Anecdotal evidence that the RT has more problems than the RS?

[daveinva]

I know, I know: people post their problems online far, FAR more often than they post, "Everything's fine!" That's been the story here at Spyderlovers since the beginning, I get that!

I also know (or perhaps mistakenly think?) that the RT is more popular than the RS, hence you'll see more people here talk about RT problems versus RS problems.

Those disclaimers aside... I have to be honest, in a year's worth of reading here at Spyderlovers, it sure seems to me that people have plenty more problems with their RTs than their RS bikes. Setup issues, stalling, throttle problems, electrical, you name it-- I notice a lot more folks complaining about RT problems.

I know the first-gen GS had its teething problems, and lord knows, the RS still has its quirks. Still, it seems to me that buying an RT new is more of a crapshoot than buying an RS.

Am I just imagining this? Because I'd really like to get an RT one day

 

[bodymanpainter]

The wife and I owned both an RTS and RS and we had way more trouble from the RTS than we had from the RS. But we sure liked all the toys on the RTS and the comfort was far superior.

 

[DragonLorD]

?

Black or White?
:dontknow:
Left or Right?
:dontknow:

....looks to me that you answered your question yourself already
RT and RS might share same platform but you know how much are they still different from one another, right?

Go and get an RT Bro, enjoy it and Ryde safe, you don't need a reasons why not to buy RT or confirmation that you are better off with RS
.....and keep us posted Bro
:2thumbs:

 

[ARtraveler]

A hard decision that only you can make.

I had one of the 2008 GS and put 23,000 trouble free miles on that before trading up the RTS #474. Other than the recall stuff--I have not had any major problems with the RTS in 21,000 plus miles.

Also purchased a 2009 SE5. That is still going with over 21,000 miles on it. The computer was replaced at 1500 miles--but that was the only problem with the 2009.

A lot of issues appear to be dealer set up, or poor mechanical work. If they are not worked on right--that can lead to issues. IMO: Buy from a dealer with a good service reputation, and you go a long way to having fewer problems.

Once again: you want sport bike--get an RS or RSS. you want touring bike--get the RT models.

I am a fan of comfort and gadgets--so I prefer the RTS

 

[Blue Star]

I also know (or perhaps mistakenly think?) that the RT is more popular than the RS, hence you'll see more people here talk about RT problems versus RS problems.

One of the members of my ryding group works for a motorcylce dealership that sells the Spyder. She told me just this last Saturday that 70 percent of that dealerships (or maybe it was nation-wide) sales are RT's. I know I have been to two different dealerships in the last month, and one has four RT's and one RS with the other having two RT's and one RS on the showroom floor, and all were 2011's.

 

[docdoru]

According to my sources the RT platform is older than the RS's. :doorag:

 

[Littlebadwolf]

I know the dealership here outsells the RS 5 to 1 with the RT's but you have to consider the fact that the age group of those that buy the RT is usually a lot older than the folks that buy the RS..Most of the members are more into the touring aspect than the sporty features of the RS..I own the RS and I'm turning 60 this year but I prefer the sport features....and it certainly doesn't stop me from riding long distances...I haven't had a single problem with my RS other than the recall for the DPS...

 

[TuckMiddle]

Issues

My RTSM5 was purchased on Aug 21, 2011. Except for a water pump seal and a couple messages that were not a big issue, I have had no problems in my first 8,000 miles that were not self induced.The bike has been superb, and I have added some things that make it better in my opinion. My oil pressure gauge/sending unit failed multiple times. Can't do the mx like I could when younger due to two back operations and arthritis. The failures and leaks cost me mega bucks for labor to get resolved - that was mostly a self inflicted fiasco, not BRP. Bad choice of what turned out to be a discontinued gauge from a very reliable vendor.
Hop on the RT, ride it and enjoy. Maybe a frunk wrap from Pete, but big buck things are done. ISCI hand brake, belt tensioner, ELKA shocks on the front. The mx costs add up in a hurry due to the enclosure of the bike in all those panels and the way the systems are basically designed and squeezed in like 10 pounds of "stuff" in a 5 pound bag, but the Spyder is not the only vehicle or device that way. I do compare it to a submarine in complexity sometimes. but I'm a happy owner. It's a wonderful ride and that's the bottom line.

Tuck

 

[Tonga]

Age

I know the dealership here outsells the RS 5 to 1 with the RT's but you have to consider the fact that the age group of those that buy the RT is usually a lot older than the folks that buy the RS..Most of the members are more into the touring aspect than the sporty features of the RS..I own the RS and I'm turning 60 this year but I prefer the sport features....and it certainly doesn't stop me from riding long distances...I haven't had a single problem with my RS other than the recall for the DPS...

So true about those who ride the RT verses the sporty RS. I Guess I am one of those! Comfort is paramount for me and younger people more likely to be on two wheels, hence lower sales on RS models.

 

[Bob Denman]

More issues with the RTs?? :shocked: That actually makes a lot of sense; it is a more complicated machine with a whole lot more code stored in the computers...
Perhaps all of us "Olpharts" who buy them are nautrally crankier and if a glitch shows up, we head right off to get somebody to fix it???? :gaah:
:shemademe_smilie::shocked:

 

[CyncySpyder]

Just our 2 cents & personal experiences

You hit the nail on the head in your post. Our first RT-S wasn't set-up correctly from the dealer from the beginning, & even tho I loved the Spyder & put almost 14,000 miles on it in a little under 11 months, that particular machine was a nightmare & I had little faith in it & subsequently traded it for one of Lens 2011SpyderFest Eddition Spyders from Cowtown. Needless to say, Ive had no set-up issues this time around & besides "warranty" & general maintenance, we've now got over 22,000 miles in about 10 months.

I can't speak of the teething issues of the RS for we were not here yet. But I'd bet there were pretty close to the same amount of issues from the RS teething time compared to that of the RTs teething time & as mentioned pryor, IT IS a more complex BEAST

 

[daveinva]

Thanks all for the thoughts.... like I said, it's just an impression that I get, but it's likely a selection bias given the popularity of the RT vs. the RS.

Sadly, I won't be buying an RT anytime soon even if I wanted one-- then again, I'm VERY happy with my RS too. Maybe I should have both .

 

[sandrunr1]

My wife has a 2009 SM5 and I have a 2010 SE5. Minor problems and dealer always took care of them in a very timely manner. A friend of mine has a 2010 Harley trike. Been in the shop 8 or 9 times. 3 times the front end was falling off. He still says Harleys rule but there are problems with all new bikes, not just the Spyder. Oh and dont get me started on new cars. And mine is pearl white. They are by far the fastest.

 

[pitbull]

You hit the nail on the head in your post. Our first RT-S wasn't set-up correctly from the dealer from the beginning, & even tho I loved the Spyder & put almost 14,000 miles on it in a little under 11 months, that particular machine was a nightmare & I had little faith in it & subsequently traded it for one of Lens 2011SpyderFest Eddition Spyders from Cowtown. Needless to say, Ive had no set-up issues this time around & besides "warranty" & general maintenance, we've now got over 22,000 miles in about 10 months.

I can't speak of the teething issues of the RS for we were not here yet. But I'd bet there were pretty close to the same amount of issues from the RS teething time compared to that of the RTs teething time & as mentioned pryor, IT IS a more complex BEAST

Ok, I agree it's a lot in the setup and yes there is a lot more going on with an RT, its has way more options and the sales are much larger on RT's....I ordered 83 RT's And 2 RS's....don't get me wrong we still sell a lot of used RS's there both good bikes, and each have there strong point. I would hate to see a rs people veres rt's.....we are small group and close one, if you ryde and RT your a friend, if you ryde an RS your a friend there will always be a next model, a new kid on the block, for now its simple Lets all be friends....I'm done carry on

 

[Dudley]

I have had several posts on SL about dealerships that lack what it takes to be a good dealership. From 1981 to 1984 I sold Honda motorcycles. I heard many stories from people about other Honda dealerships and their lack of customer support. Too many times on SL I have read of Spyder owners having to leave their Spyders for weeks, and a few, months to get a simple thing fixed. That is not acceptable. The initial setup of any motorcycle is the most important part of any motorcycle sale/service/customer satisfaction. There are so many ways that things can go wrong. One wire left unconnected, screw or bolt or nut left loose, too much oil, wrong air pressure in the tires, and one of the most read about, and that really gets my goat, battery connections not tightened and batteries not charged when the unit is sold (just to list a few). And when the unit is brought to the shop to get the issues corrected...well many of you know that nightmare. Incompetent Techs, "could care less" or turnip head service writers, even dealerships that only care for the sale. Then you have the dealers who have other "seasonal" vehicles that take priority over the Spyders. I am very thankful that I have a dealer that is always there for me and works with me with any issues the Spyder may have. I hope that everyone could find such a dealer.

Cowtown has the right formula. The dealer I worked with selling Honda, is now the biggest Honda-only volume dealer in the Southeast. Customer first is the best advertisement that any dealer can build up. It's free and the returns are profitable.

 

[ARtraveler]

:agree: with #14 and $15 above :thumbup:. Set up is the most important part of the purchase. I too, have been fortunate to have a dealer that provides good customer service after the sale. Were it not for that, I would not be a :spyder2: owner.

 

[daveinva]

Agreed on the setup, and how that seems to make all the difference in the world.

So much so, that if/when I'm in the market for an RT, I might just fly my behind out to Cowtown and ride one back! :doorag:

 

[Bob Denman]

That would be a very wise choice... :thumbup:

 

[spyder3]

Agreed on the setup, and how that seems to make all the difference in the world.

So much so, that if/when I'm in the market for an RT, I might just fly my behind out to Cowtown and ride one back! :doorag:

''

You are a very wise man!:roflblack::roflblack:

All kidding aside, I did it and it was worth a little extra cost for the piece of mind.

 

[pitbull]

You all know are far to kind to a little shop in the midwest. hyea: Thanks guys, we really are thankful to be a part of a great community of spyderlovers.