Looking into the future of the RT

[jmcbow]

I would echo a lot of the suggestions already mentioned, but specifically the things that "bug" me are as follows:

• Why no backrest on a 20K plus touring bike? It should at least be an option.
• The turn signal switch needs a stronger centering spring, you really have to make sure you push "straight in" when you cancel.
• Get rid of the darn "rattle" in the windsheild, there is too much of a gap between the pivot arms and the mating clevis on the backside of the windsheild arms.
• The stock windsheild should at least be offered with a "TRUE" scratch resistant coating, again, at least make this an option!
• Why does the passenger have a nice floorboard but the driver doesn't? Get rid of the weighted foot pegs and replace them with floorboards, the RT is way more comfortable than the RS, but floorboards should be standard on any true "touring" bike/roadster.

 

[ThreeWheels]

I'll say the same as some of the others have said here

Higher Electrical Capacity for electric vests, gloves, etc.

An outlet in the front. I added one to the Frunk which is switched.

More Range. In case I was too subtle let me say it again. MORE RANGE, either better MPG or a bigger tank. Obviously better mileage would cost the user less money to operate. Especially when using the bike as a daily commuter. Here in the Northeast, a 120 mile range means you have to get gas every day, or at best every other day. Was I unclear? The RT need MORE RANGE.

Sixth Gear A sixth gear would be nice, but barring that, if the existing gears could be respaced so that 5th gear puts you at a lower RPM on the highway, that would be fine. As it is, when accelerating onto the highway, i often skip 2nd entirely. 1st gets me up past 45 mph at which point 3rd works quite well. There is so little difference between 4th and 5th right now, that I have occassionally found myself tooling along at 55 mph in 4th without knowing it.

Longer Service Intervals. Everything, I mean EVERYTHING is going to longer service intervals now. My 1993 ST was 5500 miles. With electronic ignition, fuel injection and the better class of oils available, changing the oil at 3,000 mile intervals at $180.00 each time is ridiculous. This could easily cost $540 each year or more, just to change the oil. After it's off warranty, I'll do the oil changes myself, but if I get the BRP supplies, thats $70 each oil change, still a hefty amount.

Just my opininion. As usual, my electronic post isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

 

[tomvolk]

RT thoughts

More range:

I have been trying to fit an auxilliary fuel tank onto the RT. Tried 3 different readily available 2-3 gallon sizes. Nothing fits anywhere unless I want to have less than 2 gallons and take up the whole front trunk--bad tradeoff!!! Worked with Fuelsafe (we are one of their Racing distributors) on custom fuel cell--it would end up at $1500+ to add a custom fuel cell and plumbing to one of the side cases --or even the front trunk. So--I am just going to carry 2 gallons extra when I pull my trailer. I already mounted the fuel container on the trailer and will only use it in an emergency.

Easier Trailer wiring:

I had to buy a harness )$100+) and do my own custom wiring to get my Leesurlite pop-up wired . Needs to be an adapter available with bike.

Lower first gear:

need lower first gear to help get the thing going!!

Sixth gear:

better spacing of ratios using 6 gears would solve first gear issues and highway cruising. I suspect that they use a 5 speed because in the space available the gears would not be 'stout' enough if there were 6 instead of 5. (I know there is a reverse that is a 6th gear--but there needs to be 6 plus a reverse!)

More useable storage while riding (sunglasses, bluetooth phone, drink, gum,change, etc ):

It looks to be almost impossible to add a useful tank bag due to the nature of the steering/body relationship (need lots of open room near the handlebars). We make a lot of tank bags (Marsee) and I have not found one we make that will fit (except the 1.5 L which is to small for what is needed)

Seat:

I have never had a stock seat work for me and I agree with others that seats are too personal to expect a factory seat to fit everybody. Corbin has the seat that works for me on the RT.

Brakes and suspension:

Brakes are not up to what is needed/expected for this weight vehicle. I would think that since there are three wheels available for braking that this would be way better than it is. I would not expect to need to go to aftermarket shocks until the stock ones were worn---but the RT has me thinking of aftermarket shocks sooner rather than later. Stock brakes and shocks should be better on this class/price bike.

 

[widowmaker2011]

I'll say the same as some of the others have said here
-----------------------

More Range. In case I was too subtle let me say it again. MORE RANGE, either better MPG or a bigger tank. Obviously better mileage would cost the user less money to operate. Especially when using the bike as a daily commuter. Here in the Northeast, a 120 mile range means you have to get gas every day, or at best every other day. Was I unclear? The RT need MORE RANGE.
---------------------
Just my opininion. As usual, my electronic post isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

My daily commute is 65 miles one way. I gas at 7 am , and at 5 pm everyday. Yeah it gets old fast. MORE RANGE

 

[jabba11]

Sport touring

Maybe this isnt the right place but I like to bring it up becasue I really think that BRP is missing the main segment of their market. My phantom is great, I love it, but if I am gonna tour it I need to spend about 4000 bucks to adeqautely set it up. The RT is a great bike but not for me. I am not ALLL about comfort and touring either. I am a 40's something married guy who likes the sporty feel of the RS and wants to spend some serious time driving the thing. I have said it before as well that the Road King in HD was the best and most popular bike they came up with in 50 years marketing wise. And so I say we need the "inbetween bike". Thats what I want. I want something that easily converts from sport to touring ie a sport/touring machine because truthfully they dont have this. Before someone says well the RT is plenty sport etc or the RS can be fitted to tour I would say that neither of them do the other very well from the factory.

 

[IWN2RYD]

I have one more off the wall item to add.... Volvo and a few other car companies let you visit the assembly plant, and even help with the airfare...

How cool would it be if BRP offered something special for Spyder purchasers?? :2thumbs::yikes::chat:ray:ray:ray:ray: :yes::bowdown:opcorn:

 

[widowmaker2011]

I have one more off the wall item to add.... Volvo and a few other car companies let you visit the assembly plant, and even help with the airfare...

How cool would it be if BRP offered something special for Spyder purchasers?? :2thumbs::yikes::chat:ray:ray:ray:ray: :yes::bowdown:opcorn:

The original homecoming in Valcourt included a trip into the plant on the assembly line. That was special! :2thumbs:

 

[spydsense]

I love the look of the front of the RT but hate the look of the rear so......

I want the front end of the RT and the rear and the go fast of the RS maybe in 2012.....I can only dream.

 

[Chezeburger]

Definitely like Dave said, Pre-wired for all BRP accessories. If an accessory needs a component, include it without all of us having to guess- do we need to order this part, is it included in the box, is it already installed on the bike?...

:agree: Why when you order the CB/Communications system would you also have to purchase more items just to put it in to work. I mean come-on ordering the system should be the whole system not just parts.

 

[Jornie1]

Panel removal...

I totally agree with Lamont.. and we haven't had our two RT's that long. I have had them totally un-cowled twice each. CB, GPS & XM installations.. After the first time I think it was rather easy. A bit time consuming but easy. Considering the cowling it so streamlined, futuristic, and very tight fitting.. Len

How long would you say it takes to remove the panels for inspection? What are you looking to inspect?

The reason I ask is I've had all the panels off many times and I can get them off faster than I can on my RS. I may do a video of it just to show how long it takes.

One thing you can do after your first oil change is leave the splash pan off the bottom. This way you can do an oil change without needing any tools to remove the panels, just pop off the left side panel.

 

[IWN2RYD]

I totally agree with Lamont.. and we haven't had our two RT's that long. I have had them totally un-cowled twice each. CB, GPS & XM installations.. After the first time I think it was rather easy. A bit time consuming but easy. Considering the cowling it so streamlined, futuristic, and very tight fitting.. Len

My comment is more about maintenance. I realize those that can afford or are physically able to can do this, will. Heck I even enjoy it to a point.

I think the ease of general maintenance is being overlooked. It can take IMHO to much time and effort to check the air filter, or heck even just a spot check for leaks. It is not like we can just pop the hood, or look underneath and look at most of the important items before a trip for example.

To this day I have not taken a day trip in any of our vehicles without checking.,. Air pressure, hoses, Air filter, Oil level, tranny level (Color and smell) and batter. Now could I be OCD?... Oh yeah! :roflblack: But enough times I have had a hose let go, or... Do today's newer cars need it? No not really. But old habits die hard :thumbup::bowdown:

However, I cannot do but two or three of these without removing a serious amount of paneling.

But because I do this, I potentially save myself a serious amount of $$$$$. For example. Three weeks ago I did one of these checks on my wife's 2007 Mustang GT. I noticed a little bit of oil in the pinion seal. hmmmmm. Drove down the street with my head hanging out the window listening, rolled up all the windows and listened closely to rear... Heard a low hum... I noticed however during this test that the rear brakes had started to flutter.

Took the GT into the shop for a brake service and asked them check the rear end... And would you not know! That one of the carrier bearings and pinion bearing had started to fall apart. One of the pieces caused the seal to leak.

Now because I do my check, and I can do my checks... I saved the rear end from further damage. All they had to do was remove, clean and replace all the bearings and seals. No damage to the carrier had happened.

I realize that most responsible folks would have been fine as well. My point is I CAN see these things on my cars, and would like it to be easier for me to see these items as well on my RT.

I mean come on. We can go to any used car lot I find half of them to have lived with a minimal maintenance life as it is.

All I am suggesting is the physical needs and time to do the same thing on the RT series leads me to beleive there is a higher chance of folks to not maintain their ride as they would like or normally would say for a car...

Every Harley I have been around has been easier than a car to do this check. Yes I do realize a few other bikes are also a PINA... And I cannot speak for what the dealer charges in those cases. But it is quiet clear on the RT's.... $200+ just for an oil change that we need to do every 3k miles. At the rate I am going (1500 miles a month) I will spend at least $1200 this next year on oil changes :gaah:

Not to mention, these are plastic panels! How many times can they handle this off and on? I installed the HWY pegs last weekend, and I already see the paint being removed from the washers when the dealer took my RT-S apart the two times they have had it. There is a lot more paneling to these RT's than there is the RS's.:thumbup:

Anyway, just my $.02. I am a sucker for easy maintenance. All this means to me as a buyer is this... A few years from now I will either buy new, or buy used from a person that kept records and or the dealer can confirm the maintenance was done correctly. Otherwise I am not interested in looking at used...hyea:

Edit 6-6-2010 ... So I thought I would drop a picture of one of the bolt holes on my left side panel. The dealer has had the side panel off twice since new. I removed it to install my hwy pegs. So in three mounts the hole is already on the way to being beat up...

 

[johnnyg]

For a first year production unit I think BRP did a pretty good job with the Touring version of the RT. It has a few bugs to workout like any other product but all in all they did good.

I'm sure that a lot of information was gleaned from this site as far as what we were doing to the GS/RS Spyder. If you look at other BRP products like the watercraft you can get the idea that they are always looking for the next best thing to make a product even better.

Chances are we're not going to see any major changes for a few years but now that a lot of us have put some real miles on the RT, what improvements would you like to see in the future?

I'll start.

• Longer range before fuel stops.
  Even though the RT is right in line with other trikes as far as range and fuel economy I would like to see at least a 200 mile range. That may take a bigger tank, bigger motor or change in gearing but if you're going tour you need more range.
• Better suspension.
  I'm pretty happy with the stock rear suspension but the front is really lacking and that should be an easy thing to fix. I know the Elka's made a huge difference in the ride for me and there's no reason the RT can't come stock with good shocks. I know most companies cut corners in this area but BRP doesn't need to.
• Better seat.
  After spending some serious miles on my Corbin I can tell you there is a lot of room for improvement on the seat. Having the seat cup you in and having a backrest is something that all touring machines should have. The gas door is one of the greatest things ever. Not having to lift your seat to fill your tank is a big plus.
• More power for more lights and gizmos.
  If you look at the Goldwings or even the Harley Touring bikes they all have extra lights and gizmos on them. Not only that but when you start adding stuff like heated seats, GPS, radar, neon's or LEDs, cell phone chargers and who knows what else it really starts adding up. Along those lines I think the next RT should come stock with HID lights. That really makes a difference on those dark country roads. It's a safety thing too as people can see you better.
• More windshield options.
  I would like to see taller and shorter versions of the stock windshield. Right now I wish mine was about 2" shorter and I'm sure there are those who would like a taller windshield.
• Wind deflectors.
  There are a few areas on the current RT that I would like to block the wind and there are times I would like to route the wind to me. All the Goldwing guys use Baker Airwings and they do a good job at doing this very thing. At least make that a factory option.
• Adjustable floorboards and more forward foot position.
  This is one thing that Harley has nailed. Having your feet in front of you makes for a much better day in the saddle. A heal/toe shifter option would be good too. This is something the Goldwing is limited on because it's a flat 6 but I think it's doable on the RT.
• Passenger armrest.
  Once again this should be standard on all touring machines.
• Top loading bags with removable trunk.
  I absolutely hate side loading bags. I never use the ones I have now because they are too much trouble. A top loading bag works so much better and I would use those if I had them. There are more than a few of us that ride solo most of the time so I really don't need a rear trunk most of the time. Make it so that is removable and maybe give us a fender rack to throw on top if we like. Once again Harley nailed it on this one.
• Handbrake?
  I'm sure there is a good reason for not having it on any of the current Spyders but I sure can't think of one. Motorcycle guys tend to grab for that brake in a panic stop. Roll you bike out of a trailer and tell me what you grab for when it starts getting away from you. I know you can get use to not having one but dog gone it I spent all these years training myself to grab the front brake first and then the rear and I want to keep that training when I jump back on my bike.
• Adjustable handlebars.
  We come in all shapes and sizes and it would be nice if the bars could adjust forward and backward and maybe up and down. I think they do this on their watercraft already.
• More power on take off.
  This thing is a dog on take off, you give it throttle and nothing happens till the computer is happy. They really need to at least give us the same throttle response as the RS
• Bluetooth interface.
  Everything is wireless now days so why have a cord to tether us to the RT? At least make Bluetooth a option.
  
  
  That's all that comes to mind right now but maybe you can add to this list. As far as I know the Spyder is the first road machine that BRP has made and maybe they could use a little input from us as to what would make a great product just about perfect. :doorag:

Maybe they could come out with a rear finder that covers all of the back tire,the trailer gets coverd in durt, an try to find away to cut down on the back draft on the pasenger neck an back. johnnyg

 

[SilverSurfer]

All good comments from LaMonster. Here are a few of mine:

• Larger displacement engine without added weight. The biggest engine I've seen from Rotax is an 1125 version that they put on one of the Buells. I think a 12-1300 cc displacement would be perfect. Greater power-to-weight ratio normally equals better mileage.
• Accessory mouting points for cupholder ... whatever. If you have the RT/RT-S SE5 with a GPS option, there is nowhere left to mount anything. There are no brake/clutch fluid well covers for typical RAM mount applications and the handlebars are too thick for standard clamps. Ideas: (1) BRP, or an aftermarket could fabricate a mount that will secure to the (naked) handlbars of the RT to make up for well mounts, or (2) Come up with an application that will safely clamp into and suspend from the body side panels that won't interfere with one's legs.
• BRP - Go to Kuryakyn and plead with them to fashion a claimshell grip that will go over current RT-S heated grips. Kuryakyn does it for the Goldwing 1800 GLS, but there is no solution for the RT.

 

[Lamonster]

• BRP - Go to Kuryakyn and plead with them to fashion a claimshell grip that will go over current RT-S heated grips. Kuryakyn does it for the Goldwing 1800 GLS, but there is no solution for the RT.

I bought the one for the Wing and I could get the right side to work with a little carving on the grip but the left side is a no go on the SE, paddle hits. :sour:

 

[bodymanpainter]

Low maintenance and make them as dependable as a Goldwing! Every thing else is great. Also more colors maybe some pearl colors. And I agree a bigger engine with more power. While we are dreaming make it a shaft drive and loose the viberating belt. And for goodness sakes better shocks!!!:2thumbs:

 

[Questions]

You all have made up my mind

I've reading all about the RT. Up front it looks so appealing, but after all the reading, especially this thread, I'll keep my Wing.

Maybe a few years down the road . . .

 

[widowmaker2011]

I've reading all about the RT. Up front it looks so appealing, but after all the reading, especially this thread, I'll keep my Wing.

Maybe a few years down the road . . .

The current rendition of the Goldwing (1800) had more than its share of teething problems in its first few years as a new

model...http://www.goldwingfacts.com/used1800.htm..

Also , If the wing is their first bike , most are satisfied , if they are upgrading from a 1500 wing or other touring bike , many find the suspension severely lacking (sound familiar) "Harsh shocks from concrete slab joints or seals. (blowing out the head light bulbs, 5 sets).
Fork travel at rest is half used up just sitting. Resulting in poor performance.
Fork bottoming out on slightest bump with braking. Fork bottoming out on bumps or holes that should be absorbed by the normal travel of a fork with out braking.
Anti-dive system is known to stick in the dive mode adding to the issue. (Various band-aids now on line).
Poor twisty bump handling. RR shock set up contributes to this too.
Poor frt tire performance as seen by others. Cupping, etc do to suspension issues."

There are remedies, with traxxion being a favorite upgrade to correct the suspension issues.

I am a previous wing rider and the wing is a nice bike but seriously showing its age with no model changes to speak of in many years. When it did go from the 1500 to the 1800 the first few years owners had some issues. Its the price to pay for a new machine out of the blocks. Go ahead and ride your wing, its certainly nothing to be ashamed of I guess, just know we are way ahead of you in the technology (and coolness hyea curve.... I for one would NEVER go back... Ride on, man. :thumbup:

 

[IWN2RYD]

I've reading all about the RT. Up front it looks so appealing, but after all the reading, especially this thread, I'll keep my Wing.

Maybe a few years down the road . . .

Hey thanks for posting!!welcome:clap:

Keep in mind that a good amount of those that have responded to this thread ride two up... And a few also tow a trailer.

Frankly for a 991cc sized engine, there is a lot of power for example. However, many have also felt the "Punch" of a 1600 or 1800 and want it in this bike.

Not only that... As already stated... first year release = semi-beta testers. :thumbup:

Also.... Not to pee in anyone's pot... But my wife and I Loooooove Harley and looked hard at the Goldwing... To be frank... At the end of the day, the additional safety features built into this bike, and the fact that we could save thousands of $$$$. Made the choice easy for us.

On last personal thought. My wife and I just finished a Trike/Sidecar training class. We without a doubt are beyond happy that we chose the Can-Am Spyder route. They are not even comparable really IMHO. I agree with the Can-Am commercial... "It would have won it's category, had there been one" hyea::yes::bowdown::firstplace:

 

[CSX4350]

I've had my RT-S for 3 weeks and have almost 1200 fairly trouble free miles. I really only see a few things that could use attention.

Power- Not horsepower but torque. Ride a Wing or a Harley, they have serious grunt under 2000 rpm, the Wing redlines at 6000 and the Harley at 4500. My 2007 Wing would leave a red light with zero throttle, just let the clutch out at an idle. The Rotax needs more displacement, a totally revised powerband and different gearing. Personally, I think one reason the mileage (and hence the range) is so poor is because the engine is underpowered and is working its butt off to move this thing down the road. Make it about 1500cc's, loaf down the road at 3000 rpm at 70 mph, and I'd bet the mileage and range goes up.

Electronics- Make the required harness standard! Also, why on earth do I need to buy the CB radio (that I'll NEVER use) in order to be able to use a headset to listen to the radio?? Come on, Honda gives all that standard on the Wing!

Lastly, why on earth did it cost $326.14 for my 600 mile oil change? I just had a full service on the Cummins ISX in my bus, and even with all filters and 41 quarts of oil it cost less than that.

 

[Questions]

I've had my RT-S for 3 weeks and have almost 1200 fairly trouble free miles. I really only see a few things that could use attention.

Power- Not horsepower but torque. Ride a Wing or a Harley, they have serious grunt under 2000 rpm, the Wing redlines at 6000 and the Harley at 4500. My 2007 Wing would leave a red light with zero throttle, just let the clutch out at an idle. The Rotax needs more displacement, a totally revised powerband and different gearing. Personally, I think one reason the mileage (and hence the range) is so poor is because the engine is underpowered and is working its butt off to move this thing down the road. Make it about 1500cc's, loaf down the road at 3000 rpm at 70 mph, and I'd bet the mileage and range goes up.

Electronics- Make the required harness standard! Also, why on earth do I need to buy the CB radio (that I'll NEVER use) in order to be able to use a headset to listen to the radio?? Come on, Honda gives all that standard on the Wing!

Lastly, why on earth did it cost $326.14 for my 600 mile oil change? I just had a full service on the Cummins ISX in my bus, and even with all filters and 41 quarts of oil it cost less than that.

Your points are probably the ones that made me decide to wait. But then again for me waiting another 3-4 years before the design matures I may not be riding anymore.

I do ride two up and pull a trailer so power is important. My 2005 Wing with 42K miles has NEVER been in the shop. I've done all my own maintenance. It has never left me stranded. I get basically the same tire mileage I see reported on this site as the Spyder.

Many want better seat, better windshields, better wind control, etc. I have all that already on a bike that is virtually bullet-proof and many have over 250K miles on them.

Not trying to convince anybody. The thought of the Spyder is exciting and I think they are on the right track, eventually. I just decided I didn't want to buy another bike and spend thousands of dollars above the price of the bike to get what I already have.

Wish you all the best.