out pieces on the S model 100% better than the washed out gray on the older ones and the chrome on the LTD.

Buy one, you won't regret it.

I did not say anything about floorboards.

Cruzr Joe

[Bob Denman]

Bigger Tires, alternator, more comfortable seat, better ride.


Cruzr Joe

No; you didn't...
Ann must be getting even with you, for a prior transgression.

I think that I found it... Radthorne mentioned floorboards...

"The 2015 comes with floorboards instead of pegs for the rider. At first I thought I would not like that, I rather liked the pegs; but I have changed my mind and actually like the floorboards. I still added some highway pegs for stretching out on the road."

[Sarge707]

I prefer the 5 speed on my 2012RT sm5 as opposed to the sm6 on my F3. With the 2012 I can hit 60mph in 2nd gear while shifting to 3rd- The F3 I have to shift an EXTRA time every time I accelerate! The 1330 gas mileage and torque make up for it though?

[Cruzr Joe]

No; you didn't...
Ann must be getting even with you.

She still has that "HIT YOU IN THE HEAD" button.

Cruzr Joe

[Bob Denman]

I'm prepared for that! Are you??

[Bdomini]

The main advantage is simple. Owning one! Ihad been a two-wheeler since 1966. I still own an FJR1300. I purchased a 2015 RT in October. It is my first Spyder. It is very comfortable with a secure secure stance. WOW! I am very impressed in what BRP has done. I have no regrets.

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

Thanks for all the replies. I like to ride mine like I stole it, so I do enjoy the "jump" of the 998. I hit it, and it goes. The 2015 RT S SM6 I am looking at does not have floorboards, but I really don't care about that. I really liked the Pearl White color when I saw it, as opposed to the pictures of it. I don't like the carbon wheels, but on the White bikes, They tone the color down and look made for the bike.

Unfortunately, the dealer is really trying to screw me on the trade value of my 2012. I think the price is pretty good on the bike itself, but they are trying to make up for that on the trade. Told the guy we aint got a sale unless he comes up on the trade a couple of thousand dollars at a minimum, or a grand and throw in a 3 year Best Warranty. Offering 9500 hundred for the Beast. I actually laughed. Told him he would have it on his sales floor for 14k a week after I got the new one. Kelly BB shows a trade to dealer price at $12, 770, and the best he can do is $9500? He wasn't really happy with me but I haven't worried about what people think for a long time. We will see how it goes Saturday. I am in the middle of a 3 week stretch of not having a day off, and with working nights, I didn't have a whole lot of time to spend arguing with the salesman, when I needed to be home getting some sleep. I assume he will call sometime Saturday afternoon, and if he doesn't, guess he doesn't want to sell me the bike.

Good thing I love what I ride right now!

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

everything has been mentioned but if your loaded like a lot of spyder owners, not my unfortunately IMO go for it. The engine power and less maintenance is awesome but the other big thing to me is the heat. My brother has a 2012 that i put a lot of miles on and if it was over 90 forget riding that thing it would cook you like a chicken. The heat issue is Much better on the 15 as they moved the radiator.

Sorry, aint loaded like a lot of people. I get hot riding but I don't mind. Killing the twisties during the summer is how I keep what little sanity I have left.