Is it worth it?

[NautiBrit]

I've had my Spyder RS for a couple of years and have about 17K miles on her. I've added a lot of comfort features and turned her into a sports tourer, but was wondering if the RT is worth the investment.......is it that much more comfortable?

Currently my nits are the seats - even though I have the comfort seat, and the riding position - difficult to use legs and torso for support. I also ride a VFR and can easily do 500 mile days, so it's not my technique.

My wife and I plan on doing a lot more touring so our comfort is becoming paramount. Thanks in advance for your insights.

 

[NancysToy]

Comfort is a very personal thing...only you can say what suits you best. I'd suggest that you get on a demo unit at a dealer, and decide for yourself. My assessment of the RT vs. RS is shown below. Your results may vary.

Pros:
Better ergonomics
More comfortable seat
Heated grips
Great weather protection
Electric windshield
Lots of storage space
Trailer rated
Audio system available
Lots of factory frills available

Cons:
Less ventilation in hot weather
Lots of "backlash" wind
More fixed seating position
Fewer aftermarket accessories
Soft handling and body roll
Less horsepower/more weight
More difficult (time consuming) to maintain
More electronic/servo systems
More expensive

 

[canam9]

Comfort is a very personal thing...only you can say what suits you best. I'd suggest that you get on a demo unit at a dealer, and decide for yourself. My assessment of the RT vs. RS is shown below. Your results may vary.

Pros:
Better ergonomics
More comfortable seat
Heated grips
Great weather protection
Electric windshield
Lots of storage space
Trailer rated
Audio system available
Lots of factory frills available

Cons:
Less ventilation in hot weather
Lots of "backlash" wind
More fixed seating position
Fewer aftermarket accessories
Soft handling and body roll
Less horsepower/more weight
More difficult (time consuming) to maintain
More electronic/servo systems
More expensive

Well said.:ani29:

 

[SpyderRider]

:agree:

 

[NautiBrit]

Thank you guys for the insights and Scotty thanks for the "cons", some were an eye opener.
The next step is a visit to the dealer to see if I can get an extended test ride.

 

[teacherbob]

I will only say this. I liked my RS but, I LOVE my RT. :2thumbs:

 

[BumbleBee]

I will only say this. I liked my RS but, I LOVE my RT. :2thumbs:

:agree:Same here :2thumbs:

 

[TJKBear]

Hey George you know Deb will very jealous if you get the RT :lecturef_smilie:

anyway, I ran into a fellow Spyder owner this weekend. She actually has both, a Roadster and an RT and she told me if she had to choose only one, she would keep the RS.
I have her info.
Give me a call some time, haven't talked to ya in a while.

 

[1spydercat1]

Dude

If you have had fun on your spyder, why get rid of it? If your having problems with the comfort get more padding. The syders are great and they are so much fun. Just adjust and get what ya need to compfort you. Just my opinion. I love mine!!

Keep on Spydering.....

 

[New Sharon Spyder]

I had a 08 manual and did a few comfort mods. Rode the bike 6,000 miles. It is a great bike. I got interested when I first saw the RT on the Can-Am site. Finally got a look and feel at my dealer and just had to have. I traded for the RT Audio manual. I love it. I have only changed the front sway bar but the rest of the Spyder is stock off the show room floor. I agree seems very expensive but I am very happy I did it.

 

[Eraser]

Hey George you know Deb will very jealous if you get the RT :lecturef_smilie:

anyway, I ran into a fellow Spyder owner this weekend. She actually has both, a Roadster and an RT and she told me if she had to choose only one, she would keep the RS.
I have her info.
Give me a call some time, haven't talked to ya in a while.

I have both,as well(Luckily:shemademe_smilie.....It would be a tough choice to make.They are very different from one another......uh...:chat: (Get both if you Can!)Have a good one!

 

[ARtraveler]

:agree: Scotty is right on with the pros & cons. One additional item--prepare to tak a big hit on trade in value. I found that the accessories added don't have much value on a trade in. You will probably get close to book value of the Spyder not counting the accessories--unless your dealer really wants to move an RTS bad. Im not unhappy that I went from RS to RTS because the inprovement in ergos and ride were enough to keep me happy. We are hanging on to our other highly Corbinized RS as my spouse still likes that one a lot.