139HP Rotax motor

[Idaspud]

Just on the Rotax BRP web site where they show a vVtwin 990 Rotax engine that produces 139HP, my question is if BRP has that motor then why isn't it offered in their RT Spyders. It is my opinion that the larger HP motor would get higher miles per gallon out put to pull around our heavy machines. Larger motor has to work less to produce the same miles an hour as a smaller engine. just wondering. I love my Spyder RT just wish that it would get better miles per gallon and range between fill ups.





Very happy with almost everything about my Spyder RT except gas milae.

 

[Electrified]

:agree I keep asking that same thing myself. I don't understand why they don't attempt to put a larger more powerful engine in what is arguably the heaviest of all the touring machines available. Everyone else is trying to get bigger engines with more torque (ie Honda GW, BMW K, etc...) so why doesn't BRP try to work in a larger more fuel efficient engine when that seems to be one of the main concerns for buyers. That is one of the main reasons I didn't purchase an RT last year and it is still a hang up for me. I am close to pulling the trigger on one but I am going to be frustrated if they come up with a better solution right after I finally decide to get one..

 

[Bob Denman]

Question: While talking about this 139hp wonder, did they say where they found the power? There's probably a huge difference between a 100 or so horsepower "street" motor that will last for many thousands of miles, and a motor that's been twisted to within an inch of its own demise in order to make noteworthy horsepower numbers...
I DO agree that a larger engine that makes more torque at lower revs would get better fuel mileage ratings. Why not a 1400 or so cc engine that doesn't need to have its tail treaked up near 9500 rpm to make peak power?

 

[IWN2RYD]

Question: While talking about this 139hp wonder, did they say where they found the power? There's probably a huge difference between a 100 or so horsepower "street" motor that will last for many thousands of miles, and a motor that's been twisted to within an inch of its own demise in order to make noteworthy horsepower numbers...
I DO agree that a larger engine that makes more torque at lower revs would get better fuel mileage ratings. Why not a 1400 or so cc engine that doesn't need to have its tail treaked up near 9500 rpm to make peak power?

I have been told by more than a few gearheads that the current 990 Rotax (998) is a de-tuned 1100 (1064). And that 1100 produces something like 115-120hp.

I was also told there is a kit that pulls a LOT of power out of these that does not necessarily reduce the casing size. :dontknow:

At the end of the day I bet we see an 1100 or 1300 ish in these down the road. And when we do we will be in the front of the line @ our dealers making sure we get one :thumbup:

 

[SpyderFun]

I have been told by more than a few gearheads that the current 990 Rotax (998) is a de-tuned 1100 (1064). And that 1100 produces something like 115-120hp.

I was also told there is a kit that pulls a LOT of power out of these that does not necessarily reduce the casing size. :dontknow:

At the end of the day I bet we see an 1100 or 1300 ish in these down the road. And when we do we will be in the front of the line @ our dealers making sure we get one :thumbup:

Wouldn't it be great if BRP offered a "Engine Chip Upgrade" to unlock all that unused power? Imagine going to your dealer for an oil change and being asked, "Would you also like more power thru a software upgrade?"

Now THAT would be a step in the right direction to show owners (and the motorcycle industry) that "Customer Satisfaction" is important at BRP.

 

[ARtraveler]

:agree:: bigger would be better for the RT's. Not so sure I want the current engine to be tweeked up. It does sound like people would be upgrading if they offered 1100 or up cc's. opcorn:

 

[SpyderWolf]

I am patiently awaiting the high performance X version of the Spyder as they have done with most of their other product lines. It never hurts to dream. :thumbup:

 

[altonk]

I couldn't wait bolted on the turbo

 

[randian]

A sixth gear would probably do more for your fuel efficiency than a bigger engine. That said, I've always wanted the 1125CR engine.

 

[Bob Denman]

I don't know if the current 990/991s could pull a taller top gear... A case change would be needed, so why not just go bigger AND add the extra cog? :dontknow:

 

[M2Wild]

Wouldn't it be great if BRP offered a "Engine Chip Upgrade" to unlock all that unused power? Imagine going to your dealer for an oil change and being asked, "Would you also like more power thru a software upgrade?"

Now THAT would be a step in the right direction to show owners (and the motorcycle industry) that "Customer Satisfaction" is important at BRP.

That will be the day when BRP offers up free HP. They are gonna milk all they can on the RT market before starting all the hoopla on a more powerful engine and get all you guys to spend another $30K to trade in your old one. Same gimmick they do on their jet skiies.nojoke Just watch. I learned a long time ago to be happy with what you got unless you got money to burn.

 

[liketoride2]

My understanding is (and I certainly may be wrong) that the engine in our Spyders is a retuned version of the Rotax engine Aprilia uses in their Tuono and Mille sport bikes, very light, high performance bikes. The Rotax in the Spyders is supposedly tuned for less peak horsepower and more low end and midrange torque. I believe the engines in the RS and RT are also tuned somewhat differently, the RT with more low and midrange torque than the lighter RS.

If the above is the situation, it's not an unusual one for motorcycle manufacturers to do this sort of re-tuning for a heavier bike less aimed at high performance riding. Riding a heavier bike with a very peaky power band isn't very enjoyable. Our Spyders are already somewhat deficient in low end torque for their weight, or at least I consider my RT to be. I think they would be better with a larger displacement, slower revving motor with a lower geared first gear and a higher geared top gear, and probably a six speed gearbox. Just an opinion, and again possibly incorrect.

Someone please correct me if this information isn't accurate. I've read and heard this somewhere but can't recall exactly where.

Mike

 

[Bob Denman]

..I think they would be better with a larger displacement, slower revving motor with a lower geared first gear and a higher geared top gear, and probably a six speed gearbox...
Mike

You're definitely on the right trail, Mike! :thumbup: I'd guess that these changes will come as the bikes are ready (in BRP'S mind....) for an improved and upgraded version. (RT 2.0...)
Now the RS; being lighter and sportier... just hang a turbo on it! :2thumbs:

 

[GeoffCee]

The RT owes its stability and safety to some extent on the Vehicle Stabilility System. Is it possible that the RT's handling, which is already twitchy on uneven roads, would be made worse if a larger sports-tuned motor was introduced? :dontknow:

 

[namknight]

Not only the motor

Besides a bigger motor, I have always wondered why not a sixth gear. Mine begs for one more gear on the big roads. That would save fuel also.

 

[Bob Denman]

The RT owes its stability and safety to some extent on the Vehicle Stabilility System. Is it possible that the RT's handling, which is already twitchy on uneven roads, would be made worse if a larger sports-tuned motor was introduced? :dontknow:

There's no doubt that you can make anything start to handle a bit funky if you apply rnough horsepower to the situatiuon... They muight need to make them a bit wider and/or longer to better stabilize the chassis.:dontknow:

 

[bikeguy]

I don't know if the current 990/991s could pull a taller top gear... A case change would be needed, so why not just go bigger AND add the extra cog? :dontknow:

:agree: At 70mph my RT is turning just over 5000 RPM so a taller gear would drop it under 5000 and that might be okay on a flat road with no wind but any upgrade or headwind would have it lugging. It just doesn't make the power to pull hard under 5000 RPM. While I might use a sixth gear at times, most of the time I would probably still be in fifth. At 80 - 85 - 90 mph the wind resistance is starting to get so strong that I doubt it would pull the higher gear.

Cotton

 

[Raptor]

Insufficient power has always dogged both models of the Spyder. IMO the V990 is not the right engine for the RT. A re-tuned (or factory turbo!) version of it for the RS would be cool, but the RT is a different animal and therefore requires a different power plant. Again, just my opinion.

 

[M2Wild]

Besides a bigger motor, I have always wondered why not a sixth gear. Mine begs for one more gear on the big roads. That would save fuel also.

Original motor had six gears. BRP took one out and put in the reverse.

 

[SpyderFun]

:agree: At 70mph my RT is turning just over 5000 RPM so a taller gear would drop it under 5000 and that might be okay on a flat road with no wind but any upgrade or headwind would have it lugging. It just doesn't make the power to pull hard under 5000 RPM. While I might use a sixth gear at times, most of the time I would probably still be in fifth. At 80 - 85 - 90 mph the wind resistance is starting to get so strong that I doubt it would pull the higher gear.

Cotton

:agree:
This motor LOVES the mid to upper end of the RPMs and runs smoother there. In-fact, the SE5 will not shift if the RPMs are too low.

Original motor had six gears. BRP took one out and put in the reverse.

:bowdown:
If given a choice, I would rather have a Reverse Gear versus another Forward Gear! The reverse gear makes backing up a no brainer.