Advice on purchase of 2013 RT LTD

[jcthorne]

What kind of riding do you expect to do? If you're going to be doing 70+ on Interstates with headwinds hitting you, and/or a lot of uphill riding, go for the '14. The 998 just doesn't have the power and torque at the top end that you need for demanding conditions. On my recent trip to Spyderfest and back I encountered very strong winds in Idaho the last day. 4th gear, full throttle, pulling my trailer, there were times I could not get above 72 mph! Gas mileage dropped to about 15 mpg. I got ~24 mpg going over the Rockies 3 weeks earlier. :banghead: The lack of power and torque at the top end makes it challenging to pass semis on the Interstate at 70 to 80 mph, especially in a headwind or going uphill.

I test drove a '15 RT at Spyderfest. In my assessment in most ordinary riding conditions the 1330 engine performs on par with the 1800 Goldwing. The 998 does not.

Now if most of your riding is going to be 65 and below on 2 lane highways and you aren't going to be going up and down hills and battling headwinds, the 2013 will serve you just fine.

Sorry, you were just in the wrong gear. The 998 does need to be up in its power band above 5000 but lack of power is not one of its problems. My 2013 had no problem running away from a stock 2014 RT, not by much but it was faster. Point is, the power between the two is very close, just different RPM ranges. The low end torque of the 1330 does FEEL faster during normal driving. I love my new F3 but lets not destroy the market for the 2013s any worse than BRP already has.

 

[Bob Denman]

Here we come...

:clap: VERY, very nice!! :thumbup:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Sorry, you were just in the wrong gear. The 998 does need to be up in its power band above 5000 but lack of power is not one of its problems. My 2013 had no problem running away from a stock 2014 RT, not by much but it was faster. Point is, the power between the two is very close, just different RPM ranges. The low end torque of the 1330 does FEEL faster during normal driving. I love my new F3 but lets not destroy the market for the 2013s any worse than BRP already has.

I'm not trying to destroy the market for the 2013s, just pointing out that in my experience the 998 is limited in performance at the top end, especially when I really needed it. I do most of my passing of semis in 4th gear up to 80+ mph, and have occasionally dropped into 3rd. 3rd tops out at about 75 mph and 4th at about 90, with the engine up around 8000 rpm. I am operating in the power band! On the level, or slight uphill, in calm weather, the 998 will move you around the semi, but it is not as quick at it as the Goldwing is. But if you're against a headwind, or going up a 6% grade, the 998 is lacking. I passed a lot of semis with my GW, and I've passed a lot of them with the RT. When it comes to power reserve at 75 mph and up the 998 does not have what the 'wing does. That is stating fact, not making a bashing comment.

Oh, and a headwind never kept me from reaching 80+ with the GW like happened the last Saturday with the RT, and I was in 4th gear most of the day, on the Interstate!

Are you suggesting that when it comes to power for passing, climbing uphill, and fighting headwind, that at 70 mph and above the 1330 performance is no better than the 998? It kind of sounds like it but I sure can't believe that is what you are doing.

 

[Ex Winger]

Congrats on the new ride.I,m sure you,ll enjoy it.I,m going to Carlisle PA in Aug down through the finger lakes.Very nice country.
Bill