2013 ST
I noticed that all the posts from happy 2013 owners are those with RT's. I traded in my 2009 GS SM5 that I had lovingly converted into a ST without ever knowing it. I had 4" risers, mirror extenders, BRP hard bags, and Rivco floor boards. I had a BajaRon anti sway bar and 2012 RT shocks and Corbin seats. It rode great, handled like a dream, and I can truthfully say that the only time it went to the dealer was oil changes and routine service. The only thing it was missing was a warranty and decent brakes. In May, after I returned from Spyderfest I took a demo ryde on a ST Limited. It handled well, had a tighter turning circle, and would stop on a dime. I also loved the SM5 since I do a lot of stop and go driving. I did notice a little more heat around my left knee, but thought I could handle that, so I bit the bullet and jumped in head first. What did I get? A beautiful bike that stops on a dime and a seven year warranty BUT it also came with extremely sloppy, floppy handling, a windshield that was so distorted that I couldn't see through and I had to replace, and a bike that coughs and sputters at low speeds and a melting master cylinder. I attempted to upgrade to Fox adjustable racing shocks and a beefed up sway bar, but they are on back order. I placed Thermo Tec on the inside of the left panel and that reduced the heat some on my knee, and it's going to the dealer on Friday to try to get rid of the stutter and probably replace the cap on the master cylinder with the exact same cap so it can melt again. Am I a happy Spyder Ryder? Not so much right now. Am I ready to throw in the towel? Not in this lifetime. I love ryding a Spyder and I really would love to love this Spyder. If BRP will just come through with a solution to this heat problem. Not for my comfort, but for my safety! If the necessary parts for upgrading the suspension will ever come off of back order so I can enjoy the ryde, then I will once again be a happy Spyder Ryder. Tell me guys, am I asking for too much? I don't think so.