2013 RS SM5

[donec]

Well I took delivery on a new 2013 RS SM5 and moved some mods from my 2009 RS SE5 (traded) to it.

The HeliBars® would not fit as they changed the bolt pattern. The BRP Saddlebags fitments racks fit fine. The frunk is smaller as my helmet would fit so well I could just drop it into the 2009 frunk but but have to carefully place it in the 2013 frunk and then it does not sit on bottom. At first I thought it was due to the placement of the owners manual but even with the owners manual removed it still doesn't fit the same. More as i learn more.

 

[ARtraveler]

Congrats on your new ryde. Wishing you many great rydes and smiles to come.

 

[hchays]

I think the frunk is smaller due the battery being in there. If I'm right it is only the lower portion that is smaller.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree:
"BRP giveth... BRP taketh away..."
They gave us a more accessible battery; at a cost! :shocked:

 

[donec]

I found out last night that y'all are correct the reduced space is due to the battery and I for one think it is a good trade off.

Also I not sure as I didn't measure it but I am pretty sure the 2013 is a little more narrow at the seat gas tank area, meaning it does not make my legs spread so far apart.

 

[Chupaca]

Let's see..!!

It's all those little changes they never mention. Most are not visible so why talk about them...you will find more. But you have a great new ryde...congrats..!! :yes::yes:

 

[Michael211_2000]

Why'd you go from an SE to an SM model?

I looked at some 2013 RS Spyder's last summer before I went with a very low mileage used 2012 RS... I don't like the OEM 2013 wheels near as much as the 2012 and earlier wheels (which are more spider legs like).

Didn't like dealing with dealership sales persons either, felt like I was getting jerked around every dealership I called or visited.

I don't think I'd like a smaller frunk at all, my 2012 frunk is barely large enough for a helmet and gloves as it is! LOL! It's not like you have to access the battery all that often anyhows. SeaDoo did something similar though moving the battery up into the front storage compartment area cutting the available space to almost nothing in there... what are they thinking? :gaah:

-Michael

 

[donec]

Why'd you go from an SE to an SM model?

The main reason for my going to the SM was it was the only one they had on special. However now that I have ridden the manual I find I missed the feel and control of the manual transmission, so it was a good thing for me.

I looked at some 2013 RS Spyder's last summer before I went with a very low mileage used 2012 RS... I don't like the OEM 2013 wheels near as much as the 2012 and earlier wheels (which are more spider legs like).

I like the looks of the 2013 stock wheels better than any of the past versions.

Didn't like dealing with dealership sales persons either, felt like I was getting jerked around every dealership I called or visited.

I am rather pleased with the dealer in Georgetown named Central Texas Powersports.

I don't think I'd like a smaller frunk at all, my 2012 frunk is barely large enough for a helmet and gloves as it is! LOL! It's not like you have to access the battery all that often anyhows. SeaDoo did something similar though moving the battery up into the front storage compartment area cutting the available space to almost nothing in there... what are they thinking? :gaah:

-Michael

It does not make me happy about the smaller trunk but to me it is worth it. I added hardsided saddlebags and for me to get to the battery with them on the 2009 RS required the fitment rack to be removed which would be a real pain. But with the battery in the frunk I don't have that concern. Also adding electric accessories is easier with the battery in the frunk for easy access.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Interesting points all. Thanks for sharing!

I've driven vehicles with as many as 18 gears on a manual tranny (Peterbilt 18-wheeler!)... I much prefer automatic tranny's. To each their own.

Well enjoy your new wheels my friend! Spyder-on! :ani29:

- Michael

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree:
"Each to their own notion.", said the old woman as she kissed the cow.

 

[Spyder Tony]

I have an '08 GS and a '13 ST-L in my garage and I noticed the exact same things. went to place my helmet in the '08 GS (which was shipped to me last Saturday) and the damn thing fell to the floor of the frunk. I didn't know what happened, so parked the 2 Spyders side-by-side and sure enough, the GS is a wider nose in the frunk area. Also noticed the middle where you straddle the Spyder was wider on the GS also. I scoured the manual of both models and found nothing on the aforementioned changes.

Another thing I readily noticed...the startup time is a fraction on the '08 GS. I turn the key and can start it in 5-7 seconds. On the '13 ST-L, I turn the key, put on my helmet, put on my gloves, review my Outlook Calendar for the day...then finally start the machine once the computer has finished it's boot sequence.