Took my RT LTD for the first time this season, running through the tank of gas I stored it with over the winter. On the way home, two up here at 5,000 feet where we are probably down at least 10% on full power, I gave it full welly on the freeway on-ramp. Running it up to max revs, it pulled quite quickly enough considering it is a touring type machine that weighs a 1,000 pounds. It certainly wasn't slow by any means.
The RT's brakes and power seem to be roughly in keeping with its handling capabilities. Significant increases in power probably would result in a less well balanced machine overall and I don't think the sales volume would increase as a result. In fact, increasing the capabilities of the machine to cope with more power, such better brakes, suspension and cornering performance would significantly add to the price of the machine. In addition, increasing the power of what is obviously a deliberately detuned engine would result in a shorter service life with decreased service intervals, which is important to most Spyder owners with a touring type machine.
If a faster, more powerful machine for sports riders was the objective, I suspect they would probably base it on the Ryker platform. With a lighter, more nimble, bike it could handle extra power from an increase in capacity and tune of the two cylinder engine coupled perhaps moving to a non CVT transmission. This would be a lot cheaper to produce than extending the performance of the Spyder platform and therefore be more accessible to younger riders especially considering its sportier looks. I rather feel that the current Ryker is aimed at the younger market segment anyways.