2014 RT

[bhfromme]

In a quick reading of the 2014 brochure http://spyder.brp.com/files/en-US/Images/Billboard/2014_Spyder.pdf it would appear that BRP engineers are listening to us. First of course is the new three cylinder engine. More low end torque will be really nice especially on the highway. Another big improvement will be the end to the right side heat issue. They've doubled radiator capacity and moved them in front of the A arms which should really make a big difference. And the nanny has been desensitized. Thanks for listening to us on that one. My concern is they've started playing with fuel economy by adding an Eco mode system. Experience tells me that when manufacturers install electronic systems to improve fuel economy it's at the expense of performance. Let's hope that's not the case with our Spyders. All things considered though I'd say BRP is listening and Spyders are improving. Way to go BRP!:clap:

 

[Bob Denman]

From what little I've seeon about the ECO mode; it's more of a training device to get you shifting at a much lower rpm level.
...But I could be way "wronger"; than is usual for me! pps:

Is it "wronger", or "more rightless"?? :dontknow: :roflblack:

 

[BajaRon]

From what little I've seeon about the ECO mode; it's more of a training device to get you shifting at a much lower rpm level.
...But I could be way "wronger"; than is usual for me! pps:

Is it "wronger", or "more rightless"?? :dontknow: :roflblack:

From what I've heard, you are right. It is a "Hey Stupid! Shift Now!" alert. But of course you don't want to treat your customers that way so you call it something Eclectic and make it sound like an improvement to the machine when it is actually an attempt by BRP to improve the rider (without their realizing it). hyea:

 

[Bob Denman]

That's good to know... I'm used to the Missus telling me what to do :lecturef_smilie::shocked:, so what difference will one more make? nojoke

 

[KX5062]

From what I've read it has the "hey stupid" light, but it does much more than that. It remaps the engine to improve fuel mileage.

 

[Lamonster]

From what I've read it has the "hey stupid" light, but it does much more than that. It remaps the engine to improve fuel mileage.

You are correct. From the side by test one using the ECO mode (me) and one not (Fred), we didn't see any change in fuel economy when we filled up after a tank of fuel. It was the same down to the 10th.

 

[BajaRon]

That's good to know... I'm used to the Missus telling me what to do :lecturef_smilie::shocked:, so what difference will one more make? nojoke

But you can ignore or turn off the ECO mode. It doesn't sound like your wife came with that feature! :roflblack:

Neither did mine... :dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

If I hit "ignore" mode; she just gets louder... :shocked:

 

[Guzzi]

Want one, Want one!! :yes: Improvements look great! Was at the dealer, here in Daytona this AM, to see what we could do on trading my 12000 mile 2012 RT-SE5, with front and rear Elkas, HID headlights, Ultimate seat and backrest, Akropovic exhaust, and and other goodies, in pristine condition. Preliminary offer was 14000-15000 for my bike on a new limited (30499 + tax)!! I would say even being reasonable it should be in the 16-18000 trade-in range, as the dealer is making full tilt list on the new models. Looks like, if I do a trade, I will be keeping all of my accessories, and re-installing my like new old parts. Also, looking at the NEW 2014 Accessory catalog, my HID factory lights will NOT fit the 2013-2014 bikes, nor will the Akropovic 2013 RT and earlier touring exhaust!! Only my wind wings and vented factory windshield will fit! Get in line if you are interested in any of these, if I do a trade. Also seems that my dealer (Daytona Fun Machines), is afraid of a large resale value drop on the 2013 and earlier models, since BRP has gone to a bigger engine, and much improved features. Will bring my bigger hammer with me, after my ride to the Barber Motorsports Vintage Motorcycle festival in Birmingham, Alabama, Oct 10-13. Dealer says they were told their on-order bikes would start shipping the first of NOV, but they say they really don't expect them until probably Dec! One item I have noticed about the 2014's RT's with the front radiators. Some of the accessory vendors should start immediately making metal radiator mesh grill inserts to prevent those big stones, Raccoons, and possums, from nailing one of the radiators down low in the front, LOL! May seem funny, but they really look vulnerable to me! Hopefully the final production models will have this feature built in?

 

[bhfromme]

Want one, Want one!! :yes: Improvements look great! Was at the dealer, here in Daytona this AM, to see what we could do on trading my 12000 mile 2012 RT-SE5, with front and rear Elkas, HID headlights, Ultimate seat and backrest, Akropovic exhaust, and and other goodies, in pristine condition. Preliminary offer was 14000-15000 for my bike on a new limited (30499 + tax)!! I would say even being reasonable it should be in the 16-18000 trade-in range, as the dealer is making full tilt list on the new models. Looks like, if I do a trade, I will be keeping all of my accessories, and re-installing my like new old parts. Also, looking at the NEW 2014 Accessory catalog, my HID factory lights will NOT fit the 2013-2014 bikes, nor will the Akropovic 2013 RT and earlier touring exhaust!! Only my wind wings and vented factory windshield will fit! Get in line if you are interested in any of these, if I do a trade. Also seems that my dealer (Daytona Fun Machines), is afraid of a large resale value drop on the 2013 and earlier models, since BRP has gone to a bigger engine, and much improved features. Will bring my bigger hammer with me, after my ride to the Barber Motorsports Vintage Motorcycle festival in Birmingham, Alabama, Oct 10-13. Dealer says they were told their on-order bikes would start shipping the first of NOV, but they say they really don't expect them until probably Dec! One item I have noticed about the 2014's RT's with the front radiators. Some of the accessory vendors should start immediately making metal radiator mesh grill inserts to prevent those big stones, Raccoons, and possums, from nailing one of the radiators down low in the front, LOL! May seem funny, but they really look vulnerable to me! Hopefully the final production models will have this feature built in?

Definitely take a bigger hammer. I've been offered a trade value of $16,000 for my 2011 RT with 32,000 miles and no mods. If Fun Machines doesn't sharpen their pencil go elsewhere. You have a lot of options.

 

[bhfromme]

You are correct. From the side by test one using the ECO mode (me) and one not (Fred), we didn't see any change in fuel economy when we filled up after a tank of fuel. It was the same down to the 10th.

So are we saying the Eco mode is nothing more than an idiot light? That it does nothing to diminish performance? And by the way, for the record, I care nothing about fuel efficiency. For me this is fun and I'll buy the gas I need to have fun.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Looks like lots of nice low mileage used Spyders will be available next year!
:yes:

 

[bhfromme]

Looks like lots of nice low mileage used Spyders will be available next year!
:yes:

Not mine man. I love my 2011 RT and will ride it until it just won't go anymore. And then I'll bury in back of the house and build a shrine over it.

 

[Knarfoh]

Looks like lots of nice low mileage used Spyders will be available next year!

Not mine man. I love my 2011 RT and will ride it until it just won't go anymore. And then I'll bury in back of the house and build a shrine over it.

I am hoping by the time I am able to see the new Spyder in the flesh, my "desire" to own one will evaporate. I have never been one for the latest and greatest, particularly because I am not a long distance rider plus 4 months out of the year I cannot ride, i.e. I am not a cold-weather or foul-weather rider.

But I am intrigued by the new Spyder and now that I have owned my 2012 RT-S SM5 (8,800 miles) for 18 months, I know there are a few things I would do different regarding my purchase.

I look forward to the posts from those who acquire their 2014 Spyders and have practical, longer term experience and are willing to share that here.

Nope... not interested in the comments about MODS (Yes, I know some of you live and die with all the things you can do with your new Spyder and that is great for you, but I have no interest in that --- at least not immediately) nor the glitches some will experience with their new purchases that are repaired.

I am interested in longer term ownership (LOL.. at least a month of decent riding and accumulated mileage) and then your comments will be like GOLD to me.

So if you are prone to quote the sales literature from BRP; join Spyderlovers just to complain; have only completed a 15 minute test ride, or worse, just looked at one on the showroom floor; start MODDING within the first 24 hours; I will duly read what you have to say.... but give me someone with practical experience SO I CAN QUIT THINKING ABOUT WHETHER I WANT TO BUY and I will be forever thankful.

 

[MarkLawson]

So are we saying the Eco mode is nothing more than an idiot light? That it does nothing to diminish performance? And by the way, for the record, I care nothing about fuel efficiency. For me this is fun and I'll buy the gas I need to have fun.

I thought the Eco mode was to economy riding that Trailer mode is to trailer pulling. The Spyder makes adjustments, presumably to timing and such stuff like prompting the driver to shift, to maximize fuel economy. I thought the shift light was just a part of it.

 

[Bob Denman]

I think that Lamont mentioned that you can switch it off if you don't want to use it... :dontknow:

 

[bhfromme]

From what I've read it has the "hey stupid" light, but it does much more than that. It remaps the engine to improve fuel mileage.

Lamont, please help me understand the new ECO mode. You said correct it does remap the engine but then you said there was no fuel economy difference in the two bikes in the side by test.

Can you please clarify this for me? Exactly what is this ECO mode?

 

[Bob Denman]

marketing? :dontknow:

 

[Chupaca]

Here's the thing..!!

According to one of the test ryders, the eco does close to nothing. You may get a mile mile and half but it looks good to the enviromentalists. So I wouldn't worry or use it...jmo :thumbup:

 

[Bob Ledford]

2014-what if or supposedly

It would be nice to know the literal verbiage by the design engineers then be able to get accurate field reports from the new owner/operators to compare the two against one another. But that would probably be like, is the glass half empty or full of water and air.

BD is right on the name part since everything in marketing today has to be politically correct or PC as the hip call it.

i am quite pleased with my 2011 and will patiently wait out the 2014's and maybe the 15's or later. It is not like mine is worn out or anything in fact it is just starting to loosen up some.