A skosh more vroom

[ruralgirl]

Having the 1330 in my 2015 RT-S, which I bought without knowing anything about Spyders, it appears I've lucked out. But I've always wondered what the differences are between the 1330 and the older engines, what year they made the change, why they felt they needed the change, and if there are any disadvantages to having the 1330. Just curious.

 

[rcturner]

In the RT, the change was made in 2014. The old motor was a 998cc V-Twin. This is an inline 3. I had a 2012 RT-L and it was a very good ride. I have only had my 2014 for a couple of weeks but, the biggest diferances are in motor torque, lower RPM cruising, 6 speed transmission instead of 5, and an entirely different operation of the clutch and transmission. I liked my 2012 but, I like driving the 2014 better. Also, general service should be easier but probably no less costly on the 1330. Greasing and valve adjustments are not required on the 1330. Oil changes are more expensive. Enjoy your new ride. :yes:

 

[ruralgirl]

In the RT, the change was made in 2014. The old motor was a 998cc V-Twin. This is an inline 3. I had a 2012 RT-L and it was a very good ride. I have only had my 2014 for a couple of weeks but, the biggest diferances are in motor torque, lower RPM cruising, 6 speed transmission instead of 5, and an entirely different operation of the clutch and transmission. I liked my 2012 but, I like driving the 2014 better. Also, general service should be easier but probably no less costly on the 1330. Greasing and valve adjustments are not required on the 1330. Oil changes are more expensive. Enjoy your new ride. :yes:

Thanks for all this info. I especially like the part about greasing and valve adjustments not being required (unless there's a downside to that).

 

[rcturner]

From what I can tell, all differences are upside between the 1330 and the 998. I am hoping to put a lot of miles on mine this summer and prove the theory.

 

[ruralgirl]

From what I can tell, all differences are upside between the 1330 and the 998. I am hoping to put a lot of miles on mine this summer and prove the theory.

That's so good to hear. Hopefully, I'll be proving your theory this summer, too. Assuming summer ever gets to MI this year.

 

[ARtraveler]

I have two RT's. One of each engine configuration. I find no downside to the 1330 triple at all.

The posts above have you covered on the differences. :agree:

 

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

I had a 2012 RT and now ride a 2015 RT-S. The only thing I miss is the quicker acceleration of the 998. The 1330 does not jump like the 998 when I really want it to. Everything else is better on the newer RT's.

 

[griffontamer]

I have both; the 1330 has a clutch that sounds like a bucket full of rocks being shaken (when in neutral with the clutch lever released), which has been a concern for some people; and exhaust-wise, (to me) the V-twin sounds much better. Other than that, I like both very much.

 

[ThreeWheels]

The 1330 has better gas mileage than the 998. If you're out for a long ride, you'll probably stop anyway to stretch your legs, but when used as a daily commuter, the longer range is significant.
Also, the 998 seemed to lose oil, requiring more of a top off between oil changes. The 1330 goes twice as far as the 998 between scheduled oil changes, and it doesn't need to be topped off.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Yep

I have both; the 1330 has a clutch that sounds like a bucket full of rocks being shaken (when in neutral with the clutch lever released), which has been a concern for some people; and exhaust-wise, (to me) the V-twin sounds much better. Other than that, I like both very much.

:agree: The 998 sounds like a motorcycle.......the 1330 sounds like a Like an egg beater, but I think other than that there are some real advantages. To me the most important is the longer range!

 

[Bob Denman]

The ONLY downside to the 1330:? I wish that they had brought it out sooner! :thumbup:

 

[oldguyinTX]

The ONLY downside to the 1330:? I wish that they had brought it out sooner! :thumbup:

So do I. I got the new frame - designed for the 1330 - on my '13, but not the new engine, as it wasn't production ready when it was supposed to be. And Bob, you know a thing or two about the history of my RT.

 

[Michaelscs]

I had a 2012 RT and now ride a 2015 RT-S. The only thing I miss is the quicker acceleration of the 998. The 1330 does not jump like the 998 when I really want it to. Everything else is better on the newer RT's.

Wow, really?
Are you sure your twisting that throttle?
While I don't have a RT, I just went from a ST 998 to a F3 1330(they weigh close to the same). The acceleration of the F3 is night & day faster!
Get the 1330 in the 5000 - 7000rpm range and it sets you back! I could never go back to the 998.

 

[Bob Denman]

So do I. I got the new frame - designed for the 1330 - on my '13, but not the new engine, as it wasn't production ready when it was supposed to be. And Bob, you know a thing or two about the history of my RT.

:shocked: I do...
But it's all good now; right?

 

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

Wow, really?
Are you sure your twisting that throttle?
While I don't have a RT, I just went from a ST 998 to a F3 1330(they weigh close to the same). The acceleration of the F3 is night & day faster!
Get the 1330 in the 5000 - 7000rpm range and it sets you back! I could never go back to the 998.

Yes im sure. The 998 would try to knock me back in the seat when I was laying some sweet 80 foot burnouts. I think at higher speeds the 1330 is great, but from a dead stop and through maybe 50mph, the 998 had much better response. Of course I havent put Cocaine through its paces yet but im about to start doing that now that the break in period is done.

 

[Michaelscs]

Let her buck! You'll see!

 

[Bob Denman]

The 1330s do weigh about a hundred pounds more... nojoke
The hydraulic engagement clutch is also not as smooth as the older centrifugal design: but it'll never toast a set of clutch plates either! :thumbup: