• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

2013 or 2014

Going back to the OP's original question:

"I am trying to decide if the 2014 rts is worth the 5000 to 6000 more than a left over 2013.I also am trying to decide if 4000 or 5000 difference between a leftover 2013 and a 2011 with 9300 miles is worth the extra cost."

He is simply asking if each model year is good enough to be considered since there is a significant amount of money that can be saved. With that said, none of the prior year RTs are obsoleted with the changes that have happened over the years. Some have had issues and this forum provides plenty of solutions for those issues.

If money was no object and the question was which to buy, then even I would buy the 2014. If money is a consideration, then I think Chupaca has the best advice which is to test drive each and make your decision based on what YOUR impressions of each bike are.
 
Bob ... I said that the engine was the MAIN difference. I did not get down into the nuts and bolts. I typically don't split hairs and in addition, there is nothing that says that those changes are improvements over what was already in place. The last thing I would want is another gear to shift into, my 2013 does not run hot, so the new radiator location does nothing for me and as far as the powerband goes, there are many online reviews that claim that the difference is not as great as people here proclaim. New does not mean better. I suggest the OP does his homework and makes a decision that he is happy with.
True...
But the compilation of all of the improvements; seems to be way more than the mere sum of the individual changes. :thumbup:
You really can't understand how effective the change in the powerband is; until you try one... nojoke
Please don't misunderstand me :shocked:; I LOVED my 2010!
I don't think that there's much at all wrong with the prior bikes; certainly not enough to make me not want to ride one...
It's just that the new bikes are that much better.
 
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thanks

For the replies,I have another post about towing a camper ,only 2 replies to that post.I live in the foothills of rhe mountains.Most of my riding is in mountains.I can't help.but think the 5 speed gearing would put more power to the ground because of a lower gear ratio.This might be better for towing than more power and higher gear ratio.I maybe wrong ,just my thoughts.Is there after market sprockets that could be used on a 2014 to get the power to the ground.I know the HD owners that pull trailers have played with the gearing to help them.
 
A little more after reading additional comments.

We don't want to get into a 2013 vs. 2014 discussion here. That does seem a bit counter productive.

I have no issues with the 2013. Those that have made the decision to purchase--I say good for you. You made your decision, and at this time most that have them are very happy with their purchase. Some had issues, and some have traded off or left the site.

I held out for a bigger engine and all the things that have been listed that go with it. My trade was also a 2010 to the 2014. The difference is night and day. I now find myself staying off the 2011 except for the weekly check ride and gas up for our Thursday night group ride. Compared to the "old style" RT, I like the new one better.

For those that have not rode anything but the Rotax 998, the shifting and torque seem way out of line compared to the 5000 rpm stuff that we have been using since 2008. I have also learned to shift at 2500 and there is always plenty of power to "get up and go." I do mountain roads daily. The 2014 climbs the high stuff and twisties in fourth and fifth, where previously I had to use 2nd gear to keep the rpms happy.

I cannot answer the question about pulling the trailer, but am guessing the torque is there without trying to modify the gearing. That would be something that I would not recommend--for now.
 
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My unique perspective

I am one of the few people that own both a 2013 RT-s and a 2014RTs. I have the 2013 in Az. and the 2014 in Chelan, Wa. After driving both extensively, not just a test ride, I can tell you the 2014 is worth every extra nickel you spend. The power is fantastic. The transmission is smooooooooooth and the fuel economy is about 5-7 miles/gal better. Much better range. NO HEAT cooking my chestnuts or my right leg. The 2013 takes extensive modification to make it tolerable to ride in Az. The one thing that isn't talked about much is the fantastic improvement in the suspension of the 2014. I'm going to have the laser alignment done next week by Squared Away at the Heart of Washington event here in Chelan but I'm not sure if I need it. I'm not getting an after market sway bar for this bike. No need. Body roll is very minimal and at speed the bike tracks straight and true. Had it at 103 mph the other day and was only pulling 5800 rpm. The only thing that seems the same between the 2013 and the 2014 is the body. Totally different feel and responsiveness. I'm going to Az. in6 wks and I may trade in the 13 for a 14 if I can find a deal that doesn't make me puke. Anyway. that's my 2 cents worth. Even if you take on more debt the 2014 is worth it.
 
2014

I will be going to a dealer tomorrow ,It looks like The 2014 will do a better job at pulling than the earlier models.Now I will have to decide if I want to spend that much more for it.Do to a surgery I have next week,that will put me off my bike for a while.I might wait until the new models come out and find a leftover 2014 at a big savings.
 
Love my 13 RSS but if I was going for a RT think Id half to look real hard at the 14s so many improvements along with the bigger motor and one more gear . Think the extra coin is worth it. Just my little opinion. Good luck with your choice.
 
Vote 2014

My vote is 2014. I recently traded in my 2012 RTS for 2014 RTS and am not regretting it at all. Great ride!

Good luck! :doorag:
 
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