2014 RT Limited / Thoughts, Reviews and Opinions

[Utah Geezer]

I have a 2011 RT Limited that I have just loved but I am starting to have some problems with ever since I had floor boards installed. About ready to say the heck with it and pull the trigger on either a new Spyder or a Tri-Glide. Looking for opinions, thoughts and reviews on the 2014 RT Limited. Got one for sale on clearance at my local dealer. They have been good to work with but they are frustrated with the problems I'm having as well. They are doing all they can and working hard to remedy the problem but maybe its just time to trade it in and move on. Any issue with the new engine and transmission that anyone knows of? Other issues with the 2014?

 

[Bob Denman]

I could NOT be happier with mine... :2thumbs:

 

[BikerDoc]

Based on the hundreds of positive comments on here about the 2014 RT I would have to say it has passed muster. I had a 2010 and 2012 previously.. The 2014 is a totally different machine and better in literally every respect from the earlier Spyders. I have ridden 25000 miles on the 2014 so far this year without any issues except the tires tend to wear out sooner (that was fixed with auto tires).. It also does not use oil like the 998 engine... So far every single person I have met or spoken with has been happy when they pulled the trigger on a 2014 RT.. They improved, the engine, the transmission, the brakes, the suspension, the seat and removed the heat issue with earlier models

 

[Spyder RTL]

I have a 2011 RT Limited that I have just loved but I am starting to have some problems with ever since I had floor boards installed. About ready to say the heck with it and pull the trigger on either a new Spyder or a Tri-Glide. Looking for opinions, thoughts and reviews on the 2014 RT Limited. Got one for sale on clearance at my local dealer. They have been good to work with but they are frustrated with the problems I'm having as well. They are doing all they can and working hard to remedy the problem but maybe its just time to trade it in and move on. Any issue with the new engine and transmission that anyone knows of? Other issues with the 2014?

This is our first Spyder, taking delivery at the end of April. I didn't like it at first but now I love it. No issues with the engine and a software update fixed a minor glitch in the TCM. I love the Tri-Axis handlebars and the BajaRon Swaybar.

I have no regrets! Life is too short - Get the newer model!

 

[Chupaca]

If it's time..!!

You can't go wrong with the 14's...there are countless reviews here that atest to that...:2thumbs:

 

[Utah Geezer]

Wow!!! Thats a lot of miles in one year.

BikerDoc: I'm impressed with the mileage you have ridden this year. That is truly impressive. That sure makes me feel better about looking at the 2014. I heard they changed the engine and that it now has a 6 speed transmission. Does it still run at the high RPM's that the 998 does? What did the change about the brakes? How's the suspension. I had a sway bar change on my 2011 that made a big difference. Am I going to need that again on the 2014?

I appreciate the input? Makes a big difference to hear from those that have ridden them.

 

[Dragonrider]

I agree with the positive comments on the 2014. Ride both & you'll take the Spyder home. Really.

 

[Spyder RTL]

BikerDoc: I'm impressed with the mileage you have ridden this year. That is truly impressive. That sure makes me feel better about looking at the 2014. I heard they changed the engine and that it now has a 6 speed transmission. Does it still run at the high RPM's that the 998 does? What did the change about the brakes? How's the suspension. I had a sway bar change on my 2011 that made a big difference. Am I going to need that again on the 2014?

I appreciate the input? Makes a big difference to hear from those that have ridden them.

The sway bar/links made all the difference in the world for me. Since I had my dealer do the install, I also had them do a laser alignment.

 

[Purple Guy]

I love mine so much my wife has suggested I move my bed into the garage! :roflblack:
As said above, the improvements from the earlier years (I had a 2012 RT-L) can not be overstated...

 

[JayBros]

I've had my 2014 RT-S two weeks and 974 miles on the clock. It came with the Tri-Axis bars and BajaRon sway bar and links. It's got two day-long trips of NC mountain twisties and the bride went out today on her inaugural ride, suspension set on firm, and we had a great ride. Test ride a '14 RT and your checkbook will jump out of your pocket and open itself automatically.

 

[StanProff]

I have a 2011 RT Limited that I have just loved but I am starting to have some problems with ever since I had floor boards installed. About ready to say the heck with it and pull the trigger on either a new Spyder or a Tri-Glide. Looking for opinions, thoughts and reviews on the 2014 RT Limited. Got one for sale on clearance at my local dealer. They have been good to work with but they are frustrated with the problems I'm having as well. They are doing all they can and working hard to remedy the problem but maybe its just time to trade it in and move on. Any issue with the new engine and transmission that anyone knows of? Other issues with the 2014?

I had a 2010 RTS (the one on the left) and just upgraded to a '14. My '10 had 25,000 on it and had never given a problem. Loved that Spyder. Now the 2014, I just finished a 800 mile weekend trip consisting of all types of roads from Interstate, two lane back roads, mountain parkways and every road inbetween and just turned over 1000 miles on it.. I went from upper east tennessee (Johnson City, Bristol area) to Chattanooga Tennessee and was only on interstate for 18 miles. Back roads all the way, about 300 plus miles. Ended up at Barber Motor sports in Birmingham Alabama, 150 miles of Interstate. Same thing agan on the way back, this time only about 10 miles of interstate from Chattanooga to home near Johnson city Tn..
Now for my opinion of the '14 RTS. The motor is the best thing BRP could have done for the RT. The 1330 three cyclinder with simi auto 6 speed trans is a joy to drive. This engine pulls from below 3000 rpm in 6th gear and never stutters a bit. The torque is so much better with a 3 cyclinder. You run at a much lower RPM range than the V twin. The red line is 7500 on the 3 cyl. as opposd to 9500 or so on the V twin. There is no comparison to the two bikes other than similar looks. Under the skin is a totally new ball game.
After market Sway bar? I had one on the '10 moder but at this time I see no need to put one on the '14. It handles as good as my '10 that had fox shocks and Sway bar installed on it. Brakes? The '14 has 15 inch tires on the front as opposed to 14's on the '10. The brakes are now Brembo brakes. Can't get any better than that. Don't slam on the brake pedal unless you are ready to hang on. It stops. Period.
I've talked lone enough, You would not regret a '14 spyder RT.

 

[MEP]

Got ours in August. 2000 miles later we are very happy with our RT S SE6. Did have an issue with the ignition key right out of the box (a known issue) but it was fixed by the dealer right away.

 

[Utah Geezer]

Great Input

Getting some great reviews and input. Anybody have anything negative or a little less than a dream machine. Looks like I may have to talk to my accountant. Hope she is in a good mood.

 

[cptjam]

14

SpyderAnn has about 30k on hers, since the end of February. We call it the GTO. (GAS,TIRES,OIL). Yes, we aligned it. Yes, it has a BajaRon Swaybar. She has most farkles available. But the thing rocks! Skip to the end, get the 14. Much better machine, all around. JMHO, Joe

 

[MRH]

I traded in a problem prone 2010 RT A&C for a 2014 RT-S and never looked back. It may look the same, but it is absolutely a better built, more powerful machine with a far superior ride.

 

[trikermutha]

I got rid of my Triglide for the new 2014 spyder..I got tired of wrenching and the crappy suspension/bouncing and heat on the Harley

The 2014 Limited RT was a Cadillac for me..

I am not all beat up and hot after a ride..We test drove the spyder a few times for awhile and made my decision. The more I drove the more I liked it.

I got over 1800 miles and never been happier..Get a lot on comments on the new bike too..

 

[JkRbbt]

Got my 2014 RT-S/Cognac last Thursday. Traded my 2013 RT-L. Not much I can add to what has already been said. Night and day difference, the machine I hoped I was buying in 2013! Have to admit that I was NOT the biggest BRP fan after the 2013 fiasco. I was starting to wonder if BRP actually employed design engineers! Well, the answer is a big YES!! Smooth, quiet, power! Takes the twisties like she is on rails, and I only have stock equipment! I won't be hesitant to put some farkle cash into this machine! We are gonna get along just fine! My confidence in BRP is restored... for now! You won't regret a 2014! Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[lightnin leeRoy]

2014 RT L

Definately a great machine. I had a '12 RT S. it was good. but the '14 is great.More power, better ride, better mpg, less maintenance which all leads to more riding!

 

[Mr. White]

BikerDoc: I'm impressed with the mileage you have ridden this year. That is truly impressive. That sure makes me feel better about looking at the 2014. I heard they changed the engine and that it now has a 6 speed transmission. Does it still run at the high RPM's that the 998 does? What did the change about the brakes? How's the suspension. I had a sway bar change on my 2011 that made a big difference. Am I going to need that again on the 2014?

I appreciate the input? Makes a big difference to hear from those that have ridden them.

Utah, I traded my 2011 RT-S one week ago for a 2014 RT-Ltd. It is a different bike. What the above posters say is true. With the six speed, as well as the other gears RPMs are reduced considerably. The '14 has a new transmission, not just an added gear...tranny is matched to the 1332cc 3 cyl engine. Different shocks, not adjustable but seem okay. My '11 brakes were good, so are my new ones. Sway bar...ride it a while and see what you think. I had it on my '11, but don't think I will put it on the new one. I only have 400 miles on it so the jury is out. Buy it in the morning, you will thank us. Much better gas mileage too.

 

[spyderyderjim]

I have a 2011 RT Limited that I have just loved but I am starting to have some problems with ever since I had floor boards installed. About ready to say the heck with it and pull the trigger on either a new Spyder or a Tri-Glide. Looking for opinions, thoughts and reviews on the 2014 RT Limited. Got one for sale on clearance at my local dealer. They have been good to work with but they are frustrated with the problems I'm having as well. They are doing all they can and working hard to remedy the problem but maybe its just time to trade it in and move on. Any issue with the new engine and transmission that anyone knows of? Other issues with the 2014?

An excellent choice going to a 2014 Spyder RT-L with the awesome 1330 triple motor with strong torque.
I got home to Tucson, Az on my 2014 Spyder RT-S SE6 from Lamonster BBQ in Springfield, Mo; 12,000 miles now.
My 2014 RT-S went thru the ultimate rain/wind test between Oklahoma City and Amarillo, Texas!!
It was down pouring hard rain storm, side wind gusts of 50+ mph, RT never missed a beat; I was stressed, but heated grips made trip bearable!!
I feel biggest motor improvement is Lamont's cat-delete exhaust bypass pipe!!
The stock 2014 RT shocks are pretty good. Maybe swaybar if you keep stock shocks.
I put my 2012 stage 5 Elka shocks on front, heavier springs and feel no need for heavier duty sway bar; as I can corner fast enought.
The Brembo brakes on 2014 RT feel about twice as strong as my 2011 RT that I had for 22,000 miles.
I love the wailing sound of the triple when on the throttle.
I get great gas mpg consistent 35-40, & a few 45 mpg tanks with real easy riding.
Gas tank range is 175-200 miles.
Enjoy.
Jim