We were uncertain also. This being the wifes first real moto riding, 99.999999% is about her enjoying it. We had looked at 2013 STs machines but somehow did not jump in back then. A few weeks ago, we began talking about the idea again, but were casual about it.
We had a bicycle event we were traveling for, and when I got home so we could take the 4 hour drive, wife says she found a Can Am dealer on the way with a minor course deviation and wanted to go have another look. We stopped in, she sat on a few machines. It quickly became obvious that my desire for the STs was not the best choice once I saw she appreciated the safety for a first time rider offered by the RT rear accommodations.
We left the dealer on Friday, while continuing our journey North on I75 towards the bicycle event, I made some phone calls. My friend and rider that is a retired art instructor was kind enough to visit the Can Am website to discuss colors. Another friend, that is a moto junkie, and works in a dealership (not Can Am) filled me in on the new 2014 info he had.
Saturday was the bicycle event. One reason for the Can Am is my wifes back is beat up from years of riding bicycles off road. The Can Am is a good fit while she heals up and beyond. After the event, we spent some time oooggling the 2014 catalog and accessories catalog.
Sunday and the return trip had her decide to again go by the same dealer. She again went to the RT series. Now it was time to decide, limited or RTs. Also we were uncertain about the Cognac color.
Ultimately, we both decided we did not care for the chrome on the limited. The dealer brought a Cognac RTs in the crate from the warehouse. On the floor (was not there on Friday) was a Pearl White RTs. We were able to see both colors and opted in on white.
So like Spyder Ann, much came down to how it looks. Option wise, the wife insisted on an oem GPS and full machine cover. So the Pearl White RTs became the wifes Valentines Day present. We have had the machine out and about locally and it seems to always draw a crowd. Friends that also ride have been impressed to the point of worry they may be in the market now for a Spyder.
Kind of lengthy way to decide on a machine, but hope it helps.
PK