Dragonrider
New member
I bought a RS SM5 in early 2009, and tried to make it into a RT (riding position) - I don't think I could have added another thing to that bike! It was fun, quick, and uncomfortable for more than 30 minutes. Then came the RT in 2010 - I liked my RS & didn't think I wanted the touring model, but I rode one, and was sold.
The RT was terrific, but I had money in the farkle account, and began the mods. The best ones were a new Corbin seat, and Seal Floorboards. Not being content, I did the CAT delete, Yosh pipe exchange, Works Shocks, Sway Bar, and tons of little stuff. Ten thousand miles later, I saw my warranty nearing its end, new technology being introduced, and a local series of dealer issues that convinced me to return to two wheels. I put 460 miles on a great bike in 9 months - it just wasn't right.
Enter a new Can Am dealer, with a good history and reputation for other lines, and less than 30 minutes away (terrific drive to get there too!!!). Well I finally rode down there, and took a test ride on a 2014 RT and RSS LTD, and spent two hours talking to other prospective Spyder owners. Well, the 2014 is to my 2010 what my 2010 RT was to my 2009 RS - the 2014 was smoother, quieter, quicker, and had a better seat - plus the new base unit was the old A/C with a few added details.
I was able to ride home without whipping out the old checkbook, but the dealer wanted my business, and appreciated my assistance with a couple of new buyers, and called me up with a truly terrific deal. It was too much... and I brought home my new white RT SE6.
Now, a week later, I have more miles on the RT than I had on the Honda, and really enjoy riding it everywhere. Having had my 2010 RT for years, gave me the experience to know what farkles I couldn't live without (I've already talked to John at SealFloorboards). So adjustable wind deflectors, a TALL vented windshield, shorty antenna, and Spyder emblem inserts (plus a few minor other things) are on the way.
All I can say, is that BRP may have finally hit the sweet spot for the RT - the RSS could really use the new drivetrain. I expect more HP and probably displacement in future RT iterations, but, like the 2011s, 12s, and 13s, they will probably just tweak the vintage. I am NOT saying any of those earlier RTs are bad choices, or inferior - just that the 2014s offer a significant series of improvements, that owners of earlier versions will really appreciate.
You won't hop off your Goldwing or Ultra and feel right at home on the RT - it STILL will take 200 to 300 miles to adjust to the Spyder, but now, more than ever, it will be worth the effort.
So if you are still on the fence, the end of the year deals will help make the change a bit easier to swallow, but, it will be worth it. JMHO - ryde safe.
The RT was terrific, but I had money in the farkle account, and began the mods. The best ones were a new Corbin seat, and Seal Floorboards. Not being content, I did the CAT delete, Yosh pipe exchange, Works Shocks, Sway Bar, and tons of little stuff. Ten thousand miles later, I saw my warranty nearing its end, new technology being introduced, and a local series of dealer issues that convinced me to return to two wheels. I put 460 miles on a great bike in 9 months - it just wasn't right.
Enter a new Can Am dealer, with a good history and reputation for other lines, and less than 30 minutes away (terrific drive to get there too!!!). Well I finally rode down there, and took a test ride on a 2014 RT and RSS LTD, and spent two hours talking to other prospective Spyder owners. Well, the 2014 is to my 2010 what my 2010 RT was to my 2009 RS - the 2014 was smoother, quieter, quicker, and had a better seat - plus the new base unit was the old A/C with a few added details.
I was able to ride home without whipping out the old checkbook, but the dealer wanted my business, and appreciated my assistance with a couple of new buyers, and called me up with a truly terrific deal. It was too much... and I brought home my new white RT SE6.
Now, a week later, I have more miles on the RT than I had on the Honda, and really enjoy riding it everywhere. Having had my 2010 RT for years, gave me the experience to know what farkles I couldn't live without (I've already talked to John at SealFloorboards). So adjustable wind deflectors, a TALL vented windshield, shorty antenna, and Spyder emblem inserts (plus a few minor other things) are on the way.
All I can say, is that BRP may have finally hit the sweet spot for the RT - the RSS could really use the new drivetrain. I expect more HP and probably displacement in future RT iterations, but, like the 2011s, 12s, and 13s, they will probably just tweak the vintage. I am NOT saying any of those earlier RTs are bad choices, or inferior - just that the 2014s offer a significant series of improvements, that owners of earlier versions will really appreciate.
You won't hop off your Goldwing or Ultra and feel right at home on the RT - it STILL will take 200 to 300 miles to adjust to the Spyder, but now, more than ever, it will be worth the effort.
So if you are still on the fence, the end of the year deals will help make the change a bit easier to swallow, but, it will be worth it. JMHO - ryde safe.
