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Help me decide - RS, RS-S or ST

B

BonesDT

New member
Hey guys, I'm a former 2-wheeler but I want to sell/trade-in my 2 bikes for the Spyder for safety reasons. I've been ready to buy the Spyder for almost a year now, but I've been waiting for the weather to warm up so I can test drive them, which I think I'm going to schedule for next weekend.

So I've been kicking around these 3 models: RS, RS-S & ST. I'm a manual transmission guy all the way, so there's no questions I'm going with the SM5 (which I understand can't have the ST floor boards). Ideally, I'm going to try to test drive all 3, but I feel that may not be possible.

As you all know, these Spyders have major sticker shock, and the bare bones RS at $15K is already way beyond what I wish I was spending and I don't care too much about the looks, I think the all black looks great, so that's why I like the RS, which I understand is basically the '13 technology.

However, I am considering the forking up an extra $3K for the '14 RS-S which has the new sportier-tuned computer. Still, to this day, I can't find any info or reviews on this new tuning, all the '14 Spyder talk is diluted with the new RT engine, no one cares about the RS-S upgrades. I'm coming from Sportbikes, and although I want the stability of 3 wheels, I still like spirited driving.

I do want to do some daily driving in it, so that's why the ST is still on my list, but it's still going to have pegs with the SM5 and I don't think it excites me enough to drop the $19K (you can get TWO Nissan Versa sedans for that. TWO cars!)

Also, I am planning on getting a trailer & I know the RS doesn't have the hitch, but I know you can buy one aftermarket.

Thanks for the 2 cents!
 
:welcome:
You're just gonna have to get to a dealer, and throw your bottom down on the models in question...
See which one sings the sweetest to you! :D
Pricing... :shocked:
It's not about what you've got IN your Spyder that matters; it's what you get OUT of it! :2thumbs:
 
Thanks, I'm going to try to test drive them all, but the closest dealer, which is not so close, is very small, so I doubt they will have all 3 in SM5 in stock.

I guess I'm really curious whether the new enhance VSS for the '14 RS-S is worth it or the RS is peppy enough.

BTW, does the SM5 have the same stupid 6-step starting procedure which includes pulling the instruction card out and back in?
 
BonesDT said:
Thanks, I'm going to try to test drive them all, but the closest dealer, which is not so close, is very small, so I doubt they will have all 3 in SM5 in stock.

I guess I'm really curious whether the new enhance VSS for the '14 RS-S is worth it or the RS is peppy enough.

BTW, does the SM5 have the same stupid 6-step starting procedure which includes pulling the instruction card out and back in?
Click to expand...

FYI you do not need to pull the card out. All you have to do is push the menu button before pushing the start button. As for my opinion about the 3 Spyders that you are interested in. I bought a 2013 Sypder RS. If you really want to test ride I would test the RS and ST. They have the most difference. However as I said I bought the RS did a few mods and basically have an ST. I put the ST handlebars on it (about $200 for new parts), I custom made highway pegs, bought a MadStad adjustable windshield (about $250). The handlebars give you the upright sitting position of the ST (that is the biggest difference). I am very happy with my purchase and mods. I was in the same position as you last year. I have put about 2700 miles on mine since June.
 
Test drive seems best for you, but might be hard.

I couldn't test drive anything locally...just had to buy and live w it. :banghead:

I have an STS and love it. I think it has great power...and I have a 750 HP car I drive every weekend. lol

RSS being a touch lighter maybe? But have to decide between the leaning forward "a touch" on the RSS and sitting "upright" on the ST?
 
Being new to the Spyder myself,former sport bike rider. The price difference between the RS and RS S is well worth it. Why you ask? The cruise control. It's not just a throttle lock, it adapts to road elevation changes. I'm sure the S version will hold it's resale value better. Which model is right for you? Test ride.
 
Go find a great deal on a 2013 RS-S. The big change to the 2014 is a "loosened" VSS on the 2014 but no one has done a back to back comparison to see how much further you can push the Spyder in a corner. I bet you can find a good enough deal on a sitting 2013 to forget about that.
 
If you've got the 2014 Spyder brochure; open it up!
The very first page of it gives a pretty good view of the riding positons on all three platforms! :thumbup:
 
It's been that way forever... :dontknow:

I sure don't want anybody on the road around me; until they've at LEAST displayed a minimal acquisition of skills to the State Licensing Authority.
Did you ever legally test drive a car without showing a valid license first?
 
Last edited:
Nothing wieird about it... :gaah:
Your dealer didn't let you ride the bike because he couldn't legally turn you loose out on the streets...
"Permitting an Unlicensed Operator" out into traffic; is just as much of an infraction, as what you wanted to do... :shocked:
Would you have paid HIS fines too?
 
You don't read much about us RS peeps because we really don't have all that much to complain about....:D

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk
 
It is up to you to make an educated decision. Money may eve play into it.:dontknow:
Good luck this is part of the fun.:clap:
 
Bob Denman said:
And that's a GREAT thing! :D
Glad that your bike has you on the road, and grinnin'! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Well, it hasn't because of all this friggin' snow.... I guess that's a complaint! Hahaha...:D
So I'm stuck here on the forums...,

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk
 
Bob Denman said:
Where in South Jersey are you?
I've got a college "partner in crime" in the Audobon/ Hadden Heights area... :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Very close. I'm in marlton. About 15 minutes from that area.
Keep me posted if you guys are ever meeting up.

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk
 
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