Braved the elements (34F) and took an RT S SE5 out for the first time yesterday. Fortunately, I had read many postings from forum members here, as well as reading reviews from experienced two wheelers who had also ridden the RT SE5. Your/their comments, pro and con, prepared me somewhat as to what to expect when it came to the handling characteristics of the Spyder. There were a few comments that I had read that stuck in my mind as I pulled out from the dealer parking lot and onto the highway: " steering felt twitchy and hyper responsive"; "turning a corner and leaning into curves is counter intuitive to those used to riding a two wheeler". In short, I was totally prepared to experience these sensations, and true to form I did, right from the get go.
I drove the machine for close to an hour in order to ensure that I gave myself sufficient time to acclimate myself to it's handling characteristics, as well as allowing myself time to become confident with my driving prowess in order to perform some higher speed cornering and stopping tests.
Here are my impressions from this test ride:
Steering sensitivity took me a fair amount of time to become comfortable with. The twitchy feelings that others had commented on gradually subsided and I am sure that with a few more hours under my belt this would become a non issue.
Cornering, and the lateral g forces I initially experienced, even at low speeds made me think that I was right in doing this test drive solo and leaving the SO at home. Once again, in time, I am confident that this strange sensation would become second nature as one learned to master the technique of entering curves at highway speeds. Given my propensity for spirited driving, it would be wise for me to have the wife learn cornering techniques under much more controlled conditions.
Straight away acceleration was more than adequate, and the Rotax engine hauled the unit up to speed quickly and smoothly. Engine noise during acceleration was less than a Harley, and more than a Goldwing. All in all, I was more than satisfied with the performance of the powerplant. It is geared significantly different than my Goldwing two wheeler, but I was prepared to shift gears more often and keep the revs up while driving.
The riding comfort, for me, at 180 lbs and a hair under 6 feet was very good, Hand/leg position was very similar to the set up on my Goldwing, but I do admit to missing my Utopia backrest. Definitely would be my first after market addition.
Wind noise and buffeting was slightly more than my bike, but definitely not so much so that this would factor into my purchase decision. In fairness, this is a stock machine and my GL1800 has a Tulsa windshield and Baker wings as add ons to control wind deflection to the max. I would give this unit a good mark for wind protection.
The heated hand grips worked very well, and unless you were trying to make toast I would suggest keeping the power setting on low. A+ for this feature.
The sound system was good and being able to control your ipod from the handlebar controls was excellent.
The best accessory on this machine, in my opinion, was the electronic adjustable windshield. Worked like a charm providing great wind protection and visibility over and through the windshield at the press of a button.
The front suspension was set far too softly on this test unit and I experienced a fair bit of roll while cornering. As others have commented, this rolling sensation would be reduced with a stiffer setting on the front and rear shocks. I will defer to their more informed experience on this.
The most favourable comment I have is in respect to the SE5 semi automatic transmission. I was blown away with this feature and will not seriously consider another bike unless it comes with this type of transmission. It was a joy to put the Spyder through its paces with a flick of the thumb and index finger. Shifting was effortless and responsive. At no time did I lose the sensation of not controlling the engine. BRP have hit the nail square on the head with this set up.
Braking and VSS work very well, and I did my best panic stop to test this out. A+
Sorry for such a long report, but I wanted to give those people who were thinking of switching from a two wheel tourer to the Syder RT my impressions of this unique 3 wheel tourer.
Unfortunately, for me, the best price I can secure for the Spyder RT S SE5 + 622 trailer package, would be $38,000.00 (CDN.) OTD. This is several thousand below MSRP and is as low as the best dealer quote I have been able to negotiate. It is worth $35K to me and that is not going to happen right now.
Thank you one and all for you great postings. You have a great forum here and I hope you continue to share your thoughts with your fellow riders in the positive way that seems to rule discussions.
Regards
M
I drove the machine for close to an hour in order to ensure that I gave myself sufficient time to acclimate myself to it's handling characteristics, as well as allowing myself time to become confident with my driving prowess in order to perform some higher speed cornering and stopping tests.
Here are my impressions from this test ride:
Steering sensitivity took me a fair amount of time to become comfortable with. The twitchy feelings that others had commented on gradually subsided and I am sure that with a few more hours under my belt this would become a non issue.
Cornering, and the lateral g forces I initially experienced, even at low speeds made me think that I was right in doing this test drive solo and leaving the SO at home. Once again, in time, I am confident that this strange sensation would become second nature as one learned to master the technique of entering curves at highway speeds. Given my propensity for spirited driving, it would be wise for me to have the wife learn cornering techniques under much more controlled conditions.
Straight away acceleration was more than adequate, and the Rotax engine hauled the unit up to speed quickly and smoothly. Engine noise during acceleration was less than a Harley, and more than a Goldwing. All in all, I was more than satisfied with the performance of the powerplant. It is geared significantly different than my Goldwing two wheeler, but I was prepared to shift gears more often and keep the revs up while driving.
The riding comfort, for me, at 180 lbs and a hair under 6 feet was very good, Hand/leg position was very similar to the set up on my Goldwing, but I do admit to missing my Utopia backrest. Definitely would be my first after market addition.
Wind noise and buffeting was slightly more than my bike, but definitely not so much so that this would factor into my purchase decision. In fairness, this is a stock machine and my GL1800 has a Tulsa windshield and Baker wings as add ons to control wind deflection to the max. I would give this unit a good mark for wind protection.
The heated hand grips worked very well, and unless you were trying to make toast I would suggest keeping the power setting on low. A+ for this feature.
The sound system was good and being able to control your ipod from the handlebar controls was excellent.
The best accessory on this machine, in my opinion, was the electronic adjustable windshield. Worked like a charm providing great wind protection and visibility over and through the windshield at the press of a button.
The front suspension was set far too softly on this test unit and I experienced a fair bit of roll while cornering. As others have commented, this rolling sensation would be reduced with a stiffer setting on the front and rear shocks. I will defer to their more informed experience on this.
The most favourable comment I have is in respect to the SE5 semi automatic transmission. I was blown away with this feature and will not seriously consider another bike unless it comes with this type of transmission. It was a joy to put the Spyder through its paces with a flick of the thumb and index finger. Shifting was effortless and responsive. At no time did I lose the sensation of not controlling the engine. BRP have hit the nail square on the head with this set up.
Braking and VSS work very well, and I did my best panic stop to test this out. A+
Sorry for such a long report, but I wanted to give those people who were thinking of switching from a two wheel tourer to the Syder RT my impressions of this unique 3 wheel tourer.
Unfortunately, for me, the best price I can secure for the Spyder RT S SE5 + 622 trailer package, would be $38,000.00 (CDN.) OTD. This is several thousand below MSRP and is as low as the best dealer quote I have been able to negotiate. It is worth $35K to me and that is not going to happen right now.
Thank you one and all for you great postings. You have a great forum here and I hope you continue to share your thoughts with your fellow riders in the positive way that seems to rule discussions.
Regards
M
