NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
Picked up the new, Viper Red 2011 RTS today. I only managed to work in the 30 mile ride home, in the warmth (for Michigan in March) and the sunshine. It was my first ride for 2011...and it was glorious!
I am disappointed that the quality control during assembly and preparation has not improved much. I know I will catch flak for that statement, but obvious, visible paint flaws, and other major problems are not necessary at the rate they seem to show up on my Spyders. This one has some issues that could have been corrected at the factory, and more that could have been caught before delivery. I know that test rides are no longer required, and that they are impossible in winter in the colder climates, but those, along with closer inspection after the assembly line and on the paint line, can eliminate most of these types of problems. (End of rant) Here are my other impressions:Front Suspension:
I will eat my previous thoughts about being disappointed that only the shock itself was changed, and say that this is a fantastic improvement over 2010! I did not get a chance to push things hard, but even with the springs set on #3, it was much more firm and stable than my 2010 was on #5. The excess body roll is a thing of the past. Very impressive for a touring mount. I'll relate how it acts with a passenger later.
Rear Suspension:
Mine was yet another with the dreaded "Manual" warning for the air suspension. Comes on as soon as you hit the switch. It does not seem to go over-pressure, but I have not measured it yet. The ride height sensor is connected and appears to be intalled in the right position, so it will have to go back to the dealer for this one. This is one flaw that should not make it past the PDI.
Windshield/Deflectors:
I think I like this change. I was worried about getting too much air, in this cool climate, since I loved the weather protection on the old Spyder. I have yet to test at freeway speeds, but there is less head buffeting and backlash wind at 50-60 than the 2010 had. There is more air movement, but it is definitely not objectionable, and should help in warmer weather. If the gas mileage improves, this change will get :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:.
Glove Compartment:
My old RTS did not have the insulated glovebox. As I feared, the insulated liner takes up too much room, so my glasses case will not fit. I removed the liner, so I can't evaluate the effectiveness of the insulation. Chalk this up to my personal preference...I'd rather have the space.
Rear Heated Grips:
These are definitely more effective than the 2010 units. Still not horribly hot, with the thick grips, but much better. The control now has two LEDs to show if it is on "High" or "Low". Nice little improvement!
Gauges:
There have been no changes to the display cluster. None were needed, IMO. I am commenting on this because my analog tach has serious problems. The cluster will need to be replaced. Very disappointing, as this kind of thing can be noticed during after-assembly inspection or during the PDI. The customer should never see obvious flaws like badly sticking or non-functional gauges. The analog gauges seemed to be steady, but I will be able to tell if it has the Gen 2 gas gauge better after the fuel level is lower. So far so good, which beats my 2010 PE.
Steering:
I had not experienced the new DPS unit yet, as Nancy's has not been changed, and my 2010 RTS was traded in shortly after the recall. Very different! It caught me by surprise, and will require some getting used to, along with some adjustments from me. The first thing I noticed was that the wheels turned pretty easily while standing still on a smooth concrete floor. They did so with a bit more difficulty, but still way more easily than before, on asphalt. Magic Man, you will like this version much better! The steering was very sensitive, especially at slower speeds. I had to concentrate not to dart all over, like a rookie. I hadn't ridden a Spyder since October, being relegated to two wheels, and I had not ridden at all in several months, so part of it may have been me. As others have said, the new DPS no longer over-steers, requiring correction in the corner. Despite slightly less "feel", it was true and predictable. I know this cure was a long time coming, but it was worth the wait!
Paint:
OK, now the bad news. Although the paint quality was better than my first RTS, it is still unacceptable. Never mind that plenty of orange peel is still there, although it was better than the lumpy finish on my 2010 RTS. I don't like orange peel, but it seems to be par for the course in autos and Spyders these days. Don't be mislead by the smooth finish on the marketing Spyders. My paint also had several visible paint flaws...namely dirt specs embedded in the paint. Paint doesn't have pimples, folks! My 2010 had air bubbles in the paint. There were none of those on the 2011. The runs where the wet panels were set down to dry, are still there now...but they were not as severe as on my 2010, where the paint actually flaked off at the settled runs. These panel edges are under the seat, so they are not seen, but there is still room for here improvement. BRP needs far better methods, a better painting environment, and better QC in this area, IMO.
Vibration:
I could notice almost no traces of the former vibration at 4,000-5,000 rpm. The engine ran smoothly all the way down to 2,500 rpm. I never checked the torque rods on my 2010, but I suspect they were rubbing. Looks like they have cured this fault for 2011.
Engine/Power:
I was amazed at the power and smoothness of this engine. There is a night and day difference from my old RTS. The difference probably lies in the problems with my old Spyder. I did not realize the extent of those engine/ECM/sensor problems until today. I never had anything else to compare to. This is a whole different animal...and I already like it!
Seat:
The new seat has done away with the velcro. It looks good and feels good...and more importantly, should not delaminate. My backside is pleased!
Well, I have a few things to be corrected, and I need some more miles to fully compare, but overall I am quite pleased with the Rouge Rocket. I am also quite impressed with BRP. It is seldom that a manufacturer listens this closely to customer input, and makes such noticeable improvements in the second year of a model. My thanks to the folks in Quebec!
hyea:
:cus:
