Considering the Spyder RT

[Pampurrs]

Hello Spyder people......

I just joined this forum today, mainly because I'm seriously considering the Spyder RT. I've been seeing them on the road for a couple of years, have even ridden in many group rides there there are Spyders with us. I've had a really hard time getting over the unusual design, but the time has come for me to just get over it. I turn 66 this June (Not that age should have anything to do with it), and my legs, knees, and feet are starting to show signs of wear and tear, along with remnants of old broken bones. I currently ride a Victory Vision (Talk about getting over an unusual design) and I really love it. I looked into the trike conversion kit, and the price is astronomical. That led me to the Can-Am Spyder website where my wants and needs landed on the RT. I sent in a request for a quote, but haven't gotten a response. We are in the middle of Bike Week here in Phoenix, so I doubt that I will hear from anyone before next week. Before anyone tells me to go to Bike Fest and do a demo, I actually did take a demo a couple of years ago when I was still riding a Goldwing, but never followed up. I don't think I was ready for three wheels at that time.

Anyway, I have a list of questions that I'd like to ask before I meet with a salesperson.

• How is the leg room for the rider? I ask this because one of the main reasons I went from the Goldwing to the Vision was because the Goldwing cramped up my legs and the Vision has lots of room to stretch out. From looking at the pictures, it appears that the legroom may be as lacking on the Spyder as it was on the Wing.
• Does the 1330 CC engine provide good power? I had 1800 CC on the Wing, and have a 103 CI engine on the Vision, so I'm spoiled on power.
• How does it handle crosswind?
• Does it come with heated seats? (Yes, I'm spoiled)
• Are there driver and passenger cup holders available? (Yes, I'm spoiled)
• Is it fairly easy to do minor work on? I like to do my own oil changes etc.
• Does the RT Limited have enough practical features to justify the extra $4,000 price tag?

Thanks in advance everyone. I will appreciate any help.

Pam

 

[robmorg]

Anyway, I have a list of questions that I'd like to ask before I meet with a salesperson.

Hi Pam, I'll answer some of your questions. I'm sure others will chime in as well...

• How is the leg room for the rider? I ask this because one of the main reasons I went from the Goldwing to the Vision was because the Goldwing cramped up my legs and the Vision has lots of room to stretch out. From looking at the pictures, it appears that the legroom may be as lacking on the Spyder as it was on the Wing.
• It should be OK. But if you are cramped with the stock seat, there is a "Comfort Seat" available that will give you another 2" leg room, while reducing the passenger room slightly. The "comfort seat" on the 2014/2015 models actuary is quite a bit more comfortable as well.
• Does the 1330 CC engine provide good power? I had 1800 CC on the Wing, and have a 103 CI engine on the Vision, so I'm spoiled on power.
• It has plenty of power. You will not feel a need for more, I am certain. My previous bike was a big Yamaha Royal Star Venture with a V-4, and I'm comfortable with the power on my older RT with the 998 engine.
• How does it handle crosswind?
• As long as the front tires are properly aligned it will handle a cross-wind with no problem - better than a 2-wheel bike
• Does it come with heated seats? (Yes, I'm spoiled)
• I believe there is an option for a heated seat. Of course you'll pay more.
• Are there driver and passenger cup holders available? (Yes, I'm spoiled)
• Plenty of choices for these available after market. I personally like the RIVCO cup holder for the front.
• Is it fairly easy to do minor work on? I like to do my own oil changes etc.
• I have my dealer do mine, so I'll defer on this one. But I have not heard too many complaints from other owners. There are also after-market kits available to make it easier.
• Does the RT Limited have enough practical features to justify the extra $4,000 price tag?
• Only you can answer this. Here is a description of the differences from BRP's web site. The RT has three trim levels. Each level has the options from the previous level, plus additional add-ons.

The above trim levels are for the 2015's. I'm not certain, but I think they were the same on the 2014. The two model years are very much the same except for paint colors, so if you can find a 2014 left-over, you will save a few thousand dollars. Also look for available BRP factory discount for these two model years. BRP and dealers will also sometimes throw in extended BRP warranties as a buying incentive.

 

[BeRight]

I almost ordered the RT versus the F3. You get allot for your money with the RT. 2015 RT will probably be the most reliable, comfortable, and accessorized Spyders. Most creature comforts come with it and many others are available thru 3rd parties.

As to worth of RT-Limited only you can decide if additional features are worth the money to you. Many Limited owners will share their thoughts with you, I'm sure.

The 1330 engine will provide you with plenty of power - not to worry.

Enjoy your investigation - take a demo ride - RTs are at most if not all dealers.

It you ride it, it'll be hard not to buy it.

 

[Marker]

Hi Pam, I'll answer some of your questions. I'm sure others will chime in as well...

• How is the leg room for the rider? I ask this because one of the main reasons I went from the Goldwing to the Vision was because the Goldwing cramped up my legs and the Vision has lots of room to stretch out. From looking at the pictures, it appears that the legroom may be as lacking on the Spyder as it was on the Wing.
• It should. But if you are cramped with the stock seat, there is a "Comfort Seat" available that will give you another 2" leg room, while reducing the passenger room slightly. The "comfort seat" on the 2014/2015 models actuary is quite a bit more comfortable as well.
• Does the 1330 CC engine provide good power? I had 1800 CC on the Wing, and have a 103 CI engine on the Vision, so I'm spoiled on power.
• It has plenty of power, you will not feel a need for more, I am certain.
• How does it handle crosswind?
• As long as the front tires are properly aligned it will handle a cross-wind with no problem - better than a 2-wheel bike
• Does it come with heated seats? (Yes, I'm spoiled)
• I believe there is an option for a heated seat. Of course you'll pay more.
• Are there driver and passenger cup holders available? (Yes, I'm spoiled)
• Plenty of choices for these available after market. I personally like the RIVCO cup holder for the front.
• Is it fairly easy to do minor work on? I like to do my own oil changes etc.
• I have my dealer do mine, so I'll defer on this one. But I have not heard too many complaints from other owners.
• Does the RT Limited have enough practical features to justify the extra $4,000 price tag?
• Only you can answer this. Here is a description of the differences from BRP's web site. The RT has three trim levels. Each level has the options from the previous level, plus ext add-ons.

The above trim levels are for the 2015's. I'm not certain, but I think they were the same on the 2014. The two model years are very much the same except for paint colors, so if you can find a 2014 left-over, you will save a few thousand dollars. Also look for available BRP factory discount for these two model years.

:agree: 110% I have a corbin heated seat and love it. I do not like the BRP Rt seat as I feel it moves you ahead too far and I do not like the lumbar pad in my back. the corbin seat is more comfortable for me.

I bought a spyder RT because of past broken bones, bad knees and some nerve damage in my hands and feet. I am very comfortable on it I can ride and my wife and I have ridden 12 hour days before just stopping for food and fuel.

I just bought a 2015 spyder RT limited because I wanted the chrome,GPS, and the new motor and the running boards. I traded in a 2010RT S. I really like the SE6 transmission.

Welcome to spyderlovers ,this a great site with great people. Have fun shopping. There are all kinds of supporting vendors on this forum that have everything to make your spyder comfortable and your own.

 

[Gator37]

RT

It took me till age 76 to decide it was time for a three wheeler. Just haven't been as comfortable on rides as in years past holding up a near 900 lb bike and don't drag the pegs like my younger days. Second knee replacement pretty much made the decision.
I bought an RT-S this Feb. and haven't looked back at the Harley and Goldwing I traded in. I opted for the RT-S instead of limited because am not a Chrome junkie and don't need a built in GPS or luggage bags. You will love the Spyder once you get one and riding.
Welcome to the Forum and ride SAFE.

 

[trikermutha]

take one for a test ride and see if it is what you want..That is the best way to tell if this suits your needs..

I am happy getting away from the Harley and buying the new 1330 engine..:thumbup: along with some of the other features like heated seat,heated grips,power steering. etc

 

[wishey1]

All good questions...

I've had a lot of bikes, a couple Goldwings, a couple BMWs etc. I traded in a Goldwing F6B had 3,000 miles and which I loved....I thought I may be slightly crazy....but I found all my questions vanished after about 100 miles, that was three days ago. All of a sudden it hit me that even though I loved riding bikes I always had a sort of "fun dampener" built in because of a various amount of factors which centered around dropping it or sliding around a curve...all that stuff.
After about 100 miles it hit me, the feeling of 100% fun without those things which had always haunted me......the feeling of confidence the stability factor gives you trumps everything else.

the riding position does seem a lil cramped but when you ride you do stretch a bit more in turns so you do need to be closer to the steering...

 

[MikeT]

Welcome Pam,
I am going to be a new RT Limited owner in the next month. I've owned 3 H-D touring bikes, and 2-GL1800 trikes. There are a number of ex-wingers on this forum that may speak up. I will share my research:
1. The 1330 has enough power. Takes premium fuel like my H-Ds, where as the GL1800 took regular. RT gets better gas mileage after broke in.
2. Maintenence maybe more expensive than a GL1800 due to the need to remove tupperware to perform maintenence. Service intervals are extended on the 1330.
3.A RT Limited is not as "sophisticated" as a Leval 2 GL1800 with respect Comfort, CB, or XM radio; but has more safety features.
4. You can get a heated seat; but you need the Comfort Seat option first.
If you are "too spoiled" by the GL1800 features, the RT Limited may not be the vehicle for you. It will cost a pretty penny to Wingize a RT Limited. I tried. Like many, I've decided to accept all the positives that the RT Limited has to give, and keep on being in the wind.
Mike

 

[etaoin]

I'm 67 and just went from a Victory Vision Tour to a 2014 RT Limited. Couldn't be happier. As others have opined, aging and strength factors -- not to mention the wife's bad knees -- led us to the trade. Hey, I loved the VVT but couldn't get my wife on comfortably and confidently. Now, we can both ride without problems. I'm 6'2" and in the process of getting highway pegs sorted out but that's the only issue I have. Make the jump -- you won't be sorry.

 

[Bob Denman]

take one for a test ride and see if it is what you want..That is the best way to tell if this suits your needs..

I am happy getting away from the Harley and buying the new 1330 engine..:thumbup: along with some of the other features like heated seat,heated grips,power steering. etc

:agree: :welcome: :2thumbs:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome:

As to seats, the Comfort seat and the Corbin heated seat have already been mentioned. Corbin also has a Lamonster-cut seat that gives you a bit more leg room, but I don't know if heating is possible.

 

[Pampurrs]

:welcome:

As to seats, the Comfort seat and the Corbin heated seat have already been mentioned. Corbin also has a Lamonster-cut seat that gives you a bit more leg room, but I don't know if heating is possible.

Is it safe to assume that the RT is prewired and pre switched for the heated seat?

Thanks

Pam

 

[Chupaca]

Welcome..!!

Glad you joined up. As you can see you get all the answers you need here. I do agree in that you really need to test ryde these machines. The vast majority love them and will speak highly of them but thats them and you seem set on what your looking for in your new ryde. I don't think you will be disappointed and if there is some feature you are not happy with we have a large number of sponsors ready to help you correct that. Hope you have fun shopping and find what your looking for...:thumbup:

 

[trikermutha]

Is it safe to assume that the RT is prewired and pre switched for the heated seat?

Thanks

Pam

yes to be used with the BRP comfort seat..

I drive mine again today even tho it was 40 and the wind chill was in the 20's the triaxis bars and Baja Ron sway bar is the way to go..I pretty much sit in the saddle and steer and shift with my thumb..

The ride is amazing I still cannot believe the ride on the :spyder2:

This is coming from a old Harley Rider

 

[kurvinroach]

Just bought a new RT limited six weeks ago love it traded a Kaw 1700 voyager no comparison to power & handling A plus for the CamAm the 1330 engine has plenty of power to go around


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[Scottwf]

I'm new to the Spyder world and am pondering the idea of purchasing a used 2013 limited RT. I've heard that the 13's had quite a lot of problems (some mechanical problems, heat, random fires, etc). Also what should I expect to pay for normal maintenance? Please give me some advice.


Sent from my iPad

 

[trikermutha]

I'm new to the Spyder world and am pondering the idea of purchasing a used 2013 limited RT. I've heard that the 13's had quite a lot of problems (some mechanical problems, heat, random fires, etc). Also what should I expect to pay for normal maintenance? Please give me some advice.


Sent from my iPad

Find a good 2014 used..Seems to me some are jumping on the 1330 wagon and trading in the older models..

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: Most of your questions have been answered.
I bought my first :spyder2: (2008) when I thought they were interesting and cool. Now, I ride them because I can no longer heft around the 900# big iron two wheelers. Now have my second and third :spyder2: RT's. Have both a 998 and a 1330. The 1330 is by far an improved engine. Plenty of power, better gas mileage and less maintenance required on the 1330. First oil change is at 3000 miles. The next oil change is 9300 miles later and subsequent oil changes every 9300 miles or once a year. Valve adjustments are no longer required.

Test drive is recommended so you will know what you are getting.

 

[Ben Burped]

In a word "RUN"

I'm new to the Spyder world and am pondering the idea of purchasing a used 2013 limited RT. I've heard that the 13's had quite a lot of problems (some mechanical problems, heat, random fires, etc). Also what should I expect to pay for normal maintenance? Please give me some advice.


Sent from my iPad

If at all possible, go for the 2014. While you may find some excellent deals on the 2013, there are excellent reasons why. Read on this forum for a while and I believe you will understand why.

 

[Deanna777]

RT Spyder

:welcome: and glad you found this site, ask questions we are here to help!

Leg Room...... their is a lot of leg room, I am 5 feet 7 inches tall I have plenty of leg room. The seat is very comfortable I don't get any leg cramps.

1330 Ace engine has plenty of power, ( no worry's) the engine is configured with three in- line cylinders. It produces high-torque response in every gear and 40% more low-end torque. You can ride up to 252 miles @ 62 mph on 1 tank. Ride more, and spend less, thanks to a low maintance, even the sound it makes on the road is unique and impressive, with the in-line configuration producing a refined , signature quality sound that stands out from the motorcycle crowd. It also has a 6 speed transmission with reverse.

The RT-SE6 has a new 12-watt alternator, gets 85% more power for your electronic accessories, instead of the previous maximum of 650 W, lets you enjoy more accessories on Spyder RT.

My first spyder was a 2012RTS-SE5 then I upgraded to a 2014RTS-SE6 because of the power, comfort, less maintance, better on gas mileage, plus everything that I had heard about the 2014RTS-SE6 on this site. Deanna