Considering an ST-LTD perhaps?

[Siara]

Hey everyone,

As some of you might already know I had my heart set on a 2014 RT with the updated engine because I wanted to save on gas. I know I know...might sound funny on a machine like the Spyder. I figured however that if I bought an ST the difference in price would probably let me buy gas for a whole lot of years to come... Now the 'issue' is that I saw a very nice ST-LTD at a dealer that had a discount and 4 years warranty and I can actually afford it. I just don't know if this is the machine for me.

I'm a 27-year old girl that loves to ride but unfortunately cannot ride her two-wheeler anymore due to medical issues. What I'm looking for in a Spyder is actually a whole lot of fun without having to compromise my health. I want to use the Spyder for commuting but also for pleasure rides with my boyfriend who will be riding a two-wheeler. I also want to be able to go on a longer trip that involves several days of travel. Just me and the machine on the road without worries. I love the twisties on my two-wheeler and I know the Spyder will be different but people assured me that twisties are still fun but in a different way. Would the Spyder ST-LTD be suitable for me or am I better off looking at other things?

Why I would choose the 2014/2015 RT above the 2014 ST-S? Storage space! Would I need it? Probably not. Do I want it? Err...yush I'm greedy... Besides that I loved the smooth ride on the RT with the new engine and the fact it has 6 gears. I'm used to that from the bike, would having only 5 gears bother me? Not sure, I do miss one on the car but not a deal breaker I guess. Mileage is pretty bad, worse than my car but I'm assuming the fun factor is much higher?

Either way my bad side is telling me to just get the damn thing and get it over with but my sensible side is saying I should stop dreaming and actually use my money for something different.

Can you give me feedback regarding the matter? What machine do you drive and what do you love/hate about it?

Thank you for helping a girl out. All these beautiful models and different configurations are driving me mental, haha~

 

[Highwayman2013]

I think if you are going to get a spyder, you should get the one you want.

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: You're going to be losing sleep over this issue... :shocked:
Anybody with a 2014 RT, will tell you that it's the "Best" machine for you.
(I'd even be tempted to say it... )
But I won't!
There is NOTHING wrong with the ST bikes. The Limited even comes will a lot of the "extras" that are on the RTs.
Yes; the drivetrain is still the 998/5 speed...
But it's still a solid and dependable combination.
(Just keep the revs up about 3500 rpm so that the clutches are fully engaged)
Fuel mileage is largely affected by how you ride the bike... If you let your right wrist have all of the fun that it wants; you'll pay for it... But that's the same for ALL bikes.
The detachable saddlebags may be advantageous; remove them when they're not needed, and lock them in place when they are. :thumbup:
The savings... That's where the sleep loss will come from. Is it worth the money in your pocket to NOT have the bike that you want??? :dontknow:
Only you, can answer that!

 

[Siara]

You guys are so mean for forcing me make this choice for myself. I though the internet was going to do it for me~

In all honesty, I do like the ST-LTD a lot as well else I wouldn't even consider purchasing one. I wouldn't just go for it just because it's cheaper. In the end I don't need an RT since it would be overkill but off course who doesn't like a bit more luxury you don't even need at this age...

I am so going to lose a lot of sleep over this one but I don't mind. I'm quite restless as it is nights help me think, haha~

Are there other things I might be missing out on besides storage if I decide to pick an ST over an RT?

 

[Dgjason]

I have had my 2013 ST Limited since July and absolutely love it. I have added many assessories and with the lower price you can do the same.

Dennis

 

[Mcubed45]

I love my ST Ltd.

Unless you want to a lot of long distance riding, the ST is probably what you need. Mine functions flawlessly and is a bundle of fun to ride.

 

[Bob Denman]

We all wish that we could be more help...
But we're not the ones that'll be riding it. :shocked:
Take your time thinking all of this out; get it set in YOUR mind, before making a move.
Good Luck, and Happy Hunting! :thumbup:

 

[RBS66]

Which one seems to fit you better when you ride? I have an RT and when I sat on the ST at the dealer it just didn't seem to fit me as well. If the ST felt comfortable to you then go for it.

 

[MRH]

A few thoughts:

Ride them both, and for as much time as you can. There is no substitute for knowing how the bikes feel to you, personally.

Know that more power may become more important to you over time. When I got my 2010 RT I couldn't imagine wanting more power, but now there are times when I'd like more power out of my 2014 RT.

Buy what you can pay for with cash. Don't go into debt for this (or much of anything, really). You'll enjoy it a lot more when you aren't making payments on it.

Get a long warranty. Especially if you purchase used.

Be careful about the 2013's - you might be setting yourself up for far more trouble than the savings is worth.

Wait to buy what you want - at least within reason.

Take your time and wait for a deal - winter can be a great time to pay less.

If you are planning on traveling, I think you'll find the extra storage on the RT to be very important to you, so factor in the cost of saddle bags on the ST if you go that way.

Make up you own mind based on what you like for yourself, keeping in mind the added perspective and information that we can offer you.

I wish I'd had one of these at 27! I didn't start riding until my mid 40's.

 

[Yazz]

Take a test ride on a ST-LTD. Then you'll know for sure which Spyder is for you.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: :thumbup:
I kind of found that the riding positions were very similar on the two bikes. It was the RS that seemed a bit "different" to me...
The lesser weight of the ST Limited will be pretty noticeable; in a GOOD way.

 

[Highwayman2013]

They are both good bikes, you just need to get the one that fits your life style best. You can get many after market parts to modify either one. Enjoy the choice, there is nothing in stone that says you must buy one or the other and stick with it forever. Besides if you need more room for long trips, get a trailer.

 

[Fat Crip]

I found the RT to be a bit fat and lardy. I came here as a disabled ex-biker (Buells) and really couldn't stomach riding round on what, to my eye, reminded me of a Gold Wing. The ST without it panniers looks fairly sporty to me and as a dedicated one bag traveler 45 litres of luggage space will do me most of the time. Add the panniers and I could circle the planet.

Also, being an ex-Buell rider, a Rotax V-twin was going to beat a triple every time. Unless you're a Harley big twin thumper rider, you'll probably feel more at home on the higher revving V-twin. At least I do. I only ride with two wheelers and they all seem to love my ST.

 

[Siara]

Thank you everyone for your kind feedback. I love hearing from other Spyder riders since I only have two-wheeled friends who aren't really all that happy when I bring up a Spyder. It's nice to hear the other side of the medal. I love all the suggestions and tips I've been getting so far so if you have any more wisdom to share feel free to do so.

I found the RT to be a bit fat and lardy. I came here as a disabled ex-biker (Buells) and really couldn't stomach riding round on what, to my eye, reminded me of a Gold Wing. The ST without it panniers looks fairly sporty to me and as a dedicated one bag traveler 45 litres of luggage space will do me most of the time. Add the panniers and I could circle the planet.

Also, being an ex-Buell rider, a Rotax V-twin was going to beat a triple every time. Unless you're a Harley big twin thumper rider, you'll probably feel more at home on the higher revving V-twin. At least I do. I only ride with two wheelers and they all seem to love my ST.

I do love the RT but on the photo's my partner took of us when doing a test drive on an RT I did notice that the RT misses a certain something in the department of looks. Besides that it has great utility though, don't get me wrong, but it does indeed seem a bit too bulky for my age. I know it's all in the head though and that not only 'old' people drive the RT. It's great for all ages.

I do love the more sportier look of the ST as Fat Crip mentioned above for some reason but then again my head can't seem to wrap around the concept that the older engine doesn't necessarily mean it's worse.

 

[900Dave]

ST Limited

I own a 13 ST Limited and put 10000 miles on it my first year of ownership. I have had NO mechanical issues. Fuel mileage has been anywhere between 25 and 36 MPG's Depends on how you drive it and it got considerably better after 5000 miles. Storage is not an issue. My wife usually rides with me and did a 3 day trip. We each had our own saddle bag and neither of them were full. We also had rain gear, cover, laptop ect in the frunk.
I would definately go with a 14 as the my 13 had some of the heat issues which I had fixed.
Good luck with you choice and you will have fun on either the ST or the RT.

 

[Explorer]

Siara
You mentioned ST-S once, but I think you are looking at a 2014 ST-LTD. I have a 2014 ST-LTD. In 11 months I have put 16,000 miles on it. I love it. I ride alone. In my opinion for me, the ST-LTD is more comfortable and looks more sporty than the RT. I have taken a 1 month and a 2 month trip on it and luggage space was not a problem for me. Pack only synthetic quick drying clothes and wash each night.
Ultimately you have to make the decision, but I think you would like the 2014 ST-LTD.
Roger

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Like the other responders here, I can't make the decision for you. BUT . . . .

Your signature says "Saving up for Spyder RT 2014 [8,00% of total funding needed}" Does this mean you have all but 8% of the funding you need to buy a 2014 RT? Or that you have saved 8%, so far, of the total funding you need? If you're within 8% of what you need for the '14 RT, I'd say wait and get the RT. Or at least wait till you have that extra money and then make the decision from a position of power.

It sounds to me like you think you really want the RT, but could live without the extra cargo space and could afford the ST now. If you really prefer the sportier look of the ST ( and I get that), and can do without the bigger engine with the lower ratios, then go for the ST.

(BTW if the rigid bags that come with the ST aren't enough room you can replace them with larger Givi bags. You could also add a top case for more cargo space.)

FWIW - I like the looks of the ST better. But I mostly like touring. And I'm such a girl, I have to take a lot of stuff with me. I've had a RT with the 998 v-twin and much prefer the triple. I just never got used to the high RPMs of the 998.

Take a test drive of both and see how you feel about the comparative rides!

And don't forget to let us know how you come out. And we want pics!!!

 

[blacklightning]

I was torn with the same issues that you are having now. When the ST Limited came out, I fell in love with it. It seems to fit my riding style better, and I like the ability to take the bags off when not in use. However, I never liked the higher rpm's that the 990 engine operated at. That was also my biggest issue with the earlier model RT's. When the 2014 RT's came out with the lwer RPM's, and lower maintenance schedule, that was all I needed to hear. I purchased my 2014 RT in September of this year. If they ever placed the 1330 in the ST, I would love to have one, but since the F3 is out, I doubt that will ever happen. I say ride both, and consider the maintenance before making a final decision. Good luck with what ever you choose.

 

[ARtraveler]

It sounds to me like you are leaning more towards the ST side rather than the RT.

I really do recommend a test ride on both. The ACE 1330 engine may win you over...but...you will have to decide that.

The ST is more "sporty" looking for sure. The price is not too much different if you are looking at the LTD versions.

Maintenance schedule is more aggressive on the ST and will cost you more money.

They are both great machines, but you have to decide which one is for you.

 

[Yazz]

Was on a Springer when health happened and I couldn't ride two wheels anymore. I like riding my own too. Understand the mind shift it takes to keep your knees in the breeze on three wheels. Glad you're thinking through this analytically. I didn't, but have no regrets.

As others have said, you can tour on any Spyder you get. Have been a lot of places on my GS/RS. Just get rigging for what you want to do.

Test ride both Spyders back to back and go for what calls to you. No-one can choose for you because the ST and the RT ride is different and only you knows what makes your heart sing...