2014 RTL SE6 Test Ride report - October 21st, 2013

[murphybrown]

no no no I am not caving....

But wow after that report..I'm sure feeling a need to "just try"...my resolve to wait for 2015....oh oh it is waning (just an itsy bitsy bit)....sooooo glad I have until Spyderfest 2014 to get my urges under control...
Awesome report thanks. :clap::yes:

 

[alpacaguy]

I currently ride the 2012 RTS-SE5. After reading this review, I'm wondering how long it is going to take me to beg...I mean...convince my wife that the 2014 RTS-SE6 is the machine for us!!:roflblack: If all goes well, we might be on one by June...of next year.ray:

My RTS-SM5 is looking more and more like it's time for a trade-in, but my wife has already said NO and I haven't even asked yet. Maybe later...

 

[OldCowboy]

My wife got such a kick out of ours on the MoGang ryde 10/11-12 it'd be hard to convince her to take the hit necessary to trade up to a 2014. I'll have to say that at no time during that ryde did I feel like I didn't have enough power.

 

[daveinva]

I've read it in a couple of places now RE: the forward-tilted footboards... anyone know if those are adjustable? I'm a "flat foot" rider myself.

 

[spyderyderjim]

Riding to Len's Spyderfest, might as well ride back home 2014 RT SE6 while there

But wow after that report..I'm sure feeling a need to "just try"...my resolve to wait for 2015....oh oh it is waning (just an itsy bitsy bit)....sooooo glad I have until Spyderfest 2014 to get my urges under control...
Awesome report thanks. :clap::yes:

Karyl,
I feel your patience, trying to wait for 2015 Spyder RT-S SE6.
(only one motorcycle for me to sell won't make it $$, ha).
Len said the 2014 RT was smooth, awesome riding!!!!
My 2013 Spyder RT-S SE5 Lamonster Special really runs great!!
(Arizona) Jim

 

[RTVIPER]

Thank you!!

I'm excited to test drive a 2014 :yes::yes::yes::clap::clap::clap::yes::yes::yes::clap::clap::clap: Thanks for the write-up :2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[ARtraveler]

I've read it in a couple of places now RE: the forward-tilted footboards... anyone know if those are adjustable? I'm a "flat foot" rider myself.

I have noticed a couple references now to the "forward tilting" floorboards on the new RT.
The picture from the drivers manual (page 14) shows the floorboards in two positions. The "normal" position appears to be no different than the "usual". If the floorboard is tilted forward, the manual states: "a mechanism allows the floorboard to lower if the pedal needs to be pressed more than normal. If that occurs, push on the rear portion of the floorboard until it clicks and test the braking system."

Don't know for sure if that is what is being referred to--but maybe this is causing the references to the forward tilting floorboards.

 

[daveinva]

I have noticed a couple references now to the "forward tilting" floorboards on the new RT.
The picture from the drivers manual (page 14) shows the floorboards in two positions. The "normal" position appears to be no different than the "usual". If the floorboard is tilted forward, the manual states: "a mechanism allows the floorboard to lower if the pedal needs to be pressed more than normal. If that occurs, push on the rear portion of the floorboard until it clicks and test the braking system."

Don't know for sure if that is what is being referred to--but maybe this is causing the references to the forward tilting floorboards.

Yeah, I've seen that reference as well, which suggested to me it was something associated with "emergency braking" and not normal riding, i.e. the boards are tilted forward stock, but tilt forward *even more* to clear the brake pedal in a stomp-&-stop. :dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

That is correct... :thumbup:

 

[NorthStar]

Seat and Floorboards

The seat on my tester was what BRP describe in their literature as being their ultra comfort touring saddle with hardware hook up for the optional driver backrest. I really do not know if the seat on the tester was their "Comfort Seat", even though the rep indicated that to me. Felt cushier and felt like I was sitting further back in the seat, but that may have been just a feeling rather than an actual fact.

I have seen a number of these floorboards in the past and they were all mounted with a forward tilt. I do not believe they are adjustable, but I am sure that someone with a set on their 2013 RT will pipe in with the right answer.

I have had a day to sleep on my test ride thoughts and think if their was anything that I had left out of my report. The only other new feature is the "ECO Mode" which signals you when to shift gears for optimal fuel efficiency. Since I wasn't paying for the gas, trying to baby the throttle wasn't even a consideration here.

If I had the money there is no doubt I would have ordered one the moment I left the saddle at the end of the ride. :banghead:

 

[Bob Denman]

If I had the money there is no doubt I would have ordered one the moment I left the saddle at the end of the ride. :banghead:

High praise indeed! :2thumbs: They should try to find a way to show their appreciation for your input... Discounts on a new model? Riding gear? Accessories for your current ride?

 

[NorthStar]

Payment enough

High praise indeed! :2thumbs: They should try to find a way to show their appreciation for your input... Discounts on a new model? Riding gear? Accessories for your current ride?

Lockhart's Odessey in Courtland Ontario called me directly to set up a test ride for me with the BRP Rep. They knew I would be very interested in this opportunity and I appreciated this offer. So, in short, I considered this invite to be a real bonus for a Spyderlover.

I sold my 2010 RTs to a gentleman in Nova Scotia this summer. I thought it prudent to sell the bike at that time to maximize the resale value because I was planning on re-tooling with something newer as soon as I could find the right machine at the right price. My original thought was to pick up a 2012 or 2013 RTs this winter, but that idea was definitely scuttled after I test drove the 2014 model.
Given that the new 2014 RTs would cost me somewhere over $35K off the lot here in Canada my plans for a purchase in the short term was also immediately demolished. The joys of being on a fixed income. Oh well, if there is a will there is always a way and I don't plan on giving up just yet.