You can't by looking at it. The ONLY differences are an updated front sprocket and more insulation/sound deadening behind/inside the fairing. No other changes between early and late 2021s.
Also, the mirror wobble is supposed to be fixed. I read that anything manufactured after January 1 will be the 21.5. So just check the date of manufacture.
Well now if we just new the exact date the changes where made in production for sure from Can-Am. That would be great I called a dealer and they said they would have to check on it. Not sure I’ll ever hear from them. Does anyone have a reliable source at a dealer?
I'm sorry but why the huge concern with an early compared to a late? As I mentioned in Post #2, the ONLY differences are the updated front pulley and the add'l sound deadening under the fairing. The front pulley was only updated to eliminated the tiny whine SOME hear due to the new (2020+) fairing design. Not everyone hears it and for those that do (including me), it's not really a big deal. BuRP only added the add'l sound deadening due to the whine of the front pulley. If you got an early (or even a 2020 holdover), you can swap out pulleys. $110 for the pulley and a couple hours labor from the dealer/shop.
Again, a late is not a "better" bike then an early. You might even get a deal on an early if it's been sitting on the dealers show floor for a few months. I've got an early and have no issues with it. The front pulley whine is minimal and is generally only heard between ~45-55mph.
With all that said, it's your money so do what you feel you need to do. I just don't get all the hub bub around a late. The only reason I would ever insist on a late is if I had to have the new S2S trim in which case, that's only a late. Hope you enjoy your new ride, whatever you get.
I drove a blue demo 2020 RTL which had a rather bad whine to it, "(I'm hard of hearing)". told the dealer, he said take this new floor model for a spin. (Marsala Red). No whine on that one, bought it last July, over 5000 miles now, no problems. hehe,, think it's only the blue ones that whine ,, hehe What ya think MONK ? lol
I could be wrong but I thought I heard that the early 2021s only came in the red color. If that is correct I would assume if you are looking at a different color then its a new build. Something to look into anyway.
I drove a blue demo 2020 RTL which had a rather bad whine to it, "(I'm hard of hearing)". told the dealer, he said take this new floor model for a spin. (Marsala Red). No whine on that one, bought it last July, over 5000 miles now, no problems. hehe,, think it's only the blue ones that whine ,, hehe What ya think MONK ? lol
You may be right. My blue 2021 early has a slight whine but honestly, either it's gone away or I've gotten used to it. I don't hear it anymore.
Originally Posted by EdMat
Cause you pays your money and you want your money's worth.
So, by your thinking, everyone who bought either a 2020 RT or an early 2021 got ripped off? I think not but you're entitled to your opinion.
Originally Posted by Schreckftw
I could be wrong but I thought I heard that the early 2021s only came in the red color. If that is correct I would assume if you are looking at a different color then its a new build. Something to look into anyway.
Untrue, sir. Same colors for all current gen RTs (other than the baby puke green on the new S2S trim).
[QUOTE=MONK;1561333]You may be right. My blue 2021 early has a slight whine but honestly, either it's gone away or I've gotten used to it. I don't hear it anymore.
From what I have seen in the ones at my local dealership, I would be more concerned about the rusting bolts at the handle bars and other parts that were downgraded starting in 2020. I know no one is leaving their bike out for hours at a time each day. But when I went by my dealership this weekend and saw the rust, I was a bit turned off.
2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white
I'm sorry but why the huge concern with an early compared to a late? As I mentioned in Post #2, the ONLY differences are the updated front pulley and the add'l sound deadening under the fairing. The front pulley was only updated to eliminated the tiny whine SOME hear due to the new (2020+) fairing design. Not everyone hears it and for those that do (including me), it's not really a big deal. BuRP only added the add'l sound deadening due to the whine of the front pulley. If you got an early (or even a 2020 holdover), you can swap out pulleys. $110 for the pulley and a couple hours labor from the dealer/shop.
Again, a late is not a "better" bike then an early. You might even get a deal on an early if it's been sitting on the dealers show floor for a few months. I've got an early and have no issues with it. The front pulley whine is minimal and is generally only heard between ~45-55mph.
With all that said, it's your money so do what you feel you need to do. I just don't get all the hub bub around a late. The only reason I would ever insist on a late is if I had to have the new S2S trim in which case, that's only a late. Hope you enjoy your new ride, whatever you get.
S2S is our abbreviation word for the new Sea to Sky version of the RTL. Special color, and a few S2S only options. You will pay a premium for this model...but most like it.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
I'm sorry but why the huge concern with an early compared to a late? As I mentioned in Post #2, the ONLY differences are the updated front pulley and the add'l sound deadening under the fairing. The front pulley was only updated to eliminated the tiny whine SOME hear due to the new (2020+) fairing design.
Hey MONK,
I thought the new front bearing was a different design (hence the new colour), to eliminate the stripping (the dreaded red dust)... or did I just make that up in my own mind......which is eminently possible these days
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round, with sag adjusted for extra 3/8” clearance up front
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
Hey MONK,
I thought the new front bearing was a different design (hence the new colour), to eliminate the stripping (the dreaded red dust)... or did I just make that up in my own mind......which is eminently possible these days
Pete
I have no issue making up my own stuff but I'm 99% sure the only advantage to the new pulley is to reduce the whine. It's my understanding (and someone who knows more about this can feel free to school me if I'm wrong) that the holes have been redesigned so the air travels through them different.