First Test Ride Observations

[TimmieTheGeek]

This is a great thread for new RT owners such as myself. I have just over 750 miles on my 2012 RT-S SE5 and when I initially bought it a month ago I had buyer's remorse too because I didn't know how to ride it. I took it back to the dealer and talked to a salesman and told him the steering had too much play, it weaved side to side, I felt spooked in the turns, etc. He told me to loosen up, steer smooth and easy and more importantly, when I turn, push into the turn rather than pull (turning left, push the right hand grip), and press on the bike with the inside knee (turning left, press your left knee against the bike). This helps lower your body center of gravity and makes the turn more smooth. I went out and rode various streets for two hours and tried what he said. All of a sudden it came together and now I am very comfortable and happy that I bought my RT.

I have my front shocks set on 3 - it came that way and I have not tried other settings. From the advice in this thread I will put them on 5 and see what the difference is.

Thanks for the info in this thread.

 

[Huntindawg1962]

yup = it's new, it's different, and it definitely is NOT a motorcycle. The first couple times on a freeway can seem harrowing. Imagine what the BRP test pilots must have felt like??

Just takes saddle time to get the feel and stop over controlling the ride. Then it all clicks and you cant imagine it any other way. :clap:

 

[schnauzermom]

SEMI AUTO

Just wanted to say the Semi Auto is awesome. Before I purchased mine I was all about keeping the clutch, I guess trying to stay with the "traditional motorycyle experience". After I demo the manuel, my husband was behind me on a RT with semi auto. He told me to try it, I didn't want to but he insisted. OMG.....I found it simplified turning and curves because I didn't have to think about down shifting and holding in and letting out the clutch in the turn. With the semi auto, it is flawless and I was not hanging on so tight. The next test ride you do try the semi auto. I think it will make all the difference.

 

[Fonz]

Forgot to ask, the semi-auto trans, how well does it work? After 45 years years of manual shifting, selecting gears as needed not clear a semi-auto will shift as responsively as needed???

Thanks

Semi-auto trans works great. I'm glad I picked it:firstplace:

 

[Illinois Boy]

Based on "magazine" reviews... the SE5 provides more "performance". My opinion is the same.

You'll like it.

 

[All Around]

I had all the same feelings of buyers remorse to when I first got my 2012 Rt. I dont remember how many miles it took me to feel good on the bike. I think close to a thousand. The RT was the first bike of any type that I have ever driven. I now have close too 3000 miles on it.
The other day I was on the freeway doing 92 with my wife on the back. Driving one handed. Its funny how it made me think about how I was when I first got it and laugh. You really need a very lite touch on the bars.

 

[vondalyn]

I also agree that the SE is great -- can't imagine going back to a manual transmission

 

[budsspuds]

New guy with a new RT with the paddle shifter(s) . Coming off a Victory . The shifter is the nuts , the higher RPM's take some getting used to 850 miles later I am loving the RT more and more .

As far as driving/ridding/handleing is that it's differenet , go slow at first when turning corners or taking curves and as the miles pile on you will find that you are taking them faster as you gain the much needed experience .​

 

[Grandpa Spyder]

SE5 Trans

I would not even consider anything else, The SE5 ROCKS!!:yes:

 

[Mspiv]

Kevin
u know me. I live on the Cape and wife has a Spyder.

We love it. Not ready to up the GW yet but when time comes I will definitely go Spyder.

By the way I rode Back seat with Carolyn driving and I was perfectly comfortable back there.

The auto trans is a blast, shift faster than I ever could.

Oil changes are a pain I the arse compared to the GW and maintence costs are pretty high at the dealers.

Gwrramal web master

 

[epiphysis]

agree with all of the above statements.....I am still a newbie with the Spyder....I learned quickly to undo the death grip so it rides as it wants..give it its head! I find it tracks straight and true and can very easily ride on the highway at high speeds with one hand.....I have no issues with it at the starts....if just goes.....I love the semi auto transmission.......makes the ride very enjoyable.....I still have two wheels and ride them both.....the Spyder has taught me to use the foot brake on the other bike more!!!! I also feel very safe on it......

 

[krbos]

Hey Mike, fancy meeting you here Took Herve's RT out for a spin at the NE Rally, interesting ride not clear I'm ready to move away from the GW yet either. I love most all motorcycles and was curious about the Spyder. I'm waiting for the new RT and GW coming out this fall then I decide. The '13 RT would need a minumum of 4 cylinders with a lower and wider torque range for me to seriously consider it now. But what a great machine!

See you soon, stay outa trouble, Kevin