I also got to test ride the RT-S and an SE version of the RS at South Texas Suzuki this weekend. They did a really nice job and took us on a well organized and long test ride. Very knowledable techs too.
In a nut shell, the RT is more "Cadillac-Like" and is very smooth. It doesn't accelerate like my RS but that is ok. Like everyone is saying, the RT is for touring.
Big Plus is the quiet and the gadgets. With the windscreen at the lowest position, it was less turbulent than my tall Cal-Sci. With the windscreen at it's highest, it was downright silent. There were also some side wind deflectors that can't be removed without surgery which could make summer rides in Texas hotter, but I do like the quite. I think it would allow you to ride further with less fatigue.
I wasn't able to use the radio or XM while on the test ride but the tech turned it on in the parking lot and the built in speakers sounded great. It also has an iPhone integration cable in the rear compartment so you could listen to your MP3s or Pandora while riding and control it through the handlebars. I was able to play with the ride adjustment while on the test ride and I definately noticed a difference when on the softest setting, again, very Cadillac-like and comfy.
It is essentially the same engine so you know it has the ponies but the gearing is taller. I felt like I was lugging it at 55 in 4th gear. They really didn't want you to wind it out on a test ride. They also didn't let you use the cruise but I assume it would be another way to relax on a long ride.
On the minuses, I noted the front trunk is a lot smaller than the existing model. You could barely get a helmet and jacket in it. the left side trunk has a molded section and I couldn't get my modular HJC helmet in it. The right side was different and could carry my helmet. These demo models had nice inserts for most (if not all of the compartments) that allowed you to store stuff in the compartment then pick it up and take it into the hotel with you. The front even had a roll away suitcase. Nice touch. The tank top compartment looks great for sunglasses, cell phone, wallet, etc. It would be nice if it locked.
The trailer was really nice to look at although the tech didn't have the bike with the hitch any more so no ride with the trailer. Since the storage is not as volumunious as I'd hoped, the trailer is a real necessity. I wouldn't buy one without a thorough test ride of the trailer. Also while it looks pretty sturdy, I'm pretty sure a determined twelve year old with a screwdriver could break into it so I would worry about leaving anything in it while you slept in a motel.
While the central dash was nicely done in color with lots of multifunction displays, the analog gas and temp guages seemed somewhat out dated. Let's face it. This is a rocket ship and should have lots of buttons and lots of eye candy.
All in all, it is a very impressive move by the Product Management Group at BRP. My guess is they read the market by studying the touring mods a lot of folks had put on their RS models and made a really good factory version. Well done! It certainly has a lot of what I think I'm looking for, i.e. a version that can go to Canada with ease. Unfortunately, I own my current version outright and paid MSRP for it and then dropped a couple more thousand into it. Judging by recent sales, I would take a HUGE depreciation hit and then have to scrape up more cash or finance it this time. I'm going to watch this board for info about dealers coming off of MSRP and maybe BRP having some incentive financing. That may push me over the top.
Still very interested and watching. Don't want to take a huge bath with depreciation.
. The windscreen is the best. We have a rash of snout butterflies in South Texas as the result of our drought and they will cover you in a short period of time once it warms up. I'm very interested in the RT but will probably wait a year before buying. I have an 09 SE5 that I want to play with some more. My wife did go with me on the demo ride and she really liked the rear seat. I have a Corbin seat w/backrests but she liked the RT's seat a lot better. Also the floorboards were a big favorite for her too.
hyea:
