Considering an ST-LTD perhaps?

[JKMSPYDER]

ST vs RT

Siara, I have a '13 ST-S and love it! Test drove an RT before my purchase and decided it was too big for me. The ST-S is just right. I know you mentioned the ST LTD, but I saved a lot of $ by buying the ST-S vs the LTD and then added soft luggage and a bag that I can strap to the passenger seat. If the hard bags are important then go with the LTD.

 

[Siara]

Siara, I have a '13 ST-S and love it! Test drove an RT before my purchase and decided it was too big for me. The ST-S is just right. I know you mentioned the ST LTD, but I saved a lot of $ by buying the ST-S vs the LTD and then added soft luggage and a bag that I can strap to the passenger seat. If the hard bags are important then go with the LTD.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I really appreciate it. Best option for me would be to go for a used Spyder which are scarce here in Belgium to be honest. On the other hand we have the models of previous years who have some nice conditions and discounts here which would probably mean the RT would have the older engine. New machines are pretty much out of the question since they don't seem to hold their value good over here and the price range is also very painful for the wallet after all.

I don't mind an ST-S at all but I was wondering quite a few things. I was looking at the ST-LTD mainly for the extra luggage capacity and the heated grips for the driver. Heated grips are a must since I drive through winter as well, those puppies might not solve all but they sure are nice to have on those cold wintery days. As you could already deduct I also love the extra storage space the panniers provide on the limited. Not sure if I'd use it but as a girl I always have too much stuff I need to find some room for.

Would it be possible to add heated grips and/or panniers to an ST-S in the future or does BRP prevent this from working? I can't do it myself and I don't want to kill my warranty by letting someone else than an official dealer do it.

I'm also wondering if I could get some feedback regarding the ST. I love taking long daily trips as in 10+ hours in the saddle and was wondering if I am going to kill my back doing this on an ST. I'm afraid the posture in the saddle might be too sporty for long trips or am I seeing this wrong?

 

[PrairieSpyder]

It looks like you're narrowing down your decision. I love to help people shop! hyea:

I can't address the heated grips directly, but I'm betting they can be added for sure!

As to the panniers, you can certainly add them to an STS. With buying a STS instead of the Ltd, you aren'y limited to the factory items. You could getr aftermarket panniers that are bigger than BRP's. (I also have the habit of overpacking. It's a girl thing.)

You may be able to find a backrest that will help on those long days, also highway pegs, etc.

 

[BikerDoc]

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~

I would never call the side of me that is telling me to have fun and enjoy life, my "bad side".... Being so called "sensible " is highly overrated. HAVE FUN..

 

[Jeffsm69]

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.

Nice choice, I've had my 2013 ST-Limited since March 2014, if you're starting with the 2014 ST-Limited, you'll have no problems, they already have the air flow panels on this bike, love all the features that come with the limited package, I haven't reached the age to want an RT-Limited yet, I like the sportier look of the ST and the handling, good luck with which ever you choose, they're all great bikes. :thumbup:

 

[flamingobabe]

I too have a ST-L but with 25k....I mainly do long distance travel......never had a problem with storage.....kuryakyn sells a bag for Goldwing that fits the trunk rack...but it fits perfect on ST back seat...it is soft sided and you can stuff it full...it also expands out......I love my ST.....but have you considered the F3

 

[JKMSPYDER]

HEATED GRIPS

The heated grips are not standard on the ST-S but can be added by the dealer. I had my dealer install the heated grips before I picked up my Spyder. They look just like they came from the factory. I have ridden hundreds of miles on my ST-S in one day and it is very comfortable. I have a backrest and also an Airhawk cushion and sheepskin cover. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Siara]

I too have a ST-L but with 25k....I mainly do long distance travel......never had a problem with storage.....kuryakyn sells a bag for Goldwing that fits the trunk rack...but it fits perfect on ST back seat...it is soft sided and you can stuff it full...it also expands out......I love my ST.....but have you considered the F3
View attachment 99551

I've certainly considered the F3 but it looks so much like a landmower to me. I'm not saying it's worse than the ST or RT but I think their appearance takes some more getting used to. They're really gorgeous from the side though. I've also heard they are way more expensive than for instance the ST if you customize them the way you like them and that they have way less storage space. I really need to be able to get my helmet, gloves and perhaps a jacket and shoes in there.

I have to be mindful with aftermarket customization because unfortunately there is not much to be found here (if any...) so custom seats/panniers/bags/lightning/... are pretty much unavailable.

The heated grips are not standard on the ST-S but can be added by the dealer. I had my dealer install the heated grips before I picked up my Spyder. They look just like they came from the factory. I have ridden hundreds of miles on my ST-S in one day and it is very comfortable. I have a backrest and also an Airhawk cushion and sheepskin cover. Good luck with your decision.

Nice to hear that the ST can be comfortable for longer trips as well. I've heard of that airhawk cushion before, I wonder if I could get it over here.

I'm going to go pay a visit to the closest local dealer and see what they have in stock. I'll go gawk at their machines for a while and ponder about what I actually need. My current two-wheeler needs to get sold unfortunately before I can actually purchase the 'new' Spyder. Time to take some fresh pictures and re-list it.

 

[Bob Denman]

Happy Hunting! :thumbup:

 

[Siara]

Happy Hunting! :thumbup:

Thank you kindly~! I'm sure I'll enjoy the hunt to the fullest. I currently have a strong preference for a beautiful Spyder over here but I'm so scared my two-wheeler won't sell in time for me to claim the Spyder as my own.

 

[Fat Crip]

Nice to hear that the ST can be comfortable for longer trips as well. I've heard of that airhawk cushion before, I wonder if I could get it over here.

I use a gel seat pad made here in the UK. I'm not sure it's necessary, but as my paralysis prevents me shifting my weight around so the gel allows me to spend several hours in the saddle in one sitting...as it were!